Iceland Volcano- Travel Insurance

huckster

News reports that the lastest Icelandic volcano could cause travel dispution this week, will cause air travellers some concern. Particularly as there is another school half term due.

I have lost touch with the current situation on this issue, as to whether Insurers have to consider it as a weather related event. The FOS made a provisional conclusion that the ash cloud represented 'poor weather conditions', so the claim being made should be paid. BUT the FOS decision was not final and they are now consulting with Insurers.

Is there any update on the position ? Have Travel Insurers changed their policy wordings to specifically exclude volcanic events and ash clouds ?

hcb42

I have just checked mine, which is an annual policy, and it doesnt mention volcanos being excluded..

Munro_Bagger

Hi everyone! I'm hoping to travel on Thursday, from Edinburgh to Tallinn - the eruption has got me worried, as it's my first time abroad (doh!) and I'm looking to purchase insurance tomorrow. I have to say I'm boggle-eyed after looking at numerous policies online, none of which mention anything about volcanoes in their natural disaster sections. I'm looking for a couple / 2xsingle policies to Estonia for 3 days. Both no medical issues, under 40. Car will be parked at airport for 3 days. I just wondered if anyone out there can recommend a good policy in light of current events. Many thanks

huckster

According to the Columbus Direct, they can provide cover for travel issues caused by ash cloud from volcanic activity.

If you manage to arrange cover with them, post back with details of how much it has cost to obtain the cover.

I would always suggest that if you have specific questions on cover, that you phone the company to ask questions, rather than just arrange the cover online.

Quentin

Direct travel have a policy that covers ash etc.

It also covers "existing" natural catastrophe's, though if you buy a policy (after an event has happened, as now), and travel within 7 days, then your benefits are reduced by 75% in the event you need to make a claim for anything related to the "existing" natural disaster.

Munro_Bagger

Many thanks Huckster and Quentin - I have looked at Columbus Direct, and their single Europe trip Silver cover for a couple with £60 excess is £13.21. However, when you add on their 'emergency travel arrangements cover', the price is £38.21.

The emergency cover mentions 'unforeseen circumstances' preventing a return home as pre-booked for at least 24 hours and they state this cover is intended to enable travel by alternative means, (e.g. use a train if flights are cancelled) and arrange accommodation required as a result of these alternative travel plans. Reasons for cancellation of intended travel must be unforeseen and not specific to the individuals named on the policy.

I have been unable to get through to them on the phone, to find out if the existing volcanic activity would be covered as 'unforeseen circumstances'...however, I hope to get through later tonight. Once I have, I'll post and let everyone know

However, a friend has mentioned EU Regulation 261/2004 and I don't know whether this 'emergency cover' is simply a duplication of that, or designed to dove-tail in with it. I thought if a flight was cancelled, and you received a refund, that you should use your emergency insurance cover to get home. Alternatively, you could rely on the carrier to rearrange your flight, agree a hotel stay / meal if appropriate and claim from them.
Should you always go down the Regulation route first, before trying the insurance route? I suppose having the insurance is supposed to safeguard against the carrier not honouring the Regulations etc. Sorry for asking so many questions - it's my first time abroad and what a time to pick!!!!!!!

Many thanks.

homeuser

Quentin wrote: »

Direct travel have a policy that covers ash etc.

It also covers "existing" natural catastrophe's, though if you buy a policy (after an event has happened, as now), and travel within 7 days, then your benefits are reduced by 75% in the event you need to make a claim for anything related to the "existing" natural disaster.

Direct Travel Insurance (featured by MoneySavingExpert.com) Annual Travel Insurance no longer covers "Any claims arising due to a natural catastrophe or volcanic ash carried by the wind" (page 19 of the policy). Please could MoneySavingExpert.com please change the information on their website to reflect their change in policy?

Quentin

homeuser wrote: »

Direct Travel Insurance (featured by MoneySavingExpert.com) Annual Travel Insurance no longer covers "Any claims arising due to a natural catastrophe or volcanic ash carried by the wind" (page 19 of the policy). Please could MoneySavingExpert.com please change the information on their website to reflect their change in policy?

I am not "featuring" direct travel, (I am not MSE either!) and have no axe to grind for them.

My post that you quote is intended to help the OP.

Presumably you have a connection with a competitor to direct travel, otherwise why have you posted this contradiction?

At the time of posting, that company does still offer cover under their "Travel insurance with Natural Disaster Cover" policy:

"to protect you against travel disruption caused by volcanic eruption, flood, tsunami, earthquake, landslide, hurricane, tornado or wildfire."

http://www.direct-travel.co.uk/travel-insurance/natural-disaster-cover

mikey72

Maybe he meant this "feature"
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance

about halfway down.

TallMan_2

Be careful! You cannot buy insurance that covers an event that has already occured so regardless of the specfic policy terms, you may not be covered for this eruption if you buy now - check this specific point with the insurer.

Quentin

TallMan wrote: »

Be careful! You cannot buy insurance that covers an event that has already occured so regardless of the specfic policy terms, you may not be covered for this eruption if you buy now - check this specific point with the insurer.

No.

If the "specific" policy terms cover "existing" eruptions, then of course you are covered.