Travel Advisories

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

23/09/2019 THOMAS COOK

Following the news concerning Thomas Cook over the last few months and the fears that the company may go into liquidation and cease trading, we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.

Advice for customer’s who are already away –

As Thomas Cook Package Holiday customer are protected by ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence), you will not be stranded abroad and you will likely be able to continue your holiday as planned and at no additional cost. Customers are advised to contact Thomas Cook directly for more information on this.

The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) are already making contingency plans to get customers home in the event that Thomas Cook does cease trading. You can get more information on what the CAA do by clicking on the following link: https://thomascook.caa.co.uk/

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If you have booked a flight only through Thomas Cook which does not form part of a Package Holiday you may need to make your own arrangements to return home.

If you booked your flight directly with the airline and paid by credit or debit card –

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if you pay on your credit card for an individual item costing more than £100, the card company’s equally liable if something occurs (goes wrong). You should contact your credit card issuer for more information.

Please follow this link for more information: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/39/section/75

Similarly, if you paid for your flights by debit or charge card you should contact your card issuer for advice as you may be able to make a claim under their charge back rules/scheme.

Please follow this link for more information: https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Resolving-travel-problems/Travel-company-problems/Problems-with-a-travel-agent/

If this is the case you should keep all evidence of this, such as receipts and/or invoices. You can then try to claim these costs back from your card provider or your travel insurance policy. Please check your specific policy wording for more information on what is and isn’t covered.

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Advice for customers who have a future booking –

Again, because Thomas Cook Package Holiday customers are protected by ATOL, you will not be left out of pocket. You will be eligible a refund or a replacement holiday of the same value if Thomas Cook do cease trading. Customers are advised to contact Thomas Cook directly for more information on this.

You can get more advice on how to make an ATOL claim by clicking on the following link: https://www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Make-an-ATOL-claim/Latest-ATOL-holder-failures/

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If you have booked a flight only through Thomas Cook which does not form part of a Package Holiday, there are a number of options you can try:

If you have paid on a credit card and the booking cost more than £100, try Section 75.

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if you pay on your credit card for an individual item costing more than £100, the card company’s equally liable if something occurs (goes wrong).

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/39/section/75

Please follow this link for more information: https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Resolving-travel-problems/Travel-company-problems/Problems-with-a-travel-agent/If you have paid on a credit card or debit card and the booking cost less than £100, try chargeback.

The chargeback scheme isn’t a legal requirement, it is just a customer service promise, but it is worth trying.

Please follow this link for more information: http://www.theukcardsassociation.org.uk/individual/chargeback-for-credit-and-debit-card-purchases.asp

If you have purchased travel insurance, check your specific policy wording.

Customer who have purchased a travel insurance policy for their trip should check their specific policy wording for more information on what is and isn’t covered.
Cancellation or curtailment is something which is not normally covered when it is due to Scheduled airline failure, unless specific cover has been purchased. Please refer to your policy wording.
If you are unsure, please contact your travel insurance provider for more information.

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Extension of your Travel Insurance –

Cover will be automatically extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which results in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

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In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to email us on directivesqueries@tif-plc.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

13/09/2019 SPANISH WEATHER

Following the news of the torrential rain and floods which have impacted Spain and the Balearic Islands, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available.

For residents of Ireland please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/spain/

Cancellation

This type of event is unfortunately not covered across the travel insurance industry for claims relating to cancellation. This is because most policies have the following exclusion relating to cancellation “any claim where the fire, flood, earthquake, storm, lightning, explosion, hurricane or infectious disease had already happened before you left home”.

If you need to come home early

Each travel insurance product varies and we would recommend you check your policy wording to see if any other cover may be available, or alternatively contact your claims team to discuss your individual situation.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

02/09/2019 HURRICANE DORIAN

Hurricane Dorian, which is due to move across the Bahamas this week and impact Florida on Monday 2nd September 2019, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify our position.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahamas

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows:

https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/

https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/united-states-of-america/bahamas/

Cancellation

If you need to come home early

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

15/08/2019 STORM KROSA JAPAN

Following the news of the Severe Tropical Strom Krosa, which is due to hit Japan on Thursday 15th August 2019, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify our position.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan

For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows – https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/japan/

Cancellation

If you need to come home early

Cutting short your trip may be covered depending on your circumstances. Please refer to your policy wording in the first instance and if you are unsure please contact your claims team. There is no cover for coming home early in the event of loss of enjoyment for whatever reason.
Each travel insurance product varies and we would recommend you check your policy wording to see if any other cover may be available, or alternatively contact your claims team to discuss your individual situation.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

12/08/2019 RYANAIR STRIKES

Following the announcement of the Ryanair Strikes due over the summer period, we would like to clarify our position. The dates that have been released by Ryanair are 22^th-23^th August 2019 and 2^nd-4^th September 2019.

Cancellation

Our policies do not cover strike or industrial action which started or that had been announced before the date of your departure. We would refer clients to the airlines or their tour operator for compensation where “the other party to the contract will give prompt assistance to a consumer in difficulty”, as per the package travel regulations found here The Package Travel Compensation

Extension of your Travel Insurance

Cover will be extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which result in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk we will endeavour to offer an answer.

12/08/2019 P&O CRUISE CANCELLATIONS

Following the news that P&O have cancelled all cruises until Mach 2020 to the Dubai and Arabian Gulf due to security concerns, we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.

Any customers that have been affected by this have been advised to contact P&O or their booking agent in order to obtain a refund.

Customers should also contact P&O or their booking agent to get more information on this.

Cancellation or curtailment is something which is not normally covered when it is due to this set of circumstances. Please refer to your policy wording.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to email us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

08/08/2019 BRITISH AIRWAYS SYSTEMS FAILURE

Following the flight delays caused by system errors on Wednesday 7^th August 2019 that have affected passengers, we would like to clarify what cover is available to our policyholders.

Departure delay

You can claim for departure delay providing the duration is over 12 hours from you checking in, and the delay is not due to the diversion of the aircraft after it has departed.

Cancellation

If the delay you have suffered has exceeded 24 hours in duration after you have checked in, your trip is for more than 2 days and not a one-way trip, and provided you are also unable to obtain a refund from any other source you can submit a claim for cancellation.

For both cancellation and departure delay you must not have been offered any compensation, or alternative transport that departs within 12 hours. To find out more please contact your claims team.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

30/07/2019 HEATHROW STRIKES

Following the announcement of the Heathrow Strikes due over the summer period, we would like to clarify our position. The dates that have been released by Heathrow are 5th-6th August 2019 and 23rd-24th August 2019.

Cancellation
Our policies do not cover strike or industrial action which started or that had been announced before the date of your departure. We would refer clients to the airlines or their tour operator for compensation where “the other party to the contract will give prompt assistance to a consumer in difficulty”, as per the package travel regulations found here The Package Travel Compensation

Extension of your Travel Insurance
Cover will be extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which result in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk we will endeavour to offer an answer.

Following the announcement of the Heathrow Strikes due over the summer period, we here at tifgroup would like to clarify our position. The dates that have been released by Heathrow are 5th-6th August 2019 and 23rd-24th August 2019.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk we will endeavour to offer an answer.

22/07/2019 BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

Following the announcement that British Airways have cancelled all flights to Cairo, Egypt for 7 days between 20th July 2019 and 26th July 2019 due to security concerns, we here at tifgroup would like to clarify our position.

The following information has been issued by British Airways and we recommend that any customer due to fly to Cairo with British Airways follow the steps outlined by them:

‘Check the status of your flight
Please keep checking the very latest information about your flight before travelling to the airport.
> Check the status of your flight

What to do if your flight has been cancelled
If your flight has been cancelled, please do not travel to the airport. We have a policy in place outlining the options available to you and how to make changes to your booking.
> Rebooking options if your flight has been cancelled.’

Please follow this link for more information: https://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_gb

Cancellation
Our policies do not cover strike or industrial action which started or that had been announced before the date of your departure. We would refer clients to the airlines or their tour operator for compensation where “the other party to the contract will give prompt assistance to a consumer in difficulty”, as per the package travel regulations found here The Package Travel Compensation

Extension of your Travel Insurance
Cover will be extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which result in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us

‘Check the status of your flight
Please keep checking the very latest information about your flight before travelling to the airport.
> Check the status of your flight

What to do if your flight has been cancelled
If your flight has been cancelled, please do not travel to the airport. We have a policy in place outlining the options available to you and how to make changes to your booking.
> Rebooking options if your flight has been cancelled.’

Please follow this link for more information: https://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_gb

Cancellation
Our policies do not cover strike or industrial action which started or that had been announced before the date of your departure. We would refer clients to the airlines or their tour operator for compensation where “the other party to the contract will give prompt assistance to a consumer in difficulty”, as per the package travel regulations found here The Package Travel Compensation

Extension of your Travel Insurance
Cover will be extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which result in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk we will endeavour to offer an answer.

19/07/2019 ATHENS EARTHQUAKE

Following reports of the earthquake that has impacted Athens on 19^th July 2019, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here –

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece

For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows –

https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/greece/

Cancellation

Usually this type of event is unfortunately not covered across the travel insurance industry for claims relating to cancellation. This is because most policies have the following exclusion relating to cancellation “any claim where the fire, flood, earthquake, storm, lightning, explosion, hurricane or infectious disease had already happened before you left home”.

Additional travel and accommodation costs

Should your travel and accommodation arrangements have been affected by the earthquake your policy may cover reasonable additional costs within a certain radius to provide you with alternative options. To find out more please contact your claims team.

Returning home early

If you are not able to amend your trip details and have a medical justification for doing so, we are happy to discuss your situation on a case-by case basis.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

15/07/2019 HALKIDIKI GREECE

Following the news of the storm which has impacted Halkidiki, Greece on 10^th July 2019, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available.

For residents of Ireland please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/greece/

Cancellation

If you need to come home early

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us

15/07/2019 EASYJET STRIKE

Following the announcement of the EasyJet Strikes due over the summer period, we would like to clarify our position. The dates that have been released by EasyJet are 25th-

29th July, 2nd-5th August 2019, 9th-12th August 2019, 16th-19th August 2019 and 23rd-27th August 2019.

Cancellation
Our policies do not cover strike or industrial action which started or that had been announced before the date of your departure. We would refer clients to the airlines or their tour operator for compensation where “the other party to the contract will give prompt assistance to a consumer in difficulty”, as per the package travel regulations found here The Package Travel Compensation

Extension of your Travel Insurance

Cover will be extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which result in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us .

08/05/2019 FRENCH AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

Following the announcement of the air traffic control due to take place in France from Wednesday 8^th May 2019 until Friday 10^th May 2019, we would like to clarify our position.

We recommend that you contact your airline/travel agent for more information about what might be available to you.

Cancellation

Our policies do not cover strike or industrial action which started or that had been announced before the date of your departure. We would refer clients to the airlines or their tour operator for compensation where “the other party to the contract will give prompt assistance to a consumer in difficulty”, as per the package travel regulations found here The Package Travel Compensation

Extension of your Travel Insurance

Cover will be extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which result in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

Full travel advice for France can be found at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france

For residents of Ireland please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/france/

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us.

24/04/2019 SRI LANKA BOMBING ATTACK

Following the news of the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on 21st April 2019, we at tifgroup would like to extend our sympathies to those affected, and to clarify our position.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here:

– https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lankaFor residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows:

– https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/sri-lanka/

Please note, travel insurance will not be in place if the FCO advise against any travel to your chosen destination.

Cancellation
These claims should go through the tour operators at this time as there is no cover under the policy for attacks of terrorism.

Insurance “shifting”

If you are offered an alternative destination and / or dates from your travel agent, we are pleased to advise that we will shift your insurance policy to fit the new trip without any administration charges.
Premium Refunds

In the event that you are unable to move the trip to an alternative destination, and are offered a refund from your travel agent or tour operator, we are happy to offer a full refund of premium on the understanding that no claim is to be made against the policy.
If you are travelling independently, you should make your own arrangements to leave by either altering your return tickets where possible or booking an alternative form of transport.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivequeries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

12/04/2019 JET AIRWAYS CRISIS

Following the news that Jet Airways have had to suspend all international flights due to financial difficulties, we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.

Any customers that have been affected by this have been advised to contact Jet Airways directly to seek advice.

If you have booked a flight with Jet Airways and have done so using your credit card, please contact your card provider to see if a refund is available.
Cancellation or curtailment is something which is not normally covered when it is due to Scheduled airline failure, unless specific cover has been purchased. Please refer to your policy wording.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to email us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

28/03/2019 WOW AIR

Following the news that WOW Air have ceased all operations and gone into administration we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.

Any customers that have already travelled will need to make their own arrangements to return home.

If you have booked a flight only with WOW Air and have done so using your credit card, please contact your card provider to see if a refund is available.

People who have a WOW Air flight only, please do not travel to the airport as WOW Air are no longer flying. Those who have a WOW Air flight booked via their tour operator should contact their tour operator in the first instance.

Cancellation or curtailment is something which is not normally covered when it is due to Scheduled airline failure, unless specific cover has been purchased. Please refer to your policy wording.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive then please contact us.

21/03/2019 JET AIRWAYS CRISIS

Following the news that Jet Airways have had to cancel and ground a number of flights due to financial difficulties, we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.

Any customers that have been affected by this have been advised to contact Jet Airways directly to seek advice.

If you have booked a flight Jet Airways and have done so using your credit card, please contact your card provider to see if a refund is available.

Cancellation or curtailment is something which is not normally covered when it is due to Scheduled airline failure, unless specific cover has been purchased. Please refer to your policy wording.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to email us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.

15/03/2019 NEW ZEALAND TERROR ATTACK

Following the news of the terrorist attack in New Zealand on 15th March 2019, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected, and to clarify our position.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here:

– https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand
For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows:

Please note, travel insurance will not be in place if the FCO advise against any travel to your chosen destination.
Cancellation
These claims should go through the tour operators at this time as there is no cover under the policy for attacks of terrorism.

Insurance “shifting”

Premium Refunds
In the event that you are unable to move the trip to an alternative destination, and are offered a refund from your travel agent or tour operator, we are happy to offer a full refund of premium on the understanding that no claim is to be made against the policy.

If you are travelling independently, you should make your own arrangements to leave by either altering your return tickets where possible or booking an alternative form of transport.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us on directivesqueries@tifgroup.co.uk and we will endeavour to offer an answer.– https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/new-zealand/

28/02/2019 INDIA AND PAKISTAN CRISIS

Following the news around the India-Pakistan Crisis and the issues with air traffic not being allowed to fly through the airspace we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.
Any customers that have been affected by this should contact their Airline to see what they are advising. Most major Airlines have re-routed flights but delays are likely to occur.

Insurance “shifting”

In the event that you are unable to move the trip to an alternative destination, and are offered a refund from your travel agent or tour operator, we are happy to offer a full refund of premium on the understanding that no claim is to be made against the policy.

Extension of your Travel Insurance
Cover will be extended in the event of a delay or failure of public transport services during your trip which result in you being unable to complete your trip before your travel policy expires.

18/02/2019 FLYBMI AIRLINES

Following the news that Flybmi Airlines have ceased all operations we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.

If you have booked a flight with Flybmi Airlines and have done so using your credit card, please contact your card provider to see if a refund is available.

People who have a Flybmi Airline flight, please do not travel to the airport as Flybmi Airlines are no longer flying. Those who have a Flybmi Airline flight booked via their tour operator should contact their tour operator in the first instance.
Cancellation or curtailment is something which is not normally covered when it is due to Scheduled airline failure, unless specific cover has been purchased. Please refer to your policy wording.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to email us.

22/01/2019 YELLOW FEVER OUTBREAK NIGERIA

Following the recent news of the Yellow Fever Outbreak alert for Nigeria, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here:
– https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria

For residents of Ireland please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows:
– https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/nigeria/

Cancellation
This type of event is unfortunately not covered across the travel insurance industry for claims relating to cancellation. This is because most policies have the following exclusion relating to cancellation “the fear of an epidemic, pandemic, infection or allergic reaction”.

We would advise travellers who have booked package holidays to a destination affected by the viral outbreak and looking to cancel their trip to contact their travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.
If you are not able to amend your trip details and have a medical justification for doing so, we are happy to discuss your situation on a case-by case basis.

Insurance “shifting”
If you are offered an alternative destination and or dates from your travel agent, we are pleased to advise that we will shift your insurance policy to fit the new trip without any administration charges, providing the new trip dates remain to the same location or geographical area. Please call the customer service team on the number listed in your policy wording.

Premium Refunds
In the event that you are unable to move the trip to an alternative destination, and are offered a refund from your travel agent or tour operator, we are happy to offer a full refund of premium on the understanding that no claim is to be made against the policy.

Returning early
If you are considering returning to the UK earlier than originally planned as a result of the viral outbreak, please contact your travel agent or tour operator for information on availability of flights in the first instance.

If you are travelling independently from a tour operator or travel agent, you should make your own arrangements to leave by either altering your return tickets, where possible, or booking onto an alternative commercial flight. Claims for independent traveller’s additional expenses in returning home earlier, where medically justified, will be treated sympathetically.

22/01/2019 COURCHEVEL SKI RESORT FIRE

Following reports of the fire that has affected the Ski resort of Courchevel, France, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here:– https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france

For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows:

– https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/france/

Cancellation

Additional travel and accommodation costs

Should your travel and accommodation arrangements have been affected by the extreme snowfall or avalanche your policy may cover reasonable additional costs within a certain radius to provide you with alternative options. To find out more please contact your claims team.

Returning home early

If you are not able to amend your trip details and have a medical justification for doing so, we are happy to discuss your situation on a case-by case basis.

In the event that you have specific questions not answered by this directive, please feel free to contact us.

04/01/2019 TROPICAL STORM PABUK

Following the news of the Tropical Storm Pabuk which impacted Thailand on the 4th January 2019, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available.

We advise all travellers to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice before travelling, and you can do that by checking your chosen destination from the list provided here:
– https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand

For residents of Ireland please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows:
– https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/thailand/

Cancellation
This type of event is unfortunately not covered across the travel insurance industry for claims relating to cancellation. This is because most policies have the following exclusion relating to cancellation “any claim where the fire, flood, earthquake, storm, lightning, explosion, hurricane or infectious disease had already happened before you left home”.

If you need to come home early
Cutting short your trip may be covered depending on your circumstances. Please refer to your policy wording in the first instance and if you are unsure please contact your claims team. There is no cover for coming home early in the event of loss of enjoyment for whatever reason.

Each travel insurance product varies and we would recommend you check your policy wording to see if any other cover may be available, or alternatively contact your claims team to discuss your individual situation.

20/12/2018 GATWICK DRONE DISRUPTIONS

Following the flight delays and flight suspensions caused by sightings of Drones in and around the Gatwick airfield on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th December 2018 that have affected passengers, we would like to clarify what cover is available to our policyholders.

It has been advised that if you are due to fly today, do not travel to the airport without checking the status of your flight with your airline first.

Departure delay
You can claim for departure delay providing the duration is over 12 hours from you checking in, and the delay is not due to the diversion of the aircraft after it has departed.

Cancellation
If the delay you have suffered has exceeded 24 hours in duration after you have checked in, your trip is for more than 2 days and not a one-way trip, and provided you are also unable to obtain a refund from any other source you can submit a claim for cancellation.

For both cancellation and departure delay you must not have been offered any compensation, alternative transport that departs within 12 hours or accommodation. To find out more please contact your claims team.

5/12/2018 NEW CALEDONIA EARTHQUAKE

Following reports of the earthquake that has impacted New Caledonia and tsunami alert that has been issued on 5th December 2018, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available. We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-caledonia

For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows – https://www.dfa.ie/embassies/irish-embassies-abroad/asia-and-oceania/new-caledonia/

Cancellation
This type of event is unfortunately not covered across the travel insurance industry for claims relating to cancellation. This is because most policies have the following exclusion relating to cancellation “any claim where the fire, flood, earthquake, storm, lightning, explosion, hurricane or infectious disease had already happened before you left home”.

Additional travel and accommodation costs
Should your travel and accommodation arrangements have been affected by the fire your policy may cover reasonable additional costs within a certain radius to provide you with alternative options. To find out more please contact your claims team.

Returning home early
If you are not able to amend your trip details and have a medical justification for doing so, we are happy to discuss your situation on a case-by case basis.

28/11/2018 QUEENSLAND BUSHFIRES

Following reports of the wildfires that have affected Queensland, Australia, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and also clarify what cover may be available.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/australia

For residents of Ireland please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/australia/

Cancellation
This type of event is unfortunately not covered across the travel insurance industry for claims relating to cancellation. This is because most policies have the following exclusion relating to cancellation “any claim where the fire, flood, earthquake, storm, lightning, explosion, hurricane or infectious disease had already happened before you left home”.

Additional travel and accommodation costs
Should your travel and accommodation arrangements have been affected by the fire your policy may cover reasonable additional costs within a certain radius to provide you with alternative options. To find out more please contact your claims team.

Returning home early
If you are not able to amend your trip details and have a medical justification for doing so, we are happy to discuss your situation on a case-by case basis.

19/11/2018 TENERIFE STORM

Following the news of the storm which has impacted Tenerife and other parts of the Canary Islands between 17th November 2018 and 19th November 2018, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available.We advise all travellers to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice before travelling, and you can do that by checking your chosen destination from the list provided here:https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

Cutting short your trip may be covered depending on your circumstances. Please refer to your policy wording in the first instance and if you are unsure please contact your claims team. There is no cover for coming home early in the event of loss of enjoyment for whatever reason.

Cancellation

This type of event is unfortunately not covered across the travel insurance industry for claims relating to cancellation. This is because most policies have the following exclusion relating to cancellation "any claim where the fire, flood, earthquake, storm, lightning, explosion, hurricane or infectious disease had already happened before you left home".

If you need to come home early

12/11/2018. CALIFORNIAN WILDFIRES

Following the news of the Wildfires that have affected California, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover is available to our policyholders.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here –
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows –
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/united-states-of-america/

Cancellation

If you need to come home early

18/10/2018. Cobalt Airlines

Following the news that Cobalt Airlines have ceased all operations we would like to clarify what is available to policyholders.

The news states that the Cypriot Government will pay for tickets to help travellers get back to where they started from, but they have stressed they will only cover return tickets.

If you have booked a flight only with Cobalt Airlines and have done so using your credit card, please contact your card provider to see if a refund is available.

People who have a Cobalt Airline flight, please do not travel to the airport as Cobalt Airlines are no longer flying. Those who have a Cobalt Airline flight booked via their tour operator should contact their tour operator in the first instance.

10/10/2018. Majorca Flash Flood

Following the news of the Flash Flood which happened in Majorca on the 9th October 2018, we would like to extend our sympathies to those affected and clarify what cover may be available.

For residents of Ireland please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/spain/

Cancellation

If you need to come home early

10/10/2018. Hurricane Michael.

Following the news of Hurricane Michael that is due to impact the East Coast of America this week (10/10/2018-14/10/2018), we would like to clarify what cover may be available.

We always advise all travellers to check the FCO’s advice for their chosen destination and the current advice on this matter can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

For residents of EIRE please follow the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as follows – https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/united-states-of-america/

Cancellation

If you need to come home early

Each travel insurance product varies and we would recommend you check your policy wording to see if any other cover may be available.

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