Volcanoes are a powerful force of nature we can’t control. That’s why it’s good that you can control what travel insurance cover you purchase if you’re going to a country with active volcanos. This page will explain what travel insurance for volcanic eruptions is, what it covers and how it could save you money.
Travel insurance that covers volcanic eruptions reimburses some of your financial losses if an eruption sends your travel plans into a tailspin. This type of cover comes standard in some travel insurance policies; for other policies, you may need to purchase it as an add-on.
Travel insurance with volcanic ash cloud cover generally includes:
Cover for these things may be subject to exclusions, limits and restrictions. It’s always a good idea to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), as your policy cover might differ between insurers.
A volcano erupts near your upcoming destination before your trip can even take place, and you need to reschedule. Are you covered?
If you have travel insurance for volcanic eruptions that includes cover for cancellations, additional expenses and travel delays, your insurer should cover you up to the limits of the policy. You may be covered for cases where your flights are cancelled or significantly delayed, your activities and tours are cancelled, or you lose travel deposits and accommodation booking.
However, you can only claim if you purchase your travel insurance before the event, which is why it’s a good idea to buy a policy as soon as you make any bookings or pay any deposits.
In 2017, Mount Agung (an active volcano in Bali) erupted. As a result, Bali’s airport was closed, leaving thousands of tourists unable to fly in or out of the iconic tourist hotspot.
Many impending holidaymakers had their holiday cancelled while Bali tourists were left stranded in the chaos, with additional expenses (e.g. flights, accommodation, food, transport) added to their travel costs.
The tourists who purchased travel insurance with volcanic ash cover (before the volcano erupted and depending on the level of cover they chose) were in a position to lodge claims for these added expenses from their travel insurers.
However, not all policies will cover all losses you may incur because of a volcano eruption. You can find out more about a travel insurance policy through its PDS. When you compare travel insurance online with us, you can browse the PDS of each policy before you decide to buy.
Look out for exclusions (events or incidences that aren’t covered) in your policy; when it comes to volcanoes, this may include:
Remember to read your insurance policy’s PDS to know the inclusions and exclusions of your policy.
Do you have a future travel destination in mind? If so, check if it’s volcanic, so that you can get covered. Here’s a brief list of some active volcanoes in or nearby popular travel destinations:
N.B.: This is not a comprehensive list as the activity of volcanoes is ever-changing. For current information about your destination, check Smartraveller or find the worldwide list of ongoing and past natural disaster alerts here.
First, follow any evacuation or shelter orders from the government. You should also contact your insurer as soon as possible. They may be able to direct you to emergency services, answer your questions and help organise alternative accommodation if needed.
Your insurer can also help you prepare the necessary documents so that you can claim on your policy.
Travel insurance only covers you for the specific events or incidences outlined in your policy’s PDS. So, if the cancellation cover in your policy doesn’t mention natural disasters, volcanos or ash clouds, then you’re probably not covered and any claims related to volcanoes may be denied.
Yes, travel insurance typically covers your overseas medical expenses. If you choose a policy that covers natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, you will generally be covered for unforeseen emergency medical costs relating to an eruption, including hospital care and emergency medical evacuation. The extent of your medical cover will vary between levels of cover, policies and insurers.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, your cover may vary. Make sure to declare it to your insurer at the time you apply for a policy, otherwise any medical costs related to these conditions typically won’t be covered in the event of an eruption. Insurers may automatically cover some pre-existing conditions, while you may be able to purchase cover for others as an add-on, but it’s crucial to understand the coverage available to you before departing on your trip.
If you’re travelling to a country with a history of volcanic eruptions, it’s important to take out travel insurance that covers volcanic ash clouds and eruptions.
Through our free travel insurance comparison service, you can compare policies from a range of providers in just minutes. Compare now!
