Eyjafjallajökull Eruption – Travel Insurance FAQ
Will my travel insurance cover my hotel and miscellaneous costs if my flight home is cancelled due to the Eyjafjallajökull eruption?
If you purchased trip cancellation or interruption coverage, either as a part of an all-inclusive package or as a separate purchase, you probably have some kind of coverage for natural disasters like volcanic eruptions. You should contact your insurance or assistance provider for help and to begin setting up your claims.
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How much of my costs will be covered?
That depends on the product that you purchased. Most policies have a daily limit, for example $300, up to an overall limit of $3,000. This money can be used towards food, hotels, transportation (like taxis or public transit) or any other essential services. Unfortunately, once you reach the limit, it will be up to you to cover any additional costs.
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If I find another route home; will my insurance cover that trip?
Depending on the product you purchased, some policies will cover the cost of an alternate route home. Check with your insurer before you book any alternate travel arrangements.
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The volcanic eruption happened at the end of my trip and I have been stranded outside of my home country for almost a week. Is my travel insurance coverage extended, or did it stop on the day that I was supposed to travel home?
Almost all Canadian insurance providers have extended all policies until the passenger is able to return home. These extensions, in most cases, have not been charged to the customer and the coverage includes medical and non-medical incidents.
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I am going to Europe in the next couple of weeks. Will my insurance cover me if my flight gets cancelled?
Flights have begun making their way in and out of Europe, but due to the backlog of passengers, your flight may get postponed or cancelled. If you purchased your coverage before the volcano erupted, you will be able to file a trip cancellation claim. Policies purchased after the eruption will most likely not cover any claims due to the volcano. Consult your policy documents or insurer directly for details.
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I’m planning a trip to Europe in the next couple of months. Will my travel insurance cover me if the volcano erupts again?
Unfortunately, many insurance policies will not cover you if the volcano erupts again. Because there is a known possibility of another eruption, your travel insurance purchased after the first eruption may not cover any future related volcanic activity. Consult your policy documents or contact your insurance broker for details on your specific policy.
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My trip has been cancelled because of the eruptions. Can I get a refund for the travel insurance policy I purchased?
If the eruption and subsequent flight cancellations have caused your trip to be cancelled entirely, you can cancel your travel medical insurance policy and get a refund. You will need to submit a written request to the insurance company before the effective date of the policy. This applies only to emergency medical coverage; you will not be able to get a refund on a policy that includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage.
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Still have questions? Contact Us to find out how your policy is affected.
Need insurance? Contact Us to find the right coverage to suit your needs.
Resources
THIA Advises Travellers Affected by Volcanic Ash Disruptions
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