Yes, some cover applies automatically under your policy. The level of protection depends on whether you added Travel Disruption Cover (TDC) to your policy at the time of purchase.
All cover is subject to your policy terms and conditions.
Covered as standard:
Delayed departure benefit (per 12 hour delay) as a result of the earthquake.
Trip cancellation / holiday abandonment, if all the following apply:
• You are already at the airport or departure point
• You were not aware of the earthquake when buying your policy or booking your trip
• Your flight or public transport is cancelled or delayed
• No alternative is offered within 12 hours
• You choose to abandon your trip
The FCDO advises against travel within 21 days before departure due to the earthquake.
Not covered:
Missed departure (for example, being unable to reach the airport due to the earthquake) — unless you added Travel disruption upgrade.
Trip cancellation or additional expenses to help you make alternative arrangements unless you added TDC.
Uninhabitable accommodation prior to departure unless TDC was added.
Reasonable additional expenses to help you make alternative arrangements following delay or cancellation of your public transport unless TDC was added.
With TDC (Travel Disruption Cover):
Missed departure and cancellation cover if your flight or public transport is cancelled or delayed and no alternative is offered within 12 hours.
Additional expenses to make alternative travel or accommodation arrangements following cancellation or delay.
Uninhabitable accommodation – covered for curtailment (ending your trip early) or relocation to alternative accommodation.
Cancelled or delayed connecting flights.
If you have purchased the Travel disruption upgrade at the time of inception, your policy will automatically extend free of charge until you return home.
Covered as standard:
Delayed departure benefit (per 12 hour delay) due to an earthquake or failure of other public transport.
Emergency medical expenses and repatriation costs.
The FCDO advises evacuation or return home during your trip.
With TDC:
Cancelled or delayed return flights – cover applies for any additional accommodation and transport costs, and your policy will automatically extend free of charge until you return home.
Not covered:
Policy extension following a cancellation if you do not have TDC – you’ll need to extend your policy manually via your Customer Zone or contact our team for help.
Missed connections are covered as standard.
Delayed or cancelled connections are not covered without TDC.
We will not provide cover for circumstances known to you before purchasing your policy, or which could reasonably have been expected to lead to the cancellation or disruption of your trip.
If your flight is cancelled by the airline, they are legally required to offer either an alternative flight or a full refund, and to provide overnight accommodation until the alternative flight becomes available, under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Similar protections exist where your travel is via a pre-booked ferry or train, and the same process should be followed.
All cover outlined above is subject to your policy terms and conditions — please refer to your policy wording for full details.
