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Articles on
Columbus Direct Volcanic Ash policy
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Insurance Upgrade covering Volcanic Ash
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Columbus Direct have launched a volcanic ash cloud (actually it covers any natural disaster) and strike action insurance upgrade designed to give customers reassurance that they will be covered in the case of strike, tsunami, volcanic activity or more. Be aware there that any already announced strikes or airport closures would not be covered.
Please be aware that once knowledge of an eruption, earthquake or other incident is in the public domain it may be classed as a known event and claims turned away for policies bought after that point in time. In such cases check with your insurer before purchasing a policy.
To try to clear up any confusion as to what travel insurance covered policyholders for, Columbus Direct has added a new “Emergency Travel Upgrade” as an option on both its Gold and Silver policy ranges.
This unique travel insurance policy covers policyholders and their families in the event of any unforeseen circumstance preventing them getting home.
At the present time for example as well as covering “ash cloud” disruption, it would also cover situations such as unforeseen strikes by airline/air traffic staff or other major weather or natural disasters (remember though cover would not be extended to events already known about, such as declared strikes).
The cover, which comes in the form of an upgrade to the standard Columbus 'Gold' or 'Silver' policy, provides cover worth up to £4,000 per policy, and insures policyholders and their families for the extra costs involved of alternative accommodation and / or getting home by alternative means, (such as using trains or a series of hire cars if flights are cancelled, or to take a flight if a ferry is cancelled).
Its costs an additional £25 if you are buying a 'Silver' policy and £20 for 'Gold' policyholders. Often once this difference in upgrade cost has been taken into account the resultant price differential is minimal, so the Gold policy with the extra benefits may be best value. For a personalised quotation visit the Columbus website.
We have also checked with Columbus their approach to claims if you are delayed before you fly from the UK. They have confirmed that their policies will cover abandonment/cancellation if you bought a policy before travel restrictions are put in place. This is as long as there is not a specific warning that airports will be closed on the date in question. In many such cases tour operators or airlines will either offer you full reimbursement or replacement services, if they do not then you are covered under your Columbus Direct policy for trip cancellation, which is valid for delays of over 24 hours.
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moneymaxim always recommend you take independent financial advice before acting on any article. Any views expressed are those of the editorial team at the time of going to press, and should not be considered as either recommendation or specific advice. Readers should be aware that no warranty is given that the details are correct and are recommended to read any policy documents carefully before entering into any contract.