Travel Insurance - Tsunami Cover

A Tsunami presents a very specific threat to those who have travel insurance and assume they would be fully covered if caught up in an earthquake induced tsunami - it is not a weather induced event and therefore many travel insurers will point out that cover under travel delay and abandonment does not come into effect for this reason. However following the issues travellers faced after the volcanic ash issues a couple of years ago there are now travel insurers offering specific additional cover.

Whilst those who have suffered an injury as a result of a earthquake induced incident such as a tsumani would be covered under their medical protection section of their policy, including, if it was required, repatriation those who face challenges due to travel disruption, port or airport closures can face additional bills for alternative accomodation for continuing their trip or finding another way to get home.

However there are insurers who do now offer such protection, and this can afford great reassurance particularly after an earthquake has struck, but whilst further tremors and after shocks are expected.

INSURERS WHO OFFER ADDITIONAL COVER

Columbus Direct Insurance

Columbus offer an add on policy to their standard insurance called their 'Emergency Travel Upgrade'. This covers situations such as unforeseen strikes by airline/air traffic staff or other major weather or natural disasters which might close an airport. (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 policy, provides cover worth up to £4,000 per policy, costs in the region of £20, and insures policyholders and their families for the extra costs involved of alternative accommodation and / or getting home by alternative means. This might involve using an alternative route or possibly a different mode of transport. (Such as using trains or a series of hire cars if flights are cancelled, or taking a flight if a ferry is cancelled).

To apply obtain a standard insurance quotation and then tick the box requesting 'Emergency Travel Upgrade'.

AVIVA

Aviva's offer two upgrade policies - Airspace Closure and Travel Disruption, which provide additional support in a wide range of instances including tsumnamis. More information can be found in our feature on Aviva Travel. Aviva cover those up to 79 years old.

The policies can cover anything from alternative accomodation or transport home to cattery or kennel fees.

Aviva sell the upgrades online - click to say that you want their closure of port or airspace option - which means you also get a 10% online discount.

Direct Travel Insurance

Direct Travel Insurance now offers an extention to their standard policy designed to protect you against travel disruption caused by volcanic eruption, flood, tsunami, earthquake, landslide, hurricane, tornado or wildfire.

This provides assitistance to the level of £6,000 for trip cancellation, up to £2,000 if you are stranded abroad, up to £750 if you are stranded on an international connection and also assists with additional expenses when either stranded in the UK or for additional expenses to reach your intended destination if you do not wish to cancel. Additional parking costs & kennel/cattery fees are also covered.

The cost is £10.40 for £6000 of cover for single trip policies, and £20.40 for annual policies. The price applies to each adult in the party.

This information is based on journalistic investigation and research. It is not financial advice. Any information should be considered in regard to specific circumstances. Any suggestions followed up are done so at your own risk and your own research is key.