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Global events (like the current Vanuatu earthquake) and government advice might affect your upcoming trip and travel insurance cover. Read the big print arrow_forward
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      Home / Travel alerts / Geldingadalir Volcano Warning

      Important Information Regarding: Iceland Volcano Activity (Previously Geldingadalir Volcano Warning) – Nov 2023; Dec 2023

      Updated: 20 December 2023 

      After weeks of earthquake activity in the Fagradalsfjall area noted in our advice on 14 November 2023, a volcano in Grindavik, Iceland, erupted on Monday 18 December. The event has led to further evacuations and warnings being issued by local authorities. 

      Whilst the Keflavik International Airport remains open, flights have already been reported to have been impacted. This event does have potential to cause mass disruption of flight paths in the EU region should the eruption lead to ash clouds. 
       

      Issued 15 November 2023

      Background

      Residents in the southwest of Iceland are being advised to prepare for a Volcanic eruption after authorities have noted an increase in activity where civil defence authorities have declared a state of emergency in the region. 

      Although it’s not known where or when an eruption might occur, the impending eruption may cause significant impacts to travel where this would now be considered a known event..

      If you are directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24 hour emergency assistance team immediately on +61 2 8907 5240. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services.

      Policy coverage:

      For policies/trips with a Relevant Time before 14 November 2023 Subject to the benefits, terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions contained in your Policy Wording and our assessment of your claim, there may be provision to claim for the following expenses if you or your travel plans are directly affected: 

      Medical Expenses 

      • If you become injured during this event where you require immediate medical attention 

      Additional Expenses 

      If you are already on your trip: 

      • Additional accommodation and transportation expenses; if your travel is delayed for the required timeframes; up to the nominated limits as outlined in the Policy Wording
      • There is no cover if your existing travel plans are not directly affected 
      • There is no cover available for any portions of your Journey that have been utilised

      Amendment or Cancellation Costs 

      If you have this cover on your policy:

      • There is no cover available for any portions of your Journey that have been utilised
      • Amendments made prior to departing on the Journey if the cost to rearrange does not exceed the amount it would have cost to cancel the trip outright 

      To submit your claim, please remember

      • To keep all itemised receipts for additional purchases or costs incurred
      • Obtain a letter from the travel provider confirming the length and reason for delay
      • The easiest way to lodge a claim is online via: https://www.covermore.co.nz/claims

      Costs that are not covered by your policy

      • Costs that are incurred where your travel is not directly affected
      • Where alternate travel is at a higher fare class than originally booked
      • Travel arrangements that have already been used
      • Costs excluded or above the limits outlined in your Policy Wording

      For policies/trips with a Relevant Time on or after 14 November 2023

      There is no cover for claims arising from this event under your policy as this is no longer deemed an unforeseeable event. If you decide to change your travel plans, we encourage you to speak with your travel agent or transport provider as soon as possible to minimise your out of pocket expenses. 

      Important points regarding cover

      • Your insurance policy does not cover you for events that had already occurred at the relevant time of your policy/trip
      • Your insurance policy does not cover you for events that you knew were going to impact your travel at the relevant time of your policy/trip

      Free Extension of Insurance 

      If the relevant time of your current trip pre-dates this travel advice and your travel is disrupted due to this event, impacting your ability to return home on your policy end date, your policy will freely extend until you are physically able to return home as soon as it becomes possible.

      Important general advice

      This information must be read in conjunction with the Policy Wording as certain terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. These are detailed in the Policy Wording and in particular we draw your attention to ‘The Benefits’, ‘Policy Conditions’ and ‘General Exclusions’ sections of the Policy Wording.

      Contact us

      If you are travelling and require travel or medical assistance, please contact our 24 hour emergency assistance team on +61 2 8907 5240.

      For any general enquiries regarding the event please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 500 225 between 8.30 am and 5.15 pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm Saturday.