Wildfire update for customers travelling to Southern Europe

We recognise that the wildfires currently affecting parts of Portugal, Spain, France and Greece may be causing concern if you're already travelling in these destinations or have a trip planned over the coming weeks.

As wildfire conditions can change rapidly, we strongly recommend following advice from local authorities and checking the latest UK Government travel guidance before you travel and throughout your trip.

I'm currently overseas and my trip has been disrupted by wildfires. What should I do?

If your return journey is delayed due to disruption caused by wildfires, your emergency medical cover will automatically be extended for the additional time you're abroad while you make arrangements to return home. This extension is provided at no extra cost, as long as you travel back on the next available flight or route once it becomes available.

If your travel plans are disrupted, we recommend that you:

• Contact your airline, tour operator, cruise operator or travel provider as soon as possible to discuss your alternative travel options.
• Follow any instructions or evacuation advice issued by the local authorities.
• Register your location with the UK Government where appropriate so you can receive the latest updates.
• Check the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination.
• Retain all receipts and supporting documentation for delays, cancellations and any alternative travel arrangements.

If your pre-booked accommodation is damaged by wildfire during your trip, you may be able to claim for essential additional travel and accommodation costs if you added optional natural disaster cover to your policy. This benefit applies only where the incident was not a known event before you departed and all policy terms and conditions are met. Package holidays are not covered under this section.

I'm due to travel to an area affected by wildfires. What does this mean for my trip?

The FCDO is not currently advising against all travel, or all but essential travel, to Portugal, Spain, France or Greece because of the current wildfires. This means cancellation or curtailment cover has not been triggered by FCDO advice at this time.

Your first step should be to contact your airline or travel provider, as they may be able to offer alternative travel arrangements or provide a refund if services have been affected.

If you purchased your travel insurance or booked your trip after the current wildfire situation became a known event, cancellation claims arising directly from these wildfires are not covered.

If you bought your travel insurance and booked your trip before the current wildfire situation became a known event, you'll be covered if the FCDO later changes its advice to recommend against all travel or all but essential travel to your destination, subject to your policy terms and conditions.

What if I decide not to travel?

If FCDO travel advice has not changed, there is no cover simply because you choose not to travel.

If you've decided not to go ahead with your trip, you should first speak with your airline, holiday provider or tour operator to see what options are available.

Depending on your policy and the date it was purchased, you may also be able to:

• Cancel your travel insurance during the cooling-off period, if eligible.
• Amend your policy dates to cover a future trip.
• Request a refund of your travel insurance policy in line with your policy terms.