New Zealand quake highlights need for extra travel insurance cover

Christchurch, New Zealand was struck by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on 14 February.  The quake caused damage to buildings and the collapse of some cliffs.

Although this quake didn’t cause significant damage or injuries, it does bring to mind the fact that a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, fire or flood can happen at any time - and it could affect your holiday.

If you are away on holiday and a catastrophic natural event such as a storm, hurricane, earthquake, flood or volcanic eruption prevents you from returning home as planned who is going to foot the bill for your additional accommodation and transport expenses to return home?

If you have booked a package through a bonded tour operator they have a duty to look after you in this situation, but if you booked your trip independently, for example directly with an airline and hotel you could find that you are on your own.

This is where the right travel insurance can help.  Make sure your policy includes Natural Catastrophe Cover to get additional cover for cancellation and additional expenses as a result of a catastrophic natural event such as storms, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruption.

Natural Catastrophe cover is available to add to any of our Silver, Gold or Platinum policies and includes cover for cancellation up to £1500 per person and additional expenses to enable you to return home up to £150 per day (£1500 in total).

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