As wildfires continue to spread across France and Spain, insurers have urged holidaymakers to be vigilant.

Wildfires across France and Spain have continued to cause significant disruption during the peak travel season, with mass-evacuations in affected areas. Insurers are ready to support their customers and as the fire continues to spread the ABI is sharing travel insurance advice for those in the area or with trips planned.

As peak holiday season arrives the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has urged holidaymakers to play close attention to local and national government advice and check their travel insurance policies.

Chris Bose, director of General Insurance Policy at the ABI, said:  “We recognise how stressful and worrying the wildfires will be for people currently in the affected areas, as well as those due to travel there in the coming days. Safety must be the priority, so it is important to follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services.

“Insurers are ready to support their affected customers. If your travel plans are disrupted by a wildfire and your policy includes trip disruption cover then travel insurance may cover some of the resulting costs. It can also help if you become ill or are injured.

“Where flights or accommodation are cancelled, you should seek refunds from their airline, tour operator, or accommodation provider in the first instance.

“Cover can vary between providers, so if you’re not sure what’s included in your policy, speak to your insurer who will be able to advise on what support is available.”

On travel insurance the ABI said if your policy includes trip disruption or natural disaster cover, you should be covered if you have to cut short or cancel your holiday. It will also apply in the usual way if you need emergency medical treatment.

In terms of making a decision to cancel their holidays policyholders have been told to contact their insurer before you decide to cancel flights or book any new accommodation. They can advise on what your policy covers.

With the UK the USA, Australia, and continental Europe all on wildfire alerts amid rising risks after a wet winter weather saw excessive plant growth inability to be compounded by weeks of dry weather huge areas of countryside and forests have been turned into ticking timebombs. Against this background insurers are likely to be asked if there is now a need to revisit policy wordings and coverages to create greater clarity for policyholders when  natural disaster increasingly strikes.

Jon Guy, Editor

Emerging Risks