What coverage is available if the Icelandic volcano erupts while I’m traveling?

Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano erupted on Saturday, August 30, 2014. Any travel insurance policies purchased on or after that date, will not offer coverage for any losses related to the volcano.

Travelers who have purchased a policy prior to August 30, 2014 may have several benefits if their trip is affected by the volcano, including coverage for trip interruption and non-medical evacuation.

Depending on the policy, travelers may be able to claim for interruption due to natural disaster or inclement weather. In order for an eruption to be covered, the event must meet the policies requirements within the trip interruption benefit, and the policy must be purchased before an eruption occurs. This benefit will reimburse travelers for the remainder of their unused, prepaid and nonrefundable trip costs if they are forced to interrupt their trip and return home due to the eruption of the Icelandic volcano. The benefit may also offer coverage for extra costs related to return transportation. 

Non-medical evacuation coverage may be available for travelers whose destination becomes unsafe due to the volcano. This benefit covers the transportation from a place of danger to a place of safety. To be eligible for non-medical evacuation, the appropriate authority must order the evacuation and travelers must purchase the policy prior to the volcano’s eruption.

Some smaller benefits, including travel delay, baggage delay, and missed connection may also be available.

*Allianz restricts coverage for the Bardarbunga volcano for any policies purchased on or after August 22nd, 2014. Read Allianz’s official position statement here: https://www.squaremouth.com/travel-advice/allianz-position-statement-icelandic-volcano/

*This information may vary based on the travel insurance policy. If you have questions about a specific policy, please contact us directly at 800-240-0369. Our customer service representatives are available 24/7 and are delighted to help!