Skip to main content
Trustpilot
5 star expert rated 200px

Our Platinum policies policies are rated 5 stars by the experts at Defaqto

Get a quote Login

Update for travellers affected by wildfires in Southern Europe

Maria in Rome Expert Image

Written by Maria Hughes

Travel Expert

Tracey

Reviewed by Tracey Culwick

Travel Insurance Expert

Published

Updated

Travel news
22

We understand that the ongoing wildfires affecting parts of Portugal, Spain, France and Greece may be concerning for those who are travelling in these areas or planning trips in the coming weeks.

At goodtogo, the safety and wellbeing of our customers is our top priority. Wildfires can develop and change quickly, so we recommend following local authority guidance and checking the latest UK Government travel advice before and during your trip.

 

I am already abroad and my travel plans have been disrupted by wildfires. What should I do?

If your return journey is delayed because of wildfire-related disruption, your emergency medical cover will be automatically extended to cover the remainder of your trip while you arrange your return travel. This extension applies at no additional cost, provided you take the next available flight or route home once travel options become available.

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

  • Contact your airline, tour operator, cruise operator or travel provider as soon as possible to discuss alternative travel arrangements.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities if evacuation orders or safety advice are issued.
  • Register your presence with the UK Government to receive the latest updates if appropriate.
  • Follow the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination.
  • Keep receipts and documentation relating to any delays, cancellations or alternative travel arrangements.

If your pre-booked accommodation is damaged by fire during your trip, you may be able to claim for necessary additional travel and accommodation costs if you have added optional natural disaster cover to your policy. This applies only where the event was not known before departure and where all policy terms and conditions are met. Package holidays are excluded from this cover.

I am due to travel to an area affected by wildfires. How does this affect my planned 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. As a result, there is currently no cancellation or curtailment cover triggered by FCDO advice.

You should contact your airline or travel provider in the first instance, as they may be able to offer alternative travel arrangements or refunds if services are disrupted.

If you purchased your travel insurance or booked your trip after the current wildfire situation became a known event, there is no cover for cancellation claims arising directly from these wildfires.

If purchased your policy and booked your trip before the current wildfire situation became a known event, then you are protected should the FCDO subsequently change its advice to advise against all travel or all but essential travel to your destination, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.

21

What if my flight is delayed?

Travel Delay cover is not dependent on FCDO advice and may apply if your international flight, train or sailing is delayed by more than 12 hours because of wildfire-related disruption.

If you experience a significant delay:

  • Obtain written confirmation of the delay from your airline or transport provider.
  • Keep receipts and supporting documentation.
  • Speak to your airline first, as they may provide assistance or alternative travel arrangements.

Please note that Missed Departure cover does not apply to this type of disruption, and not all delays will be covered. Please refer to your policy wording for full terms, conditions and exclusions.

What if I decide I no longer want to travel?

If there has been no change to FCDO travel advice, there is no cover simply because you decide not to travel.

If you no longer wish to travel, you should first speak to your airline, holiday provider or tour operator to understand what options they may be able to offer.

Depending on your policy and when it was purchased, you may also have options such as:

  • Cancelling your travel insurance policy during the cooling-off period if eligible.
  • Moving your travel insurance policy dates to a future trip.
  • Requesting a refund of your travel insurance policy in accordance with your policy terms.

We continue to monitor the situation closely and will update this page if travel advice changes or further support becomes available.