Does travel insurance for Europe cover natural disasters?

Europe’s diverse climate mean travellers could experience a variety of natural disasters and severe weather events including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and flooding which can impact travel plans, causing delays and disruptions. So, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, consider taking out a travel insurance policy as soon as you pay for your flights or accommodation in case you are forced to cancel your trip due to a natural disaster. Keep an eye on our Travel Alerts for Europe, travel advisories from Smartraveller and travel warnings from the Australian government. 

If you take out a travel insurance policy after the event has occurred, it is unlikely that there will be cover under the policy as the natural disaster will be a known event. The event must have begun after we issued the Certificate of insurance.  

Our trip cancellation expenses benefit is available to provide cover for cancellation, delays or rescheduling by a bus line, airline, shipping line or rail authority due to natural disaster.  

Our trip disruption expenses benefit is available to provide cover for when your scheduled or connecting transport is cancelled, delayed, shortened or diverted because of a natural disaster.  

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance. 

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.