Travel Insurance Alert: Guatemala Volcano Erupts, Airport Closes

Fuego Volcano is now considered a foreseeable event and travel insurance coverage will no longer be available to cover losses related to the volcano.

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InsureMyTrip

Jun 04, 2018, 04:17 ET

WARWICK, R.I., June 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted on Sunday, prompting area evacuations. The threat of volcanic ash also forced aviation officials to close the capital's La Aurora International Airport, leaving many travelers stranded. The active volcano is located about 25 miles away from the capital.

InsureMyTrip urges policyholders to contact their travel insurance company directly for assistance.

Already Insured Travelers

For those who purchased a policy prior to the volcano erupting, here is how travel insurance may cover a trip cancellation:

Volcano halts a flight or cruise: when common carriers such as airlines and cruise lines cease service for a certain number of hours due to a volcano.
Volcano damage at traveler's destination: when a hotel, resort, or vacation rental is devastated and made uninhabitable by a volcano.

Travelers Seeking Insurance

While it is too late to purchase traditional travel insurance to cover losses related to Fuego, travelers may still be eligible for a travel insurance plan with Cancel For Any Reason benefits.

An optional benefit of travel insurance coverage which offers the opportunity to cancel travel plans for reasons other than those listed as "covered reasons" on a policy. There are specific eligibility requirements:

Depending on the policy, it is only available within 10-21 days of your initial trip payment.

You must insure 100 percent of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.
You must cancel your trip with the travel supplier at least 48 hours before departure date, depending on the plan.

These plans typically cover between 50-75 percent of your trip cost and vary by plan.

Note: Travelers can still purchase comprehensive travel insurance for coverage unrelated to the volcano, including medical coverage, emergency travel services, and baggage protection. Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage is also available for unforeseen circumstances unrelated to the volcano.

Travelers interested in learning more about insurance plans for travel can visit www.InsureMyTrip.com or call 1-800-551-4635 to speak with a licensed travel insurance agent.

Travel Insurance Expert:
Meghan Walch
401-773-9210
[email protected]

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SOURCE InsureMyTrip