Warning about border violence & insurance
Since July 24, the Federal Government's official travel advice website, Smartraveller, has advised 'do not travel' to areas within 50km of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to the conflict, despite the ceasefire.
Natalie Ball, managing director for comparetravelinsurance.com, says: 'While a ceasefire is now in place, those travelling to troubled regions should always reach out to their airlines or travel agents first to explore their options. In situations like these, many travel providers offer flexible and penalty-free changes to bookings, allowing holidaymakers to postpone or reroute their plans with minimal disruption.'
While travel insurers do not typically cover cancellation of travel because of a change of mind due to civil unrest, there are some instances in which travellers would be covered. For example, if the travel service provider cancels the trip and refuses to refund to reimburse the traveller, there could be scope to claim. For instance, insurers like 1Cover, Allianz and Cover-More provide cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits if riots or cases of civil unrest cause the cancellation of a flight or scheduled transport. Additional accommodation and travel expenses would be covered if civil unrest impacted flight or transport plans mid-journey.
Ms Ball explains: 'If your scheduled transport was cancelled due to civil unrest at your destination and your travel providers were unable to reimburse your prepaid costs, you may be eligible to claim. To ensure adequate cover, opt for comprehensive policies as basic policies are unlikely to provide cover for cancellation and on-trip disruptions.'
But she notes that while some cases of civil unrest may be covered, war-like situations are usually restricted from cover: 'Acts of war, involving military or armed force interventions are generally excluded from cover. These are unpredictable, high-risk scenarios at which the Australian Government is usually obliged to step in and assist its citizens.'
She warns that travellers who purchase cover after a case of civil unrest is widely reported are unlikely to be covered.
'Travelling to or planning to stay in a region that the government has advised against is generally not recommended, and resulting claims would likely not be covered.'
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