Chartis SA extends cover automatically for travellers stranded by ash cloud
Insurance company Chartis South Africa has announced that due to the exceptional travel disruptions caused by volcanic ash over Europe, it would automatically extend travellers’ policies to cover extra travel time associated with flight delays.
“Usually, policyholders have to pay for an extension should their trip be delayed,” said Thamsanqa Ndebele, regional travel manager for Travel Guard, the travel insurance arm of Chartis.
“But considering that circumstances are beyond anyone’s control, we felt it was the right thing to do to allow for an extension of travel cover.
“It will help our clients get through a very stressful situation.”
Policyholders whose policies were purchased before April 13, 2010, when airspace was shut down due to the ash cloud, and who have been or will be affected by the disruption of flights due to the volcanic ash will be entitled to some redress.
“We will either provide an automatic extension on the traveller’s policy, should they already be on their insured journey, or a change of travel dates if they are yet to travel.
“If they have cancelled their trip altogether, and have not commenced their journey, they will be entitled to cancel their policy and a full refund of their premium,” said Ndebele.
Travel delay resulting from the volcanic ash disruptions will be covered. Chartis will reimburse the insured, according to specific policy limits, for certain expenses incurred in respect of hotel accommodation, restaurant meals or refreshment if not provided or compensated by the airline or accommodation provider.
Chartis says policyholders should take the following steps before contacting their insurance company:
- Contact the airline to check that the flight has been cancelled and confirm alternative arrangements
- Contact your travel agent or airline and/or accommodation providers to see what costs they will meet or amendment concessions or refunds they are prepared to provide
- Once the above actions have been taken, call the Travel Guard call centre on 0860 100 491 or 011 251 3600
