Information about Mount Etna, Sicily
Following a 4.8 magnitude earthquake, Mount Etna in Sicily recently erupted. Experts have said that emissions close to the Bocca Nuova crater are a sign that magma remains close to the surface. Some flights are experiencing delays but the airport continues to operate as normal.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become necessary. If you are travelling, we advise you to stay safe and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe and considered by many to be the most active volcano in the world. It remains in a constant state of activity but has been mostly dormant for the last couple of years.
Useful Information
Your policy provides a number of benefits, conditions, limits and exclusions that may be relevant to your travel plans. Your cover will depend on the type of plan you purchased and your circumstances. We will assess all claims based on your Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance.
If you entered into a policy before 9am (NZT) Monday 31 December, 2018:
If you are currently travelling:
It is always our priority to help our customers where possible.
• If your transport is delayed or cancelled or your accommodation is affected due to the volcano, you may be able to claim for additional travel, accommodation and meal expenses. We will automatically extend the coverage period to cover your reasonable return to New Zealand.
• Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply under your policy. For full details, you should refer to the Policy Wording and Certificate of Insurance you received when you purchased your travel insurance.
If you have not yet departed:
• If your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled by your travel provider (as a result of the volcano), you may be able to make a claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey. Please refer to your Policy Wording for the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
• If your travel arrangements have been affected, contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some travel providers may provide penalty free options to amend travel arrangements and they should be able to provide further details.
What next steps should you take?
• You should try to minimise your expenses throughout your journey where possible. This includes rearranging your journey. If, for example, you have been using two-star accommodation on your trip to date, then any replacement accommodation should be of a similar standard.
• Ensure that you keep all you receipts. This includes receipts for any additional transport, food or accommodation expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will also need to submit documents showing what your original planned pre-paid arrangements were. These need to be included, alongside any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements. You will also need to provide advice from the travel provider indicating the non-refundable portion of the journey.
How to contact us
• If you have any general queries, please contact our Allianz Partners Information Hotline on 0800 800 048 or +64 9 486 0048.
• To make a claim visit our website www.claimmanager.co.nz
• We will publish this and any updated travel insurance advisories on our website: www.allianzpartners.co.nz
If you entered into a policy after 9am (NZT) Monday 31 December, 2018:
• We would expect that this was done with an awareness of the recent volcanic activity. For these policies, we will not pay any claim caused by (or in any way connected with) this event. Our policies do not cover claims for losses caused by something that you were aware of at the time of purchasing your policy.
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