The Icelandic Volcanic activity has resulted in considerable disruption to flights across Northern European airspace.

The scope of cover in travel insurance for this exceptional event is limited. We advise customers to contact their travel operator, travel agent or airline as soon as possible to find out what alternative arrangements have been made or are available.

The cancellation cover under travel insurance policies only provides cover if you are unable to travel due to specified risks and does not usually provide any cover for natural disasters. You do have a number of basic rights which may mean that the tour operator, travel agent or airline might be responsible for some or all of your costs. This is explained further here

The legal position:

Airlines are required under EC Regulation section 261/2004 to offer either:

a) re-routing to the same destination at the earliest opportunity
b) later rerouting, at the passenger's convenience, to the same destination or
c) a refund of the ticket as well as a return flight to the point of first departure, when relevant.

Under the ‘Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992’ Tour Operators must repay all monies relating to the holiday contract if an alternative is not offered and accepted by the customer.

General advice:

• Check with the airline for flight information before travelling to the airport.
• Insurers will extend medical cover where the insured is delayed overseas provided customers return on the earliest possible flight (subject to availability)
• If the insured accepts an alternative flight at a later date, we will amend their existing policy so it is transferred to cover the new dates free of charge.