Does my insurance cover flight cancellation due to a volcano eruption?
Volcano eruptions can cause disruptions in your travel plans, so it would be important to know if you would be compensated if your flight is canceled.
A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted spectacularly late Monday, spilling lava over the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The volcano blew up weeks after earthquakes shook the country’s southwestern coast.
Such activity can cause disruptions in travel plans, particularly flights that could be delayed or canceled due to volcanic smoke, debris, or ashes. If you are one of those passengers whose trips have been disrupted, you may be entitled to some compensation.
READ ALSO: WATCH: First aerial footage of the volcanic eruption in Iceland
Many people choose to travel to locations around the world that are home to volcanoes that are either active or dormant. Areas that have volcanoes attract tourists because of the views and terrain that surround them, but traveling to these zones comes with some risks.
READ ALSO: How could the Grindavik volcano eruption affect air traffic in the US?
Does my insurance cover flight cancellation due to a volcano eruption?
In general, volcanic eruptions are considered part of natural disaster coverage, which many insurance companies include in their policies.
According to Insuremytrip.com, there is no standard that has been set in the travel industry with regard to paying out volcano-related claims. However, people who bought travel insurance before embarking on their trip may be covered for a flight cancelation, interruption, or delay.
Travel insurance and volcanic eruptions
Travelers should double-check the extent of their coverage before any disruption occurs. Some policies cover the impact as an unforeseen event, while others provide “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage.
Some travelers were granted payouts when ash from a volcano in Iceland impeded flights in 2010. Those who were stranded or who could not travel due to cancellations were able to make claims on their insurance.
You must keep in mind that although you could get compensation, each travel policy will have a maximum amount for reimbursements, and that you may only get a percentage of your money back.