Travelers who had a policy in place before the earthquake occurred may be eligible for a number of benefits if they are affected by the earthquake. Unfortunately, it is now too late for travelers to purchase new policies with coverage for the earthquake.
Travelers Currently in Italy
Most policies include Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage for travelers injured in the earthquake. Travelers whose accommodations were rendered uninhabitable by the earthquake may be covered to cut their trip short and receive reimbursement for the rest of their unused, prepaid and nonrefundable expenses.
“All travel insurance policies include 24-hour emergency assistance, which travelers can contact to receive help or ask questions about their coverage,” said Squaremouth spokesperson Rachael Taft. “Injured travelers likely have coverage for medical treatment and medical evacuation through their policy. Those who can no longer stay in their accommodations due to the earthquake may have coverage to return home early from their trip.”
Travelers With an Upcoming Trip to Italy
Travelers with an upcoming trip planned to Italy may be covered to cancel if their flights are significantly delayed or their accommodations are uninhabitable due to the earthquake.
“Unfortunately, an earthquake alone is not a covered reason to cancel a trip on standard travel insurance,” said Taft. “Travelers whose trips are directly affected by the earthquake — their hotel is destroyed or their flights are significantly delayed — may be covered to cancel their trip.”
Travelers who do not meet their policy’s cancellation requirements would not be able to cancel their trip unless they have the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade. This upgrade can significantly increase the cost of a policy and is only available within 14-30 days of the traveler’s first booking for their trip. To cancel using the upgrade, travelers must cancel at least 2-3 days before their departure date and will only be reimbursed up to 75% of the trip cost.
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Additional coverage may be available for travelers depending on their policy. Visit Squaremouth’s Italy Earthquake and Travel Insurance Information Center for regularly updated information about travel insurance coverage for the earthquake in Central Italy, including fact sheets, frequently asked questions, travel insurance provider position statements, and more.
In-Depth: Earthquakes and Travel Insurance Fact Sheet: Squaremouth Explains Coverage For Affected Travelers
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