Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption

Thousands of travelers in and out of Europe could be affected by airport closures due to the volcanic ash cancellations.
Everyone wants to know if travel insurance will continue to cover them in the wake the eruption. It is advised not to buy travel insurance for upcoming trips anywhere near the affected area, expecting to be covered for all the benefits, until airlines come to normal schedule activities.

If you bought travel insurance after April 13th, 2010, it’s quite likely you won’t be covered for all the benefits.
In general, travel insurance policies don’t cover events related to natural disasters that are in progress or that have just happened. Even an approaching hurricane wouldn’t be covered if officials have already given it a name.
If travel insurance was purchased before April 13th, 2010, check the policy wording to see what is covered. The recent eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, affecting air travel, is considered by Usa-ASSIST as “Natural Disaster” under the policies wording. 

Customers who bought travel insurance before April 13th, 2010 should also scan their policy for key phrases, such as:
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: this event is related to inclement weather and other causes. Most policies with this wording should provide some cover for trip cancellation. Natural Disaster is not included in the list of causes you can apply for this benefit.

Trip Delay: This benefit lists specific causes for the delay that are eligible for coverage.  Hazards and natural disasters are commonly covered events for travel delay.  This will reimburse expenses for lodging, meals and local transportation during the delay.  Claims are valid if you are delayed at least 3 hours or more (Not included in TravelMedical Plans).

Missed Connection: The cost of catching up to the trip, tour or cruise is covered under missed connection.  Most policies list weather related delays as qualifying for coverage. Our plans list natural disasters specifically with this benefit.  In some cases, missed connection coverage is a part of travel delay or trip interruption, which means those covered reasons would apply (Not included in TravelMedical Plans).

Remember, any compensation from the airline or other common carrier will impact the amount paid by a travel insurance claim.  It is important to check the official policy wording in the certificate to learn exactly what coverage is available.