Insurance companies pay out to tsunami-hit holidaymakers

Insurance companies have told holidaymakers they can make a claim on their policies if they have incurred extra costs as a result of the tsunami. Standard policies cover such things as medical expenses and loss of possessions and some will even allow for refunds to independent travellers who have had to cancel their trips. Holidaymakers on package trips can generally claim from their tour operator. A spokeswoman for the Association of British Insurers said it was a myth that firms do not insure against so-called “acts of God” and advised people to study their policies. “Travellers directly affected by the tsunami will be covered for key elements such as loss of possessions and medical expenses,” she said. “Some policies say you can claim a refund if you have to cancel a holiday due to circumstances beyond your control. Others stipulate that the only circumstances in which you can claim a refund for cancellation are illness, death in the family or burglary.” Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance, Direct Travel Insurance, NatWest and Preferential are among the insurers that said they covered medical expenses, extended stays and, if necessary, repatriation costs for those caught up in the disaster. Preferential and NatWest said they would also refund money to independent travellers forced to cancel trips while Sainsbury’s Bank said it would consider cases on an individual basis.