Travel Insurance Aids Travelers Stranded by Volcanic ash

Ash from volcanic eruptions in Chile prompted airlines in Australia to ground
domestic services and flights to New Zealand.
With the news that UK airline passengers are facing massive disruption after an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded planes, AA Travel Insurance are today highlighting the importance in taking out travel insurance at the time of booking your travel arrangements.

Following advice from the Met Office, the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) has suspended all flights at london Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick, as Met Office experts warn the tiny particles of rock, glass and sand contained in the ash cloud could be sufficient to jam aircraft engines.

Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, meanwhile, have avoided cancelling many flights by changing flight paths, a step Qantas and some other airlines have been unwilling to take.
Air Canada and Jazz say that any of their flights from Canada to Buenos Aires may be delayed or cancelled because of the ash.

For many though, travel insurance has eased the pain of cancelled flights, delayed travel, and trips interrupted.

Despite the bizarre nature of this event, travel insurance can and does provide very real protection for a situation that no one could have predicted.

Trip Cancellation Package Policies, the most comprehensive type of travel insurance plans, offer the greatest benefits for travelers forced to cancel their trips prior to departure as well as those whose travels have been significantly interrupted by this event. Additionally, these policies include coverage for the travel delays that are heavily impacting travelers everywhere and provide reimbursement for hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation needs due to cancelled flights caused by the volcanic event. "Coverage varies by company and plan however," adds Grace, "so for best results, know the details of your policy and/or call us for more information."

"Though it's not yet clear how long these issues will continue to impact travel, there are options for those with trips commencing in the near future as well." Available from most insurance providers, "Cancel For Any Reason" is an optional benefit that empowers travelers to cancel trips for any reason of their choosing up to two days prior to departure. "Cancel For Any Reason" policies vary by company and not all provide coverage for this specific event; be sure to confirm this event is covered and purchase your plan within 15 days of your initial trip deposit.

If you have questions about travel insurance benefits and the international flight crisis call InsureMyTrip.com at (800) 487-4722 to speak with a licensed insurance Customer Care representative or visit www.insuremytrip.com today. The Customer Care team is available by phone and online seven days a week, 365 days a year, Monday through Friday 7 AM to Midnight, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM ET.