Columbus Direct Responds to Indonesia Airport Closures

LONDON, November 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Thousands of tourists are stranded after ash spewing from the Mount Rinjani volcano in Indonesia forced the temporary grounding of all flights to the popular holiday island.

Authorities have said that Ngurah Rai airport in Bali, one of the busiest in Indonesia, will not re-open until Thursday morning, at the earliest.

According to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, some 220,000 British nationals visit Indonesia every year

Travel insurer Columbus Direct is reminding holidaymakers of the key considerations around Volcanic Ash Cloud incidents.

If you're due to travel to Indonesia, here's what you need to know.

I am due to fly to Indonesia - which airports are affected? 

The following airports have been affected by the eruption of the volcano: Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali), Lombok International Airport, Selaparang Airport (West Nusa Tengerra), Blimbinsari Airport, Banyuwangi and Notohadinegro Airport (Jember, East Java), Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (Malang) and Juanda Airport (Surabaya).

I am due to fly to Bali. What if my flight is cancelled? 

Please speak to your tour operator or your flight carrier, as many travel insurance policies do not cover for Volcanic Ash disruption. However, some policies do offer this as an additional extra on the policy - you would generally have to pay an additional premium to obtain this cover.

What if I haven't purchased the additional ash cloud cover or my policy didn't offer additional cover - what can I do? 

You should talk to the tour operators or your flight carrier; they should be able to let you know if they can get you on an alternative flight or provide accommodation if needed.

If my flights are cancelled or delayed and I can't get home, what will happen? 

Flights are being rescheduled and the flight operators should do their best to try and make sure you are able to get home.

Our flights in to Bali have been delayed or cancelled; what if we cannot get to our hotel? Can we cancel? 

If your policy offers and optional additional extra has been purchased (and you have paid the additional premium) to cover delays, travel abandonment and missed departure in the event of volcanic ash cloud, then you will be covered, subject to the standard terms and conditions detailed in your policy wording.

I can't get home - I need to take medication, but I have run out as I only brought with me the correct amount for my trip. What can I do? 

The most important thing would be to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Costs for additional medication should be paid for and all receipts kept. Please note that there are excesses in the event of any claims and although there is no cover for additional medication, in some special circumstances claims will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Will I be covered if my flight is delayed? 

Any delays in your flights will be subject to your tour operator or flight carrier in getting you on the next available flight; you will only be covered for any flight delays if you meet the terms and conditions in your policy wording (usually 12 hour delay or more) and Volcanic Ash Cover is covered on your policy either as standard cover or you have purchased additional cover and paid the appropriate additional premium to add this cover on to your policy.

We have a package holiday, and the tour operators have rescheduled our holiday destination - am I still covered, or do I need to buy a new policy? 

Your travel insurance will still be valid if you are still travelling to the same geographical area and the duration is not more than 2 days longer - there will be no need to amend or change your travel insurance.

If you decide to travel for a longer period than on your travel insurance (and longer than two days) then you will need to notify your insurance provider and amend the travel dates accordingly - any additional premium will need to be paid.

Notes to editors 

Columbus Direct is a leading travel insurance specialist which was established in 1988 selling both online via http://www.columbusdirect.com and offline via call centre channels. We have a history of innovation in the industry, including being the first company to sell travel insurance direct to the consumer in the UK and also the first to fully sell a policy online. 

Customer satisfaction and value for money are the driving forces behind Columbus Direct and we pride ourselves on providing a quick, efficient and hassle-free service.

We have covered over 15 million holidaymakers since 1988 and our latest customer surveys show that over 95% of customers would recommend us to their friends and family.

Columbus has won multiple awards including Best Online Travel Insurance Provider in the Your Money awards 2014 and 2012, ITIJ Travel Insurance Intermediary of the year 2013, 2012 and 2010, 13 Which? Best Buy awards, The Best Customer Focus Award from the Best Business awards, and also the Best Travel Insurance Provider award from the Personal Finance Awards 2011 and 2012.

Columbus Direct is a specialist travel insurance intermediary which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.