CROYDON, England, November 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

News that 2011 is proving a record year for natural disasters underlines the benefits to travellers of taking out natural disaster cover, according to travel insurance expert Direct Travel Insurance.

Holidaymakers and business travellers can be protected against travel disruption caused by volcanic eruption, flood, tsunami, earthquake, landslide, hurricane, tornado or wildfire.

Whether they are tourists planning a city break in Europe, backpackers heading around the world or families going on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip to an exotic location, booking natural disaster insurance means they are prepared for the unexpected.

Natural disasters can hit anywhere and anytime, with the first six months of 2011 seeing an unprecedented series of calamities in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the U.S., including earthquakes, a tsunami, floods and tornadoes. So if you are travelling, it's important to get comprehensive backpacker travel insurance.

Lloyd's of London recently reported that the catastrophes had led to the costliest half-year period in its 323-year history as an insurance market, while a 2010 study by risk experts FM Global found the number of natural catastrophes and manmade disasters has nearly tripled since the early 1980s.

Yet taking out natural disaster cover is simple, according to Direct Travel Insurance. Travellers are covered against flight cancellations, extra hotel and food bills if they are stranded overseas and even unforeseen UK expenses such as additional parking charges and kennel fees.

Among the benefits are:

• Up to £6,000 for trip cancellation and
• Up to £2,000 if travellers are stranded abroad

Natural Disaster Cover is available to add to Single Trip travel insurance, Annual Multi-trip travel insurance, and Backpacker cover, and can be purchased online at http://www.direct-travel.co.uk/travel-insurance/natural-disaster-cover or by calling 0845-605-2700.

Direct Travel Insurance introduced its Natural Disaster Cover to help travellers after the confusion caused by last year's volcanic ash crisis. Amid widespread travel havoc, many were surprised to discover they were not covered by their normal policies.

Customers who take out Natural Disaster Cover can rest assured that if their travel plans are disrupted at least they have the peace of mind that they are protected should they need to cancel their trip or are stranded.

Notes for Editors

Established in late 1992 and trading since 1993, Direct Travel Insurance specialises in travel insurance for individual travellers, couples and families up to the age of 75. Direct Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options and added benefits including cover for over 100 sports and activities enabling customers to tailor their policies for single trip, annual multi trip, backpacking and winter sports.

All travel insurance policies are underwritten by Chartis Insurance UK Limited. Direct Travel Insurance is a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 312350). Chartis Insurance UK Limited is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 202628).

This information can be checked by visiting the FSA website.

References:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/sep/21/lloyds-london-record-claims-natural-disasters?newsfeed=true

http://www.fmglobal.com/assets/pdf/P10168.pdf

Direct Travel Insurance which specialises in travel insurance for individual travellers, couples and families up to the age of 75 commenced trading in 1993 and became part of the Chartis group in 2007.  Direct Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options and added benefits including cover for over 100 sports and activities enabling customers to tailor their policies for single trip, annual multi trip, backpacking and winter sports.

All travel insurance policies are underwritten by Chartis Insurance UK Limited. Direct Travel Insurance is a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 312350). Chartis Insurance UK Limited is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 202628).

This information can be checked by visiting the FSA website

Contact:

Katie Elfer
Email: Katie.elfer@chartisinsurance.com
Phone number: +44(0)20-8774-5644

Address: Chartis Direct
96 George Street
Croydon
Surrey
CR9 1BU

SOURCE Direct Travel Insurance