Wildfires have resulted in extensive damage in France and Spain this week. Over 300,000 individuals have been evacuated from regions in the south-west of France like Gironde and Landes, as well as areas near Madrid and Ávila in Spain.
For those with summer holiday plans, it is advisable not to cancel trips preemptively. Rhys Jones, a travel insurance expert at Go.Compare, advises against self-cancellation as it could lead to financial losses without guarantees of reimbursement.
It is recommended to monitor official guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for any travel warnings. If travel is discouraged, holiday providers or insurers may offer assistance based on booking terms and policy coverage.
Travelers are urged to heed local authorities’ advice and communicate with accommodation and travel providers before embarking on their journeys. Refunds are typically available for package holidays if the FCDO advises against travel, but independently booked flights and hotels may not guarantee refunds unless there are specific cancellation or catastrophe cover provisions in the travel insurance.
In the event of wildfire warnings during a holiday, prioritize personal safety by following directives from local authorities, emergency services, accommodations, and travel providers. Contact the travel insurer’s emergency assistance line for support and retain receipts for any additional expenses incurred due to disruptions.
It is essential to keep documentation of evacuation notices, updates from authorities, flight disruptions, and communications with hotels or airlines for any potential claims.