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Global events (like the current Vanuatu earthquake) and government advice might affect your upcoming trip and travel insurance cover. Read the big print arrow_forward
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      Home / Travel alerts / Vanuatu Earthquake

      Important Information Regarding: Vanuatu Earthquake – December 2024

      Issued: 18th December 2024

      Background

      At 12:47pm (local time) on 17th December 2024, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck just off Vanuatu. A second earthquake is reported to have hit early in the morning of Wednesday 18th.

      Media reports at least 14 deaths from this event with Port Villa hospital being inundated with patients.

      Significant damage to buildings is being reported with electricity; phone lines; and internet also being impacted.

      Some airlines have reportedly already started issuing refunds for impacted flights.

      If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24 hour emergency assistance team immediately on +61 2 8907 5619. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services.

      Policy coverage:

      For policies/trips with a Relevant Time before 1pm 17th December 2024

      Subject to the benefits, terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions contained in your Product Disclosure Statement (the “PDS”) and our assessment of your claim, there may be provision to claim for the following expenses if you or your travel plans are directly affected:

      • Medical Expenses
        If you have been injured during this event where you require immediate medical attention
      • Additional Expenses
        If you are already on your trip:
        o Additional accommodation (room rate only) and transportation expenses; if your travel is delayed for the required timeframes; up to the nominated limits as outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement
        o There is no cover if your existing travel plans are not directly affected
      • Amendment or Cancellation Costs
        If you have this cover on your policy:
        o The non-refundable portion of pre-paid, unused travel arrangements
        o Amendments made prior to departing on the Journey if the cost to rearrange does not exceed the amount it would have cost to cancel the trip outright
        o There is no cover available for any portions of your Journey that have been utilised

      To submit your claim, please remember:

      • To keep all itemised receipts for additional purchases or costs incurred
      • Obtain a letter from the travel provider confirming the length and reason for delay
      • The easiest way to lodge a claim is online via: https://claims.covermore.com.au/

      Costs that are not covered by your policy

      • Costs that are incurred where your travel is not directly affected
      • Where alternate travel is at a higher fare class than originally booked
      • Travel arrangements that have already been used
      • Costs excluded or above the limits outlined in your PDS

      For policies/trips with a Relevant Time after 1pm 17th December 2024

      There is no cover for claims arising from this event under your policy as this is no longer deemed an unforeseeable event.

      If you decide to change your travel plans, we encourage you to speak with your travel agent or transport provider as soon as possible to minimise your out of pocket expenses.

      Important points regarding cover

      • Your insurance policy does not cover you for events that had already occurred at the relevant time of your policy/trip
      • Your insurance policy does not cover you for events that you knew were going to impact your travel at the relevant time of your policy/trip

      Free Extension of Insurance

      If the relevant time of your current trip pre-dates this travel advice and your travel is disrupted due to this event, impacting your ability to return home on your policy end date, your policy will freely extend until you are physically able to return home as soon as it becomes possible.

      Important general advice

      This information must be read in conjunction with the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) as certain terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. These are detailed in the PDS and in particular we draw your attention to ‘The Benefits’, ‘Policy Conditions’ and ‘General Exclusions’ sections of the PDS.

      Contact us

      If you are travelling and require travel or medical assistance, please contact our 24 hour emergency assistance team on +61 2 8907 5619.

      For any general enquiries regarding the event please contact our Customer Service team on 1300 72 88 22 between 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday and 10am to 3pm Sunday.