As devastating wildfires hit southern Europe and Greek islands, holidaymakers urged to follow advice
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PEOPLE whose holidays have been impacted by the wildfires and heatwave sweeping southern Europe have been urged to follow advice issued by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) on how travel insurance can support them.
Many holiday resorts have had to be evacuated, particularly in the Greek islands, as wildfires cause devastation.
Two Greek aircrew were killed when their plane crashed while dropping water on the flames.
Moray MP Richard Lochhead said: “The extreme weather conditions being faced by many people in southern Europe are obviously a concern on many levels, not least in terms of climate change and the effects on the populations who live there.
“The extreme weather conditions being faced by many people in southern Europe are obviously a concern on many levels, not least in terms of climate change and the effects on the populations who live there."
People can get advice at www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/travel-guide/2023-european-heatwave/ which also includes advice on some common questions holidaymakers may have.
Added Mr Lochhead: “Above all, people should follow local health advice and stay safe.”
The key messages to holidaymakers are:
- Contact your tour operator or airline for advice and information.
- Always follow local health advice, such as dealing with heatwaves. Your travel insurance will apply in the usual way if you need emergency medical treatment due to extreme weather.
- If planning on travelling, always keep up to date with and follow the latest foreign travel advice on GOV.UK from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), especially as travelling against it is likely to invalidate your travel insurance.
- Check the scope of cover under their travel insurance policy. In some circumstances they may be covered for disruption caused by wildfires or extreme weather, or if they are injured or fall ill due to a wildfire, or heatwave.
Have you been impacted by the fires? Were you abroad and had to be flown home? Has your holiday been cancelled because of the situation? Phone our newdesk on 01343 548777, email grampianonline@hnmedia.co.uk or message us through our social media channels.
