Following the news over the weekend of wildfires and the continued heatwave across southern Europe, the Association of British Insurers has published advice on how Travel Insurance can support you if you have been impacted by these events.
The information can be found here which also includes advice on some common questions travellers may have. The ABI urge travellers that are affected by the wildfires to:
- Contact their 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.
Heatwave and wildfires in Europe
Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece and there are a number of active wildfires. If you are a British national affected by wildfires, please follow the guidance from the emergency services. Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.
The Greek government has established a Crisis Management Unit to respond to the situation in Rhodes. They can be contacted on:
- +30 210 368 1730
- +30 210 368 1259
- +30 210 368 1350
In the first instance, contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK.
If you are planning to travel to any areas affected by wildfires, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit.
For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +44 20 7008 5000.
Read our guidance on extreme weather and wildfires in Greece and NHS advice on coping in hot weather.
You can register on the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service to get emergency alerts.