Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts; are you insured?

nib Travel, part of the nib health insurance group, is urging travellers to check their insurance cover following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Indonesia’s Flores Island, east of Bali. The Indonesian government has declared an exclusion zone around the volcano after the overnight eruption, with several flights grounded and others delayed due to ash cloud disruptions.

“Volcanic activity like this can bring air travel to a standstill with little notice, leaving people stranded for days,” said Dylan Wilkinson, Head of APAC & nib Travel Marketing at nib Travel.

“It’s a timely reminder that travel insurance is important: you may be covered for unexpected delays, cancellations, or additional accommodation expenses. Most insurers offer some level of cover for additional accommodation or transport if you’re unable to return home as planned.”

nib Travel policies purchased before the event occurred on Tuesday 18 June may provide cover for disruptions linked to the volcanic eruption.

“While many travel insurance policies include a 48-hour extension when flights are delayed, we know the impacts of volcanic eruptions can last longer,” Mr Wilkinson said. “It’s important that travellers understand what their policy covers, their entitlements, and get in touch with their insurer as soon as possible.”

Travellers who have upcoming bookings for flights that have not yet departed, your first point of contact should be your airline, cruise company or travel agent to understand your options", he said.

Mr Wilkinson encouraged all travellers, regardless of their insurer, to follow three key steps:

• Check your policy: – review your insurer’s travel alerts and PDS to see what’s covered and whether any extensions apply

• Keep receipts: if you incur extra costs due to delays, like accommodation or meals, hold on to receipts to support your claim

• Lodge your claim online: most insurers, including nib Travel, offer online claims portals for faster processing.

“We urge travellers not to wait,” Mr Wilkinson said. “Check your policy, understand your entitlements, and if you need help, get in touch with your travel insurer as soon as possible.”

For nib Travel customers, claims can be submitted online at: www.nibtravelinsurance.com.au/claims, opens in a new tab.