Devastating wildfires in France and Spain could disrupt travel plans for UK holidaymakers. While the government has not issued an official warning against travel, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) recommends closely monitoring local advice and carefully reviewing travel policy terms and conditions.
For those currently in an affected region and forced to evacuate, it is important to follow the advice of emergency services and local health authorities. The ABI urges visitors to review their travel insurance terms once safe, as some policies may cover trip disruption or natural disasters like wildfires, though this is often an add-on.
Travellers considering cancelling a trip should be aware that insurance typically does not pay out for cancellation based on 'nerves alone' or 'disinclination to travel'. Insurers usually only cover cancellation if a traveller or companion falls seriously ill, or in the event of a bereavement. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises those planning to travel to wildfire-affected areas to check with their travel operator, rather than formally advising against travel.
Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, suggests that holidaymakers wait closer to their departure date to see if their holiday can proceed or what flexible booking options are offered by their tour operator or airline. Travel companies are expected to prioritise those due to depart in the next few days.
If an airline cancels a flight, a full refund or rebooking option should be offered. Package holiday travellers are protected by Package Travel Regulations, which require operators to rescue and repatriate stranded individuals. However, these protections do not extend to independently booked travel.