It’s important to make sure you have the right travel insurance when you’re travelling. If you’re forced to evacuate, become unwell or need to cancel your trip, the right holiday cover could help towards the cost. Learn everything you need to know in our guide.

Does travel insurance cover me if I'm affected by a wildfire?

Evacuation

If you’re forced to evacuate the area or your accommodation, you should be covered if travel disruption is included in your policy. If so, you should be able to claim back additional travel and alternative accommodation costs associated with your evacuation.

Flights back to the UK

If your scheduled flight back to the UK is cancelled, you should get a full refund from the airline or tour operator. But if you choose to travel back earlier than planned, you won’t be able to claim on your travel insurance.

Emergency medical care

Most standard travel insurance policies cover for emergency medical care. If you’re injured or fall ill during your holiday, you should be able to claim back the costs of treatment.

If you’re very unwell and need to be transported back to the UK, you’ll be protected if your policy covers you for repatriation.

Loss, damage and theft of personal items

This is included in most standard policies, and could protect you if your cash, passport or other personal items are lost, damaged or stolen.

Baggage

If your baggage is destroyed during a fire, you should be able to claim the cost of the contents on your travel insurance. The same applies for irrecoverable items, such as passports.

If you’re forced to leave luggage at your hotel during an evacuation, you need to make sure you make hotel staff aware. They can send it to you, but your travel insurance won’t cover the cost.

Will I get a refund if my holiday to Europe is cancelled due to wildfires?

If your holiday is cancelled by your airline or tour operator, they should reschedule your trip or give you a full refund. You won’t need to claim on your travel insurance for this.

Can I cancel an upcoming trip?

If you decide not to go on your holiday, speak with your airline or tour operator to see if you can cancel your trip. If you can’t, you aren’t entitled to an automatic refund. You might be covered through your travel insurance if you have the right cancellation cover. If you’re unsure, contact your provider.

Will I be covered if I travel to a country where there’s wildfires?

You’ll only be covered if the place you’re travelling to was classed as safe at the time you booked your trip and insurance.

The best way to find this out is by visiting the FCDO website for up to date government travel advice.

How do I make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, contact your travel insurance provider directly. Make sure you have your policy number ready so they can find your details easily.

To help your claim get accepted, hold on to any information or receipts that could support your claim. This might include police reports, receipts for additional expenses or hospital reports.

Find out more about tips for making a successful travel insurance claim.