Chartis Insurance Travelers Well Protected

April 28 - Policyholders who purchased travel insurance prior to the volcanic ice crisis that gripped Europe from April 13, were pleased to find that Chartis Insurance automatically extended their cover until they were able to fly home.

Chartis said that because of the exceptional disruptions that saw international airports shut down and millions of travelers stranded, the group felt that it was the right thing to do to extend the cover at no extra cost.

"Usually, policyholders have to pay for an extension should their trip be delayed," said the regional travel manager for Chartis' travel arm, Travel Guard.

Thamsanqa Ndebele added: "But considering that circumstances are beyond anyone's control, we felt it was the right thing to do to allow for an extension of travel cover."

Ndebele said that it was hoped that the gesture helped clients get through a stressful situation.

While the ash crisis has since passed, Chartis Insurance policyholders were told at the time that they were entitled to some redress.

"We will either provide an automatic extension on the traveler's policy, should they already be on their insured journey, or a change of travel dates if they are yet to travel," said Travel Guard at the time.

"If they have cancelled their trip altogether, and have not commenced their journey, they will be entitled to cancel their policy and a full refund of their premium," said Ndebele.

Other areas covered included reimbursement according to policy limits for hotel accommodation, meals and refreshment.