If you're looking to buy a policy today, you probably won't be able to get travel insurance to cover the Bali volcano. This is because travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen issues, and the Mt Agung eruption is a known event. While you may not be covered for events related to Mt Agung, travel insurance can still cover you for unexpected medical expenses, prepaid expenses and lost luggage.
To help you find out if you're covered, we've put together a handy table outlining what date and time insurers stopped providing cover for Mount Agung as well as other volcano-related issues including the Bali ash cloud.
Policies issued prior to 08:30 on 31 December 2018 AEST and trips booked under Annual Multi Trip policies prior to 08:30 on 31 December 2018 AEST.
Policies issued on or after 12:01PM on 22 November 2017 or trips booked under an Annual Multi Trip policy on or after 12:01PM AEST on 22 November 2017.
Policies issued between 7:30pm (AEST) on 6th June 2018, and 8:00pm (AEST) on 8th June 2018
Policies issued between 8:20pm (AEST) on 20th September 2017 and 7:30pm (AEST) on 31st October 2017, or between 7:30am (AEST) on 22nd November 2017 and 7:30pm (AEST) on 6th June 2018
Policies issued between 7:30pm (AEST) on 6th June 2018, and 8:00pm (AEST) on 8th June 2018
Policies issued between 8:20pm (AEST) on 20th September 2017 and 7:30pm (AEST) on 31st October 2017, between 7:30am (AEST) on 22nd November 2017 and 7:30pm (AEST) on 6th June 2018, or after 8pm (AEST) on 8th June 2018.
Travel Insurance Direct
Policies issued before 8:05pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 21 November 2017.
Policies issued after 8:05pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 21 November 2017.
Policies issued after 12pm on Wednesday 22 November 2017.
Mt Rinjani October, 2016 Ash Cloud Update
Cover restrictions relating to travel disruptions caused by the Bali ash cloud have begun to be lifted. Please see the table below for more information*.
Underwriter
Covered
Brands
QBE
Covered from 9am 4 October, 2016. QBE have lifted its embargo on claims associated with the Mount Rinjani eruption and ash cloud in Bali and no longer consider it an active event.If you purchased your policy after 9am 4 October, 2016, there is no longer any embargo on claims arising from this event.
Covered from 6 October, 2016. As of 6 October 2016, the Mt Rinjani Volcanic Ash Cloud is no longer considered an active threat as eruptions have now ceased.This means that any future eruptions will be considered a new event and cover will be available.
Covered from 9:30am (AEST) Friday 7 October, 2016. Mt Rinjani erupted this year on 28 September 2016 and caused significant delays for travellers. As this eruption has ceased, this event is now deemed to have concluded as of 9:30am (AEST) Friday 7 October, 2016. Any new eruptions and ash cloud from Mount Rinjani will be considered a new event.
Boomers, Fast Cover, Online Travel Insurance, OverSixty, STA, Virgin, Webjet and Worldcare.
Disclaimer: The conditions listed here were sourced from various locations and may not have come directly from the insurance brand or its underwriter. Not all brands have updated their sites yet. For the brands where we were unable to find a release from its underwriter but were able to find mention of the embargo on another brands site with the same underwriter, we worked on the assumption that this would be true across all brands with that underwriter.
Mt Rinjani September, 2016 Ash Cloud Update
Some flights leaving to and from Bali have been affected by another eruption from the Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok. Below are updates from some Australian travel insurance brands in relation to when you will and won't have cover for travel disruptions caused by the Bali ash cloud.
Brand
Covered
Not covered
Before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into your policy before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016 you will be covered up to the policy limits.
After 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.You will be covered up to the limits of your policy for cancellation, travel delays, etc, if you purchased the policy before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.If you entered into a policy after 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016, you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 6pm (AEST) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into your policy before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016 you will be covered up to the policy limits.
After 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy for cancellation, travel delays, etc, if you purchased the policy before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016, you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into your policy before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016 you will be covered up to the policy limits.
After 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy for cancellation, travel delays, etc, if you purchased the policy before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016, you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into your policy before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016 you will be covered up to the policy limits.
After 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy for cancellation, travel delays, etc, if you purchased the policy before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016, you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 11am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy if you purchased the policy before 11am Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 11am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. Any policies purchased after 11:00am AEST on Wednesday 28th September, 2016 will not be covered under Natural Disaster for the Ash Cloud in Mt Rinjani, as this is a foreseen event.
While not every travel insurance brand has updated their site in relation to the ash cloud, below are the conditions from the major underwriters in Australia for the brands in the finder.com.au panel.
Before 6pm (AEST) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into your policy before 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016 you will be covered up to the policy limits.
After 6pm (AEST) Tuesday 27 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 6pm (AEDT) Tuesday 27th September 2016you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy for cancellation, travel delays, etc, if you purchased the policy before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016, you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy if you purchased the policy before Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
On or after 28 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy on or after Wednesday 28 September, 2016, you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy for cancellation, travel delays, etc, if you purchased the policy before 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. If you entered into a policy after 7am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016, you will not have cover as the eruption was a known event.
Before 10:30am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy if you purchased the policy before 10.30am Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 10:30am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. If you purchased your policy after 10.30am Wednesday 28 September, 2016, there is no cover for any claims arising from this event.
Before 11am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. You will be covered up to the limits of your policy if you purchased the policy before 11am Wednesday 28 September, 2016.
After 11am (AEST) Wednesday 28 September, 2016. Any policies purchased after 11:00am AEST on Wednesday 28th September, 2016 will not be covered under Natural Disaster for the Ash Cloud in Mt Rinjani, as this is a foreseen event.
Woolworths
Claims information for those who already have policies: Before and after the Mount Rinjani ash cloud
I bought my policy before the cut off date, now what?
Well, that depends on whether or not you're already overseas. Fast Cover had these helpful tips:
If you haven't departed:
If your trip is going to be impacted by the ash cloud and you already have cover, speak with your insurer to see if your covered for cancellation
For those without cover, while most policies won’t cover you for cancellations relating to the current ash cloud, travel insurance can still provide cover for unexpected medical expenses, your luggage and other benefits
If you’re already in Bali:
Speak with your airline and see if they will arrange accommodation until such time that flights resume
If your airline is unable to arrange your accommodation, speak with your travel insurer
Speak with your insurer prior to going out of pocket for any accommodation or additional travel expenses
Get any and all documentation from your airline relating to the cancellation
Keep receipts and invoices
Fast Cover CEO, Dean Van Es, said that any expenses you incur while delayed must be reasonable if you expect your insurer to pay:
Be aware that travel insurance brands aren’t going to entirely cover your accommodation costs if you decide to spend your extra days in five star accommodation, when you spent the majority of your holiday in a two star motel.
Ash cloud Q&A with Dean Van Es
Following the events of the Mt Rinjani ash cloud, we asked Fast Cover CEO, Dean Van Es, if he had any advice for travellers:
Q. What should travellers do if they are caught out by a natural disaster overseas?
A.First and foremost, get safe, follow the directions of local authorities and advice in the mass media. Once you’re safe get in contact with our emergency assistance hotline and we’ll help with next steps.
Q. What advice can you give for travellers that have a trip booked for Bali in the coming months? Is it still worth getting travel insurance?
A.Get your travel insurance early. We find many travellers will book their flights and accommodation several weeks or months out but wait till the last minute to buy their travel insurance. The recent Bali ash clouds in Bali are a great example, anyone who’d taken out travel insurance before the ash cloud would – depending on the policy purchased – have cover for claims caused by the ash cloud. Once an event has happened it can’t be covered by travel insurance.
Q. Is there any reimbursement available from airlines?
A.Many airlines are offering reimbursement, travel vouchers and alternative flights. It varies depending on the airline but definitely check with them.
Q. Under what circumstances will cover for cancellation be available once more for trips to Bali?
A.Once the ash cloud has stopped it will be declared over and Cancellation cover for Bali will be resumed. This will be decided based on information provided by the scientists monitoring the volcano.
Q. What advice can you give to travellers that are eligible to make a claim for cancellation?
A.How can they best prepare for their claim? If they’ve incurred costs make sure they have all the their receipts. Once we receive all receipts paying claims happens very quickly.
Q. Would someone who has taken out an Annual policy before it became a known event still be covered for trip cancellation?
A.Yes.
Q. Would any cover be provided if your travel companion was meeting you from a different location and was unable to travel due to the Ash Cloud?
A.Generally no, travel insurance only covers the person named on the policy.
Q. What types of expenses can cancellation insurance generally cover?
A.Accommodation, flights, tours and activities.
Q. What advice can you give to travellers that are going away and need to book travel insurance?
A.Buy your insurance as soon as you have paid for any part of your trip, this will protect you from future events like the Bali ash cloud.
Q. When is the ideal time to buy cover?
A.As you have paid for any part of your trip.
Q. What are the benefits of paying extra for a comprehensive policy? How much difference is there really?
A.It depends on which policy you’re talking about as there is a lot of variance. Generally Comprehensive policies have higher limits and provide more benefits. At minimum good comprehensive policy should have unlimited medical, unlimited cancellation, luggage cover, alternative transport cover, travel delays cover plus personal liability cover.
If you're currently in Bali or are planning on heading to Bali but are unsure of whether or not your flights have been affected, you should contact your airline. Affected travellers should contact their airline for more information on flight schedules. See below for contact details of main airlines with routes to Bali:
Air Asia: +62 21 2927 0999 (Jakarta) or +62 804 1333 333 (Bali)
Air New Zealand: +64 9-357 3000 (New Zealand) 13 24 76 (Australia)
China Eastern: +61 2 9290 1148 (Australia)
China Southern: 0011 86 400 869 5539 (Overseas hotline)
Richard Laycock is Finder’s insights editor after spending the last five years writing and editing articles about insurance. His musings can be found across the web including on MoneyMag, Yahoo Finance and Travel Weekly. Richard studied Media at Macquarie University and The Missouri School of Journalism and has a Tier 1 Certification in General Advice for Life Insurance.
Currently, no brand in our panel (above) offers cover for the ash cloud. We will continue to update this page when new providers issue statements regarding the ash cloud.
Alternatively, you can still get travel insurance for Bali even if you’re not covered for the volcano. Depending on the policy you choose, you’ll still be covered for things like medical expenses, cancellation costs not related to the ash cloud, lost luggage, cover for leisure activities and more.
To compare quotes and policies for travel insurance for Bali, please fill out the quote engine above with your travel details and click the Get Quote Now button. Policies and prices from Australian brands will show for you to compare. Click the More Info button or tab for a full list of what the policy will cover. Click the Go to Site button of your preferred insurer.
Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement PDS/T&C’s of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
We are planning a trip to Bali in December 2018/ January 2019, if we purchase our insurance at time of booking and the volcanoes aren’t active again until just before we go would we be covered for cancellations
You will be covered for cancellations if your policy has a natural disaster benefit and you took out cover after the insurer has lifted it’s ban on Bali ash cloud and before any other natural disaster occurred, if ever. It’s important to check with the brand specifically if they have issued an embargo related to volcanic eruptions before your purchase your policy.
As the alert is back on for a possible Bali ash cloud, travel insurers are limiting providing cover.
You’re on the right page to check for the latest update on Travel Insurers who have limited their cover as last verified on 11/27/2017.
Also, you may check out options here for Bali Travel Insurance and it would be best to contact the providers directly to clarify the details on what they can and cannot cover.
I’m traveling to Bali in late Nov 2017. Currently Mount Agung is threatening to erupt. If I were to purchase insurance cover now knowing that it won’t cover an eruption, what would happen to my policy if the travel advisories change in a positive way and say that full cover has been reinstated. Would my pre-purchased cover reflect this in a way that I would be covered for future volcanic events? I don’t know if it’s worthy purchasing the cover now or waiting a day before I leave.. whether it makes any difference. I usually use covermore.
In general, once you’ve taken out a policy, the terms and conditions of your cover should be laid out. As these terms differ between insurers, you may need to confirm this specific situation directly with your insurer before taking out the policy.
Please ensure to read the details of the option before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
Thanks for your question. Yes, Travel Insurance Direct do offer cover. Any disruptions future disruptions would be treated as a new event provided your policy allows you to claim for this benefit and you purchased your policy before any future event became known.
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1Cover
InsureandGo
Travel Insurance Direct
Following the events of the Mt Rinjani ash cloud, we asked Fast Cover CEO, Dean Van Es, if he had any advice for travellers:
Is there any travel insurance companies covering the ash could in Bali for February 2019?
Hello Yularne,
Thank you for your comment.
Currently, no brand in our panel (above) offers cover for the ash cloud. We will continue to update this page when new providers issue statements regarding the ash cloud.
Alternatively, you can still get travel insurance for Bali even if you’re not covered for the volcano. Depending on the policy you choose, you’ll still be covered for things like medical expenses, cancellation costs not related to the ash cloud, lost luggage, cover for leisure activities and more.
To compare quotes and policies for travel insurance for Bali, please fill out the quote engine above with your travel details and click the Get Quote Now button. Policies and prices from Australian brands will show for you to compare. Click the More Info button or tab for a full list of what the policy will cover. Click the Go to Site button of your preferred insurer.
Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement PDS/T&C’s of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
We are planning a trip to Bali in December 2018/ January 2019, if we purchase our insurance at time of booking and the volcanoes aren’t active again until just before we go would we be covered for cancellations
Hi Julie,
Thanks for visiting finder.
You will be covered for cancellations if your policy has a natural disaster benefit and you took out cover after the insurer has lifted it’s ban on Bali ash cloud and before any other natural disaster occurred, if ever. It’s important to check with the brand specifically if they have issued an embargo related to volcanic eruptions before your purchase your policy.
Cheers,
Liezl
We are heading to Bali for 6 weeks from 12th DEC. Already booked everything….except insurance! Does anyone still cover?
Hi Candy,
Thank you for your inquiry.
As the alert is back on for a possible Bali ash cloud, travel insurers are limiting providing cover.
You’re on the right page to check for the latest update on Travel Insurers who have limited their cover as last verified on 11/27/2017.
Also, you may check out options here for Bali Travel Insurance and it would be best to contact the providers directly to clarify the details on what they can and cannot cover.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria
I’m traveling to Bali in late Nov 2017. Currently Mount Agung is threatening to erupt. If I were to purchase insurance cover now knowing that it won’t cover an eruption, what would happen to my policy if the travel advisories change in a positive way and say that full cover has been reinstated. Would my pre-purchased cover reflect this in a way that I would be covered for future volcanic events? I don’t know if it’s worthy purchasing the cover now or waiting a day before I leave.. whether it makes any difference. I usually use covermore.
Hi Peter,
In general, once you’ve taken out a policy, the terms and conditions of your cover should be laid out. As these terms differ between insurers, you may need to confirm this specific situation directly with your insurer before taking out the policy.
Please ensure to read the details of the option before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
Best,
Maria
Hi.. im going to bali may 2016 can you please tell me if travel insurance direct is now covering the bali ask cloud? Thanks
Hi Laura,
Thanks for your question. Yes, Travel Insurance Direct do offer cover. Any disruptions future disruptions would be treated as a new event provided your policy allows you to claim for this benefit and you purchased your policy before any future event became known.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard