Algeria Wildfires: Am I Covered by Travel Insurance?
Algeria has introduced harsh new penalties following devastating summer wildfires that claimed more than 200 lives. For Australians planning to travel to the region, understanding how travel insurance handles natural disasters like wildfires is crucial for protecting your trip.
Travel insurance typically covers cancellation and medical costs if you bought your policy before the wildfires became a known event, subject to government travel warnings.
What Happened
Algeria has implemented the death penalty for arsonists after a series of catastrophic wildfires tore through the country's north-eastern region over the summer. The blazes resulted in more than 200 deaths, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and significant disruption to local travel and transport links.
How Travel Insurance Can Help
If you have already purchased travel insurance and your pre-booked travel is directly affected by active wildfires in Algeria, you may be covered for cancellation or amendment fees. However, because Smartraveller has active travel warnings for parts of Algeria, you must check if your specific destination is under a Reconsider your need to travel or Do not travel advisory, as this heavily impacts your cover.
Common Questions
Yes, if your policy was purchased before the fires started and a government authority advises against travel to your destination due to active fires.
Most Australian travel insurers will not cover any claims, including medical or cancellation, if you travel to a region rated Do Not Travel by Smartraveller.
If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition, you must have declared it to your insurer beforehand to be covered for smoke-related medical emergencies.