Sainsbury decides Tsunami is not 'act of god'
Sainsbury promises to consider all payouts on Tsunami travel insurance
Friday, 31 Dec 2004 14:25
Some tourists caught up in the tsunami disaster in South East Asia may be able to make claims on their travel insurance, it was revealed today.
Sainsbury's Bank Travel Insurance has announced it will look at all claims on a 'case by case' basis, but would not automatically dismiss claims resulting from the tsunami.
Michael Liddell, travel insurance manager, Sainsbury's Bank said: 'Although some travel insurance companies will not provide cover to victims of the tsunami because the disaster was an 'Act of God', we have taken the decision to look at claims on a case by case basis.'
The announcement is good news for those affected as the chief executive of the International Underwriting Association, Marie-Louise Rossi, confirmed that is was 'unlikely' that much of the financial loss caused by the disaster would be covered by insurance.
Sainsbury's Bank has confirmed that it will cover the medical expenses of those injured or suffering illness in the affected areas, as well as the repatriation costs of stranded travellers.
Although holiday companies are expected to cover the cost of refunds for those people who have had to cancel or postpone their holidays, Sainsbury's Bank has promised to step in if the holiday companies refuse to pay out, dependent on Foreign Office travel advice.
The Foreign Office is currently advising against all travel to the areas immediately affected by the devastation in Sri Lanka and Thailand, including popular coastal destinations such as Phuket, which was particularly badly affected.
Anyone concerned about relatives or friends who may have been caught up in the disaster can call the Foreign Office's dedicated emergency helpline on 020 7008 0000. The Foreign Office has urged those seeking travel advice not to call this number, but to call 0870 6060290 or visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel
.