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Cyclone Winston

Issued: 22/02/2016

This advice applies to customers who are concerned about, or may be affected by the cyclone in Fiji and Tonga.

Background

Tropical Cyclone Winston has been gathering strength in the region of Tonga and Fiji for the last few days. It has made landfall in both Tonga and Fiji. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a travel advisory for Fiji.

There is high risk to your safety in Fiji and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel due to the effects of Tropical Cyclone Winston The Fiji Government has declared a 30 day state of natural disaster. New Zealanders in Fiji are advised to follow the advice of the local authorities at all times and we recommend monitoring local media to stay informed of developments. You should also keep your family in New Zealand informed of your safety and well-being. Communications infrastructure in worst hit areas has been damaged by the cyclone and it could take some time to restore, although the cellphone network in major centres (Suva, Nadi and Labasa) is functioning.

Your policy provides a number of benefits, conditions, limits and exclusions that may be relevant to Your travel plans. You should read the Policy Wording which outlines the extent of Your travel insurance cover. Some words used in this document have a special meaning as defined in the Policy Wording.

For all policies issued before 19th February 2016

  • If Your policy contains Amendment or Cancellation cover, there is cover (up to the nominated policy limits) for Your reasonable Amendment or Cancellation costs (whichever is lesser) if Your existing travel plans are affected by this event.
  • If You have already departed on the Journey, there is cover available for reasonable Additional hotel accommodation and transport expenses You incur as a result of cyclone Winston.
  • There is no cover for Amendment or Cancellation costs or Additional transport or hotel accommodation costs if Your existing travel plans are not directly affected by the cyclone.
  • There is no cover available for any portions of Your Journey that have been utilised.

Claims can be submitted through our online claims portal: https://claims.covermore.co.nz/.

Remember, You must take all reasonable steps to mitigate Your out of pocket expenses. We encourage You to speak with Your travel agent or transport provider as soon as possible to minimise Your out of pocket expenses.

Policy cover for policies issued on or after 19th February 2016

Travel insurance provides cover for unforeseen events only.

  • There is no cover for amendment or cancellation costs for policies issued on or after 19th February 2016 as the cyclone is no longer deemed an unforeseen event.
  • If You decide to change Your travel plans, we encourage You to speak with Your travel agent or Transport Provider as soon as possible to minimise Your out of pocket expenses.

Important general advice

This information must be read in conjunction with the Policy Wording as certain terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. These terms, conditions, limits and exclusions are detailed in the Policy Wording and in particular we draw Your attention to ‘The Benefits’ and ‘General Exclusions’ sections of the Policy Wording.

Contact us

If You are overseas and require travel or medical assistance, please contact our 24 hour Emergency Assistance team on +61 (2) 8907 5240. If You have any further enquiries please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 500 225 between 8.30am and 17.30pm Monday to Friday and between 10am and 14.00pm Saturday.