Home / Morocco Earthquake

Important Information Regarding: Morocco Earthquake – September 2023

Issued: 14 September 2023

Background

On Friday 8 September 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco killing at least 2,500; critically injuring over 1,400; and leaving at least 300,000 without shelter after causing catastrophic damage. The epicentre is reported to have been in a remote, mountainous region south-west of Marrakesh with the damage reaching the city of Marrakesh itself..

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24 hour emergency assistance team immediately on +61 2 8907 5240. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services.

Policy Wording:

For policies/trips for travel to Morocco with the Relevant Time prior to 9 September 2023:

Subject to the benefits, terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions contained in your Policy Wording and our assessment of your claim, there may be provision to claim for the following expenses if you or your travel plans are directly affected:

  • Medical Expenses
    If you have been injured during this event where you require immediate medical attention

  • Additional Expenses
    If you are already on your trip:
    • Additional accommodation and transportation expenses; if your travel is delayed for the required timeframes; up to the nominated limits as outlined in the Policy Wording
    • There is no cover if your existing travel plans are not directly affected
    • There is no cover available for any portions of your Journey that have been utilised
  • Amendment or Cancellation Costs
    If you have this cover on your policy:
    • The non-refundable portion of pre-paid, unused travel arrangements
    • Amendments made prior to departing on the Journey if the cost to rearrange does not exceed the amount it would have cost to cancel the trip outright

To submit your claim, please remember:

  • To keep all itemised receipts for additional purchases or costs incurred
  • Obtain a letter from the travel provider confirming the length and reason for delay
  • The easiest way to lodge a claim is online via: https://claims.covermore.co.nz/default

Costs that are not covered by your policy

  • Costs that are incurred where your travel is not directly affected
  • Where alternate travel is at a higher fare class than originally booked
  • Travel arrangements that have already been used
  • Costs excluded or above the limits outlined in your Policy Wording

For policies/trips with a Relevant Time after 9 September 2023

There is no cover for claims arising from this event under your policy as this is no longer deemed an unforeseeable 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 points regarding cover

  • Your insurance policy does not cover you for events that had already occurred at the relevant time of your policy/trip
  • Your insurance policy does not cover you for events that you knew were going to impact your travel at the relevant time of your policy/trip

Free Extension of Insurance

If the relevant time of your current trip pre-dates this travel advice and your travel is disrupted due to this event, impacting your ability to return home on your policy end date, your policy will freely extend until you are physically able to return home as soon as it becomes possible.

To submit your claim, please remember:

  • To keep all itemised receipts for additional purchases or costs incurred
  • Obtain a letter from the travel provider confirming the length and reason for delay
  • The easiest way to lodge a claim is online via: https://claims.covermore.co.nz/default

For policies/trips with the Relevant Time on or after 9 September 2023 for travel to Morocco.

There is no cover for policies issued after this date as it would no longer deemed an unforeseeable event.

Important general advice

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

Contact us

If you are travelling and require travel or medical assistance, please contact our 24 hour emergency assistance team on +61 2 8907 5240.

For any general enquiries regarding the event please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 500 225 between 8:30am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday and between 10am and 2pm Saturday.