Mcculloch Advises Contacting Insurers Regardless, As Policies Vary, and Notes That Insurance Must Be Purchased Before a Known Event Occurs

As Europe faces its most severe wildfire season on record, with nearly 435,000 hectares burned in the EU by the end of July, travelers are discovering the limits of their insurance coverage when they choose to cancel trips due to fire concerns. While residents and tourists in France, Spain, and Greece have been evacuated, the UK Foreign Office has not issued "do not travel" warnings for these areas, leaving many holidaymakers without recourse for refunds. Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at Staysure, explains that coverage depends on booking type: package holidays are protected by Atol or Abta, but self-booked trips rely on travel insurance, which typically covers medical care, baggage, and cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances—not a "change of mind.

If the FCDO declares a destination unsafe, package holidays are usually refunded or rearranged, but without such warnings, travelers have limited options. McCulloch advises contacting insurers regardless, as policies vary, and notes that insurance must be purchased before a known event occurs. He suggests considering a travel disruption extension for future coverage, as the industry adapts to increasing natural disaster risks."