Warning for Australian tourists in Japan, Hawaii amid tsunami threat

News.com.au

6 days ago

Australian tourists in beloved overseas destinations, including Japan and Hawaii, have been warned as widespread tsunami alerts are issued.
It comes after the world's biggest earthquake in 14 years, a massive magnitude 8.8 shock, struck east-southeast of Kamchatska, off the coast of Russia, about 9.24pm (AEST).
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has also added Australia to its advisory, reporting that waves reaching 0.3 to one metre are possible along the coast. However, the Bureau of Meteorology says there is no tsunami threat to the country.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, through its Smartraveller advice website, has warned Aussies of a 'Pacific wide tsunami warning' extending to Japan, Hawaii, parts of the west coast of North and South America, Alaska, parts of South East Asia, Guam and all Pacific islands.
'If you're in the affected area, move to higher ground immediately. If there's an official evacuation warning, immediately follow the advice of local authorities,' it urged.
Changing travel plans
Angus Kidman, travel expert at insurance comparison website Finder, told news.com.au thankfully many travel insurance policies will provide cover for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
'However, any travel insurance policy purchased after a known event starts won't provide cover for that event,' he warned.
'If your travel is disrupted because of a natural disaster, you'll need to have already had your travel insurance policy in place to make a claim.
'That's why it's so important to get travel insurance as soon as you book your flights or accommodation. That way anything that disrupts your travel between booking and starting your trip can still be covered.
'Keep receipts for any expenses incurred and contact your insurer as soon as possible.'
Jess Strange, chief customer officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, told news.com.au travellers should speak to their insurance provider where possible to ensure they are covered for changes made to their trip.
'If you're on holiday and a disaster strikes, the most important thing to keep in mind is your safety,' she said. 'Follow the instructions of any officials or emergency personnel and seek medical attention if you need it.
'If you need to change your travel plans to get home, contact your airline or tour operator in the first instance.
'If you're concerned about what costs you're covered for, it's important where possible to speak to your travel insurance provider before making any changes. That way, you can be confident if there are costs that your airline can't reimburse you for, get in touch with your travel insurer to find out what they can cover.'
Ms Strange also recommends keeping any cancellation notifications from your airline, including emails, along with receipts for any expenses incurred by the event, such as accommodation and meals.
'You'll need to submit these with any claim,' she said.
She added Southern Cross Travel Insurance is monitoring this particular situation and is 'likely to cover any claims for travellers already in the affected areas, who have departed on their journey or who have already purchased a policy for travel to this region'.