Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Death of Thai King Triggers Travel Insurance Queries:

Learn more about insurance coverage for a situation like this
By Expert Tips
Date: October 17 2016
Editor Rating:
Travel insurance inquiries after death of thai king - motherpedia - cover
The death of King Bhumibol has triggered nationwide mourning in Thailand, as the country’s fractious politics seem set to unravel.
 
The destabilising impact of the death of the king has forced travellers to question their options. Natalie Ball, director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, says; We’ve already seen an influx of travel insurance quote enquiries for Thailand, as many Australians that were planning to visit the country scurry to purchase a policy.  Numerous customers with plans already in place have been in contact regarding their rights and ability to claim for cancellation. At present, there is a lot of fear swirling as an official mourning period commences in Thailand.”
 
There has not been any change to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)’s current travel advisory. For the majority of the country, tourists have been warned to remain alert and exercise caution while travelling, with a ‘do not travel’ warning in place in the southern provinces.
 
What is covered by travel insurance?
Australians heading to Thailand may have provision to claim if their flight is delayed or cancelled due to civil unrest/strikes or riots as opposed to an ‘act of war’ or a military rebellion. Importantly, most travel insurers are there for their customers in time of critical need.  Generally speaking, you would be covered medically if you were caught up in a riot or rebellion and travellers are strongly advised to take out cover.
 
However, when it comes to claiming for cancellation because you no longer want to travel due to the potential threat in Thailand, chances are you won’t be covered.
 
Ball adds “It’s unlikely that you would have provision to claim for the current climate of political unrest in Thailand following the death of King Bhumibol if you decided you no longer want to travel. Unfortunately, you would not be covered for ‘fear of travelling’ to a destination or ‘fear of disappointment.” Nevertheless, the numerous benefits of travel insurance can hardly be discounted and tourists who have pre-booked tours and entertainment on their trip may have provision to claim for lost deposits.
 
“Travellers may experience disruption to planned activities due to the closure of popular tourist venues during the mourning period. Out of pocket expenses for pre-paid tours and events that have been cancelled would likely be covered by your travel insurance policy.”
 
Caution in Thailand
Although DFAT has not upgraded its travel warning at this point in time, they are advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand.  To minimize risk, travellers have been advised to abide by local laws, respect Thai customs at this time and dress and behave appropriately. Travel insurance policies will be void for travel to certain parts of Thailand (including the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla) due to high levels of ongoing violence. A ‘do not travel’ warning has been enforced for these regions.
 
Ball adds, “Thailand is and will always be one of most well-loved travel destinations. Although travelling in times of uncertainty can be nerve-wracking, we simply recommend you exercise caution when moving around crowded areas and take all the regular safety precautions when travelling through a foreign country.”
 
Whilst you may not be able to rely on travel insurance for ‘acts of war’ or related claims, it is still vital to take out a policy before you head away. Additionally, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) website, Smart Traveller can be a very useful resource and one worth checking regularly to stay abreast of any current events. The Australian government can help travellers during and after an incident of civil unrest, so be sure to register your travels with DFAT as well.
 

ABOUT THE EXPERT
Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia's leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance.  They know travel insurance and want to help Aussies save time, worry and loads of money by providing unbiased travel insurance information and comparing a vast range of basic, mid-range and comprehensive policies. The site is suitable for singles, families, backpackers, skiers and seniors, and provides cover for all destinations and trip lengths.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
1 Total Comments
OBAT HERBAL ALAMI GROSIR AMAZON PLUS says: 2016 11 24
Rating:

Obat AIDS Terbaru
Dengan hadirnya Obat Alami AIDS Amazon sudah pasti amat membantu kepada para pasien HIV AIDS untuk dapat bertahan hidup lebih lama. Dr. F.Franklin L.L. menginformasikan bahwa, sekarang ini beliau sedang membantu para pasien AIDS dari berbagai macam wilayah, antara lain dari Kudus, Madura, Jambi, Riau, Ambon, Pekanbaru, Ambon, Maluku.


Obat Miom Paling Mujarab
Jawaban tepat untuk menyembuhkan penyakit miom, hanya dengan Obat Tradisional Amazon Penyakit Miom, yang secara alami bisa mengobati penyakit miom tanpa efek samping karna Obat Herbal Alami Amazon Plus Penyakit Miom diolah dari bahan-bahan yang 100 persen tradisional tidak ada kandungan bahan kimia di dalamnya.


Obat Herbal Kanker Paru Paru Stadium 4
Amazon yaitu Obat Tradisional Alami penyakit Kanker Paru-paru yang paling aman karena tanpa efek samping. Mampu dalam proses penyembuhan kanker paru paru sampai tuntas ialah kata yang paling cocok untuk menggambarkan Obat Herbal penyakit Kanker Paru-paru.

View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
Wiwander - image 1
Keep these in mind for a hassle-free family vacation
Read more
family-holiday
7 tips for travelling with children from a child counsellor.
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.