Does holiday insurance cover wildfires?

Why wildfire cover matters for UK travellers

As global temperatures rise, wildfires have become a more frequent risk for UK holidaymakers visiting popular Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Spain, and Italy. A wildfire can disrupt travel plans in seconds, leading to closed airports, evacuated hotels, and poor air quality that makes a holiday impossible. Without specific cover, you could face significant financial losses from non-refundable flights and accommodation. Understanding how your insurer defines a 'natural catastrophe' is essential, as this often dictates whether you are reimbursed for a trip cut short by environmental factors rather than personal injury.

• Increasing frequency of heatwaves in Southern Europe
• Risk of sudden evacuation from coastal resorts
• Health impacts of smoke inhalation for vulnerable travellers
• Financial protection against 'force majeure' events
• Peace of mind when booking summer departures

What is typically covered by your policy

Most comprehensive UK travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation and curtailment if a wildfire occurs. This usually triggers if the FCDO advises against 'all' or 'all but essential' travel to your specific resort. Some premium policies include an 'enhanced natural catastrophe' add-on, which may cover you even if the FCDO has not yet issued a formal warning, provided your pre-booked accommodation is no longer usable. Always check if your policy covers the cost of additional transport if you need to find an alternative route home because your original flight was cancelled due to smoke or fire-related airport closures.

Common exclusions to watch out for

Insurance is designed to cover the 'unforeseen'. If you book a holiday or buy a policy for a region where a wildfire is already burning and widely reported in the news, you are unlikely to be covered for any subsequent claims. Similarly, 'disinclination to travel' is a standard exclusion; if the fires are 50 miles away and your hotel and flights are operating normally, you cannot usually claim simply because you are worried or would prefer not to go. Always read the fine print regarding 'acts of God' to ensure wildfire is not a listed exclusion in basic, budget-level policies.

• Known events active at the time of booking
• Choosing not to travel despite services running normally
• Losses recoverable from a tour operator or airline
• Indirect costs like pet boarding or airport parking
• Claims where FCDO advice was ignored

Typical costs and pricing factors

The cost of travel insurance with wildfire protection varies based on your destination and the level of 'natural catastrophe' cover selected. For a one-week trip to Europe in 2026, a basic policy might cost between £15 and £30, but adding enhanced catastrophe cover could increase the premium by £5 to £10. Insurers calculate risk based on the time of year and the historical frequency of fires in the region. While the premium may be slightly higher for comprehensive cover, the potential loss of a £3,000 family holiday far outweighs the modest additional cost of a robust policy.

Choosing the right policy for fire-prone areas

When selecting a policy for a summer holiday in a high-risk area, do not simply choose the cheapest option. Look for the 'Natural Catastrophe' section in the Policy Summary or Insurance Product Information Document (IPID). Check the limits for 'travel delay' and 'abandonment' - some policies offer a fixed benefit after a 12-hour delay, while others allow you to cancel the entire trip if the delay exceeds 24 hours due to fire. Ensure the medical section covers respiratory issues if you have pre-existing conditions like asthma, as smoke can exacerbate these even far from the flames.

How to claim and evidence required

To make a successful claim, you must provide evidence that the wildfire directly impacted your travel. Start by contacting your airline or tour operator, as they have a legal duty under the Package Travel Regulations to assist you first. If they cannot help, your insurer will require documentation such as a letter from the hotel confirming the evacuation, news reports, or official notices from local authorities. Keep all receipts for emergency expenses, including food, water, and alternative transport, but ensure these are 'reasonable' as insurers rarely pay for luxury upgrades during an evacuation.

• Official FCDO travel advice screenshots
• Confirmation of cancellation from your airline
• Written proof of hotel closure or evacuation
• Original booking invoices and receipts
• Police or fire service reports if applicable
• Medical certificates if fire caused physical harm

The role of the FCDO and UK regulators

The FCDO provides the 'gold standard' for travel safety. If they advise against travel, most insurance policies are activated. If you travel against this advice, your insurance is usually void. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures that insurers treat customers fairly, meaning they should clearly explain what is and isn't covered regarding natural disasters. If an insurer unfairly rejects a wildfire claim, UK consumers have the right to take their case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which provides an independent review of the dispute.

Practical checklist for travellers

Before you depart, take proactive steps to ensure you are protected. Register with the local embassy if required and download the FCDO travel advice app for real-time alerts. Carry a printed copy of your insurance policy and the 24-hour emergency assistance number. If a fire breaks out, follow the instructions of local authorities immediately - your safety is more important than your luggage. Remember that if you are on a package holiday, the tour operator is responsible for your safety and return travel under UK law, which may be a faster route to resolution than an insurance claim.