Wildfires in Greece and Spain: Insurance Implications

Why wildfire cover matters for Mediterranean trips

As summer temperatures rise across Southern Europe, wildfires have become a recurring risk for British travellers visiting popular destinations like Rhodes, Corfu, or the Costa del Sol. While most tourists enjoy trouble-free holidays, a sudden outbreak can lead to road closures, power outages, and emergency evacuations. Having the right insurance ensures that you are not left out of pocket if you need to move hotels quickly or if your flights are redirected. It is vital to understand that insurance is designed to cover the unforeseen; if you buy a policy after a fire has already started in your specific resort, you will likely find that related claims are excluded.

• Protects against financial loss from unused accommodation
• Covers emergency transport if local authorities order an evacuation
• Provides 24-hour medical assistance for smoke inhalation or burns
• Assists with repatriation if the local infrastructure fails
• Offers peace of mind during heatwave conditions in high-risk zones

What is typically covered by your policy

Most comprehensive UK travel insurance policies include 'curtailment' and 'emergency medical expenses' as standard. If a wildfire breaks out while you are in Greece or Spain, your insurer will typically pay for your transport to a safe area or back to the UK if the local authorities deem the area unsafe. If you have 'Travel Disruption' or 'Catastrophe' cover as an optional extra or part of a premium policy, you may also be able to claim for the cost of alternative accommodation if you are forced to move but wish to continue your holiday. Always check the 'General Exclusions' section of your policy document to see how 'acts of God' or natural disasters are defined.

Common exclusions and limitations to watch for

Insurance does not cover 'disinclination to travel'. If a fire is burning 50 miles away and the FCDO has not issued a warning against travel to your specific resort, you cannot simply cancel because you are worried. Furthermore, if your flight is cancelled by the airline, your first port of call must be the airline for a refund or rebooking under UK261 regulations, rather than your insurer. Policies also exclude claims where the traveller ignored local safety warnings or ventured into restricted forest zones against the advice of Greek or Spanish emergency services.

• Cancelling because you are worried despite no official FCDO warning
• Claims arising from fires that were 'known events' before purchase
• Refunds for flights that the airline is legally required to provide
• Losses covered by your tour operator under ABTA or ATOL protection
• Incidents occurring in areas where the FCDO advised against all travel

Typical costs and pricing factors for 2026

The cost of travel insurance for Greece and Spain remains relatively affordable for most UK residents, but prices can fluctuate based on the level of 'Natural Disaster' cover included. A basic policy might start at a low price point but lack the specific 'Catastrophe' add-ons that pay for alternative accommodation during a wildfire. For 2026, we expect a slight increase in premiums for regions identified as high-risk during peak summer months. However, the primary cost drivers remain your age, pre-existing medical conditions, and the total value of your holiday rather than the wildfire risk alone.

Choosing the right policy for high-risk regions

When booking a trip to the Mediterranean, look for policies that explicitly mention 'Natural Disaster' or 'Extended Travel Disruption'. These sections go beyond standard medical cover and help with the logistical nightmares caused by wildfires. If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, it is crucial to declare these during the screening process. Smoke from distant wildfires can travel far, and if you require medical attention for a flare-up, your insurer may reject the claim if the condition was not disclosed and accepted on your policy.

• Check for 'Catastrophe' or 'Natural Disaster' extensions
• Verify that cancellation cover matches your total trip cost
• Ensure 24-hour emergency assistance is included
• Confirm the policy covers 'curtailment' for non-medical reasons
• Check the excess amount you must pay toward any claim

How to gather evidence for a wildfire claim

To make a successful claim, you must provide proof of the disruption. If you are evacuated, keep copies of the official notice from the Greek or Spanish police or civil protection authorities. If your hotel is closed, obtain a written statement from the management or your tour operator confirming the dates and the reason for the closure. For medical claims related to smoke or heat, ensure you have a report from the local clinic or hospital. Keep all receipts for 'out of pocket' expenses, such as emergency taxis or basic food and water, as these may be reimbursable depending on your policy terms.

The role of the FCDO and GHIC

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the ultimate authority for UK travel insurance. If they advise against 'all but essential travel' to a region due to wildfires, your insurance cancellation cover is typically triggered. Conversely, travelling against FCDO advice usually voids your entire policy. While in Greece or Spain, your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover state-provided emergency healthcare. However, it will not pay for mountain rescue, private medical repatriation, or additional accommodation, which is why private insurance remains essential even with a GHIC.

Practical checklist for travellers to Greece and Spain

Preparation is key to staying safe and ensuring your insurance remains valid. Before you fly, download your insurer's emergency contact app and save their 24-hour phone number in your contacts. Register for local emergency alerts - Greece uses the 112 emergency communication system which sends SMS alerts to mobile phones in affected areas. Always follow the instructions of local authorities immediately; delaying an evacuation can not only put your life at risk but could also be seen as 'contributory negligence' by an insurance loss adjuster if you later try to claim for lost luggage left behind.