Important information regarding the eruption of Hunga Ha’apai
Cover-More (NZ) Limited administers insurance on behalf of Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC trading as
“Great Lakes New Zealand”. Limits, exclusions and conditions apply to the insurance cover offered.
©2015 Cover-More (NZ) Limited
Issued: 14 January 2015
The following information applies to customers who are concerned about, or whose travel plans are impacted
by, the eruption of Hunga Ha’apai.
This information is current as at 13 January 2015.
This advice applies if you hold the following Cover-More products with a Certificate of Insurance issued ON or
BEFORE the dates below.
Advice applies to the following:
Product
Policy Sections
With an original Issue Date on
the Certificate of Insurance:
International Comprehensive, IFly,
Visit New Zealand, Business and
Koru
Additional Expenses and
Amendment or Cancellation
ON or BEFORE 13 January 2015
The information below contains advice concerning the recent and ongoing eruption of Hunga Ha’apai, an
underwater volcano located near Tonga. Further information concerning the eruption can be found via the
following link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/64891283/tongan-volcano-ash-risk-for-southpacific-flights. We recommend that you check our website regularly for updates on cover.
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Please note that cover is not provided for Cover-More policies issued on or after 13 of January 2015 for this event, as
the eruption was not unforseen from this time.
Background
On 12 January, flights started to be affected by the eruption of the underwater volcano, Hunga Ha’apai. It has
been reported that the ash cloud could be as high as 9000 metres which can affect the performance of aircraft
engines and as such, a number of airlines are either delaying or cancelling flights until the ash cloud clears.
Ash clouds are a potential hazard for all aircraft and it is up to the individual airlines to assess the risk posed to
their aircraft and make informed decisions regarding the safely of the aircraft and passengers.
Policy cover for policies purchased before 13 January 2015
Your policy provides a number of benefits and you should read the Cover-More policy wording which outlines
the extent of your travel insurance cover.

There is cover for reasonable Additional hotel accommodation and Additional transport expenses
incurred on your Journey if you are currently in Tonga and your travel plans have been directly
affected by the eruption. Please ensure that you keep in contact with your airline regarding the
availability to return to New Zealand.

There is cover for amendment or cancellation costs, whichever is lesser, if your existing travel
arrangements are scheduled to commence prior to 18 January 2015.

There is no cover for any utilised portions of your travel arrangements.

There is no cover for additional expenses, cancellation or amendment costs relating to the eruption if
you book, arrange or pay for any travel to Tonga on or after 13 January 2015.
If your travel is impacted by the eruption, you must take all reasonable steps to mitigate your out of pocket
expenses.
Please ensure that you speak with your travel agent or transport provider regarding their refund policy for
unused flights and accommodation expenses. We encourage you to also speak with your travel agent or
transport provider as soon as possible to minimise your out of pocket expenses.
If you are stranded overseas and cannot return Home:

For customers who hold one of the above policies issued prior to 13 January 2015 (issue date of this
advice) and cannot return Home on your original return date due to this event your policy will
automatically extend free of charge to allow you to return by the quickest and most direct route.

As this extension is automatic, customers and agents do not need to do anything.
Policy cover for policies purchased on or after 13 January 2015
Travel insurance provides cover for unforeseen events only.

There is no cover for additional expenses, amendment or cancellation costs for policies issued on or
after 13 January 2015 as the eruption is no longer an unforeseen event.

If you decide to change your travel plans, we encourage you to speak with your travel agent or
transport provider as soon as possible to minimise your out of pocket expenses.
Contact us
If you are overseas and require travel or medical assistance, please contact our 24 hour Emergency Assistance
team on +61 (2) 8907 5597.
If you have any further enquiries please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 500 248.