Volcanic Eruption In Bali: Flights Diverted, Cancelled; How Travel Insurance Can Protect You?

Bali is one of the most popular summer tourist destinations for Indian travellers. Data from Pickyourtrail shows Bali leading as the top destination this summer, with nearly 23.43 per cent of Indian travelers choosing it. However, recently, the volcano on Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted. The eruption sent a massive ash column 10 kilometres into the sky, according to officials. In such a situation, travel insurance can come in handy. 

Natural Calamities Can Ruin Your Travel Plans 

The Bali volcanic eruption is causing several flight cancellations, diversions, and long delays. This, in turn, can cause missed connections, canceled hotel bookings, and cancellation of prepaid bookings. Thus, natural disasters can lead to the shutdown of airports, cancelled or delayed flights. Travellers face not only emotional and logistical stress but also significant financial losses, especially when such events unfold mid-journey.

It means travellers can miss connecting flights, and they may lose out on hotel bookings or need to pay more to book new flights. In such circumstances, they also have to stay longer at a place, leading to extra costs like food and accommodation, which can be an added expense. Nobody can plan for such events beforehand.

Why Travel Insurance Is Important And What It Covers

“In such events, a robust travel insurance policy with trip delay, interruption, or cancellation coverage can make a significant difference,” says Meet Kapadia, head, travel insurance, Policybazaar.

“Majority travel insurance plans include flight delays, cancellation due to natural disasters, non-refundable hotel bookings or tours if the trip is interrupted, emergency evacuation if the area becomes unsafe, medical expenses if someone gets hurt during the trip, or if there is an emergency. Having said that, coverage depends on the policy. So, it is important to read the fine print before opting for it,” says Surender Tonk, vice president, IBAI.

What To Look For When Buying Travel Insurance 

Travelers should look for plans that include trip cancellation, delay, and interruption due to natural disasters. They should also review covered events and exclusions, particularly for natural calamities like floods or volcanic activity. “And they should be especially cautious when travelling to regions known for such risks, ensuring their policy offers broad disruption-related protections, not just medical or baggage coverage,” says Kapadia.