Bastille Day Attack in Nice
Important information for policyholders in relation to the terror attack in Nice.
On Thursday 14th 2016, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a large truck through crowds celebrating Bastille Day in the seaside town of Nice in France’s south before opening fire. It is understood that the current death toll stands at 84 with over 100 more injured. Australia news outlets are reporting that there have been three Australian’s injured in the attack. Terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the incident. Go Insurance is currently working with French Authorities and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety of any policy holders currently in Nice.
The Australian government has warned Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in France overall, this level of advice has not changed. Australians in France should follow the instructions of local authorities and also stay up-to-date with media reports. Travellers in France or those planning to travel to France are also advised to register their travel with Smart Traveller.
“In principle” advice regarding likely policy response to claims for medical expenses, cancellation, disruption and delay of scheduled travel arrangements is provided below.
For Single Trip policies purchased prior to 14 July 2016 and trips booked under Annual Multi Trip policies prior to 14 July 2016:
1. Overseas Medical Expenses
There is provision within the policy to cover policyholders if they are injured as a result of terrorism. If you are in France and have been injured in the Nice terrorist attack, please contact us for assistance.
2. Disruption experienced post-departure
Claims for disruption to scheduled travel arrangements post-departure are considered under Section 10.
Subject to relevant terms and conditions, Section 10 operates to provide financial assistance in the event the departure of public transport on which the policyholder is booked to travel is delayed by at least 12 hours. Section 10 does not operate if the policyholder has claimed under Section 1 or 12 (Special Events) in relation to the same cause.
In the event of travel to Nice or other areas of France affecting by this incident, the policyholder must act as a “prudent uninsured” and proceed on the most economical basis to minimise their loss. We therefore suggest in the first instance you liaise with airlines and associated travel providers to reschedule travel arrangements / obtain refunds as appropriate.
All claims for additional accommodation and travel expenses must be supported by receipts, evidence of pre-booked travel schedule and actual travel arrangements.
3. Disruption experienced pre-departure
If the policyholder has planned to travel to Nice or surrounding areas; has not yet departed on the insured trip; and their outbound flight arrangements are cancelled due to:
1. Delayed departure of the initial outbound flight beyond 12 hours; or
2. DFAT issuing a travel warning advising against travel to the affected region and which remains in force 7 days prior to scheduled travel;
there is provision within the policy for amendment costs or reimbursement of irrecoverable payments made in the event of total cancellation (Section 1) due to the Turkey airport attack.
Section 1 provides to cover the cost incurred to amend the policyholder’s travel to a later date / alternate route OR the cost of forfeited pre-booked travel arrangements if the trip is cancelled (whichever is the lesser). If a policyholder’s travel is affected, we retain the option to decide which of these options will be used as the basis for determining policy response.
Some airlines offer full refunds in the event of cancellation due to terrorism and we therefore recommend policyholders liaise with the airline/s, travel agent/s and associated travel providers to minimise any loss / claim.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has not raised the travel warning at this time.
For Single Trip and Multi Trip policies purchased after 14 July 2016 :
Insurance serves to provide cover for sudden and unforeseen risks. It is not possible to insure against known risks and the policy specifically excludes claims resulting from circumstances known at the time of policy purchase or trip booking and which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim.
For queries or assistance please contact Go Insurance on 1300 819 888 or + 61 7 3481 9888. Alternatively please email the Claims Team.