Restrictions extended prolonging travel chaos

Steve Williams, head of travel insurance at Confused.com comments on the unprecedented travel situation, asking insurers to come up with a clear position - and fast.

"We are now into the sixth day with no end in sight to the travel chaos. Insurance providers need to establish a clear position on the cover they will provide. There is too much confusion among travellers because providers are being too slow in clarifying where people stand.

"The British Government, Foreign and Commonwealth Office have all stepped in and offered services that will appease the situation. We are calling for insurers to do the decent thing and at the very least give customers' peace of mind that this unique situation will not leave them out of pocket. As the disruption looks set to continue, the ‘there is no standard approach' line is wearing thin for the thousands of people who need a clear answer and need it now.

"I am disappointed that not all insurers have said they will cover this incident. For those who are unsure, decisions need to be clarified and fast."

"For travellers due to travel in the next few days buying insurance now to cover them for potential cancellations and delays would be futile as you can't purchase insurance for events that have already happened.  This whole episode serves as a useful reminder that travel insurance should be purchased as soon as possible after the trip is booked."