Travel insurance add-on to cover volcanic ash disruption is launched

Aviva have launched a new add-on feature to their travel insurance policy to protect against disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. The optional extra can be added to travel insurance policies from the beginning of June. The add-on cover can be included on single trip and annual trip policies. Existing customers with Aviva will also have the opportunity to add the volcanic ash cloud cover to their policy, although they must purchase the cover direct from Aviva within 30 days from June 1^st. With experts warning that the ash cloud is likely to hang around for the rest of the summer, and possibly the next few years, Aviva’s policy looks set to become very popular with travellers. Many insurers are wary of offering cover on ash cloud disruption due to the widespread problems which travellers have experienced over the last few weeks. The cost of adding the volcanic ash cloud cover to a travel insurance policy with Aviva stands at £5 per head, or £10 per person for annual trip cover. Each policyholder will be covered for up to £5,000 should their trip be cancelled due to airspace being closed due to the ash cloud. This will cover all travel and accommodation costs which customers are unable to recover from their provider.