Following the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that has killed at least 65 people and injured scores of others in Christchurch, New Zealand, the underwriters of World First travel insurance policies have stressed that they will offer 24 hour assistance and aid – and of course medical cover –  to any insured caught up in the disaster.

In 24 hours that New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key has described as being possibly ‘New Zealand’s darkest day’ the South Island city of Christchurch suffered major damage to buildings in what is proving to be the country’s deadliest disaster. Over 120 people are reported to have been rescued from collapsed buildings.

Anyone who is insured by World First and has been caught up in the disaster is advised to get in touch. Emergency repatriation to the UK and  will be assessed on a case by case basis, say Professional Travel Insurance Company Limited.

They have also stated that delayed departure will be covered on World First policies for anyone who has been delayed on public transport in the aftermath of the disaster although they will not accept claims for trip cancellation. Anyone who is due to fly to Christchurch or have a holiday in Christchurch is advised to get in touch with their tour operator or travel agent to arrange for alternative travel and accommodation arrangements.

The Foreign Office has issued the following travel advice for New Zealand:

“Christchurch Airport is closed except for emergency aircraft. The Ferrymead bridge is reported to be impassable because of rising water. Christchurch hospital is in operation. A Crisis Response Centre has been established at Christchurch Art Gallery.

For advice and assistance in relation to the Christchurch earthquake British nationals in New Zealand should call 04 9242898.” 

For more information please see the Foreign Office website here.

Related posts:

1. Aftershock. World First advice for travellers in Pacific region following earthquake in Japan.
2. Post-quake travel advice for Murcia, Spain.
3. Summer indecision? Solve it with a holiday on wheels.

Tags: cancellation, Foreign Office, free travel insurance, Travel, Travel insurance

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 at 3:52 pm and is filed under General, Travel insurance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.