Taiwan earthquake: Consumer rights advice from global insurers World Nomads

World Nomads, the global travel insurance company, is offering support and guidance to Brits heading to Taiwan after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit in early morning of 3 April—the strongest in 25 years—causing significant damage in Hualien, near the epicentre, and triggering landslides across the island, including shaking buildings in the capital, Taipei.

Jonathan Frankham, General Manager, UK and Europe, World Nomads says:

“Taiwan is a remarkably beautiful destination, from the vibrant capital of Taipei to its breathtaking mountain scenery and long white beaches. Hualien, the gateway to the exquisite Taroko National Park and the area most impacted by the recent earthquake, continues to be a beloved destination for backpackers and hikers alike. Our latest sales data confirms that Southeast Asia, consistently ranks as a top choice among our policyholders.

“For those already in Taiwan and planning to travel around the island, it’s important to monitor Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance and follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services on the ground. At present the FCDO advice remains cautionary, but you should be prepared to adjust your plans. Travel with care and expect delays to the high-speed rail that circumnavigates the island, and blockages on many roads caused by landslides, particularly in the mountainous region centre of the island.

“It’s understandable that some Brits may want to know what this means for their holiday plans – some may not want to or fear they’ll be unable to travel if the situation escalates. When it comes to insurance, cover may apply if the earthquake impacts your travel plans and/or injures you, but you need to have purchased your policy before the earthquake or travel disruption becomes what we call a “known event”. If you’ve done that, we’d suggest getting In touch with your provider to check coverage.

“Unfortunately, coverage is uncommon if your trip is cancelled before you get to travel, and the advice remains precautionary. At World Nomads, on our Explorer Plan, if the FCDO or a similar body issues a warning advising against all travel or all but essential travel, then cover is available as long as the policy and the affected travel arrangements were bought before the event occurred.

“If your trip is curtailed and you have to return home early, you are also welcome to make a claim for any additional travelling expenses you incur. All cover is subject to the benefit limits, sub limits, conditions and exclusions set out in the policy wording. Alternatively, we can consider a premium refund for the unused period of travel insurance, provided we receive supporting documentation where necessary and you are not making any claims on the policy .

“In any case, the first point of call should be your airline or travel provider to see what support they may provide. The same goes if your accommodation is impacted.

In any instance, we’d recommend checking your insurance policy wording carefully to understand full terms and conditions. When it doubt, get in touch with our Customer Service team – at World Nomads we also offer a 24/7 emergency helpline where urgent medical attention is required”.

Commonly asked questions:

I’m worried about the situation and don’t want to go. Can I get a refund?

Unless the FCDO advises against travel, you will not be entitled for a refund on your holiday. We would advise getting in touch with your airline, travel or accommodation provider to see what support they can offer.

Am I covered if an earthquake impacts travel plans to Taiwan?

Depending on policy purchased, coverage is available if it affects your travel plans and/or injures you. However, you need to have purchased your policy before these powerful forces of nature become a known event and the FCDO advises against travel. Always check your policy wording for specifics.
At World Nomads, if you’re on Explorer Plan policy and the FCDO issues a warning advising against all travel or all but essential travel to the specific area which you were booked to travel, then cover is available if the policy and the affected travel arrangements were bought before the event.

If my trip is interrupted, what can I claim for?

At World Nomads, if you’re travelling on the Explorer Plan, and you’re caught up in a natural catastrophe, we can help you get out of the area you’re in and to the nearest safe location when the FCDO or similar body recommends evacuation from that area.

If I come home early, can I get a refund on the rest of my policy?

If the policy is outside of its cooling-off period and you’ve travelled on it, you might be eligible for a refund for only that part of the premium for the unused period of insurance, provided that you are not making any claims on the policy. You are welcome to make a claim for any additional expenses you might have incurred; however, no refund will be provided.

I’m already here. How can I stay safe?

Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services on the ground.
Avoid downed power lines and disaster-caused hazards
In the case of additional earthquakes/aftershocks, do not return to your hotel/accommodation, or any building, if they are in any way damaged, as aftershocks could cause a collapse.
Move to the nearest open area (oval, park) away from damaged buildings, trees or roads where power lines may have fallen.

Avoid rapidly moving water where possible, as that can carry infections.
Be aware that in areas of massive structural damage, exposure to chemical or biological or other contaminants (e.g. asbestos) is possible

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