Issued: 23 March 2017
We would firstly like to extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the tragic events in Westminster on 22nd March 2017.
If you are currently travelling and need emergency assistance please call +64 9888 9274, we're here to help.
We encourage you to follow the advice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) via its website https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/united-kingdom.
MFAT is urging New Zealanders in the United Kingdom to stay away from the affected areas and monitor the media for latest security information. Please remain vigilant in London by minimising movement in public places and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.
You should also contact your family in New Zealand to advise them that you are safe.
New Zealanders who require consular assistance are advised to contact the New Zealand Embassy in London on +44 20 793 08422.
If you have been affected by this event, there may be provision for you to claim for certain benefits provided by your travel insurance policy. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply under your policy.
We will assess all claims in accordance with your Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance. Your cover will depend on the type of plan you purchased and your particular circumstances.
If you have started your journey and your transport is cancelled, delayed, shortened or diverted because of this event, you may have provision to claim for reasonable alternative travel, accommodation and meal expenses.
We recommend you contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some travel providers may provide penalty free options to amend travel arrangements and we recommend you contact them for further details.
If you are claiming for loss of deposits due to pre-paid arrangements being cancelled by a third party service provider, you will need to submit all receipts showing your original out-of-pocket expenses. You will also be required to submit advice from your service provider indicating that the planned arrangements or event has been cancelled.
Any compensation and/or refunds you receive from a third party for transport, entry submission or food will be deducted from your settlement if your claim is accepted.
Please note that there is no provision to claim for fear of travel or loss of enjoyment.
Take all reasonable steps to mitigate your out of pocket expenses, particularly when altering your trip arrangements. By reasonable we mean appropriate and consistent—for example if you have been using two star or budget accommodation on your trip to date, then we advise that the replacement accommodation you seek should be of a similar standard.
New Zealanders travelling in London are encouraged to plan accordingly, follow Safe Travel's current travel advice for United Kingdom and register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
If you need any further information on the situation in the UK, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In the event of an emergency, please contact our emergency assistance team.
CALL
+64 9 888 9274
For enquiries that are non-emergency related, please contact us during normal business hours.
WITHIN NEW ZEALAND
0800 699 070
FROM OVERSEAS
+64 9887 8477
EMAIL
[email protected]