Position Statement – New Zealand Volcano Eruption

On December 9, 2019, a volcano on New Zealand’s White Island erupted, killing at least 16 people and hospitalizing more than 30. Additional eruptions at the site of the volcano are likely in the future.

What you need to know about your policy:

As of December 9, 2019, the eruption is no longer considered an unforeseen event. Coverage related to the eruption is not available for Tin Leg policies purchased after this date. Any future eruptions will be considered part of the original eruption until it settles and is declared safe.

Tin Leg policies purchased prior to December 9 may provide coverage related to the eruption, including Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and Trip Delay benefits.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage for Natural Disasters:

In order for a volcanic eruption to be covered under Tin Leg policies, it must occur after an Economy, Luxury, or Adventure policy has been purchased, and must meet at least one of the following requirements.

  • Inclement weather resulting in the complete cessation of travel services at the point of departure or destination for the following specified amounts of time:
    • Tin Leg Economy policy: 24 consecutive hours
    • Tin Leg Luxury policy: any delay or cancellation of travel
    • Tin Leg Adventure policy: any delay or cancellation of travel
  • Accommodations at your destination are made uninhabitable or inaccessible
  • Your or your traveling companion’s primary residence has been rendered uninhabitable

Travel Delay coverage for Natural Disasters:

In order for a volcanic eruption to be covered under the Trip Delay benefit within Tin Leg policies, it must meet the following requirements for minimum length of delay:

  • Tin Leg Economy policy: 12 consecutive hours
  • Tin Leg Luxury policy: 6 consecutive hours
  • Tin Leg Adventure policy: 5 consecutive hours

In addition to Trip Cancellation and Travel Delay coverage, other benefits, including Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation, may also be available for coverage related to the volcano.

In the event of an emergency, please contact Tin Leg’s 24 Hour Emergency Assistance department as soon as reasonably possible at:
Emergency Assistance Inside US: 844-927-9265 (Toll Free)
Emergency Assistance Outside US (Collect Call): 001-727-264-5657
Emergency Assistance Email: emergency@tinleg.com

In the event of a claim, please contact Tin Leg’s Claim department at 844-240-1233 or claims@tinleg.com. Start your claim online: https://tinleg.com/claims/online

Please contact Tin Leg with any questions at 844-240-1233, we are delighted to answer any additional questions.