How wildfires in France and Spain might affect your travel plans

Wildfires in Spain and France caused mass evacuations and disruptions; More than 300,000 people were forced to flee their homes, and many slept in gyms and other temporary shelters.

An official from one of the French departments affected by the fires pleaded with visitors to stay away.

On Sunday, Sophie Brocas, governor of France’s Gironde region, said, “I advise tourists not to come,” while advising those already there to consider an alternative destination.

For those with upcoming holidays in affected areas, here’s what you need to know about how this may affect your plans.

Should I go to France or Spain right now?

The UK government has not specifically warned against travel to any part of France or Spain, but advises caution.

It is stated that access to affected areas in France may be restricted and roads may be closed in a short time. It is stated that other evacuations may also occur.

Additionally, a general warning was issued that the risk of forest fires is high during the summer season from April to October in France.

The UK government advises those who are in or planning to travel to affected areas of France or Spain to always follow instructions and updates from local authorities and emergency services.

Those who need urgent assistance in France or Spain can call 112.

Travelers should also bear in mind that UK government advice is subject to change and may change based on moving events.

If this happens after you’ve booked your trip, “you could end up with cancellation or interruption,” says Anna-Marie Duthie, travel insurance expert at financial ratings company Defaqto.

“Additionally, if your insurer offers this coverage or you have paid to include it, you may also be covered for additional travel and lodging expenses if your trip is interrupted by a catastrophic event,” he adds.

Check your policy to see if this applies to you.

Where do forest fires burn?

The UK government says parts of the Gironde and Landes in south-west France are affected.

The official French wildfire map gives the Gironde and Pyrenees-Orientales the highest fire warning level. Meanwhile, Aude and Var have the second highest alert level.

As of Monday, the map shows more than 20 fires burning across the country, including Corsica.

In Spain, authorities declared a national emergency due to forest fires in parts of Madrid and Ávila. The UK government says there are also reports of bushfires in other inland parts of Spain.

Does travel insurance cover forest fires?

Once again, the answer depends on your policy.

“If your travel plans are disrupted by a bushfire and your policy includes travel interruption cover, then travel insurance may cover some of the costs incurred,” says Chris Bose, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

But only half of travel insurance policies have “catastrophic” coverage, according to Defaqto’s analysis.

This means that in many cases travelers may not be covered in the event of bushfires.

Check with your insurer or check your policy wording to see if this applies to you.

What should I do if my airline or accommodation cancels my reservation?

In the event of cancellation of flights or accommodation, Bose recommends that you request a refund from your airline, tour operator or accommodation provider in the first instance.

If your airline cancels your flight due to wildfires, Duthie says, “they should offer you the chance to rebook or get a full refund.”

If your holiday was booked as a package, it says the refund must cover “all elements” including flights, accommodation and transfers.

“But if you’ve booked everything separately, you’ll need to deal with each provider independently. Your airline may refund your flight, but your accommodation provider may not if the property isn’t affected.”

Should I cancel my trip now?

First check what your insurance policy says about flights, accommodation or travel bookings.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel says this is especially true for those who don’t have time to go on a trip in the next week or two.

“Passengers who cancel now will likely lose their right to a refund or rebooking,” he says.

The UK government has said travelers are “unlikely to claim their travel insurance” as it has not warned against travel anywhere in the two countries.

“As a rule, insurance companies do not allow for ‘unwillingness to travel,’” says Boland.

“Instead, holidaymakers should wait until closer to their departure date to see if the holiday can go ahead or what flexible booking options the tour operator or airline will offer.

“Travel companies will give priority to anyone departing in the next few days.”

How will climate change affect travel insurance in the future?

According to the World Health Organization, the amount of land burned by forest fires across Europe has increased by 57% since the summer of 2022.

He adds that climate change is intensifying wildfires and increasing their frequency.

Duthie says insurers are adapting to “the potential new and increased risks associated with travel as a result.”

He says insurance providers are unlikely to change their policies in the near term.

“Existing clauses may refer to ‘severe’ or ‘extreme’ weather conditions, but their definitions may vary and no provider currently goes so far as to specify criteria such as maximum temperatures.”

But “in the long term, we are likely to encounter less insurable destinations and increased premiums,” he says.

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