‘I’m a travel expert – this is what you should do as Hurricane Melissa hits Caribbean’ | World | News
As Hurricane Melissa ravages the country, a travel expert has offered important advice to Brits planning to travel to Jamaica. Tourists are at risk of being stranded in Jamaica due to a devastating Category 5 hurricane that left 77% of the country without power. The west side of the island suffered the heaviest damage, with 70 of an estimated 700 Jamaican water systems collapsing.
As the government hopes to reopen Kingston’s international airport for relief flights tomorrow, travel expert Sarah Rodrigues, who works with Avanti travel insurance, has important advice for those planning a trip to the country. “If you are going to travel and think your trip will be affected by a natural disaster, there are steps you can take to change your plans or get a refund,” he said. Ms Rodrigues urges travelers to first contact their holiday provider to see what support they can provide.
The expert said: “If your holiday provider is unable to help you reschedule or refund your expenses, you should contact your bank. If you paid using a credit card, you may be able to recoup your costs through a ‘chargeback request’.”
“If you’ve tried both options without luck, then you can make a claim through your holiday insurance. It’s important to check your policy documents before canceling a trip or if you decide not to travel, so check the ‘Travel Delay’ section in your policy wording to see if a natural disaster is covered.”
For those already on holiday whose return trip to the UK was delayed or canceled by the impact of the cyclone, your travel insurance policy should automatically be extended to cover the extra time you need to return home, Ms Rodrigues said. But he recommended always checking with your insurance provider.
“You will also need to speak to your holiday provider if your accommodation is affected, as they can find you alternative accommodation or bring you home early if necessary,” the expert added.
Ms Rodrigues also warned that traveling against any advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) could void your insurance.
The FCDO has set up an emergency crisis center to help British citizens in trouble. While the naval ship HMS Trent is present in the region, active negotiations are ongoing to send humanitarian aid if needed.
Those concerned about finding shelter in the area were directed to the county’s official shelter list at odpem.org.jm/shelters.
British citizens requiring urgent consular assistance are also told to call +1 (876) 936 0700 (option 2) for additional assistance.
