Vanuatu Earthquake

Issued: 18 December 2024

 

Background

On Tuesday, 17 December 2024, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 20 kilometres off the coast of Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu.

Residents and visitors have been urged to stay alert and take necessary precautions, while emergency response teams are assessing damage.

We advise all customers travelling in and around the affected areas to take care, and stay up to date with the latest advice on SafeTravel from the New Zealand Government. Please do not hesitate to contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team on +64 9 359 1600 if you need help. (If you’re unable to call us, alternatively you can email us on emergency@sctihelp.com).

 

Policy coverage

For policies purchased before 4pm on 17 December 2024

There may be provision to claim for costs you incur due to this unexpected event. As with any claim, this is subject to the benefits, terms, conditions and exclusions of your travel insurance policy. Please refer to your policy document.

If you’re currently travelling and you’re directly affected:

  • If you need emergency medical assistance, contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team on +64 9 359 1600 or email emergency@sctihelp.com.
  • Your travel insurance policy will automatically extend until you return home safely - you do not need to contact us to extend your policy.
  • There may be cover for certain unexpected additional costs (such as accommodation and transportation expenses), up to the selected limits of your travel insurance policy, where applicable.
  • If you need to source alternative transport arrangements, it is important that you get in touch with us to discuss your options beforehand. Contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team on +64 9 359 1600. If you’re unable to call us, alternatively you can email us on emergency@sctihelp.com.

If you’re currently travelling and you are not directly affected:

  • Normal conditions of cover apply.

If you’re due to depart New Zealand and your travel plans have been disrupted

  • There may be provision to claim for any costs you incur for cancellation or changes to your journey, up to the limits you had selected when purchasing your policy.
  • Your policy pays up to this amount, less the excess you selected when purchasing or any refunds and credits you are eligible to receive. Both your cancellation limit and excess can be found on the Certificate of Insurance that we emailed you with your policy wording, after you bought your policy.

For policies purchased after 4pm on 17 December 2024

There is no cover for claims arising from this event under your policy as this is not considered to be an unexpected event from this date and time. 

When you need to make a claim

The quickest way to submit your claim with us is through our online portal, My SCTI. 

Please keep all your receipts and invoices for any payments you have made. You can upload these when you submit your claim.

We’re here to help

For more than 40 years, we have supported customers through travel disruptions. Our team is here to provide expert care and support if these recent events have impacted your travel.

If you are travelling and require emergency medical help, please get in touch with our 24 hour emergency assistance team on +64 9 359 1600. If you’re unable to call us, alternatively you can email us on emergency@sctihelp.com.