The United Fire Fighters Union advised that all firefighters would stop work from 6am to 10am on 9 December 2022 at 27 Australian airports including major international airports Sydney and Melbourne. The strike could significantly disrupt domestic and international flights and have an impact on travellers' travel plans.

Are you overseas and need emergency help?

If you need emergency help, contact our Worldwide Emergency Assistance team.

• Phone: +61 2 8320 7999

• E-mail: emergency@fastcover.com.au

The Australian Government also offers 24-Hour Consular Assistance for travellers overseas:

• Phone: +61 2 6261 3305

• SMS: +61 421 269 080

Policy coverage

For policies issued prior to 6:00pm AEST on 2nd December 2022 there is provision for cover as set out below. For policies issued after 6:00pm AEST on 2nd December 2022, there is no cover for any claims arising from this event.

I'm already travelling, what do I do?

• If you have started your journey and your transport is delayed or cancelled due to the strikes, there is provision to claim for reasonable additional food, accommodation and travel expenses.

• Limits apply under your policy, and for full details you should refer to the Product Disclosure Statement you received when you purchased your travel insurance.

• There is no provision to claim under your policy for cancellation or rearrangement expenses for the utilised portions of your travel arrangements or if they are operating as scheduled.

• Keep receipts and any other supporting documentation (boarding passes, booking confirmations, itineraries, etc.) that may be required for your claim.

I've already purchased travel insurance but haven't left home yet

• If you have not yet departed, your policy includes cover for cancellation or the rearrangement of your journey (whichever is less), or the unused portions of your journey, if your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled by the strikes.

• 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.

• All travel insurance policies provide cover for unforeseen and unexpected circumstances only. Due to the extensive media coverage of the anticipated strike, there is no provision to claim for any expenses relating to the strikes for policies issued on or after 2nd December 2022.

I purchased travel insurance after 6:00pm 2nd December 2022

Insurance does not cover losses caused by something you were aware of when you purchased your policy. We will NOT pay any claim caused by or in any way related to this event if your policy was purchased after this time and date.

What can I claim for?

There is provision for cover under the following Benefits of the policy subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, sub limits, benefit exclusions and General Exclusions:

• Benefit 5 – Trip Cancellation Expenses

• Benefit 6 – Trip Disruption Expenses

• Benefit 16 – Travel Delay Expenses

• Benefit 17 – Special Event Transport Expenses

Note: Any compensation and/or refunds you receive from a third party (e.g. airline) for transport, food or accommodation will be deducted from any settlement if your claim is accepted.

How do I make a claim?

• Online: Visit our Claims page for information.

• Email: claims@fastcover.com.au

General advice

For details about what your policy covers, please refer to your Product Disclosure Statement. Policy terms, conditions, limits, sub limits and exclusions may apply under your policy.

Questions?

• Visit: Frequently Asked Questions

• Phone: 1300 409 302

• Email: info@fastcover.com.au

Useful links for travellers

• Smartraveller

• ABC News