From 12AM on 3 March 2025, it has been reported that tropical Cyclone Alfred has formed off the Queensland coast. The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that severe coastal hazards are likely for southern Queensland and northern NSW coasts. While the cyclone is expected to weaken below tropical cyclone strength, southern Queensland, including Brisbane, and northeast New South Wales will experience coastal impacts, with possible gales and expected heavy to locally intense rainfall from Wednesday 5 March 2025. Flood watches have also been issued for these areas.

UPDATE - 6 March 2025 at 2pm- Cyclone Alfred is expected to hit land over the next 48 hours and the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are expected to be severely impacted. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW due to dangerous weather. From 4PM Wednesday 2025, all flights in and out of Gold Coast airport have been cancelled. All flights have also been cancelled in and out of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and Coffs Harbour Airport from Thursday 7 March 2025. Brisbane airport remains open as of 12pm Thursday 6 March 2025, however, airlines have begun cancelling flights in and out of Brisbane.

What to do

1. Follow local government and media advice.

2. Contact your airline, cruise company, travel agent, booking provider etc as they should be able to provide immediate help with rescheduling or providing you with your options.

3. Check Smartraveller website and Facebook.

4. Do you need to submit a claim for this event?

5. Question or enquiries?

• Visit: Frequently Asked Questions

• Phone: 1300 409 322 (9am and 5pm Sydney time, Monday to Saturday excluding Public Holidays)

• Email: info@fastcover.com.au

6. If you are overseas and need emergency medical help, contact our Emergency Assistance team.

• Phone: +61 2 8215 7239

• E-mail: emergency@fastcover.com.au

7. 24-hour Australian Government Consular Assistance for travellers overseas:

• Phone: +61 2 6261 3305

• SMS: +61 421 269 080

Am I covered for this event?

If you purchased your policy prior to 9AM on 3 March 2025 there is potential coverage under your policy for this event, check your Certificate of Insurance for your level of cover and the PDS for policy terms and conditions. You can download your Certificate and PDS by logging into your policy.

If you purchased your policy after 9AM on 3 March 2025, there is potentially no coverage under your policy for this event. However, you can submit a claim for assessment and we will assess the claim based on the policy terms and conditions.

Do I need to extend my policy?

If Cyclone Alfred has directly impacted your travel and prevented you from returning on your original return date, your policy will be automatically extended free of charge to cover the additional time that you are away until you are able to travel home by the quickest and most direct route.

We encourage you to lodge a claim for any loss suffered so the Claims team can review your situation in line with your policy terms.

How do I make a claim?

Contact your airline, cruise company, tour company, travel agent or travel provider for help rescheduling or alternative travel arrangements if you are currently travelling.

Before you submit a claim, contact your airline, cruise company, tour company, travel agent or travel provider and request a refund, credit or compensation.

Request and keep your receipts and any other supporting documentation e.g. travel provider cancellation emails/letters. If you are claiming for additional meal, accommodation, and travel costs, please ensure you retain copies of all of your expense receipts.

Take measures to act in a responsible way to protect yourself and do everything you can to reasonably reduce your loss as much as possible.

General advice

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

We will assess all claims in accordance with your PDS and your Certificate of Insurance. Your cover will depend on the type of plan you purchased and your particular circumstances.

Useful links for travellers

• Bureau of Meteorology – Cyclone 7 Day Forecast