Information about these events

Ecuador has declared a 60-day nationwide state of emergency and curfew where you must remain indoors between 11pm and 5am. You should always carry your ID and follow the instructions of local authorities. Travel to and from airports during the curfew period is permitted for passengers travelling on scheduled flights.

The Australian Government has advised travellers to ‘Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Are you overseas and need emergency help?

If you need emergency help, contact our 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

Important travel insurance information for Fast Cover policies

The below information was issued at 3.00pm on the 11 January 2024 and applies to Fast Cover travel insurance policies underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyds.

Select from the options below to find information for your current situation.

Policy coverage

The below information was issued on the 11 January 2024 and applies to your travel insurance policy with Fast Cover, underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyds or Hollard.

As per our current Product Disclosure Statement one of the General Exclusions (General Exclusion 16) on our policies provides as follows:

"To the extent permissibly by law we will not pay under any circumstances if: Your claim arises from any act of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion assuming the proportions of or amounting to an uprising, military or usurped power."

I’m already travelling, what do I do?

• Should you need medical advice or emergency medical assistance, please contact DFAT or alternatively you can also contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.

• Please follow the advice from local authorities and media.

• To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) maintains travel advisories for more than 160 destinations overseas via its website smarttraveller.gov.au. DFAT’s travel advice provides accurate, up-to-date information about the risks Australians might face overseas, assisting you to make well-informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. We recommend that you stay up-to-date with its destination specific travel advisories for the country of your destination as your travel insurance cover may be affected if you travel to high-risk areas or situations.

• If your trip has been disrupted, we recommend getting in touch with your travel agent, airline, accommodation provider etc. They might offer you the flexibility to modify your travel arrangements without any additional costs, or even the possibility of a refund.

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

If you need to cancel your trip, we recommend getting in touch with your travel agent, airline, accommodation provider etc. They might offer you the flexibility to modify your travel arrangements without any additional costs, or even the possibility of a refund.

You can contact us via email info@fastcover.com.au or call us on 1300 409 322 to discuss your options with regards to your policy.

I haven’t purchased travel insurance yet

As per our current Product Disclosure Statement one of the General Exclusions (General Exclusion 16) on our policies provides as follows:

"To the extent permissibly by law we will not pay under any circumstances if: Your claim arises from any act of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion assuming the proportions of or amounting to an uprising, military or usurped power."

Steps to follow:

1. If you have not purchased travel insurance yet, you are still able to, but you need to be aware, as per our current Product Disclosure Statement one of the General Exclusions (General Exclusion 16) on our policies provides as follows:

"To the extent permissibly by law we will not pay under any circumstances if: Your claim arises from any act of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion assuming the proportions of or amounting to an uprising, military or usurped power."

2. If you want to change or reschedule your trip, we suggest contacting your travel agent or travel provider (hotel, airline, cruise company, tour company etc) directly for assistance. They may offer to change your trip free of charge or for a small fee.

What can I claim for?

As per our current Product Disclosure Statement one of the General Exclusions (General Exclusion 16) on our policies provides as follows:

"To the extent permissibly by law we will not pay under any circumstances if: Your claim arises from any act of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion assuming the proportions of or amounting to an uprising, military or usurped power."

We recommend getting in touch with your travel agent, airline, accommodation provider etc. They might offer you the flexibility to modify your travel arrangements without any additional costs, or even the possibility of a refund.​

How do I make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, you can submit your claim in one of several ways:

• Online: Visit our Claims page for information.

• Email: claims@fastcover.com.au

We assess all claims in accordance with the Product Disclosure Statement and your Certificate of Insurance. Each claim is assessed individually and cover will depend on the type of policy you purchased and your particular circumstances.

Remember:

• Take reasonable steps to minimise your claim. Contact your airline or Travel provider for assistance if you need to rearrange your travel plans.

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

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.

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

Questions?

If you have any questions or need help with your travel insurance, please:

• Visit: Frequently Asked Questions

• Phone: 1300 409 302

• Email: info@fastcover.com.au

Useful links for travellers

• Australian Government 24 Hour Consular Assistance

• Smartraveller

• ABC News

For new or existing claim or policy enquiries, please contact us on 1300 409 322 or info@fastcover.com.au between 9am and 5pm (AEST) Monday to Saturday.