Can you cancel your holiday because of wildfires? Refunds and travel insurance explained

Wildfires are raging across Greece leading to thousands of evacuations in mainland Greece as well as disruption in Greek islands Crete, Kefalonia and Paros.

There have also been devastating fires in Spain and France this summer.

If you have booked a holiday to these regions, you may be feeling worried.

We explain your rights if you are thinking about cancelling your holiday.

Is it safe to travel to Greece?

The UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly updates its travel advice for destinations around the world.

It's always a good idea to check the latest advice at a location before you travel.

Regarding Greece, the FCDO has not said it isn't safe to travel.

The department says: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October."

The advice is to make sure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.

The government advice adds that wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable.

If the FCDO changes its advice and advises against all but essential travel after you've booked your holiday and bought your insurance, many policies with travel disruption cover may pay cancellation costs that you can't recover from your airline, tour operator or accommodation provider.

You can sign up for further updates on FCDO Greece travel advice.

What if your flight or hotel is cancelled?

If your airline or accommodation provider cancels your booking because of wildfires or another extreme weather event, they should contract you to arrange a refund, alternative flight, replacement accommodation or a rebooking.

It's a good idea to book with travel operators that are ABTA or ATOL protected, as you can get more protection if things go wrong.

Booking your holiday using a credit card can also provide extra protection so it's worth choosing this option over a debit card if you can.

Your travel insurer may be able to cover any remaining costs but make sure you keep any receipts.

Don't cancel your own booking before speaking to your airline or insurer. If you choose to cancel a trip that is still going ahead, you may find you are not entitled to a refund or insurance payout.

What if you're already on holiday?

If you're abroad when wildfires break out, follow the advice of the local emergency services and health authorities.

If you're told to evacuate your accommodation, leave as instructed and contact your insurer as soon as it's safe to do so.

When a package holiday is cut short due to the wildfires, you may be entitled to a partial refund.

But if you need to arrange alternative accommodation or book a new flight home, speak to your insurer first, if possible. They can explain what costs your policy may cover which could help avoid unexpected costs further down the line.

If your belongings are lost or have to be abandoned because of a wildfire, standard travel insurance may also provide cover, depending on your policy.

Will travel insurance cover a heatwave?

Travel insurance is designed to protect you against unexpected events rather than disappointment if the weather affects your holiday.

For example, your insurer is unlikely to pay compensation simply because it's too hot to enjoy sightseeing or spend time outdoors.

However, if you become ill because of a heatwave or another extreme weather event and need emergency medical treatment, your policy should cover you in the usual way, subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance.

Some insurers also offer optional natural disaster or travel disruption cover, which may provide additional protection if your holiday is affected by events such as wildfires, hurricanes, flooding or tropical storms.