Wildfires in south-west France have caused mass evacuations, with over 300,000 people displaced and many sleeping in temporary shelters such as sports halls, the BBC reports. An official from the French department of Gironde has urged tourists to avoid the region and advised those already there to consider alternative destinations.

Travel Advice from the UK Government

The UK government has not specifically warned against travel to France or Spain but recommends caution due to the risk of wildfires, particularly during the summer season from April to October. It notes that access to affected areas may be restricted, and roads could close at short notice.

Authorities advise travelers to follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times, and For those needing assistance in France or Spain, the emergency number 112 should be used. The UK government’s travel advice can change rapidly in response to evolving situations, so travelers are encouraged to monitor updates regularly.

Impact on Travel Insurance and Booking Cancellations

Travel insurance expert Anna-Marie Duthie of Defaqto notes that some policies may cover cancellation or additional costs if a trip is disrupted by a catastrophic event like wildfires, but coverage varies. She advises travelers to check their insurance policies to understand what is included.

Chris Bose, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), says that only half of travel insurance policies include “catastrophe” cover; this means that many travelers might not be reimbursed for canceled or disrupted trips due to wildfires.

If an airline or accommodation provider cancels a booking, Duthie recommends seeking a refund directly from the service provider — she adds that if a flight is canceled due to wildfires, airlines should offer a full refund or rebooking option. For those who have booked a package, this refund should cover all elements, including flights, accommodation, and transfers.

Future of Travel Insurance and Climate Change

Anna-Marie Duthie also points out that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, but According to the World Health Organization, the amount of land burned by wildfires has increased by 57% since summer 2022. While insurance providers are adapting to these risks, Duthie says there is no immediate indication of major changes to current policies.

However, she warns that in the longer term, there could be fewer insurable destinations and higher insurance premiums due to increased climate-related risks; Current policies may refer to “severe” or “extreme” weather, but the criteria for these terms vary among providers.