Halifax responds to recent events causing massive travel disruption

Halifax Travel Insurance is responding to disruptive events such as terrorism, swine flu and the volcanic ash cloud by launching travel disruption cover on its standalone travel insurance policies.

A spokesman for Halifax Travel Insurance said it saw a gap in the market after recent severe events disrupted travel plans for many.

The new policy includes cover for cancellation or shortening of a trip for causes that are currently outside the scope of most travel insurance policies, such as airline insolvency.

It also includes substitute accommodation cover, replacement flight, and enforced stay cover for travellers who find themselves unable to fly home through no fault of their own.

Cover is also provided for car hire, kennel/cattery fees, and airport parking should travellers find themselves stranded.

Halifax Travel Insurance marketing director Lindsay Forster said: "Many more people opt to travel independently now, and are finding that when plans go awry due to unforeseen circumstances, there are some gaps in traditional travel insurance products which may leave them out of pocket. Our new travel disruption cover fills many of those gaps, giving independent travellers greater peace of mind."