A surge in seismic activity across Southern Europe is raising concerns for summer holidaymakers, as popular destinations such as Crete, Santorini, Sicily, and coastal Turkey have experienced a wave of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in recent weeks.

While the risk of being directly impacted remains low, the heightened geological unrest has prompted many travellers to reconsider their plans. However, experts are urging caution—not just about safety, but also about the limits of standard travel insurance.

Most Basic Policies Don’t Cover Natural Disasters

According to travel insurance experts, most standard policies do not include protection against cancellations caused by natural disasters. “Travellers must be aware that most travel insurance policies won’t cover earthquakes or other natural disasters as standard,” said Ernesto Suarez, founder of Gigasure, an insurance provider. “Events outside of anyone’s control are extremely difficult to underwrite.”

Despite this, many insurers offer optional add-ons that provide additional protection. Simon McCulloch, commercial director at Staysure, explained that enhanced policies can cover disruptions due to earthquakes, floods, or wildfires—provided the traveller’s trip is directly affected and non-refundable. Gigasure’s upgraded package even includes coverage for unexpected accommodation and transport costs, pet-sitting expenses, and daily allowances for delays abroad.

What to Do if a Disaster Strikes While You’re Abroad

If an earthquake or volcanic eruption occurs while you are already at your destination, the immediate priority is safety. “The most important thing is to get yourself to safety and follow local authorities’ advice,” McCulloch advised.

Afterward, travellers are urged to contact their airline, tour operator, or travel provider to explore options for early return or relocation to safer accommodation. Those with extended insurance coverage may also be eligible for reimbursements on unused bookings or additional travel costs. In such cases, providers like Gigasure offer to extend policy durations for up to 30 days or until safe return is possible.

Cancelling Out of Caution May Not Be Covered

Feeling uneasy about visiting a quake-prone area is understandable, but unless official travel warnings are issued, cancellations made out of caution are unlikely to be covered by insurance.

“Unless your government issues specific travel advisories against visiting an area—such as advising against all but essential travel—standard policies won’t reimburse you if you choose to cancel out of concern,” McCulloch noted. Recent tremors in Crete, for instance, have not prompted formal restrictions, despite a reported drop in tourism bookings.

Tourism Impact Already Being Felt

In Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular tourist spots, local officials estimate a potential 25% decline in arrivals this year due to seismic fears. Still, most destinations remain safe for travel, experts emphasize.

Travellers are encouraged to review their policies carefully, consult their insurers about what is and isn’t covered, and monitor official advisories from relevant authorities before departure. “Natural disasters are unpredictable,” McCulloch said, “but your insurance coverage shouldn’t be—provided you’ve taken steps to understand what protection you really have.”