As the crisis continues to plague both travellers in Thailand and India, there has been some confusion as to whether or not insurance companies are covering costs related to extended stays.

This particular issue has started to become a thorny topic, especially in relation to Bangkok where travellers are finding it very difficult to get out of the country.

Mondial Assistance’s recent announcement that it will pay claims, cover medical costs and provide assistance services to its policy holders in Thailand has come as a relief to stranded travellers.

Typically, the Thai Prime Minister’s November 28 declaration of a ‘state of emergency’ would have prohibited claims which arise from ‘acts of war, rebellion, revolution or insurrection’, however, due to the extenuating circumstances Mondial has opted to waive this policy.

In accordance with their policy wording, Mondial will assist in the timely resolution of claims made by travellers who have been impacted by the recent events in Bangkok. 

Additionally, the company has called on a number of its staff from Bangkok to assist insured clients with any of their urgent or medically-related needs.

Mondial Assistance is currently attempting to arrange the early return of its clients from alternate ports.  

Medibank Private has also announced that it will recognize the claims of its policy holders in Thailand who have been affected by the recent protests.

Medibank Private Chief Operating Officer, Bruce Levy said that the fund will cover its clients for accommodation, alternative transport and other reasonable costs associated with their delay.

“The most important thing in these circumstances is to get the victims of the situation safely home as soon as possible, and now is not the time to be quibbling over fine print,” said Bruce Levy, Medibank Private COO.

“Medibank Private will cover our travel insurance members for costs of additional accommodation, alternative travel arrangements and medical costs incurred due to the ongoing civil disorder in Thailand. These items will be covered to the extent they normally would be under their policy.”

Travellers are advised to keep a hold of their receipts in order to make inquires with their respective insurance companies.