[Singapore] Etiqa Insurance Singapore said on Monday (Jun 16) it will offer coverage to eligible customers affected by Jetstar Asia’s upcoming shutdown, following a similar decision by Income Insurance announced on Jun 12.
While the shutdown of an airline’s operations is not typically covered under standard travel insurance policies, Etiqa said it will extend support to eligible customers “as a gesture of goodwill to alleviate the financial burden on its valued customers”.
The move, which covers partial ticket expenses for flights booked after Jul 31, comes amid growing customer uncertainty following the Singapore-based low-cost carrier’s announcement that it will cease operations by Jul 31 this year. For alternative travel arrangements post Jul 31, customers rebooking flights for the same travel period may claim a fare difference of up to S$200.
Etiqa said the extended coverage applies to customers who purchased single-trip or annual travel insurance plans prior to Jun 11, 8 am. Policyholders can submit claims for non-refundable expenses related to pre-booked accommodation, local transport and travel activities. Claims are subject to the policy’s existing terms and applicable limits.
The insurer has also lengthened the claim submission period from 30 to 90 days, giving customers more time to assess and adjust their travel plans.
“We hope this goodwill gesture helps ease challenges faced by those with disrupted travel plans,” said Raymond Ong, chief executive officer of Etiqa Insurance Singapore.
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“Our team is committed to providing the support and assistance our customers need to manage their travel plans with confidence and peace of mind,” he added.
Those affected by Jetstar Asia’s flight disruptions between Jul 11 and Jul 31 may also file claims under the Travel Delay Clause.
All claims and non-refundable bookings must be supported by documentation from relevant service providers.
Affected customers can contact Etiqa’s at +65 6887 8777 or email customer.service@etiqa.com.sg for assistance and clarifications on their coverage.
Last week, Income Insurance said it would offer similar goodwill coverage for affected policyholders.
Income allows eligible customers with pre-trip cancellation cover to claim for unused and prepaid travel expenses – such as accommodation, travel packages, local tours, amusement park tickets and transport — excluding Jetstar tickets, including land transfers.
This applies to eligible single-trip and annual travel insurance plans purchased prior to Jun 11, 8 am.
A full refund, within the stipulated policy limit, will be given if and when affected eligible customers fail to obtain a refund from their accommodation, transport or service providers, as stipulated in the travel insurance policy terms and conditions.
Jetstar Asia said customers who have booked flights for travel after Jetstar Asia’s closure on Jul 31 will be contacted directly with an option for a full cash refund.
The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) is working with Jetstar Asia to clarify refund procedures and recourse options in cases of dispute.
Customers may contact Case’s hotline (6277 5100) or visit their website at www.case.org.sg.
