Tanzanian aviation situation and the insurance implications

Firstly, JWS apologises for the delay in writing this article/blog, it is not because we haven’t been interested or concerned, it is because we have received conflicting information, stories and versions of the situation.

Whilst we have collated a great deal of information and understand many of the issues surrounding this matter, we are still not 100% certain of all the facts, so we write this based on what we do know. We therefore cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, in particular, where we have no knowledge of local insurance markets. What we can advise our clients and other operators on, is the JWS and our insurer partner’s position on the subject.

Firstly, I will deal with the issue on Aviation insurance for JWS clients in Tanzania, whether plane or balloon operators. All those policies are ‘alive and kicking’ and, as long as you have TCAA authority and certification to fly, your policy has no exclusions or restrictions on it.

Secondly, many of our clients purchase our Safari Plan policy with its extensive Liability covers. For those of you that are arranging clients travel, whether as a travel agent, tour operator, or direct bookings, your Liability cover is unaffected. However, it is essential that you bring the issue to the attention of your clients. Whether as an addendum to your booking confirmation, a separate notification or an e-mail/letter, you need to outline the issue and, in relation to Tanzanian registered airlines, you do need to make them all aware. How you word this, and how it is ‘softened’ is for you to decide, but it is important that it is brought to their attention. As long as you have done, there will be no issue on your Safari Plan insurance policy.

The last issue I am addressing relates to Travel insurance. I can talk factually and clearly regarding the JWS Travel policy. Basically, there is nothing in our policy that makes the policy null and void in the event of a client using any aircraft in Tanzania. Like most Travel policies, there will be an exclusion of not travelling to a country where there is a Government or similar advisory in their country of residence. According to the UK Government, there is no such advisory in place at the moment.

In addition, there is a general exclusion, relating to a ‘Government or Public Authority suspending a means of transport’. Whilst the EU may well have done that, the UK has not, and, certainly, the Tanzanian Government and TCAA have not, so the policy is still valid and there are no issues with the cover. Obviously, we cannot comment on what EU countries have announced, whether they issue advisories and what the attitude is of European insurers or insurers further afield…but certainly, if you are from the UK, you can purchase Travel insurance through JWS without reprisals. As I have said, I cannot confirm that for other Uk or international insurers.

I hope this assists and reassures in some way, and as the matter develops, or we find additional information, we will update everyone. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss this on pink@jwseagon.com or call us on 254 (0)709 445 000.