Most travelers listed as missing after the flooding in Nepal were insured under a single group policy. According to the Latvian Association of Insurers (LAS), this policy has been issued for 33 individuals, of whom 28 are Latvian nationals and five are citizens of other countries. Additionally, six other trip participants purchased travel insurance from two other Latvian insurance companies. The association clarified that, at this time, insurers have not identified any other active life insurance or accident insurance contracts related to these individuals. If contact persons were specified in the insurance policies, the companies have already reached out to them, explained the terms of the insurance coverage, and answered any arising questions. Currently, insurers are maintaining constant communication with the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are monitoring the situation's development. Relatives of the missing are advised to obtain information through the consular service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to maintain contact with them. It is important to understand that the mere fact of a person's disappearance is not considered an insurable event. Therefore, payouts will depend on the circumstances officially established by the competent authorities. If the missing individuals are found alive, the travel insurance can cover emergency medical expenses and, if necessary, their return to Latvia. If a person is officially declared deceased and a death certificate is issued, then an insurance payout provided for in the death policy may be made. In the event that the remains of insured individuals are discovered, insurers are prepared to participate in organizing their repatriation. However, LAS emphasizes that such decisions are made jointly with the authorities of Nepal, rescue services, and the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so the course of action will depend on the situation on the ground. Thus, insurance coverage under the policies continues to apply regarding the consequences of the flooding, even if the contracts themselves expire by that time. Insurers are currently awaiting official information regarding the fate of the missing travelers.
