Travel Alerts

Current Alerts

Individual Leisure Travel Insurance Update - New Policies
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – 11 August 2021

The Australian Federal and State Governments have placed restrictions on Australian citizens, residents and other persons travelling within, to and from Australia due to COVID-19. Ensure you check any Travel Alerts before you travel.

Further information on this can be found at:

https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

https://www.australia.gov.au/#state-and-territory-government-information

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is considered a foreseen or known event. There are various exclusions arising relating to COVD-19, please ensure you read the policy wording to see the full details.

Domestic Travel Insurance

There is no cover for claims directly or indirectly related to the following (unless otherwise stated in the COVID 19 domestic benefits section below):

  • Any losses for trip cancellation, trip delay and/or additional expenses caused by or due to COVID-19 is considered an expected, known and/or foreseeable event which is not covered by insurance. 
  • Any losses for trip cancellation if you or your travelling companion cancel your trip because of disinclination to travel, change of mind or fear of travelling. 
  • Any losses in connection with travel restrictions due to government orders, advisories, regulations, directives, or border closures.

COVID 19 Domestic Benefits

There is some cover available relating to COVID-19 as outlined below.

  • If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 after the purchase of an individual travel insurance policy and prior to departure, you will be covered for trip cancellation, provided you have a confirmed and documented diagnosis at the time of departure. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. 
  • If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on a covered trip, you will be covered for reasonable and necessary additional expenses, as long as you have a confirmed and documented diagnosis, and your trip was not in conflict with any travel restrictions or advice (as above). Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.

This COVID-19 benefit outlined above is subject to you meeting all terms and conditions of your policy.

International Travel Insurance

There is no cover for claims directly or indirectly related to the following, (unless otherwise provided under a COVID-19 cover section within an applicable policy wording. See below):

  • An epidemic or pandemic (including, but not limited to, COVID-19) declared by a governmental body, official health authority or the World Health Organisation. 
  • Any disease or event declared by the World Health Organisation as a public health emergency of international concern. 
  • The threat or fear of any such epidemic, pandemic, disease or event. 
  • Trip cancellation if you or your travelling companion cancel your trip because of disinclination to travel, change of mind or fear of travelling. 
  • Travel restrictions due to government orders, advisories, regulations, directives, or border closures.

COVID-19 Cover International Benefits

Please check the COVID-19 cover section in your applicable international travel insurance policy wording for full coverage and benefits.

This COVID-19 coverage is subject to you meeting all other terms and conditions of your policy.

Combined Product Disclosure Statements and Policy Wordings

Please ensure you read the applicable Combined Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording for a full description of the coverage:

Jetstar Travel Insurance

AIG Travel

A Target Market Determination (TMD) is available for all products and can be found here
 
Each claim will be considered on its merits, taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy.

Please click here to read our COVID-19 FAQ's.

Please be advised that the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may impact travel insurance coverages and benefits, and AIG Travel’s ability to provide certain travel-related assistance services, for travel to, from or within the affected areas.

Previous Alerts

Individual Leisure Travel Insurance Update

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – 25 November 2020

We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on travel both locally and globally. If you are buying a new policy today, cover restrictions will apply for events related to COVID-19.

Please also be aware that the Australian Government (including state governments) has placed restrictions on Australian citizens, residents and other persons travelling within, to and from Australia due to COVID-19.

Further information on this can be found at the following web links:

https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au 

https://www.australia.gov.au/#state-and-territory-government-information

If you purchased a Leisure Travel Insurance policy prior to 6 April 2020 please refer to previous alerts published on this page

If you are purchasing a new Domestic Travel Insurance policy on or after 25 November 2020, the following is a summary of what is covered and not covered for COVID-19.

Due to the widespread media reports on COVID-19, and the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, COVID-19 is a foreseen or known event. Therefore, subject to the paragraph below, any losses for trip cancellation, trip delay and/or additional expenses caused by or due to COVID-19 are not considered unexpected, unknown and/or unforeseeable, and will not be covered under the terms and conditions of all Leisure Travel Insurance policies underwritten by AIG Australia Limited.

However, if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 after the purchase of an individual leisure travel insurance policy and such diagnosis is made prior to departure, you will be covered for trip cancellation, provided you have a valid, confirmed and documented diagnosis at the time of departure. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on a covered trip, you will be covered for additional expenses, provided you have a valid, confirmed and documented diagnosis and provided your trip was not in conflict with any state, territory or federal government or health authority travel advisory, restrictions or warnings. However such coverage is always subject to you meeting all other terms and conditions of your policy. 

Please ensure you read the Combined Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording for a full description of the coverage.

As always, each claim will be considered on its merits, taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy.

Please click here to read our COVID-19 FAQ’s.

Individual Leisure Travel Insurance Update
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – 11 June 2020

AIG Australia has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and its impact on travel both locally and globally. We understand that many people have been impacted by the pandemic and we encourage all customers to follow the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel (DFAT).

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has banned travel to all destinations. The issuance of new individual leisure travel insurance policies has been suspended since 06 April 2020.

The latest information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic can be found at the following WHO web link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Further information about the current travel ban for all Australians can be found at the following Smartraveller web link: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/crisis/covid-19-and-travel

AIG Australia will continue to monitor the situation and will update this alert when there are any further changes.

What does this mean for your travel insurance cover?

Due to the widespread media reports of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, COVID-19 is a foreseen or known event. When the travel bans are lifted and you intend to purchase a new individual leisure travel insurance policy for a trip you may have booked, coverage restrictions may apply.

Any losses for trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip curtailment and/or trip delay in connection with any existing or new COVID-19 travel restrictions are not considered unexpected, unknown and/or unforeseeable, and will not be covered under the terms and conditions of all individual leisure travel insurance policies underwritten by AIG Australia (including any new travel policies purchased).

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to departure and after the purchase of an individual leisure travel insurance policy, you may be covered for trip cancellation, provided you have a valid, confirmed and documented diagnosis at the time of departure. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on a covered trip, you may be covered for medical expenses and trip interruption/curtailment benefits, provided you have a valid, confirmed and documented diagnosis and provided your trip was not in conflict with any government travel advisory.

Please read your insurance policy carefully for a full description of the coverage.

If you have already purchased an individual leisure travel insurance policy, the facts and circumstances surrounding your trip (including the circumstances detailed above) and the terms and conditions of your policy will determine the extent of coverage for COVID-19 related claims.

As always, each claim will be considered on its merits, taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy.

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
A new outbreak of pneumonia was first seen in early December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. On 7 January 2020, this outbreak was identified as being caused by novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). On 30 January, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global health emergency.
As of 7 February 2020, there were at least 31,000 confirmed cases of the virus worldwide.

The latest information of the outbreak can be found at the following WHO weblink: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Effective 23 January 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Smartraveller have raised the Travel Advice for all Australians to reconsider your need to travel to all of Hubei Province.

Effective 24 January 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Smartraveller have raised the Travel Advice for all Australians to do not travel to all of Hubei Province.

Effective 28 January 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Smartraveller have raised the Travel Advice for all Australians to reconsider your need to travel to China overall and do not travel to all of Hubei Province.

Effective 01 February 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Smartraveller have raised the Travel Advice for all Australians to do not travel to China and do not travel to all of Hubei Province.

AIG is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update this alert should there be any further changes.

What does this mean for your travel insurance cover?
Travellers are advised to check their particular policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed as these can vary depending on which policy you have purchased.

Please note that subject to the terms and conditions of your policy wording cover may be restricted or excluded if (i) at the time of taking out the travel insurance policy* you were aware of or could be expected to be aware of an event which may give rise to a claim under the policy; or (ii) you do not take precautions to avoid a claim after a warning about the event has become publically known.

* For complimentary insurances and annual multi-trip travel policies (including Corporate Travel policies), the date you took out your travel insurance policy is generally deemed to be the date you activated cover for that trip by purchasing the travel arrangements.

Given the Coronavirus Outbreak has been widely reported in the media including alerts issued by the World Health Organisation and DFAT / Smartraveller, AIG Australia is treating this event as known and foreseen effective 24 January 2020.

No cover may be provided for losses or damages in connection with the Coronavirus Outbreak unless your policy was issued or travel insurance arrangements were confirmed prior to 24 January 2020.
Travellers who purchased or confirmed travel insurance cover on or after 24 January 2020 may not be covered as the Coronavirus Outbreak would not be considered ‘unforeseeable’.

As always, each claim will be considered on its merits taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy.

Please note:
i. We are monitoring the present situation and will provide further update(s), should the position change.
ii. This position statement only remains applicable as long as the present circumstances prevail.
Tips for Travellers:
• Policy Enquiries & Confirmation - If you need to confirm your policy details, please call AIG Australia between 8am and 6pm AEST for:
 - AIG and other Travel Insurance on 1800 017 682
 - Good2Go Travel Insurance on 1300 290 217
 - Jetstar Travel Insurance on 1800 257 504
• If you need Emergency Assistance please call our team on +60 3 2772 5592 at any time or email auassistance@aig.com
• Monitor Smartraveller for any updates in relation to the Coronavirus Outbreak https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china

 

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
On 20 January 2020, Chinese authorities identified an outbreak of a new type of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan City in Hubei Province. There have been a large number of confirmed cases in China with a number of reported deaths. In addition, some countries, including but not limited to, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea and the United States of America have also confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection in travellers, who recently returned from Wuhan or who have been exposed to persons who had recently travelled to Wuhan.

Effective 23 January 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Smartraveller have raised the Travel Advice for all Australians to reconsider your need to travel to all of Hubei Province.

Effective 24 January 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Smartraveller have raised the Travel Advice for all Australians to do not travel to all of Hubei Province.

Effective 28 January 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Smartraveller have raised the Travel Advice for all Australians to reconsider your need to travel to China overall and do not travel to all of Hubei Province.

Chinese authorities have put new measures in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Strict travel restrictions have been imposed in Wuhan and a number of other cities in Hubei Province. Authorities could impose further restrictions across Hubei Province with little notice.

If you travel to Hubei Province at this time you may not be allowed to depart until travel restrictions are lifted. Existing measures including wearing masks in public places and avoiding travel in and out of cities in Hubei Province remain in place. Authorities may expand travel restrictions as the outbreak develops.

If you have travelled to Hubei Province and have developed symptoms of respiratory illness, seek medical advice immediately.

AIG is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update this alert should there be any further changes.

What does this mean for your travel insurance cover?
Travellers are advised to check their particular policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed as these can vary depending on which policy you have purchased.

Please note that subject to the terms and conditions of your policy wording cover may be restricted or excluded if (i) at the time of taking out the policy you were aware of or could be expected to be aware of an event which may give rise to a claim under the policy; or (ii) you do not take precautions to avoid a claim after a warning about the event has become publically known.

Given the Coronavirus Outbreak has been widely reported in the media including alerts issued by the World Health Organisation and DFAT / Smartraveller, AIG Australia is treating this event as known and foreseen effective 24 January 2020.

No cover may be provided for losses or damages in connection with the Coronavirus Outbreak unless your policy was issued or travel insurance arrangements were confirmed prior to 24 January 2020.

Travellers who purchased or confirmed travel insurance cover on or after 24 January 2020 may not be covered as the Coronavirus Outbreak would not be considered ‘unforeseeable’.

As always, each claim will be considered on its merits taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy.

Please note:

i. We are monitoring the present situation and will provide further update(s), should the position change.

ii. This position statement only remains applicable as long as the present circumstances prevail.

Tips for Travellers:

  • Policy Enquiries & Confirmation - If you need to confirm your policy details, please call AIG Australia between 8am and 6pm AEST for:

- AIG and other Travel Insurance on 1800 017 682

- Good2Go Travel Insurance on 1300 290 217

- Jetstar Travel Insurance on 1800 257 504

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – 14 February 2020

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has notified Jetstar that it will take industrial action that may disrupt flights on Wednesday 19th February 2020 .  Flights operated by Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Pacific are not affected by this potential industrial action.

AIG Australia Ltd is the underwriter of Jetstar Travel Insurance products and we are working closely with Jetstar on this matter.

Jetstar has advised that impacted travellers will be provided with refunds or alternative flights. Further information is below and is also available at jetstar.com/au/en/travel-alerts:

-        If you are flying on the above mentioned date and your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours Jetstar will offer travellers the choice of an alternate flight or a refund.

-        For customers who have to overnight away from home as a result of this disruption Jetstar will also offer accommodation and meals to a specified value.

-        If Jetstar has provided you with a refund of your flights due to this action and you hold a Travel Insurance policy issued by AIG, please contact AIG on the phone numbers below for further information.

Jetstar Travel Insurance - 1800 257 504

AIG Travel Insurance - 1800 017 682

Good2Go Travel Insurance - 1300 290 217

Alternatively if you wish to discuss any other matters relating to this action or your policy please contact us between the hours of 8am and 6pm AEDT via the phone numbers above or email on traveladmin@aig.com

 

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – 10 December 2019

Proposed industrial actions of the Australian Federation of Airline Pilots may disrupt travel on Jetstar Australia flights between Friday 13th December and Friday 20th December 2019.  Flights operated by Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Pacific are not affected by this potential industrial action.

AIG Australia Ltd is the underwriter of Jetstar Travel Insurance products and we are working closely with Jetstar on this matter.

Jetstar have advised that impacted travellers will be provided with refunds or alternative flights. Further information is below and is also available at jetstar.com/au/en/travel-alerts:

-        If you are flying on the above mentioned dates and your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours Jetstar will offer travellers the choice of an alternate flight or a refund.

-        For customers who have to overnight away from home as a result of this disruption Jetstar will also offer accommodation and meals to a specified value.

-        If Jetstar has provided you with a refund of your flights due to this action and you hold a Travel Insurance policy issued by AIG, please contact AIG on the phone numbers below for further information.

Jetstar Travel Insurance - 1800 257 504

AIG Travel Insurance - 1800 017 682

Good2Go Travel Insurance - 1300 290 217

Alternatively if you wish to discuss any other matters relating to this action or your policy please contact us between the hours of 8am and 6pm AEDT via the phone numbers above or email on traveladmin@aig.com

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – 24 August 2018

As of 22 August 2018 the state government of Hawaii has declared a statewide state of emergency due to expected disruptions associated with the arrival of Hurricane Lane. The storm is forecast to impact Hawaii from 23 – 25 August, during which it will pass nearby or make landfall in the state. Authorities anticipate serious weather-related risks including a storm surge and high winds as well as heavy rainfall and flooding. Travellers are advised to monitor area conditions and follow any directives from local authorities.

What does this mean for your travel insurance cover?

Under our policy cover may be restricted or excluded if (i) at the time of taking out the policy you were aware of or could be expected to be aware of an event which may give rise to a claim under the policy; or (ii) you do not take precautions to avoid a claim after a warning about the event has become publically known.

As Hurricane Lane has been widely reported in the media and official statements about the likelihood of future disruptions from the hurricane has been provided by the relevant authorities, cover may not be provided for losses or damages incurred in connection with Hurricane Lane or associated travel disruptions unless your travel arrangements were confirmed and the policy was issued prior to this hurricane event becoming publically known. AIG considers that this event become publically known on 24 August 2018. 

Where policies have been issued and travel arrangements were confirmed before this date, cover for trip cancellation and additional expenses incurred will be assessed against the wording of the policy.

Before we can consider a claim or provide advice on a claim, travellers should:    

  1. Confirm with their airlines that their flights have been cancelled.
  2. Contact their airlines to review alternative arrangements.
  3. Contact their travel agents or their airlines and/or accommodation providers to see what costs they will meet or amendment concessions or refunds they are prepared to provide. 

As always, each claim will be considered on its merits taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy. Travellers are advised to check their particular policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed.

Please note:

  i.   We are monitoring the present situation and will provide further update(s), should the position change.

  ii. This position statement only remains applicable as long as the present circumstances prevail.


Tips for Travellers:

 

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – 29 June 2018

Mount Agung in Bali Indonesia continues to experience Volcanic activity with the latest eruption recorded on the 28 June.  AIG Australia is reconfirming its position on travel insurance coverage and the below position continues to remain in place. If you are planning on travelling to Bali in the coming days we encourage you to contact your airline immediately.

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – 19 March 2018

The status of the volcanic activity at Mount Agung in Bali Indonesia has been reviewed, and AIG Australia’s position on travel insurance coverage remains in place. Please see below for further details.

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – 29 November 2017

Ongoing volcanic activity from September 2017 at Mount Agung in Bali Indonesia, including a recent eruption which released an ash cloud, has caused flight disruptions at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and the temporary closure of Lombok International Airport.

The recent eruption and increased seismic activity has resulted in the Indonesian Bureau of Volcanology raising the alert status of Mount Agung to the highest level, suggesting that a major eruption is possible in the near term. An exclusion zone remains in place within a radius of 10 km of Mount Agung.

What does this mean for your travel insurance cover?

Due to:

  1. the ongoing volcanic activity from September 2017, (including the recent eruptions and increased seismic  activity); and
  2. associated disruptions arising from such ongoing volcanic activity such as the imposition of the exclusion zone, the temporary closure of the Lombok International Airport and the raising of the alert level,

a number of policy restrictions and exclusions may now be in effect. These restrictions and exclusions are operative from 22 September 2017.

In particular, no cover may be provided for losses or damages in connection with such ongoing volcanic activity and the above associated disruptions unless the policy was issued or travel insurance arrangements were confirmed prior to 22 September 2017.

Travellers who purchased or confirmed travel insurance cover on or after 22 September 2017 may not be covered as the ongoing volcanic activity and associated disruptions would not be considered ‘unforeseeable’. This is due to, amongst other things, the activity being widely reported in the media from such date, including statements about the likelihood of future disruptions.

Where policies have been issued or travel insurance arrangements were confirmed before 22 September 2017, cover for trip cancellation and additional expenses incurred will be assessed against the wording of the policy.

Before we can consider a claim or provide advice on a claim, travellers should:    

  1. Confirm with their airlines that their flights have been cancelled.
  2. Contact their airlines to review alternative arrangements.
  3. Contact their travel agents or their airlines and/or accommodation providers to see what costs they will meet or amendment concessions or refunds they are prepared to provide. 

As always, each claim will be considered on its merits taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy. Travellers are advised to check their particular policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed.

Please note:

  i.   We are monitoring the present situation and will provide further update(s), should the position change.

  ii.  This position statement only remains applicable as long as the present circumstances prevail.


Tips for Travellers:

  • Policy Enquiries & Confirmation - If you need to confirm your policy details, please call AIG Australia between 8am and 6pm AEST for:
    • AIG and other Travel Insurance on 1800 017 682
    • Good2Go Travel Insurance on 1300 290 217
    • Jetstar Travel Insurance on 1800 257 504
  • If you need Emergency Assistance please call our team on +60 3 2772 5592 at any time or email auassistance@aig.com
  • Monitor http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/asia/south-east/pages/indonesia.aspx for all your travels.

AIG Australia Travel Insurance – 23 September 2017

Disruptions arising out of any volcanic activity in Mount Agung, including but not limited to the airspace closures in Bali, may not be covered unless the Policy was issued or travel insurance arrangements confirmed prior to 22 September 2017. Travellers who purchased or confirmed travel insurance cover on or after 22 September 2017 may not be covered as the event would not be considered ‘unforeseeable’, having been widely reported in the media including statements about the likelihood of future disruptions from this date.

Where policies have been issued or travel insurance arrangements confirmed before 22 September 2017, cover for trip cancellation and additional expenses incurred will be assessed against the wording of the policy. As always, each claim will be considered on its merits taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy. 

Policy holders are advised to check their particular policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed.

 

AIG Australia Travel Insurance Update – 04 May 2018

Volcanic activity has occurred in Hawaii, in the Leilani Estates area of the Kilauea Volcano. Although no travel disruptions have been experienced yet, local residents have been advised to evacuate from 4 May 2018.

What does this mean for your travel insurance cover?

Due to:

  1. the likely volcanic activity from 4 May 2018, (including the recent eruptions and increased seismic  activity); and
  2. associated disruptions arising from such volcanic activity such as the imposition of an exclusion zone, and the raising of alert level,

a number of policy restrictions and exclusions may now be in effect. These restrictions and exclusions are operative from 4 May 2018.

In particular, no cover may be provided for losses or damages in connection with such ongoing volcanic activity and the above associated disruptions unless the policy was issued or travel insurance arrangements were confirmed prior to 4 May 2018.

Travellers who purchased or confirmed travel insurance cover on or after 4 May 2018 may not be covered as the ongoing volcanic activity and associated disruptions would not be considered ‘unforeseeable’. This is due to, amongst other things, the activity being widely reported in the media from such date, including statements about the likelihood of future disruptions.

Where policies have been issued or travel insurance arrangements were confirmed before 4 May 2018, cover for trip cancellation and additional expenses incurred will be assessed against the wording of the policy.

Before we can consider a claim or provide advice on a claim, travellers should:     

  1. Confirm with their airlines that their flights have been cancelled.
  2. Contact their airlines to review alternative arrangements.
  3. Contact their travel agents or their airlines and/or accommodation providers to see what costs they will meet or amendment concessions or refunds they are prepared to provide. 

As always, each claim will be considered on its merits taking into account the individual circumstances of the claim and the terms and conditions of the policy. Travellers are advised to check their particular policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed.

Policy holders are advised to check their particular policy wording for eligibility, cover entitlement and the type of expenses that can be claimed.

Please note:

  i.   We are monitoring the present situation and will provide further update(s), should the position change.

  ii.  This position statement only remains applicable as long as the present circumstances prevail.


Tips for Travellers: