Travel can be affected by current events, as recently seen with the terrorist attacks in Paris. While many intrepid travelers are determined not to let fear or concern over terrorism ruin their travel plans, it’s good to know your options in case anything happens.
Travel insurance can help in many ways, and demand for traveler insurance goes up when tragic world events occur. Since the attacks occurred in France, licensed travel insurance agents at InsureMyTrip found a 20 percent jump in calls from travelers seeking insurance protection.
The most common requests from travelers regarding terrorism concerns include:
- Information on terrorism-related coverage.
- How to cancel a trip due to terrorism fears.
- Information on cancelling a trip.
- Information on how to postpone or change upcoming travel plans.
How travel insurance can help travelers due to terrorism-related concerns
Cancel trip due to a terrorist attack:
If a terrorist attack happens in a destination on a traveler’s itinerary shortly before departure, you can cancel your trip. Typically, coverage only extends to terror acts that have occurred within a certain number of days before a scheduled departure. Not all travel insurance providers offer this coverage and there are specific requirements.
Cancel trip for any reason
This is an optional time-sensitive benefit that allows travelers to cancel their trip for any reason.
Terrorism-related travel delay
Travel insurance companies can provide coverage if a terrorism-related situation causes a significant airport slowdown or flight delay.
Terrorism-related trip interruption
Travel insurance can offer coverage if a terrorism event happens at the destination after the traveler has arrived and traveler must cut their trip short.
Emergency assistance
Many travel insurance companies provide 24/7 assistance services for travelers needing help while traveling or faced with an emergency situation during their trip.
Tips to Help Keep Your Safe During Travel
If a terrorism event does occur while you’re traveling, here are some things to keep in mind.
Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency. Facebook has a feature which allows you to notify your friends that you are safe. If you have location services turned on and a tragic event occurs in your location, Facebook will send a notification asking if you are safe. You can check that you are safe and it will post this on your feed.
Register in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Travel insurance policies vary by company and policy. Compare and ask questions. For more information on travel insurance, see InsureMyTrip.com or Alliance, another very reputable travel insurance company.
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