These are the articles I would rather not write. However, in today’s charged climate, it is more important than ever to understand and exercise our options when it comes to international travel.
Our friends across the Atlantic are recovering from two separate incidents of terror in Manchester and London, killing innocent people and stopping many more lives in their wake. Although the British population has been resilient in their response, international travelers may be hesitant in booking their next trip – partially in fear of this happening to them.
In these situations, some travelers may opt for travel insurance as an extra layer of coverage during their adventures. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, offer travel insurance to those who use the card or Ultimate Rewards to pay for their trips. In the event of a terrorist incident away from home, would travel insurance truly cover the cost associated with an attack?
As with any travel insurance policy, travelers are subject to the terms and conditions of their policy. Before booking, be sure to understand what may or may not be covered and read the fine print closely. Across travel insurance plans, here are the most common benefits regarding terrorism.
Which travel insurance benefits apply to terrorism?
Across plans, these benefits are closely associated with an act of terrorism:
- Trip Interruption: In the event of a terrorist attack, itineraries can be changed dramatically. Attractions that were once open may be closed, or travelers may be ordered to shelter in place in fear of additional attacks. If a terrorist attack forces an itinerary to be interrupted, this benefit may guarantee reimbursement for traveler’s pre-paid expenses, or guarantee a return trip home as soon as possible.
- Medical Benefits: Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenario when they travel. But in the event of a terrorist incident, travelers may be not only targeted but injured as well. In the event of a medical emergency, travel insurance can provide guarantee payment to a doctor or hospital for treatment. Even though modern adventurers may travel to a destination with socialized medicine, it does not mean their care will be free.
- Life Insurance: In the most extreme situations, a travel insurance benefit may also offer additional life insurance benefits, on top of those a traveler already has. It is critical to understand the fine print on these benefits, as they may not necessarily offer coverage in all circumstances. While it is no conciliation for the loss of life, a travel insurance policy with life insurance or repatriation can make it easier to return a loved one home.
Which travel insurance benefits do not apply to terrorism?
In most situations, these benefits often do not apply in the event of an attack:
- Trip Cancellation: When many travelers think of “trip cancellation,” they often believe they can cancel their trip because of a terrorist attack. However, in many policies, a single attack alone may not be enough to receive reimbursement after cancelling a trip. Before cancelling an itinerary and losing out on paid plans, read to ensure terrorism is a covered reason to cancel a trip.
- Trip Delay: When terrorist attacks take place, itineraries can get snarled and transportation can come to a stop entirely. When this happens, trip delay may cover the cost of waiting out the storm, or it may only cover a very narrow scope of situations. Additionally, travelers who purchase a plan after an attack may not receive coverage for known events, like the threat of a terror attack.
- Baggage Loss: In many cases, baggage loss or delay only applies when a common carrier (like an airline) loses your bags. If luggage is lost in the event of a terrorist incident, it may not necessarily qualify for coverage.
Should I purchase a travel insurance plan?
For every international traveler, a travel insurance plan can be an extra level of care in the worst case situation. While I often recommend travelers purchase a plan ahead of their international trip, I also recommend travelers be smart about where they are going and if their current coverage may be enough to keep them covered. Be sure to read up everything about your current or prospective policies to see if you are covered in all situations.
While travel insurance can be invaluable in the event of a terrorist attack, it may also not cover everything you may believe it does. By understanding what is or is not covered, travelers can make better educated decisions prior to departure.
Has travel insurance ever helped you in an emergency? Let me know your experiences in the comments below!
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com