Unfortunately, terrorism and global conflict continue to be common news headlines in today’s world. With the ongoing conflict in various regions from the Middle East to Europe, it’s evident that these events are happening more frequently, so it’s important to be informed of how to protect yourself. It may be an uncertain world, but that shouldn’t stop us from travelling.
Many travel insurance policies have exclusions when it comes to terrorism. It’s important to know how your travel insurance policy will cover you in events related to terrorism and war, so you can travel more confidently.
According to the Government of Canada, the two highest risk levels of travel advisories – “avoid non-essential travel” and “avoid all travel” can have implications on your travel insurance coverage, depending on when the travel advisory comes into effect.
To help you fully understand how travel advisories can affect your travel insurance, here’s a breakdown of some of our plans and some examples:
Emergency Medical
Scenario: Carl is injured in a terrorist activity while travelling in Paris. Would he be covered?
Since Carl purchased Emergency Medical Insurance before he left and there was no travel advisory in effect at the time he purchased his insurance, and as long as he wasn’t participating or voluntarily exposing himself to the activity. His policy would cover his medical costs.
Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption
Scenario: Diane buys a Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption plan for a trip to Thailand. At the time of booking and purchasing insurance, there was no travel advisory. However, before her departure, an travel advisory was issued due to a bombing in Bangkok, and Diane decided to cancel her trip. Would she be covered?
Yes, Diane would be covered for the cost of cancelling her trip, as long as the formal travel advisory and/or travel warning issued by the Canadian government is still in place on her departure date.
Trip Interruption
Scenario: Kevin is in Japan during a nuclear crisis and wants to come home due to him fearing for his safety. Due to the crisis, the government of Canada issued an official travel advisory to “avoid non-essential travel” to Japan. Would he be covered if he wanted to return early from his trip?
Yes, as long as Kevin purchased Trip Interruption insurance before his departure, and there was no travel advisory in place at the time he bought the insurance, his expenses to return home would be covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance and Global Conflict
Can I cancel my trip out of fear or based on rumours?
If there is no official travel advisory in place for your destination, the costs associated with cancelling your trip will not be covered.
Does travel insurance cover war, riots and civil unrest too?
Yes, your Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption insurance will cover you in the event of war, riots and/or civil unrest, so long as the Government of Canada has issued an official travel advisory after the date the trip is booked or the date insurance was purchased, whichever occurs later.
Can TuGo help me if I’m already travelling at the destination where there’s been a terrorist incident or travel advisory?
If you’re already in a destination when a new travel advisory is put into effect or an attack has taken place, get in touch with the Canadian Embassy or Consulate, if needed.
If you have a TuGo Travel Insurance plan and need support, call our worldwide collect emergency number at 604-278-4108. We’ll help coordinate medical care and find out whether your Emergency Medical or Trip Interruption plan will cover your related injuries and/or pay for your return home.
Stay Safe with Up-to-Date Travel Information
When travelling, it’s important to check the Canadian government’s travel advisories page and your insurance coverage before confirming your plans. While the world may feel unpredictable, having a solid plan in place ensures that you’re covered, no matter where your journey takes you.
Have questions? Post below!
Safe travels,
Monique
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2017 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.
