Terrorist incidents
Why does travel insurance matter?
If a war breaks out or terrorists strike during your trip, and you are injured or have your baggage destroyed, you will need terrorism cover for the cost of medical treatment and compensating your lost belongings. A standard policy might include these features so it is important to check and decide whether you have an appropriate level of cover.
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Where the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against travel to a particular country or region due to acts of terrorism or other forms of civil unrest before you leave the UK, the tour operator or airline will usually offer an alternative trip. Where this is not possible, insurers sometimes provide cancellation cover. Please review our policies for enhanced journey disruption cover.
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Did you know?
60% – Proportion of policies that include cover for terrorist incidents. (36)
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Exclusions for acts of terrorism do not apply to personal accident claims. You can find more information in the personal accident section of this guide.
What does travel insurance cover?
When holiday insurance includes terrorism cover these policies do cover medical costs and repatriation if you need to be flown home as a result of serious injury after a terrorist attack.
Some providers might also cover damaged goods and the cost of alternative accommodation or flights home in the event of a terrorist act. Where this cover is available any details will be specified in your policy document.
Providers do not cover the knock-on effects of a terrorist incident, including the UK or another country shutting airspace or grounding all aircraft, or where increased security lead to travel delays.
In addition, providers do not typically cover problems arising from acts of terrorism if you travel to a country against FCO advice. You cand find more information on the latest advice for your destination on the FCO website. If your travel is essential, contact your insurer and ask whether your policy is valid before leaving the UK.
(36) ABI data, 2009.
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