Terrorism & War: Does Your Travel Insurance Cover You?

Unfortunately, terrorism is a common news topic these days. With the recent attacks in Manchester and London, it’s evident that these events are happening more frequently, so you should be aware 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.
As described by 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 with examples:

Emergency Medical

The scenario: Carl is injured as a result of terrorist activity while travelling in France. Would he be covered?
Since Carl purchased Emergency Medical Insurance before he left, his policy would cover his medical costs, as long as there was no travel advisory in effect at the time he purchased insurance and he wasn’t participating or voluntarily exposing himself to the activity. 

Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption

The scenario: Diane buys a Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption plan for a trip to Thailand, and there is no travel advisory in place when she books the flight and buys insurance. Before leaving, an advisory is issued due to a bombing in Bangkok, and Diane decides 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 

The scenario: Kevin is in Japan during a nuclear crisis and wants to come home due to fears of radioactive contamination. Due to the crisis, the government of Canada has 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:

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 Travel Medical or Trip Interruption plan will cover your related injuries and/or pay for your return home.
When you travel, remember to pack your policy wording and wallet card. It’s also a good idea to check the government’s travel advisory page before leaving on your trip staying informed during your journey using apps like Travel Smart. 
Have questions? Post below!
Safe travels,
Sarah