Travel insurance and terrorism

What is terrorism cover?

As the name suggests, terrorism insurance pays out if your travel is affected by an act of terrorism. A separate add-on policy is needed because standard travel insurance policies do not pay out for losses caused in this way.

How do travel insurers define an ‘act of terrorism’?

An act of terrorism is defined as either:

1. An act that has been declared as an act of terrorism by either the UK government or the government of the country where the act occurred; or
2. An act where in the event of a delay in declaration by governments, acts which we believe should be covered under this policy, including but not limited to the use of force or violence, of any person or group(s) of persons, whether acting alone or on behalf of or in connection with any organisation(s) or government(s), committed for political, religious, ideological or ethnic purposes or reasons including the intention to influence any government and/or to put the public, or any section of the public, in fear for such purposes. Where we exercise this discretion we shall do so acting reasonably with the information available to us at the time.

Does standard travel insurance cover acts of terrorism?

Many people are not aware that losses arising out of acts of terrorism are specifically excluded by their travel insurance policy. Certain standard policies would pay if someone were injured or killed in a terrorist incident, but even they would not meet other losses, such as cancellation or loss of belongings.

With terrorist activity at high levels in many countries, there is growing interest in plugging the gap that exists.

What’s covered under a terrorism travel insurance policy?

When you buy a terrorism travel insurance policy, you’ll get the following cover:

• Cancellation: up to £2,000
• Curtailment: up to £2,000
• Emergency medical expense: up to £1 million, including transportation costs and returning you back to your home
• Evacuation and emergency temporary accommodation: up to £1,000
• Funeral expenses: up to £3,500
• Medical repatriation: up to £50,000
• Travel delay: up to £200
• Personal accident: up to £25,000 for death and £100,000 for permanent total disablement
• Personal effects: up to £1,500
• Withdrawal of services: up to £200

Terrorism travel insurance policies will only cover you for claims relating to acts of terror – it’s not a replacement for your main policy. This means you’ll still need to take out standard cover for medical treatment, cancellation not resulting from terrorism, and everything else you’d generally include in travel insurance.

What destinations are covered by terrorism insurance?

Terrorism insurance policies extend worldwide, however you won’t be covered if you’re travelling to, from or through the following countries:

• Syria
• Afghanistan
• Somalia
• Libya
• Yemen
• Iran
• Iraq
• Sudan
• North Korea
• Any country or area where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all, or all but essential travel

How long will my terrorism travel insurance policy last?

You’ll be able to take out a policy as:

1. A single trip policy, covering you for 180 days of continuous travel
2. An annual policy, covering you for any number of trips during a 12-month period – but the maximum duration for any one trip is 31 days

Who can take out a terrorism travel insurance policy?

Terrorism travel insurance policies from are available for individuals, couples and families – which will cover children under 18. Anyone over 18 must have their own policy.

You’ll be able to take out cover whether you’re travelling for leisure or business.

There are no age limits on terrorism travel insurance policies, and you won’t have to go through a medical screening.

How much excess will I pay to claim on terrorism travel insurance?

If you’re claiming for cancellation or curtailment you’ll need to pay £100 in excess, and for personal possessions, passports and travel documents it will be £75.