Does Travel Insurance Cover Terrorism?
Find out how we could help if you're caught up in a terror attack.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Recent world events have shocked most of us with terrorist events on our doorstep and at many of our favourite holiday destinations.
Our travellers know that staying aware at all times is key to staying safe, but there are some things you can never anticipate, and a terrorist event is one of those.
What can travel insurance cover if there's a terrorist attack?
In the event of a terrorist attack, our travel insurance offers limited cover:
You decide to stay and travel: If you decide to stay and travel, as long as there is no directive from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or a similar body recommending evacuation, your policy will continue. There is still an exclusion for events related to terrorist activity, except for your medical expenses overseas if you are injured due to a terrorist event.
You’re injured or die in a terrorist attack: If you bought your policy on or after 1 August 2019 and you’re injured or die in a terrorist attack, our policies may provide cover for emergency medical and dental assistance overseas. You can’t have travelled against the advice of the Irish DFA or participated in the terrorist activity (obviously).
Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can help you navigate next steps if you’re caught up in the chaos and aftermath of an attack and are trying to continue your trip.
What’s not covered by travel insurance if there's a terror attack?
Terrorist attacks are understandably traumatic. If you’re worried one might occur, or following an attack you want to travel elsewhere or go back to Ireland, we consider that to be a change of mind and we won’t cover you for those costs to change your plans.
In addition, our policy does not cover:
- If you choose to travel to a destination for which the Irish DFA has advised against all, or all but essential, travel.
- Non-medical evacuation
- If you change your mind.
- Any pre-trip cancellation expenses.
- If you decide to return to Ireland early.
- If you have to leave where you are staying and leave your stuff behind, you will not be able to replace it.
- Buying a policy after the event happens will not cover you for any event-related injuries
You must also remember that if you knowingly put yourself in danger you may void your travel insurance. This means if there’s a warning of a terrorist attack or you were likely to have had knowledge there might be one, and you put yourself at risk by travelling to or staying in the vicinity of that area, then your cover may be void.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
How to get help if you're hurt in a terror attack
It’s essential you get in contact with our assistance teams as soon as possible so that our teams can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Terror Attacks in Paris.
After the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13 and subsequent raids in St. Denis on November 18, we decided to cancel our trip until a better time to travel with our children overseas.
US Traveller
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Terrorism. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
Am I covered if I need to cancel my plans as a result of terrorism?
Some policies do cover you for cancellation however most exclude it. Do check your policy when you get a quote.
-
Can you refund the rest of my policy because I’ve returned home early?
No. If you’ve travelled on your policy, there are no partial refunds.
-
What if I have to leave my baggage behind?
Unfortunately there’s no cover if you leave your baggage behind.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest suitable medical facility is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Disruption
- 24-Hour Medical Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.