Does Travel Insurance Cover Terrorism?
Find out how we could help if you're caught up in a terror attack.
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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 (Explorer Plan only) covers a number of situations like:
- You decide to stay and travel: If you decide to stay and travel, as long as there is no directive from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or a similar body recommending evacuation, your policy will continue;
- You are forced to move to a safer place: You must be on your trip and have checked in to your original accommodation, it must be uninhabitable for at least 24 hours. We will pay up to the sum insured for the same standard of accommodation as you originally booked when your travel provider does not supply an alternative;
- You’re injured or die in a terrorist attack: If you’re injured or die in a terrorist attack, our policies may provide cover for emergency medical and dental assistance. You can’t have travelled against the advice of the FCDO or participated in the terrorist activity.
Our 24/7 Emergency Medical 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 home, we consider that to be a change of mind and we won’t cover you for those costs. There are some exceptions to this as mentioned above.
In addition, our policy does not cover:
- If you choose to travel to a destination to which the FCDO has advised against all travel;
- If you change your mind;
- If you decide to return home 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 of the 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 traveling to or staying in the vicinity of that area, then your cover may be void.
The policy wording contains all conditions, exclusions and limitations to cover, so please read it carefully before you buy.
How to get help if you're hurt in a terror attack
It’s essential you contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams as soon as you are aware you will be admitted as an inpatient for at least one night so we can support you from the time you get injured until the time you get home.
So our teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- 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
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: £5,000
- Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
- Come to a sticky end?
- Called to jury duty?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses
Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.
- Explorer Plan: £10 million
- Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- You or a family member dead?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: £3,000
- Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Baggage & Personal Belongings
- Cancellation
- Trip Curtailment
- Personal Accident
- Loss of Passport or travel documents
- Personal Liability
- Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.
For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.
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.
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Am I covered if I need to cancel my plans as a result of terrorism?
Yes, our Explorer plan may offer cover if your trip is disrupted.
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Can you refund the rest of my policy because I’ve returned home early?
No. If you need to cancel outside your cooling off period, there is no refund of the unused premium.
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What if I have to leave my baggage behind?
Unfortunately there’s no cover if you leave your baggage behind.
24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
