Travel Insurance And Civil Unrest: When Can You Cancel?

Civil unrest can be a scary and unpredictable event, and it's understandable that travellers may want to cancel their trips if their destination experiences such turmoil. However, it's important to note that civil unrest, in most cases, is not a valid reason for trip cancellation under travel insurance policies. Civil unrest encompasses peaceful marches, violent protests, riots, and clashes with authorities, and it is often region- or country-specific. While it may be a valid concern for travellers, simply being uncomfortable with the idea of travelling to an area experiencing civil unrest is typically not sufficient for reimbursement under trip cancellation coverage.

However, there are some exceptions and additional considerations. Some travel insurance plans may cover trip cancellation if civil unrest leads to acts of terrorism or significant property damage to your pre-booked accommodation. Furthermore, travellers have the option to purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which provides more flexibility and allows cancellation for reasons not covered by standard travel insurance. This add-on typically reimburses 50%-75% of non-refundable prepaid trip costs.

To make an informed decision, it is crucial to carefully read the policy documents of your specific travel insurance plan. Understanding the terms, conditions, and exclusions will help you determine if civil unrest is a covered reason for trip cancellation in your particular case.

Civil unrest is not the same as terrorism

Civil unrest and terrorism are two distinct concepts that are often conflated. While both can involve violence and fear, there are key differences that are important to understand, especially when it comes to travel insurance coverage.

Firstly, civil unrest is characterised by protests, demonstrations, and clashes with authorities, which can range from peaceful to violent in nature. On the other hand, terrorism involves the use of violent or threatening tactics by sub-state groups to achieve political, ideological, or strategic goals. Terrorism is typically carried out by non-state actors, such as criminal or terrorist groups, and targets civilians to create a psychological impact and provoke a strong reaction.

Secondly, the scope of civil unrest and terrorism differs. Civil unrest often occurs within a specific region or country and may not affect an entire city or country. In contrast, terrorism can have a broader reach and impact, with attacks carried out by international terrorist groups in multiple locations.

Thirdly, the determination of whether an event constitutes civil unrest or terrorism falls under the purview of insurance providers and governmental bodies. Insurance providers define civil unrest and terrorism in their policies and evaluate each event to determine which category it falls under. The United States government's declaration of an event as an act of terrorism also plays a significant role in this distinction.

Additionally, it is important to note that travel insurance policies typically do not cover civil unrest as a valid reason for trip cancellation. However, civil unrest can sometimes lead to acts of terrorism, which may be covered by travel insurance plans. It is crucial to carefully read and understand the specific definitions and coverage offered by your travel insurance policy.

In summary, civil unrest and terrorism are distinct concepts that differ in their nature, scope, and determination. Understanding these differences is essential, especially when considering travel insurance coverage and making informed decisions about travel plans.

Travel insurance may cover medical costs if you are injured during civil unrest

Travel insurance is an important consideration when planning a trip, especially to areas with a risk of civil unrest. While it may not cover cancellations due to civil unrest, it can provide peace of mind for unexpected medical emergencies.

Travel medical insurance is designed to cover emergency medical treatments during a trip and is especially useful when travelling abroad, as most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted outside of your home country. This type of insurance can help offset the costs of emergency medical, dental, and evacuation services, as well as prescription medications. It's important to note that travel medical insurance typically does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, or preventative care.

In the context of civil unrest, travel medical insurance may cover medical costs if you are injured. This includes situations where you require emergency medical treatment, such as X-rays for a broken leg, or emergency dental work. If civil unrest results in injuries that require medical attention, your travel medical insurance can provide valuable financial protection.

It's worth noting that travel medical insurance policies vary, and it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your specific policy. Some policies may have exclusions for injuries related to certain activities or incidents, such as extreme sports or intoxication. Additionally, the cost of travel medical insurance can depend on factors such as your age, destination, and length of stay.

When travelling to areas with a risk of civil unrest, it is advisable to purchase travel medical insurance that includes coverage for emergency medical expenses. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected in case of unexpected injuries or illnesses during your trip.

Travel insurance may cover emergency evacuation if your destination is deemed unsafe

Travel insurance can be a great way to feel more confident when navigating the risks of travelling. However, it's important to know what your specific policy covers, as they can vary.

In general, travel insurance policies will not cover cancellations due to civil unrest. This is because civil unrest is often deemed a "known peril", or something that a traveller would reasonably know about before buying a policy. However, if civil unrest leads to acts of terrorism, most travel insurance plans do list terrorist incidents that occur within a specific number of days before departure as a covered reason for cancellation.

If you want the flexibility to be able to cancel your trip due to civil unrest, you should consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage. With CFAR, you can typically cancel your trip up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure and be reimbursed for 50-75% of your non-refundable, prepaid trip costs.

Now, if you are already abroad and find yourself in the midst of civil unrest, emergency medical evacuation insurance can be a vital component of your travel insurance package. This type of insurance covers the cost of transporting you from a remote area or inadequate medical facility to a better-equipped medical centre. This could be by airlift or ambulance.

The exact terms of emergency medical evacuation insurance vary by policy, but generally, this type of insurance covers:

• Emergency transportation to the nearest adequate treatment centre
• A medical escort or travel companion's travel, which may include a medical professional who can administer specialised care
• Repatriation of remains, including the cost of embalming, local cremation, or a casket to transport remains by air, in the event of your death

Travel insurance may cover trip delays caused by civil unrest

Trip Delay vs. Trip Interruption

It's important to understand the difference between trip delay and trip interruption coverage. Trip delay insurance covers temporary setbacks, such as short waits or unexpected pauses in your travel plans. It can reimburse you for reasonable expenses like meals, accommodation, and transportation up to a certain limit specified in your policy. On the other hand, trip interruption insurance covers situations where you have to cut your trip short and return home early or stay at your destination longer than planned. It can refund lost prepaid costs and cover additional accommodation or travel expenses.

Covered Reasons for Trip Delay

To be covered by trip delay insurance, the delay must be caused by a reason specified in your policy. Common covered reasons include travel carrier delays, lost travel documents, mechanical failure, inclement weather, traffic accidents, and natural disasters. Civil unrest, such as riots or strikes, can also be a covered reason if it disrupts your journey. However, it's important to note that civil unrest must be unforeseen, and most policies will not cover cancellations due to a change of mind if your travel provider is still operating.

Making a Claim

In the event of a trip delay caused by civil unrest, contact your travel insurer's helpline to understand your coverage and benefits. Keep in mind that you will need to provide documentation and receipts to support your claim. Additionally, you may be required to notify your travel suppliers (hotels, tour operators, etc.) within a specified timeframe, such as 72 hours, to be eligible for reimbursement.

Travel insurance usually does not cover cancellations due to civil unrest

The U.S. State Department Travel Advisory System is the accepted source for information about travel risks. It issues travel advisories that include information about whether a country is experiencing political or civil disruptions, as well as any other noted risks. Since it is considered reasonable that travellers will research the country or area they are visiting, choosing to travel to a location that is experiencing unrest is generally viewed as a matter of personal choice in the eyes of an insurance provider.

However, there are some exceptions. Civil unrest can sometimes lead to acts of terrorism, which may be covered by travel insurance. Additionally, if civil unrest results in significant property damage to your destination accommodation, you may be able to file a claim for trip cancellation reimbursement.

If you are planning to travel to an area known for civil unrest, it is recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy that includes "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage. This type of policy allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, including civil unrest, and typically provides reimbursement of up to 75% of your trip costs.

Frequently asked questions