Travel insurance terrorism cover

In the light of the recent terrorist attacks in northern Spain and Majorca, blamed on ETA as they mark their 50th anniversary, what cover does travel insurance offer in respect of terrrorism?

With the holiday season reaching a peak, many holidaymakers may be concerned at the rise in terrorism in Spain and wonder what cover is offered by travel insurance.

Firstly, most travel insurance policies cover medical treatment after terrorist attacks.

You can compare travel insurance online using one of the comparison websites, such as Confused.com, Comparethemarket.com or Gocompare.com.

You should check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before you go.

The Foreign Office advice for Spain currently says

‘There is a high threat from terrorism in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Recent attacks attributed to ETA have taken place in Palma Nova on the island of Mallorca and in Burgos and Bilbao in the north of Spain.’

It adds ‘The Spanish authorities are fully aware of the impact of terrorism and take measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant.’

Unless the Foreign Office changes their information to advising against travel to Spain, then insurers will not pay a travel insurance claim if you simply decide not to travel because of your personal concerns about the risk of terrorism.

Unfortunately if your flights are delayed because of terrorism activity it is unlikely that you will be able to claim on your travel insurance.

Just to cover, Spain has cases of the H1N1 virus, Swine Flu – but on a positive note there is now clear information on travel insurance claims relating to this.