More
passengers than ever are buying trip-cancellation and trip-interruption
insurance. At $4 to $8 per $100 of coverage, it's usually a good hedge
against possible problems.
Usually, people buy such policies because
of the possibility of becoming sick, called to jury duty or other legal
action, excessive airline delays, financial insolvency of an airline or
tour operator, or something terrible happening to your home, such as being
damaged by flood or fire.
If such events occur, you are reimbursed for
nonrefundable prepayments, fares and deposits.
But what about terrorism or civil unrest?
Are you covered if a bomb goes off or people have taken to the streets
in the city to which you are traveling?
TravelSafe, Travel Guard and CSA provide broad
coverage. If something happens 30 days before your scheduled arrival you're
covered.
But read the fine print and ask questions,
because some companies may not consider all terrorist "incidents" equal.
How severe does the unrest have to be? Read terms closely. Ask the company.
Access America provides coverage, but only
if you're arriving within 10 days of a terrorist event.
Travelex and Tripguard Plus, meanwhile, cover
terrorism only where the State Department has issued an official warning.
Especially these days, travel insurance is
a good idea. But check policies closely, and remember that travel may be
inherently risky -- and also a prime opportunity to travel in a new direction
toward personal fulfillment and emotional relationships.
