Amid global terror alert, demand for travel insurance spikes

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Nov 24, 2015, 03:30 ET

WARWICK, R.I., Nov. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip reports an increase in demand for travel insurance due to a growing concern over terrorism. The response comes as the US State Department issued a rare worldwide travel alert on Monday, warning American travelers about widespread threats posed by terrorists.

"This alert comes as millions of Americans are preparing to travel for the holidays. We understand that many travelers are concerned about their overall safety and unexpected travel disruptions. Our customer care department is available to offer guidance on how travel insurance may apply and to help find appropriate coverage for travelers," said InsureMyTrip CEO Jim Grace.

Since the attacks occurred in France, licensed travel insurance agents at InsureMyTrip estimate a 20 percent jump in calls from travelers seeking insurance protection.

According to an internal poll of licensed insurance agents at InsureMyTrip, the most common requests from travelers regarding terrorism concerns are the following:

Information on terrorism-related coverage.
How to cancel a trip due to terrorism fears.
Information on the Cancel For Any Reason benefit.
How to postpone or change upcoming travel plans.

Here are some examples of how travel insurance can help travelers due to terrorism-related concerns under the trip cancellation, trip interruption and travel delay benefits offered by most travel insurance providers on a comprehensive plan:

Cancel trip due to a terrorist attack: if a terrorist attack happens in a destination on a traveler's itinerary shortly before departure. Typically, coverage only extends to terror acts that have occurred within a certain number of days before a scheduled departure. Not all travel insurance providers offer this coverage and there are specific requirements.

Cancel trip for any reason: this is an optional time-sensitive benefit that allows travelers to cancel their trip for any reason.

Terrorism-related travel delay: if a terrorism-related situation causes a significant airport slowdown or flight delay.

Terrorism-related trip interruption: if a terrorism event happens at the destination after the traveler has arrived and traveler must cut their trip short.

Emergency assistance: most InsureMyTrip travel insurance providers offer 24/7 assistance services for travelers needing help while traveling or faced with an emergency situation during their trip.

Travelers interested in learning more about protection plans or coverage available can visit www.InsureMyTrip.com or call (800) 487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance agent in our customer care department.

MORE: How does travel insurance cover terrorism?

According to the US State Department, Americans should also exercise particular caution while traveling during the holiday season:

Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.

Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.

Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.

Register in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

About InsureMyTrip:
InsureMyTrip compares travel insurance products from the most trusted providers in the industry.

InsureMyTrip's powerful unbiased comparison engine and thousands of reviews enable travelers to quote and buy the right travel insurance plan. The site is supported by award winning customer service and travel insurance agents licensed in all 50 states.

Featured by Consumer Reports, and listed as a helpful website by the US Federal Consumer Information Center.

InsureMyTrip travel insurance experts are featured in national publications including Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Washington Post, and Travel + Leisure.

SOURCE InsureMyTrip