Terrorism boosts travel insurance

RECENT terrorist
attacks – the latest in
Paris, which saw the
killing of 12 people at the
French satirical magazine
Charlie Hebdo followed by a
shootout involving hostages
at a supermarket in Porte
de Vincennes – has led to
a surge in demand for travel
insurance.
Wybrandt Lubbe, travel
manager Bidvest Insurance,
says the increased risk of
terrorism has more travellers
interested particularly in
the ‘Cancel for any Reason’
benefit. Wybrandt adds,
however, that
it is important
to warn clients
that if they want
to cancel their
trip to a city as
a result of a
terrorist incident,
the same city
must not have
experienced a
terrorist incident
within 90 days
prior to the
terrorist incident
that is the
cause of the client’s claim.
Simmy Micheli, TIC manager
of sales and marketing, says:
“We find that many of the
queries we receive
will specifically be
about recent events
and what cover
is on offer.” Most
travel insurance
companies cover
medical expenses
incurred or
Accidental Death
and Permanent
Disability cover
for unforeseen
terrorism attacks,
she says. “The
recent attacks,
including those in Sydney
and Paris, are good examples
of when travellers would be
covered.”
.