The impact of the ‘severe’ threat level for terrorism
US-based travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth has explained the impact that the ‘severe’ threat level for terrorism has had on travellers visiting Europe, a designation that was given following a terrorist bombing at the Manchester Arena on 22 May.
According to Squaremouth, although an ensuing attack is ‘highly likely’, the ‘severe’ threat level does not impact the availability of travel insurance for those with upcoming trips planned to the UK.
It said that most insurance providers view another attack as a separate event from the Manchester bombing, which means future incidents in Europe can be covered, providing the traveller buys their policy before an attack occurs. "Unfortunately, it is too late to buy a new policy with coverage for the Manchester attack," said Squaremouth spokesperson Megan Singh. "However, travellers who purchased a policy with terrorism coverage before 22 May may be able to cancel."
Squaremouth also said that most travel insurance policies with the ‘terrorism’ benefit cover a traveller to cancel an upcoming trip if an attack is declared an act of terrorism, and occurs in or near their destination within 30 days of their arrival.
According to the website’s sales data, interest in terrorism coverage is the highest it’s ever been, and travellers going to Europe are the most concerned, especially those travelling to the five most popular European countries – Italy, the UK, France, Spain and Germany.