Victim of Assault Prior to Trip Departure Coverage

This coverage allows the insured to cancel their trip for a full refund of their pre-paid trip costs if they or their traveling companion are a victim of a felonious assault occurring within ten days of the scheduled departure date.

Let us tell you a story

Janet was working late in preparation for her yoga retreat in Costa Rica the following week. On her way to her car, she was struck from behind, knocked unconscious and beaten. A security officer heard the scuffle and came to her aid.

In the hospital the next morning, Janet decided that it was more important to focus on her recovery than to take her vacation. The police officer who interviewed her provided a copy of the police report – complete with statements from the security guard. She called her travel insurance company and filed a claim to cancel her trip. Once she sent the medical report and police report, she received confirmation that she would receive all her trip costs back. Janet could save that money and reschedule the yoga retreat when she was more fully recovered.

What does Trip Cancellation due to Victim of Assault cover?

As part of the covered reasons for pre-trip cancellation, this coverage lets you cancel your trip and receive reimbursement for your pre-paid trip costs (up to the policy limit) if you or your traveling companion are the victim of a felonious assault prior to starting your trip.

Some plans stand out by allowing the insured to interrupt their trip and return home if the assault occurs on the insured’s covered trip in addition to prior to the trip’s start.

Important notes about this coverage

• To facilitate claims settlement, the insured will be asked to provide proof of loss. For example, a police report and/or a medical statement from the treating physician.
• Some plans designate that coverage is not provided if the assault is committed by another insured, a family member, traveling companion or a traveling companion’s family member.

What type of policy covers this?

Some travel insurance package plans with cancellation provide this type of coverage.

How much coverage does each company provide?

Summary

• This covered reason for trip cancellation is not standard in all trip cancellation plans
• This coverage is limited to an attack that occurs a certain number of days (typically 10) prior to departure
• Proof of loss will be necessary for a claim – that proof may include a medical statement and/or police report
• Some plans do not provide coverage if the assault is committed by a family member or the insured’s traveling companion