Travellers to check insurance policies in wake of attacks

With four Canadians confirmed killed and more injured in Sunday’s mass shooting in Las Vegas, an expert is urging any traveller who might have worries about their trip to make sure they read their insurance policies before leaving the country.

Terry MacDonald, vice-president of insurance services for CAA Saskatchewan, said all her company’s travel insurance policies provide some level of coverage for things like terror attacks and mass shootings.

Speaking on The Brent Loucks Show Wednesday, MacDonald cautioned that not all policies offer identical benefits.

“Like anything, you have to understand the policy you’re purchasing,” MacDonald said.

While she said people would be covered in situations like the Las Vegas shooting, or the recent knife and vehicle attack in Edmonton, MacDonald said some destinations would likely carry restrictions.

“We do cover terrorist activity. However, if somebody is travelling in an area, say Afghanistan or Iraq, where there’s Canadian government travel advisories against travel because of the security risks — there will be limitations on your policy,” she said.

While she couldn’t speak for other companies’ products, MacDonald said clients would be covered for medical expenses in a situation like the Las Vegas shooting. She said that would include any treatment needed, or air ambulance transportation back home if necessary.

She said CAA insurance would also cover things like retrieving any vehicles or pets a client might have brought with them, or any costs associated with having to change around flights to get home.