Paris Orly Airport Shooting: Travel Insurance Company Explains Coverage Based on What We Know Now

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Mar 18, 2017, 13:52 ET

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, March 18, 2017, Paris Orly Airport suspended air traffic and closed incoming roads when a man was killed after seizing a soldier's weapon within the airport. Travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, explains insurance coverage for impacted travelers based on known information.

Cancellation Coverage Pending Terrorism Investigation

While the attack is still under investigation, neither French nor U.S. governments have outright declared it terrorism as of Saturday.

In order for impacted travelers to claim Trip Cancellation due to the attack, it must first be declared a "terrorist attack" by the U.S. Department of State.

If the attack is deemed terrorism, the following insured travelers may be eligible for Trip Cancellation benefits, and reimbursed up to 100% of their trip expenses:

Those delayed due to suspended or cancelled flights as a result of the attack (for at least 12 - 24 hours)
Those unable to reach the Orly airport due to a road closure (for at least 12 - 24 hours)
Those with trips to Paris within 30 - 90 days

Delay Coverage Already Available for Insured Travelers

Some travel insurance policies with the Travel Delay and Missed Connection benefits cover any delay of the common carrier. This includes travelers directly departing from the Orly Airport, as well as those departing out of any airport, whose flights were delayed or cancelled as a result of the Paris Orly airport attack.

Covered travelers who experienced extended flight delays or who missed connecting flights may be eligible for these benefits, including:

Reimbursement for meals, overnight accommodations and local transportation
Additional transportation expenses to catch up to their trip

Both benefits require the traveler to be delayed for at least 3-12 hours.

Travelers Must Be Insured Prior to Airport Attack

In order for any coverage to be applicable, the traveler must have purchased the policy before the attack on Saturday, March 18th. Those looking to claim under the Trip Cancellation benefit must have insured their trip expenses, in order to be reimbursed.

Squaremouth does not recommend travelers purchase a policy now for any benefits related to the event, as coverage is no longer available on new policies.

Squaremouth launched the Paris Orly Airport Shooting and Travel Insurance Information Center to keep travelers informed on coverage relating to the event. This is updated with official provider position statements, answers to frequently asked questions, and additional information as events unfold.

Available Topic Expert

Megan Singh
[email protected]
727-378-0938

SOURCE Squaremouth