Travelers Are Cautious But Not Canceling After Europe Travel Alert, Says Squaremouth

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Jun 03, 2016, 01:04 ET

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the U.S. Department of State's recent travel alert for Europe, Americans are still making plans to visit the destination, according to Squaremouth, America's fastest growing travel insurance comparison site. Additionally, more travelers are opting to insure trips to alternative destinations this summer.

The five most popular European destinations — Italy, France, UK, Germany and Spain — account for nearly a quarter of Squaremouth customers traveling this summer, consistent with last year. Additional European destinations are gaining popularity among the website's customers, including Norway and Denmark, compared to last summer.

Squaremouth has also seen more Americans choosing to travel closer to home this summer, with Canada rising to the second most popular international destination overall, a significant increase compared to last summer.

The current travel alert follows a previous Europe Travel Alert issued by the State Department on March 22, following the Brussels terrorist attacks. In the months since the initial advisory, Squaremouth has not seen a decrease in the number of travelers insuring trips to popular European destinations. The only exception is France, which has dropped slightly compared to Squaremouth sales for the same time period last year.

"The travel alert hasn't stopped people from visiting Europe," said Squaremouth spokesperson Rachael Taft. "We've seen that travelers are opting to insure their trips rather than avoid Europe altogether."

Squaremouth launched the Europe Travel Alert and Travel Insurance Information Center to explain coverage related to the travel alert for Europe. This resource is regularly updated with frequently asked questions, provider position statements, and relevant notices related to the Europe Travel Alert.

Key Travel Insurance Facts About the Europe Travel Alert

You cannot cancel your trip because of the Europe Travel Alert
A travel alert is not a covered reason to cancel a trip on standard travel insurance. Only travelers with the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade would be covered to cancel their trip due to a travel alert or fear of a potential terrorist attack.

You can cancel your trip if there is a terrorist attack at your destination
Most policies include Terrorism coverage, which typically covers travelers to cancel their trip if a terrorist attack occurs in or near a city on their itinerary within 7-30 days of their departure date, as long as the attack has been declared an act of terrorism by the State Department.

The Europe Travel Alert does not affect travel insurance coverage
Travelers can still purchase travel insurance, including terrorism coverage, for an upcoming trip to Europe despite the travel alert.

ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH

Squaremouth is an online company that compares travel insurance products from virtually every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare insurance products side-by-side. More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com.

Available Topic Expert:
Rachael Taft
[email protected]
(727) 264-5174

SOURCE Squaremouth