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Examine, compare policies before buying

Carol Sottili The Washington Post

Most travel insurance package policies cover trip protection and medical costs, but beyond that, there are many variables. For example, some cover domestic partners; others don’t. Some cover weather-related events; others don’t.

We examined five medium-priced package policies available for direct purchase from larger companies and compared just one part of the coverage — terrorism — to show how they can vary. Prices quoted are based on a 35-year-old taking a $2,000, two-week trip to Europe during summer.

•Access America (800-284-8300, www.accessamerica.com)

Policy: Travel With Ease Comprehensive

Price: $89

What it covers: A terrorist act committed by an organized terrorist group recognized as such by the U.S. State Department in city in which traveler is scheduled to arrive within 30 days following the incident. Domestic and international destinations covered. No benefits if travel provider substitutes itinerary.

How it differs: For foreign destinations only, policy offers no coverage if terrorist act occurred within 30 days prior to buying insurance.

•CSA Travel Protection (800-873-9855, www.csatravelprotection.com)

Policy: CSA WebDirect Extended

Price: $96

What it covers: A terrorist act that occurs in departure or destination city, provided it occurs within 30 days of the departure date. Applies to domestic and international destinations.

How it differs: Terrorist group must “be generally recognized as having the intent to overthrow or influence the control of any government.” State Department designation not required.

•Specialty Risk International (800-335-0611, www.specialtyrisk.com)

Policy: RoundTrip

Price: $74

What it covers: Terrorism in a country, which is part of policy holder’s scheduled trip, that causes the State Department to issue a travel warning against traveling to that country during trip dates.

How it differs: Policy pays on travel warning alone (actual terrorist act not necessary). The policy does not extend to domestic destinations.

•Travel Guard (800-826-1300, www.travelguard.com)

Policy: Protect-Assist

Price: $94

What it covers: Terrorist attack must have taken place within 30 days prior to departure. Terrorist attack must be deemed as such by the U.S. government. Applies to domestic and international destinations.

How it differs: Policy covers politically motivated terrorist attack that occurs within a one-mile radius of the territorial city limits of the city to be visited.

•Travel Insured International (800-243-3174, www.travelinsured.com)

Policy: Worldwide Trip Protector

Price: $61

What it covers: Terrorist incident that occurs in a city listed on itinerary. Incident must have occurred within 30 days prior to scheduled departure date. U.S. government must label it a terrorist incident. Benefits not provided if travel supplier offers a substitute itinerary. Applies to domestic and international destinations.

How it differs: Policy must be purchased within 10 days of initial trip payment to qualify for terrorism coverage. The same city must not have experienced a terrorist act within 90 days prior to the incident causing cancellation.