Political Evacuation Insurance
What You Need to Know About Political Evacuation Insurance
Political evacuation insurance is a travel insurance benefit that becomes useful if you need to abruptly leave a country due to a non-medical emergency. Read on to find out more about this specific type of coverage, as well as when and where you might need to use it.
If a political or security event — such as civil unrest, mass protest, a political coup, or natural disaster — occurs in a country you are visiting, conditions on the ground can get dangerous quickly.
Closed roads and ports, transportation shutdowns, and shelter-in-place orders can make it impossible for you to enjoy your trip safely and as planned. That's precisely the kind of situation where this type of insurance can come in handy.
Typically speaking, the political evacuation insurance benefit is used for two types of situations: natural disasters and political unrest. If you need to evacuate for a medical reason, that is covered under a different kind of benefit called emergency medical evacuation.
How Political Evacuation Insurance Works
Political or security evacuation insurance is different from emergency medical evacuation coverage because it typically gets triggered when the U.S. Embassy or local officials in the host country issue a warning for visitors to evacuate.
Whether it’s a natural disaster evacuation or a security evacuation, your travel insurance providers will assist you in finding the necessary evacuation services. Depending on your policy and your travel insurance provider’s discretion, you can be transported to your next destination, nearest place of safety, or back to your home country.
In most cases, this benefit can only be used within a certain window of time (about one week) from when the evacuation order or advisory is issued. In other words, you can’t stick around to find out if the situation improves and you can continue your trip — you’ll need to make use of the benefit as soon as possible and evacuate.
What’s Covered With Political Evacuation Insurance
Political evacuation coverage should cover the related costs incurred when getting out of a dangerous country or situation. These security evacuation expenses can include the following:
Evacuation to a Nearby Safe Location
Transportation to Your Home Country
Accommodation
Repatriation of Remains
What’s Not Covered With Political Evacuation Insurance
Political evacuation insurance does not cover medical expenses incurred while traveling. If you need to seek care from a medical facility while you’re abroad, you’ll need a separate benefit known as travel medical insurance included in your policy.
In addition, it does not cover situations where you choose to leave due to your own discomfort or anxiety. Typically, an evacuation advisory needs to be issued by the U.S. State Department or the host country in order for this benefit to be valid.
Destinations That May Require Evacuation Insurance
If you are visiting a destination where there is a history of political instability, such as frequent changes of government, terrorist attacks, or recent war, or natural disasters, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes, it is essential to have evacuation insurance.
If you’re unsure, consult the U.S. State Department’s information page for the country or countries you’re visiting before you go. The official travel advisories will list any hazards to be aware of when planning your trip and choosing an insurance plan.
How to Get Political Evacuation Insurance
Political evacuation insurance is often included in a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Political evacuations are automatically included in all Ripcord programs. Check your travel insurance providers’ fine print to see if your travel insurance policy includes coverage for political or security evacuation.
Tips for Selecting a Political Evacuation Insurance Policy
- Check to see if your travel insurance policy includes this type of coverage.
- Check to see if your policy has any benefit limits, such as the number of days after an evacuation order you need to initiate evacuation.
- Check to make sure the country you’re visiting isn’t excluded from your policy.
- Check to see if the country you’re visiting has a U.S. State Department travel advisory of Level 3 or higher, in which case it may not be covered.
- Check to see if your policy also offers travel medical insurance, which is a separate benefit from evacuation insurance and will be necessary if you require medical care while abroad.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Political Evacuation Insurance Policy
Keep in mind that political or security events in your home country are typically not covered by evacuation insurance. If such an incident occurs before your arrival date and you decide to travel anyway, you will typically not be able to claim this benefit once you are there.
Before you go, familiarize yourself with the State Department’s guidance to travel in high-risk areas and make sure you’re subscribed to all updates and advisories about the country you plan to travel to.
Signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can help streamline the process. It’ll deliver updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination directly to your inbox, and if there’s an emergency during your trip, it’ll make it easier for the government to contact you with instructions on how best to proceed.
FAQs About Political Evacuation Insurance
1. Does travel insurance cover political evacuation?
This coverage typically includes transportation to a safe location or back to your home country, as long as the evacuation has been deemed essential by your insurance company.
2. What’s the difference between non-medical emergency evacuation and medical evacuation?
Non-medical emergency evacuation, such as political evacuation, ensures your safety during political unrest, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
Medical evacuation, on the other hand, focuses on transporting you to the nearest medical facility that's equipped to treat your illness or injury. In either scenario, your reason for evacuation has to be deemed essential, either by a medical professional (medical) or by the U.S. State Department or the host country you're visiting (non-medical).
3. How will I be transported with political evacuation insurance?
Your travel insurance provider's assistance line will help determine the best mode of transport based on the situation’s urgency, threat level, and available resources. Redpoint's team can be contacted 24/7 at +1-415-481-0610.
4. How much political evacuation insurance do I need?
For high-risk regions, a policy offering $50,000 to $100,000 in coverage is often recommended to cover transportation, logistics, and associated costs. Consult with your insurer to evaluate your specific needs.
5. Do I need approval to use political evacuation insurance?
Typically, evacuation also needs to be advised by the U.S. State Department or relevant local authorities for a successful claim. If you simply decide to leave due to a dangerous situation, your departure may not be covered.
6. How much is political evacuation insurance?
7. Is it worth it to buy political evacuation travel insurance?
Keep in mind that the cost of self-funded evacuation can be exorbitant, making this coverage invaluable for ensuring safety without financial strain.
8. Do I need political evacuation insurance for trips within the U.S.?
Redpoint Travel Protection Is Here to Help
Ripcord’s comprehensive travel insurance policy is designed to give you the ultimate peace of mind, even on the riskiest, most adventurous trips. Learn more about our international travel Ripcord and get a quote for your next trip today.
