Travel Insurance cover following terrorist threats in UK August 2006

Following the recent security measures taken by various countries in response to the terrorist threats in the UK, the Insurance Services Office has had a number of queries from travellers, staff on OSP , and people intending to travel, as to what the University’s Business Travel Insurance Policy would cover them for in respect of

a) Laptops.

Of particular concern was the fact that the existing Travel Insurance policy required laptops to be taken on as cabin hand luggage, whereas the airports had placed an immediate ban on this.

The Insurance Services Office is pleased to advise that the University’s travel insurer, Accident & Health has varied the existing Policy condition regarding cover for laptop computers.

The insurer has confirmed $8,000 cover on laptops when they are contained in the baggage hold of an aircraft as a result of airport/security instructions. They have requested that travellers make an effort to protect the laptops from damage by wrapping them in clothing and such.

We also suggest that it would be prudent to back up your data before you pack the laptop.

b) Terrorism Exclusion and cover for delays/cancellations.

The University’s brokers have confirmed that the University's Business Travel insurance policy will cover expenses arising from delays and cancelled flights/missed connections arising out of such incidents as occurred recently in London ( Heathrow). They have also confirmed that the policy does not have a terrorism exclusion.