AXA and Aviva in the UK to cover customers hit by Trump’s travel ban

Travel cover extended to those denied entry to the US due to the widely criticised executive order

AXA and Aviva in the UK to cover customers hit by Trump’s travel ban

Insurance News

By Louie Bacani

Photo: Lorie Shaull

Two of the biggest insurance companies in the world are extending cover to customers affected by the travel ban imposed by US President Donald Trump on several Muslim-majority countries.

Trump on Friday signed an executive order prohibiting people from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from travelling to the US for 90 days.
 
The UK division of French insurer AXA said policyholders will be entitled to insurance claims if they have been denied access to the US due to the travel ban, which the company called “unprecedented” and “unforeseen.”
 
“In light of the sudden and unexpected decision by the Trump administration to block entry to the US for nationals from Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yemen, AXA Insurance UK confirms that individuals who have been denied entry as a result of the executive order, will be able to claim on their policy.

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“Although not technically covered, we view the current situation as unprecedented and unforeseen and as such we are extending the cover under our policies. For those intending to travel to, or return from, the United States of America we recommend allowing extra time due to protests currently taking place at a number of airports,” AXA UK said in a statement, as quoted by The Guardian.
 
British insurance giant Aviva will also compensate customers for costs arising from the Trump’s travel ban, Reuters reported.

According to the report, Aviva is extending standard travel insurance cover to those unable to get assistance from their travel provider and for those who are in the US and need to arrange an alternative route home. Cover is also extended for those who have already booked a holiday which is due to begin before March 31 and who may want to cancel or rearrange their trip.

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