No war cover from travel insurance

When it comes to buying travel insurance, the first thing to look at in the policy is the exclusions list.

Travel insurance policies do not cover acts of war says Greg Hamilton, of Corporate Traveller.

He says travel policies can change at any time and often have optional extras. It is important to keep tabs on exactly what they cover you for.

Hamilton has had calls from people who believe they will be covered in the event of a war. "Yet war cover has always been an exclusion," he said.

"We have had people confused about the difference between terrorism and war. Some insurance companies, such as Mike Henry, offer a provision for partial terrorism cover, but none offers cover for war, so it is important travellers are aware of the difference."

His tips for travellers include:

* Find the location and phone number of the nearest embassy or consulate in the city you will bevisiting and register there.

* Keep up to date with any travel warnings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

* Carry back-up documents such as photocopies of your passport, visas, travel insurance policies, etc.

* Allow for extra time in airports for increased security. In the United States bags may be searched once checked in, and luggage locks may be removed.

www.mft.govt.nz