TORONTO — We’ve all heard the rumours in recent weeks, of foreign travellers being searched, detained or denied at the U.S. border amid the ongoing trade war. Whether these rumours are true and indicative of enhanced security measures at the border is hard to say, but it does raise the important question: if you’re denied entry at the U.S. border, would you be covered under travel insurance?

According to insurance experts, these incidents would not be covered under a standard trip cancellation and interruption plan. “As with most travel policies, there are exclusions related to these government regulations and requirements,” Natalie Correia, Marketing Manager, Brand and Partnerships, Ontario Blue Cross tells Travelweek.

But this isn’t to say travellers don’t have options.

“To cover this type of circumstance, Canadians would need to protect themselves with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance,” adds Correia. “This type of plan is available as an add-on to our standard Trip Cancellation plan, reimbursing up to 75% of your insured, pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, to a maximum of $4,500 for travellers up to 74 years old. For those between the ages of 75 and 75, CFAR provides reimbursement of up to 50%.”

Similarly, TuGo offers Cancel for Any Reason optional coverage, which provides travellers with up to 50% reimbursement of the pre-paid, unused, non-refundable travel costs. When purchased within five days of booking the trip, this optional add-on “is an opportunity for people to have more peace of mind for incidents outside of the usual coverage,” says Kathy Starko, President and CEO.

“It’s an uncertain time for Canadians and many people around the world,” adds Starko. “For Canadians still travelling to the U.S., Cancel for Any Reason coverage can help provide some additional coverage for risks that aren’t typically offered with Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption coverage. For travellers who aren’t planning on visiting or transiting through the U.S., choosing an Emergency Medical plan for travel outside of the U.S. is a great economical option to protect them without breaking the bank.”

It’s important to note that Regular Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage doesn’t apply to simply changing one’s mind or feeling skittish about cross-border travelling. But with Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, clients have the flexibility to cancel their travel plans and receive a partial refund.

“It is important for Canadians to thoroughly understand what type of travel insurance they are purchasing and what the exclusions and limitations are of their policy,” says Correia. “Emergency travel assistance plays an important role in every travel plan. Ensuring you can access assistance 24/7, 365 days a year to obtain support when faced with the unexpected is essential.”

And as always, Correia adds, as with all destinations, it’s essential for Canadians to check travel advisories prior to departure.

“The Canadian federal government continues to advise travellers to be aware of the various rules before embarking on their journeys to the U.S,” says Correia. “Failure to comply with entry and departure requirements – whether for the U.S. or any other destination – could lead to denial of entry at the border.”