In planning for an Italy trip some of our arrangements would be nonrefundable. In the current economic climate in Italy our biggest worry is a strike delaying or canceling part of our trip. Does anyone have specific recommendations on a travel insurance carrier that covers this aspect in a reliable way? Will have fun questions about sights and food later. Thanks.

What country do you live in?

We live in Australia and are travelling to Italy next May. We've signed up for travel insurance with http://www.covermore.com.au/compare-our-plans. Maybe strikes are covered by "Travel Delays". Best contact the company and query. Planning my itinery, I intend to keep the use of public transport to a minimum.

You could look at QBE Travel (managed from Australia) or Southern Cross Travel Insurance (New Zealand). Another alternative is insurance offered via your credit card (e.g. ANZ Platinum) as this is often the cheapest available.

Obviously check the policy wording carefully because often insurance companies expect the carrier to take responsibility for out of pocket costs arising from their inability to offer a particular flight or journey. If in doubt, email the insurer for a definitive response.

By Australian law, your insurance will include a 14 day cooling off period.

It's not easy comparing products as each company will have several offerings and their exclusions and conditions will vary, so good luck.

Have just realised that worldinabag is not OP. Oh well, maybe OP is Australian as well!

Worldinabag, have a great trip!

Thanks Dreamon. Counting the sleeps.....

btw - southern cross don't cover strikes. Believe me, I tested this theory only in July this year & found myself caught up in an airline strike in New Caledonia. Found myself stranded on the main island (a bit of a dump and unable to get to smaller island (paradise) where all my accommodation was pre-paid. Zero coverage because it's a business event. They don't cover businesses going into liquidation either.

Try Chartis Insurance. The Chartis Insurance Singapore policy covers strikes on 2 counts - one before you travel - under 1) travel cancellation (in case strike in Australia). Coverage is up to S$15,000 depends on the plan. 2) Travel postponement - to cover resulting administrative charges to postpone the trip - in case of a strike in Australia or any country you are travelling to.
Once you are already on your trip, the Chartis Singapore Insurance Plan will cover for strikes under 1) travel delays -$100 for every 6 hours of delay up to max S$1,000 or 2) Travel Curtailment - will cover up to S$15,000
Strikes are considered as Major Travel Event in their fineprints You can see the details here - http://travel-insurance-discount.com..._eBrochure.pdf and also here at http://www.travel-insurance-discount...f/benefits.pdf
This policy is applicable in Singapore. You may wish to check if they have a Chartis Insurance Branch in Australia and check out their brochure and terms & conditions

Amex Global Travel Shield best for me from US

insuremytrip.com

OP is from USA. Looked at insuremytrip.com some policies do mention strikes under trip delay section. I was hoping someone might have personal experience with a carrier that covered their expenses due to strike delays. Thanks.

Most won't cover strikes, but you have to check each individual policy. Often there is a list of companies that they no longer will cover (some because of known strikes). You can't really go by someone's previous experience as policies can and do change. What may have been covered a year ago may no longer be part of a policy. The various companies will send you a brochure so you can read the fine print before buying.

Are you concerned about airlines strikes or train strikes? For trains in Italy, you can always book a strike-proof train.

Ok, yes will check on fine print. Worried about airlines/ airport workers getting to Italy then trains once we get there. How does one book strike proof train? Have not seen that on trenitalia site.

Sorry, but it's in Italian only. You can figure it out once you click the link and select the region which trains to book.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

Usually there is an early window of time where planes are allowed to land/take off.