Yesterday’s events in Brussels have shaken travellers, leaving us wondering what protections we have when we travel and who do we turn to for assistance when tragedy strikes.

The bottom line is Canadian travellers who are not in distress are responsible for planning and adjusting their own trips.

In this particular case it’s important to remember that although it is under tightened security, Brussels is still a functioning city with hotels and restaurants open for business and people do have the ability to leave the city if they wish.

That said, the Canadian government, through the Embassy in Brussels would handle issues on a case by cases basis. So, if someone is stuck and needs medication or treatment, consular officials would certainly help with that.‎ If a person had no financial means, the Embassy could advance money to be repaid at a later date in exceptional circumstances. Right now, the Embassy’s priority would be to work with local authorities to determine if any Canadians have been killed or injured.

Canadian citizens in Brussels requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada in Brussels at 32 (2) 741-0611 or call Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre collect at +1 613 996 8885 or at +1 800 387 3124. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.

Friends and relatives in Canada of Canadian citizens known to be in the area can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 613-996-8885 or 1-800-387-3124, or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca and checking here: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

As far as travellers recouping some costs for delayed flights, you are somewhat at the mercy of the airline you booked with.

The airlines are not obligated to rebook your flight however many global airlines are waiving rebooking fees for Brussels passengers because it’s the right thing to do. Air Canada among them.

Details vary by carrier but generally, the rebooking policies let passengers make one change to their itineraries without paying the standard change fee or a recalculated fare. Passengers whose flights have been canceled are entitled to a refund if they do not seek to continue their travels. Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy for customers booked on affected flights to facilitate changes to bookings. Those customers wishing to make alternate travel arrangements can do so without penalty, space permitting, using Air Canada’s online rebooking tool: check your alternate travel options currently available; re-book yourself and check in before arriving at the airport.

Regardless of what you are or aren’t entitled to customers scheduled to fly to, from or through Brussels this week should be prepared for uncertainty and schedule disruptions.

As far as insurance goes, there actually is a Terrorism Coverage clause that is included as a standard part in most of the policies that a consumer would purchase (at no additional charge). Basically it states that where an act of terrorism directly or indirectly causes you a loss for which benefits would otherwise be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy, you would be covered.

The insurance would provide coverage for all Emergency Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance coverage. The caveat however, is that it’s basically trip interruption coverage in excess of what an airline, tour operator or whatever other reimbursments you would receive first.

For example, if emergency medical comes into play, that coverage under that policy must be exhausted first. Also odd things like damages in connection with any acts of terrorism perpetrated by or involving the utilization of biological, chemical, nuclear or radioactive means are not included. So always check your policy to see what exactly you are covered for in the event of a terrorist attack and what process must be followed to make a claim.