Strikes carried out by the US and Israel on Iran and the widespread fallout since have left many travellers in the lurch with flight cancellations, delays or possibly being stranded. We look at what help you can get from your travel insurance.
Flights have been cancelled and delayed across the Middle East including from airports in Bahrain, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meanwhile, hotels and apartment blocks have been struck by retaliatory airstrikes in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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If you've been affected by the ongoing tensions, then here’s everything you need to know about getting help from your insurer and if you are covered.
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Will travel insurance cover me for the Iran conflict?
Most standard travel insurance policies will not cover you if you need to make a claim due to something which has happened to you as a direct consequence of war or conflict. For example if your flight is cancelled, you’re evacuated, luggage is lost or you need to cover medical expenses.
The US-Israeli strikes on Iran fall under this category and it is unlikely you will be eligible to make any claims emerging as a result of the conflict.
Tim Riley, managing director of travel insurer True Traveller and chairperson of the UK Travel Industry Association, said this is because war presents “systemic, unpredictable risks that cannot be priced into conventional travel insurance products”.
The only time you might be able to make a successful claim on your travel insurance in a country that’s at war is if you signed up for something like a “high-risk travel insurance” policy.
These are specifically designed to cover you in areas where Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warnings are in place, but these policies come at a premium and there is often eligibility criteria.
Will insurers cover me for flight cancellations?
If claiming due to war or conflict then most standard travel insurance policies won’t cover you.
However, if your flight is covered under UK law, your airline has to let you choose between getting a refund or being booked onto an alternative flight if your flight is cancelled.
If your flight is coming from the Middle East, for example, you will be protected under UK law.
Will my luggage be covered and what if I have medical needs?
You won’t be covered for lost luggage under most standard policies, unless it was lost due to a reason unrelated to the war or conflict.
This same rule applies if you have medical needs.
Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert at MoneyWeek’s sister company Go.Compare Travel, said: “Emergency medical treatment, including issues arising indirectly from unrest, is generally included within standard policies, though insurers may request documentation that you followed official guidance.”
What are the rules for package holidays?
If you booked a package holiday via a UK tour operator, you are entitled to cancel without paying cancellation fees under the Package Travel Regulations 2018 and should receive a full refund, typically within 14 days, provided the warning significantly affects your trip.
If you have booked flights and accommodation separately, your flight rights are as described above, while you might be able to get a refund from a hotel or accommodation where you’ve booked to stay.
If you can’t get a refund under the hotel or accommodation’s policies, you will likely not be covered under a standard travel insurance policy.
Make sure you check the FCDO website regularly
One of the most helpful things you can do, in terms of travel insurance, is check the FCDO website regularly for travel updates.
Travelling against FCDO advice will often invalidate a travel insurance policy.
Guidance can often change quickly so it’s important you’re up to speed with what the government is advising.
Here is the list of countries where the FCDO is advising against all travel (as of 3 March):
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Palestine
- Syria
- Yemen
Here is the list of countries where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel (as of 3 March):
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon (the FCDO is advising people against all travel to the outer part of the country)
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
Be aware, your travel insurance may still be invalidated even if you travel to a country where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel.
