What Travel Insurance Covers During Conflict

What Does Travel Insurance Cover During Conflict or War?

Travel today is not just a matter of experience or relaxation – for many, it's a family tradition, while for others, an obligation. However, recent events, including the escalating situations in the Middle East and regional airspace closures, pose new challenges for travelers. Geopolitical tensions, especially following rocket attacks between Iran and Israel, have significantly increased the demand for travel insurance in the UAE – but what exactly does such insurance cover, and what does it not?

War Conflicts Are Not Covered in Basic Packages

It is important to note that most general travel insurance packages do not cover damages directly resulting from military conflict or geopolitical tensions. This means that if a flight is canceled due to a war situation or if travel must be interrupted due to political instability, most insurers do not take responsibility.

A typical travel insurance mainly provides protection under the following circumstances:

loss or delay of luggage

urgent medical care

flight delays or cancellations

trip cancellations due to health or family reasons

However, it does not include scenarios where an airline becomes inoperable or a flight is canceled for military reasons. Nevertheless, insurers observe that due to the airspace closures and flight cancellations experienced in the region, many travelers are acting more cautiously now, choosing their insurance more consciously.

Demand Rises Also Due to Flight Delays and Luggage Issues

The rising interest in recent times is not only driven by armed conflicts but also by general aviation disruptions. Many travelers now secure insurance not only for medical expenses or lost luggage but specifically seek packages that offer coverage for flight delays, missed connections, or trip interruptions.

Another significant event that stirred public opinion was a recent aircraft accident, after which passengers have become particularly sensitive to having coverage related to airlines. Today, many specifically look for 'flight protection' options, which differ from traditional travel insurance.

Mandatory in Certain Countries

Several countries – especially those in the Schengen Area – already require travel insurance as an entry requirement, usually with health coverage of at least 30,000 euros (approximately 126,000 dirhams). The same applies to Thailand, Turkey, and certain Gulf countries, where some visa types can only be obtained when insurance is present.

Post-pandemic, more countries have been enforcing stricter health and financial conditions for tourists to enter. This trend further enhances the role of travel insurance in international travel.

Increasingly Expensive, But Still Worth It

Even before Israeli-Iranian attacks, the rise in travel insurance premiums was noticeable in the UAE. Among those traveling to European destinations, prices have increased by 12-18% annually, which can mean an additional cost of 15–70 dirhams per insurance, depending on the destination, the duration of the trip, and the traveler's age.

Nonetheless, travel insurance remains affordable, especially when considering that a foreign hospital stay alone can cost thousands of dollars. A well-chosen insurance policy can cover interruptions due to Covid-19, flight delays, baggage theft, or urgent medical care.

Final Thoughts

Due to the current geopolitical situation and uncertainties affecting air travel, more people are seeking insurance designs that ensure not only the joy of travel but also peace of mind for unexpected situations. Travelers in the UAE – whether locals or foreigners – are now acting more consciously, not leaving the success of their summer vacations to chance.

(Source of the article is based on Policybazaar announcement.)