Why Your Insurance Might Not Cover You Right Now

Just days after Mexico’s unrest, global travellers face travel insurance tension. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have forced airspace closures across the Middle East. Here we explain why your insurance might not cover you right now

Though the conflict is regional, its impact is global. Flights through Dubai and Doha are disrupted, stranding travelers making connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Squaremouth, a global travel insurance platform, reports an 18-fold surge in inquiries about Middle East travel since the disruptions began.

A traveller flying from the Maldives was stranded after her Dubai layover was canceled. She worried whether insurance would cover extra accommodation or compensate for a rebooked flight.

“Travellers aren’t just worried about cancellations,” says Chrissy Valdez, Squaremouth’s Senior Director of Operations. “They want to know what benefits apply and if coverage includes these disruptions.”

This spike in calls shows how quickly global travel can be disrupted. Travellers everywhere now seek answers and reassurance about travel insurance as plans change.

What Travellers Should Know

Most travel insurance excludes acts of war, military action, and airspace closures, as well as trip cancellation and interruption. Always check your policy’s fine print.

Delays and missed connections should be covered under Travel Delay benefits. Airlines’ rerouting flights or crew changes can be valid reasons for a claim.

Contact your insurance provider with any coverage questions. Save all emails and documents with your insurer and airline in case you need to make a claim.

What Travel Insurance Covers

• Medical benefits, including emergency care and evacuation, still apply if you get sick or injured while traveling abroad.
• The Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on lets you cancel for partial reimbursement. The Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) benefit offers flexibility if you feel unsafe.
• Trip Delay coverage reimburses meals or accommodation if flights are delayed or cancelled.
• If you are stranded, contact your insurer’s emergency hotline for support and help when rebooking flights.
• For upcoming trips, consider both CFAR and IFAR options. They offer the most flexibility and peace of mind during uncertain times.

What Are Your Rights Are as a Traveller

Travellers worldwide are entitled to prompt, automatic refunds from airlines if their flights are significantly changed or cancelled.

Governments like the UAE and Qatar are helping stranded travellers by providing accommodation, meals, and support during this disruption.

Use any help offered by airlines or local authorities first. Travel insurance supplements their support. Claims will be reduced if expenses are already covered.