If you’re worried about flying in the wake of the recent global travails, here are six questions to ask.
Popular vacation destinations include Cyprus, Egypt, and Dubai; however, the recent increase in hostilities between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about summer tourism to the wider region. There are also rising tensions in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
Although a truce tentatively exists with regards to Israel and Iran, there is still a potential that the violence could resurface and impact neighbouring destinations, as evidenced by the series of government travel alerts that were issued for countries in the vicinity last month.
Sadly, just one-third of the travel insurance plans we looked at included war coverage either as a basic feature or as an add-on. Here, we investigate more closely at what travel insurance gives vacationers who are concerned about the tensions and what more might be concealed in the fine print.
- Which nations do insurers not cover?
To avoid invalidating your travel insurance policy and leaving you exposed, always your government’s travel advisory website for the most recent advice on the nation you want to visit.
Travel around the region was significantly affected on June 13th when Israel and Iran started launching war strikes. According to Ryanair, the problem caused it to cancel almost 800 flights last month. Although a truce was agreed upon on June 24, it’s crucial to regularly check for updates in case anything changes.
The following is what the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has to say about visiting some of the most well-liked tourist spots in the surrounding area:
• Egypt: The majority of popular vacation spots are still seen as safe, despite certain parts being off-limits. This includes resorts along the Red Sea such Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm el-Sheikh. Additionally, there is no warning against visiting Cairo, the capital.
• Cyprus: The FCDO’s initial June 13 advice is still in effect, and Cyprus is within a few hundred miles from Israel. “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region,” it cautions. As a result, you should “be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities” and “monitor local and international media for the latest information.”
• The UAE and Qatar: Although there were significant aircraft delays in the area due to Iran’s June attack on a US base in Qatar, the FCDO does not presently have any travel advisories against either nation.
• Turkey: Despite sharing a border with Iran, the FCDO does not recommend travelling there, so tourists visiting its well-known Mediterranean resorts shouldn’t be alarmed. However, because of the war and increased risk of terrorism, the government cautions against travelling within 10 kilometres of the Syrian border.
Your travel insurance should continue to be valid wherever you go in Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, as the FCDO does not currently recommend visiting any of these countries.
However, it’s crucial to stay in places that the FCDO has declared safe if you’re visiting Egypt or Turkey. For instance, you should first review the most recent official travel recommendations before departing from a vacation city like Sharm el-Sheikh to visit other regions of Egypt.
Travelling against your government’s advice may render your insurance void, making it impossible for you to make a claim in the event of an issue.
The FCDO presently recommends avoiding all travel to Gaza, portions of southern Israel, and regions near the Syrian and Lebanese borders, as well as any travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories other than that which is absolutely necessary.
Additionally, it cautions against visiting Syria or Iran at all
2. If I cancel, will I receive my money back?
Most travel insurance companies only allow cancellations for the following reasons: a serious illness of one of the passengers, or the death of the insured or a close relative.
Therefore, if you decide to cancel a trip because of anxiety, you will not be eligible to receive reimbursement for cancellation-related losses.
One warning is if, after you have made your reservation, the your government formally recommends against going to the location.
Thankfully, most airlines and package-holiday tour operators will allow you to rebook or request a refund if this occurs. However, some online travel agencies may not, so always read the fine print before making a purchase.
If your government advises against your trip after you have booked or insured it, you should also be able to utilise your travel insurance to file a cancellation claim.
- Does it matter when I purchased the cover?
Travel insurance should always be purchased as soon as your flights or vacation package are booked. You could not have any protection if you wait until the last minute and things in the location you’re going to worsen.
This is due to the fact that insurance is intended to guard against unforeseen circumstances. As a result, the majority of policies will state that they will not pay for anything you were aware of when you set up the coverage.
This ‘known incident’ clause in the terms and conditions means that claims for unforeseen events (such official warnings against travel due to terrorism or conflict) are not covered.
Make sure you choose a coverage that meets your needs because prevention is always preferable to treatment. Write down the main goals and expectations you have for your policy, then review the terms and conditions to make sure these are covered to the extent you require.
Ask the insurer for clarification if something is unclear. Start by comparing which insurance provide the most comprehensive coverage by reading our recommendations.
- What if I’ve already arrived in the nation?
Customers should first speak with their tour operator or travel provider to discuss their alternatives, as insurance policies often only cover “unrecoverable costs.”
The good news is that the Package Travel Regulations will safeguard you if you’re on a package vacation. This implies that you must be rescued and returned home by the company you made your reservation with.
However, tourists who made their own reservations are not entitled to the same guarantees. Travel insurance can help with this.
You should be compensated for expenses incurred as a result of shortening your vacation if your government modifies its recommendations to advise against “all travel” or “all but essential travel” to the nation you are currently visiting. This covers extra lodging and transportation costs to ensure a safe return home.
- Is it possible to get war insurance?
Regretfully, your travel insurance might not protect you if a conflict arises at the location you have reserved.
The majority of ordinary policies do not cover travel cancellation due to political upheaval, conflict, or acts of war, so be sure to carefully read the fine print.
According to a Which? analysis, just about one-third of policies either offer war insurance as a standard benefit or as an elective.
You must get high-risk travel insurance if you must travel to a risky location for any reason, such as visiting family or going for employment.
This kind of policy is only offered by specialised insurers, but it includes regular coverage for loss, theft, and cancellation in addition to coverage for evacuation, emergency medical care, and legal fees.
In the event that you are gravely injured or unwell, it may even cover the cost of a close friend or relative visiting you.
- How can I locate the finest coverage for travel insurance?
As usual, the first step is to compare prices or, for a simpler option, have a government approved insurance broker do the task for you. The price will be the same—and frequently less expensive. They will be fully informed about what to do for nations that pose a high risk.
Lastly, before making a purchase, thoroughly review the policy’s wording and any general exclusions and limitations. Basically, Caveat Emptor – especially the small print!
For more information please go to our website www.macallanbroker.com or contact Macallan Insurance Broker at:
T. 038 427 904/5
E. info@macallanbroker.com
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