Travel insurers don’t cover claims for events caused by war
If you have a flight booked through a region affected by war, you should keep an eye on your airline’s advice
If your airline cancels your flight, you’re more likely to get your money back than if you cancel it yourself
Does travel insurance cover war?
All travel insurers in CHOICE’s travel insurance comparison exclude cover for claims that arise as a result of war. This includes flights interrupted by military strikes in the Middle East.
Travel insurers specify this in the General Exclusions section of their Product Disclosure Statement. It is generally stated as:
We will not pay for claims arising as a result of war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power.
Will travel insurance cover trips interrupted by ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings?
Travel insurance doesn’t cover claims arising from you not following an Australian Government ‘Do not travel’ warning.
If the warning level for your destination was escalated to ‘Do not travel’ after you bought your policy, travel insurers will only cover you to change plans if the reason for the change in travel advice isn’t already excluded by the insurer.
Since claims due to war are not covered by travel insurance, you will unfortunately still not be covered.
Can you still book a flight via the Middle East?
The Smartraveller advice is currently set to “Do not travel” or “Reconsider your need to travel” for the Middle East, so you should avoid travel to or through this region for the foreseeable future.
What should you do if your flight is booked through the Middle East?
If your flight is booked with a stopover in the Middle East, keep an eye on your airline’s advice about your flight. If you cancel your ticket you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the ticket. If you don’t have a flexible ticket, you’re unlikely to get your money back from the airline. However if the airline cancels the flight, you will usually be entitled to a refund or credit.
If the airline has cancelled or delayed flights due to a war, it’s considered an event that is out of their control and the airline will have a policy providing compensation for cancellation or delay in this scenario. Familiarise yourself with the policy in case you need to remind the airline of their terms and conditions, because they won’t necessarily volunteer it to you.
If you’re unable to get to the airport due to a war then let your airline know. If you can get a real person on the phone that you can explain your situation to that will help, otherwise try their social media accounts. That will often get a response where other avenues don’t.
Getting your money back on accommodation during a war
Contact your accommodation provider and ask if you can reschedule or get a refund. Military situations have a big economic impact on tourist destinations so flexibility on both sides of the equation can help the community, as well as ensuring you still get a holiday.
Getting your money back from third-party booking sites
Booking sites generally have their own terms and conditions and if you booked through them, you should deal with the booking site, not the end-point service provider. The booking site should still be subject to Australian Consumer Law. The sites usually have standard cancellation policies but in the event of war, they may make an exception. Airbnb, for example, may waive cancellation penalties in the event of a war. So familiarise yourself with the booking site’s policy and quote it to them if necessary.
Jodi Bird is the Managing Financial Content Editor at CHOICE. Previously at CHOICE, he worked as Travel project lead and as a Finance specialist.
Jodi has over 30 years experience in financial services, having worked with major banks such as CBA, Westpac and Credit Suisse. He enjoys breaking down complex consumer decisions into easy to understand steps and holding companies to account for failing their customers. He is regularly called upon for expert commentary by major broadcasters such as the ABC, SBS, and Channels 7, 9, and 10.
Jodi has a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics from the University of Wollongong. He is RG146 compliance certified to provide general advice for General Insurance and is a Responsible Manager on CHOICE's Australian Financial Services License. LinkedIn
Jodi Bird is the Managing Financial Content Editor at CHOICE. Previously at CHOICE, he worked as Travel project lead and as a Finance specialist.
Jodi has over 30 years experience in financial services, having worked with major banks such as CBA, Westpac and Credit Suisse. He enjoys breaking down complex consumer decisions into easy to understand steps and holding companies to account for failing their customers. He is regularly called upon for expert commentary by major broadcasters such as the ABC, SBS, and Channels 7, 9, and 10.
Jodi has a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics from the University of Wollongong. He is RG146 compliance certified to provide general advice for General Insurance and is a Responsible Manager on CHOICE's Australian Financial Services License. LinkedIn
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