March 05, 2026

#international: Travellers Urged to Check Insurance Cover as Middle East Disruptions Continue

Dale Husband Posted On March 5, 2026

New Zealand travellers caught up in ongoing disruption across the Middle East are being urged to carefully check their travel insurance policies as flight cancellations and airspace closures continue to affect international travel.

Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens says many travellers may not realise that most travel insurance policies exclude cover for events connected to war or armed conflict.

The warning comes as the conflict in the region continues to disrupt major international transit routes, leaving some travellers stranded or facing unexpected accommodation and rebooking costs.

Airspace closures and cancelled flights across several Middle Eastern countries have affected major travel hubs used by international airlines, creating complications for travellers attempting to return home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued updated advice through its SafeTravel service, recommending that New Zealanders avoid travel to several countries in the region and advising those already there to shelter in place if it is not safe or possible to leave.

Stevens says travellers affected by the disruption should first contact their airline or travel agent to explore options such as flight credits, refunds, alternative routes or accommodation assistance.

Once those options have been explored, travellers should then speak directly with their insurance provider to clarify what cover may be available under their individual policy.

While some policies include provisions that allow cover to be extended if a traveller is delayed overseas, those extensions often do not apply when disruptions are linked to war or military conflict.

Insurance providers may therefore decline claims for costs such as missed onward flights, additional accommodation while stuck in transit, or the expense of rebooking travel.

Stevens also warns that cancelling travel because of uncertainty or concern about global events is usually not covered under standard travel insurance policies.

In many cases, insurance will only apply where there is a specific insured event rather than a decision by the traveller not to proceed with a planned trip.

The Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme resolves complaints involving insurers and financial service providers, and Stevens says the office expects to receive enquiries from travellers impacted by the current disruptions.

For those currently overseas, officials say the most important steps are staying informed through official channels, registering travel plans with SafeTravel and following guidance issued by authorities about whether to remain in place or make alternative arrangements.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, travellers are being encouraged to remain in close contact with airlines, insurers and government travel advisory services to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about their options.