Rising tensions in the Middle East, especially regarding the US-Israel-Iran conflict, are now affecting flights across the region. Many passengers are stuck at airports or other places due to sudden cancellations, long delays and last-minute changes in routes. With no clarity on when things will return to normal, stranded travelers are worried: when will they be able to travel, how much will tickets cost, and will my travel insurance be useful in this war-like situation? Let us understand the answers to these important questions.
Domestic travel insurance is not mandatory, but many international destinations require travelers to have valid insurance. Therefore, many people traveling abroad will have insurance. Whether you can make a claim or not largely depends on two things. First, the reason for the interruption in your flight and second, when did you purchase your policy.
In an ET report, Sarita Joshi, head of health and life insurance at Probus, says that coverage in most general travel insurance policies depends on the reason for the interruption. If passengers are stranded in Dubai, Iran, Qatar or other areas of the Middle East due to sudden closure of airspace due to geopolitical tensions, a claim can be made under the benefits of journey delay, journey interruption or missed connecting flight. But the condition is that the policy should have been purchased before that incident. At the same time, other experts say that if the interruption in operations is due to civil war, internal unrest or armed conflict, then it will not be covered under the benefits of travel insurance.
What are UAE and Abu Dhabi doing for stranded passengers
According to TOI report, UAE has taken steps to help thousands of passengers stranded due to flight cancellations. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that it has launched an Emergency Aviation Support Plan. This scheme covers all expenses related to accommodation, food and re-booking of tickets for passengers stranded in the country due to closure of regional airspace.
The authority estimates that 20,200 passengers have been affected so far due to rescheduling of flights. Therefore, temporary accommodation arrangements have been made for the passengers near the airport. They are also being provided food, beverages and refreshment services so that they can wait for further information.
According to Dubai Eye 103.8, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has issued an official circular to hotel managers across the emirate. In this, they have been asked to extend the stay of those guests who are unable to go due to travel disruptions after missile and drone attacks from Iran. DCT Abu Dhabi will bear the additional cost of such extended stoppage.
What is war exclusion clause in travel insurance?
War exclusion clause is a common part of most travel insurance policies. It excludes losses caused directly or indirectly by war, internal disturbance, attack, military action or nuclear incident from coverage. If any loss suffered by a passenger is a direct result of an active war, the insurance company is not responsible. But in cases like undeclared fighting, sudden closure of airspace or changing the route as a precaution, the situation is not clear. According to Sarita Joshi, whether the claim will be approved or not depends on how directly the loss is related to the war and how the insurance company understands the direct or indirect consequences. She also says travelers should read the policy terms carefully, especially exclusions and expense limits, and it is best to purchase coverage well in advance of travel.
Travelers should keep these things in mind
It is very important to check your insurance policy in detail before going to stressful places. Travelers must also check the government travel advisory before leaving. Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance at Policybazaar, says that if the travel is done against government advice, the insurance company may refuse to pay the claim. Most policies do not cover medical claims arising out of travel delay, interruption, loss of baggage or war. Meet Kapadia says that it is important to carefully read the conditions included and excluded in the policy before travelling.
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