Major companies state that standard travel insurance does not cover losses caused directly by armed conflict
War-linked flight disruptions across the Middle East are leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded, and many are learning their travel insurance will not cover the costs.
Fighting in Iran had forced the closure of key Gulf airports, including Dubai’s major international hub, canceling over 23,000 flights and disrupting a critical long-haul route.
Travelers hoping their policies will cover new tickets or hotel stays are discovering that most insurers exclude war-related claims.
Major companies such as Allianz SE and Zurich Insurance Group state that standard travel insurance does not cover losses caused directly by armed conflict.
As a result, many passengers must rely on airlines for rebooking or pay thousands of dollars themselves.
The disruption highlights a major gap in the $31 billion global travel insurance market, where most policies contain broad war exclusions.
Consumer groups say the fine print often surprises travelers. Some premium “cancel for any reason” plans may reimburse part of prepaid costs, but coverage remains limited and capped.