Middle East Travel Update
Last updated: 3 March 2025 10:45 GMT
We appreciate that recent developments in parts of the Middle East may be causing uncertainty, particularly if your journey involves travel to, from, or through the region. This page explains what support is available, how your policy may respond, and the steps you should take if your travel plans are affected.
Before travelling, please review the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice for your destination and any transit points: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
You should also contact your airline or travel provider directly for the most up-to-date operational information.
If Your Travel Plans Are Affected
If you are currently overseas
If you are unable to return home as planned and your policy is due to expire, your cover will automatically extend for up to 31 days at no extra cost. There is no need to contact us to arrange this.
If you are due to travel shortly
If your trip is significantly disrupted - for example due to flight cancellations, airport closures, or airspace restrictions - we can move your travel dates without charging an amendment fee. Please contact the True Traveller team for assistance.
If you would prefer to postpone your trip
If you wish to move your trip to a later date, we can change your policy start date to any date up to 12 months from the date your bought your policy.
Please note: choosing not to travel (disinclination to travel) is not covered under your policy.
Important Information About Your Cover
The measures above are intended to provide practical support during disruption. However, your policy terms, conditions and exclusions still apply.
Please keep in mind:
• These temporary measures do not override your policy wording.
• If you travel against FCDO advice and your policy excludes such travel, claims arising from that decision may not be covered.
• Claims linked to war, hostilities or civil unrest fall under your policy’s General Exclusions.
If you are unsure how this situation may affect your cover, please contact us before making any changes.
What You Should Do
1. Check the latest FCDO advice for your destination and any connecting countries.
2. Contact your airline or travel provider for updates on delays, cancellations, or alternative routes.
3. If your trip is disrupted, speak to the True Traveller team about your options.
4. Consider registering your presence with the UK Government to receive updates.
Areas Potentially Affected
Travel disruption may impact flights operating to, from, or via parts of the Middle East. This may include (but is not limited to):
• United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
• Qatar (including Doha)
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Saudi Arabia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Jordan
This list may change at short notice. Some long-haul routes to Asia or Australia may also be affected where flights transit through the region.
We continue to monitor developments and will update this page if circumstances change.
Considering Cancelling Your Trip?
Cancellation cover depends on your specific reason for cancelling and the terms outlined in your policy wording. Your policy includes a General Exclusion relating to war, hostilities and civil unrest. Claims arising from circumstances that fall within this exclusion are not covered.
Before cancelling, we recommend that you:
• Review the latest FCDO advice.
• Speak with your airline or travel provider to explore rebooking or refund options.
• Contact us if you wish to amend your travel dates.
Please remember that cancellation because you no longer wish to travel is not covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my flight is cancelled because it routes through Dubai or Qatar, am I covered?
Claims arising from this event are not covered. You will need to contact your airline to arrange alternative travel or request a refund.
However, we can:
• Move your travel dates at no extra charge if your trip is significantly disrupted.
• Automatically extend your cover by up to 31 days if you are delayed returning home.
Will my policy extend automatically if I cannot return home?
Yes. If your return is delayed and your policy expires, cover will automatically extend for up to 31 days at no additional cost.
Are additional accommodation or meal costs covered?
No. There is no cover for claims relating to this event.
Are alternative flights covered?
No. You will need to arrange alternatives or refunds through your airline. However, we can assist with date changes or automatic policy extensions as outlined above. Do not accept a refund from your airline as other flights will be much more expensive and your travel insurance will not cover these costs.
Is loss of income covered?
No. Loss of income is not covered under our policies.
Can I travel to another airport within the same region to fly home?
If you remain within the region shown on your Policy Schedule (for example travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi), your cover remains unchanged.
Travel to destinations outside your insured region is not covered unless agreed in advance.
If FCDO advice changed after I bought my policy, can I claim?
No. Claims arising from this event are not covered. Please contact your airline regarding refunds or alternative travel.
If my airline cancels my flight, do I claim from you?
No. You should contact your airline directly regarding rebooking or refunds.
If I cancel because I feel unsafe, am I covered?
No. Disinclination to travel (choosing not to travel) is not covered.
If my tour operator cancels, can I get a refund of my policy?
Cancellation relating to this event is not covered.
You may:
• Contact your airline or tour operator for refunds or rebooking.
• Move your single trip dates up to 12 months from the original purchase date
• Cancel your policy - Refund eligibility depends on when cancellation occurs.
Can I change my travel destination?
If you wish to change the country or region covered, please contact us before departure. Additional premium may apply.
If my route is diverted through a region I’m not insured for, will I still be covered?
If you transit through a different country (including the USA), you are automatically covered for up to 48 hours. If transit will exceed 48 hours, please contact us.
What happens if the FCDO advises against travel to my destination?
If the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel to your destination:
• There is no cover for claims relating to the reason for that advice (including war, hostilities or civil unrest).
• If your policy was purchased before 28 February 2026 and you choose to travel, your policy may remain valid, but:
o Cover will be restricted.
o Claims linked to the reason for FCDO advice will not be covered.
o Emergency assistance services may be limited depending on circumstances.
If you decide not to travel, please note that cancellation due to FCDO advice is not covered unless you have a Traveller Plus policy. However, if you hold a Single Trip policy, we may be able to move your dates - please contact us to discuss your options.
We understand this may be an uncertain time. We will continue to monitor the situation and update this page if required.