In light of the ongoing disruptions affecting travel to and through the Middle East, we are providing the following clarity regarding policy coverage and the hierarchy of recourse for affected clients.
This is a broad overview of the situation and individual policy terms and conditions will apply.
- Coverage Status: Existing vs. New Bookings
Our priority remains supporting those already in-country or who had finalised their travel plans prior to the recent escalations.
- Existing Bookings: For policies and trips booked prior to 28 February, 2026, coverage remains in effect as per the standard terms and conditions of the policy.
- New Bookings: Effective immediately, the current regional events are classified as a material fact (a “known event”). Consequently, no cover will apply for any disruption, cancellation, or delay arising from these specific events for any new bookings made from this point forward.
Individuals who are already on a trip either to or throughout the region should follow all local government advice as well as continuing to monitor the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) advice.
If a client was due to return over the weekend or this week, they should continue to speak to their airline regarding their revised outbound travel, in view of the disruption to air space in the region.
In some locations, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the government have instructed hotels to extend stays for stranded travellers and to not charge them for the additional period. For travellers stuck in other countries where there is not a similar government guarantee, the policy will cover extension of the trip until they are able to fly home as planned.
Individuals transiting the affected area on a flight should speak to the airline they have booked with to find out what the revised travel plan is.
- Claims Guidance: Primary Recourse
To ensure the fastest resolution for your clients, please advise them to pursue the following avenues before submitting a formal insurance claim:
- Airlines First: Under standard aviation protocols and current emergency mandates, airlines are the primary party responsible for rebooking or refunding passengers. Both Emirates and Etihad have established flexible rebooking windows; clients should contact their carrier directly.
- Hotel Extensions & UAE Government Support: The UAE government has proactively stepped in to support the hospitality sector. They are currently offering financial support to hotels to facilitate the amendment or extension of stays for stranded tourists.
- Action: Clients should speak with their hotel management regarding government-backed extensions. In many cases, hotels are being instructed to settle costs via the tourism authorities rather than charging the guest directly.
- Summary
| Scenario | Action / Coverage Status |
| Traveler is currently stranded | Contact Airline for rebooking; Contact Hotel for government-supported extension. Follow local and UK government advice |
| Booking made BEFORE 28 February 2026 | Covered as per policy terms (subject to primary recourse via airline/hotel). |
| Booking made AFTER 28 February 2026 | No Cover for disruption related to the current regional situation. |
British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
You should continue to follow our travel advice for the country you are in and the advice of the local authorities.
Non British nationals in the locations above should also register with their own countries’ equivalent of the FCDO.
