What to do if your travel is disrupted in the Gulf region and Middle East: Travel Insurance FAQs

When the unexpected happens while you are abroad, like the current conflict in the Gulf Region and Middle East, it is important to stay calm and remember that your travel insurer is there to help you.

You should make contact with them as soon as possible to understand what’s covered under your policy.

If you are affected by travel disruption, you should:

• Check the Department of Foreign Affairs TravelWise advice and consular updates.

• Contact your airline/travel provider first for refunds/rebooking.

• Keep written proof of cancellations/refusals.

• If you need to claim, send your claim form and documents to your insurer.

Check the latest official travel advice first:

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is providing ongoing travel advice and consular updates for the Gulf and Middle East. It is importnat to note that:

• The DFA currently advises against all travel to Israel, Iraq, Iran and Lebanon.

• The DFA also advises against non‑essential travel to Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Useful links:

• DFA consular updates: Ireland.ie – Consular updates

• DFA country travel advice (TravelWise): Ireland.ie – Travel advice

• DFA Citizens Registration: Register your details

If you are currently in the region

The DFA advises Irish citizens to monitor local media, avoid unnecessary movement, follow local authority instructions (including shelter‑in‑place advice), check flight updates with airlines/travel agents, monitor Irish Embassy updates, and register with DFA.

Frequently Asked Questions

My travel plans have changed because DFA advice changed—what should I do?

Contact your airline, accommodation provider or tour operator first to ask about refunds or rebooking. Keep written confirmation of any cancellation or refusal to refund/rebook, as you may need it for a claim.
If you want to make an insurance claim, submit your claim form with all supporting documents and your insurer will assess it under your policy terms.

I’m currently in the Middle East—will travel insurance cover me until I get home?

Your safety comes first, follow DFA and local authority instructions.

If flights are cancelled, your airline or travel provider is your first point of contact for rebooking/alternatives. 

Many policies have war/war-like activity exclusions, so conflict-related disruption and unused bookings may not be covered. Some insurers may continue limited cover for a short period while you leave the area, check with your insurer.

I’m transiting through a country rated “Avoid non‑essential travel” is my cover invalid?

In general, cover may still apply for incidents unrelated to the conflict, subject to your policy terms and exclusions. If you are worried, ask your airline about alternative routes and check with your insurer.

I want to cancel my upcoming trip, will travel insurance cover it?

First, contact your airline, accommodation provider or tour operator—they may be able to refund or rebook. Travel insurance may not cover cancellations linked to conflict depending on policy terms, war exclusions, and when you bought your policy. Policies vary, so check with your insurer.

I’ve decided to go somewhere else instead, can I transfer my travel insurance?

Possibly. Talk to your insurer before you change anything. They may be able to amend your policy for a new destination, which could change the price and terms.

If I travel against DFA advice, will I still be covered?

Travelling against DFA advice could affect or invalidate cover (depending on the policy). If you must travel, contact your insurer in advance—specialist cover may be available in limited cases.

What documents should I keep if I might need to claim?

Keep booking confirmations, receipts, and written confirmation of cancellations, delays, and any refusal to refund or rebook. Your insurer will confirm what is needed for your claim.

How do insurers define “war”?

It varies by insurer and policy wording. Many policies treat “war” as armed conflict or war-like activity and may apply exclusions without a formal declaration of war. Check your policy or ask your insurer.

I’m delayed abroad and may run out of prescription medication, am I covered?

Some travel policies may cover reasonable additional prescription medication (often for a limited supply), but many do not cover over-the-counter medicines. Check your policy benefits.

Does health insurance cover prescriptions or treatment abroad in this situation?

In general, health insurance does not typically cover routine prescriptions abroad, though some policies may include pre-approved medical treatment abroad under specific benefits. Check your policy.

What should I do if I’m stuck in the region and airports/airspace are disrupted?

Follow DFA guidance: monitor local media, avoid unnecessary movement, follow local authority instructions (including shelter‑in‑place advice), and contact your airline/travel agent for updates. Register with DFA for alerts and support.

Does travel insurance cover extra accommodation and meals if I’m stranded?

Some policies include benefits like travel delay/missed departure, but conflict-related exclusions may limit cover where the disruption is linked to war/war-like events. Check with your insurer.

If DFA advice changes while I’m already abroad, do I need to tell my insurer?

It’s sensible to contact your insurer if your trip changes (e.g., you extend your stay or curtail travel) so they can explain how your cover applies.

What are DFA “security ratings” and why do they matter?

The DFA uses security ratings (from normal precautions to do not travel) to help people make informed travel decisions. Travel decisions and any insurance questions (refunds/cover) are matters to take up with your travel providers and insurer.

I booked my trip after the DFA issued an “avoid travel” warning, will I be covered?

Many policies limit cover if you buy insurance or book travel after a known event or advisory is in place. Check your policy wording and confirm with your insurer.