On Saturday 28th February 2026 various countries in the Middle East (including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain) experienced attacks following the United States and Israel launching a major Military operation against Iran.

The below guidance provides details on our cover stance. Both the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel. For the latest travel advice in the Middle East, please visit the FCDO website. In addition, the FCDO have advised any British National travelling to certain areas of the Middle East to shelter in place and not attempt to leave.

Due to the events in the Middle East many Middle Eastern countries have closed their airspace. This has resulted in flight cancellations, flight diversions and travel disruption.

Cancellation due to FCDO advice

Cover can only be considered if you cancel within 21 days of departure.

Please note: if you booked your trip after the FCDO advice was in place, there is no cover if you need to

make a claim. There will be no cover for any policies purchased on or after 6pm on 28th February or where travel advice existed at the time of booking the trip or purchasing the policy. There was some advice not to travel to certain areas of the Middle East prior to 28th February 2026.

Trip cancellation

If you need to make a claim, you should first speak with your travel provider to claim a refund or postpone the trip. If the provider refuses to refund the booking or the customer wishes to claim other pre-paid charges, cover may be considered.

Package trips

If your package provider has cancelled your booking, you should speak to your tour operator to rearrange the trip or arrange a refund. Your will be protected under ‘The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018,’ or ‘The European Package Travel Directive’ where you are entitled to a full refund.

Non-package trip

As the FCDO have advised against all but essential travel, there will be cover for customers to cancel the trip if this cover is present within the product the consumer has purchased. However, you will still need to speak to your airline and other providers to understand if any refunds are available from them.

Flight cancellation

If your flight is cancelled by your airline, you will legally be entitled to a full refund of the flight, under the EU Denied Boarding regulations.

Extending your trip/policy

Your policy will automatically extend the period of coverage at no additional charge providing you accept

the first alternative flight offered and do not intentionally delay your return.

Register your presence

We recommend you let the UK government know you’re in one of the impacted locations by registering your presence.