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Why are travel insurance companies excluding war amid Middle East conflict?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 3 Mar 2026, 7:01pm
Photo / Dean Purcell | File
Photo / Dean Purcell | File

Why are travel insurance companies excluding war amid Middle East conflict?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 3 Mar 2026, 7:01pm

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the plans of many travellers, who may be in for more bad luck by insurers.

Much of the region’s airspace has been shut after the US and Israeli attack on Iran and its retaliatory strikes in the region - and travel insurance companies have invoked the war clause in their policies.

Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy says it's important for Kiwi travellers to check their policies, as there could be a way through this. 

"Insurance policies do cover cancellations if it's due to an airspace closure...but because it's hostilities and military action - typically, cover is excluded."

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