Stranded abroad due to flight cancellations… will you get your travel insurance money or will it be lost?

US-Iran Conflict: Intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have severely impacted international air travel. Due to the escalating tensions between the US and Iran, several major airlines have canceled flights or altered routes as a precaution. This sudden change has left hundreds of Indian passengers stranded at foreign transit airports. Thousands of kilometers from home, the indefinite wait, and the fear of a medical emergency have increased the anxiety of these travelers. In such difficult times, the question arises: will the travel insurance purchased, which costs lakhs of rupees, be of any financial assistance in this time of crisis?

How will the claim be determined?
Unlike domestic travel, obtaining travel insurance for foreign trips is considered a crucial step. However, whether the insurance company will cover your claim in a situation like the current crisis depends on two factors: first, the actual reason for the disruption to your travel, and second, when you purchased the insurance policy.

A passenger pointed a gun at another passenger after not getting a seat on a train; a case was filed against a retired soldier.
According to the rules, a traveler's claim is considered only if they purchased their policy before the conflict or problem in that region began. If airspace in Dubai, Qatar, Tehran, or elsewhere in West Asia suddenly closes due to escalating geopolitical tensions, stranding a traveler, the insurance company can compensate under the "trip delay," "trip interruption," or "missed connection" benefits. The only condition is that coverage was taken before the problem arose.

When Companies' Rules Become Obstacles
When it comes to war or military conflict, insurance companies' rules become very strict. According to Naval Goyal, founder and CEO of PolicyX.com, travelers should understand that most policies exclude claims resulting from an official declaration of war by a government. In the event of an active war, the "war exclusion clause" generally applies, and the company's liability is not covered.

However, if passengers are stranded due to operational problems, such as flight cancellations or airport closures, insurance companies will consider claims. The problem arises when an undeclared conflict, precautionary diversion, or sudden airspace shutdown occurs, which has not been officially declared a war. In such cases, the claim's approval depends on whether the insurance company considers the damage to be a direct or indirect result, as per the policy's specific terms.

What if health deteriorates due to stress?
Being stranded at an airport for extended periods of time is bound to impact mental and physical health. This increases the risk of a traveler falling ill or being involved in an accident. Travel medical insurance proves to be very helpful in these situations.

If a traveler suffers an illness or accident unrelated to the current military conflict, claims for hospitalization, treatment, or emergency evacuation are generally accepted. However, it's important to note that if the health damage is directly caused by military action, the medical claim will also not be accepted.

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