Since March 1, Israel and the United States have been carrying out attacks on Iran. Iranian missile strikes in the region have also been reported, including in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The colour codes of the travel advice of the Dutch government are red and orange for these countries. That means it's too dangerous/risky to travel to. The government advises not to travel to countries with code red under any circumstances and has made it clear that they cannot help travellers in that case. If the travel advice is red on departure, travel insurance does not always provide coverage for damage.
Insurers advise consumers to consult the Dutch website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking or departing from a trip. Damage caused by war is usually not insured on your travel or cancellation insurance. If you have any doubts or questions, contact your insurer.
The situation in the Middle East affects the Dutch. Whether you're on holiday in Dubai, on a business trip in Qatar, living in Israel, stuck at an airport or travelling and flying through a country whose airspace is closed, the situation is uncertain and unpredictable.
To travellers who are already in the country at the time the conflict breaks out, many travel insurers still offer temporary coverage for necessary assistance. Think of:
The exact coverage differs per insurer and policy. The insurer's emergency centre is the first point of contact in such situations.
Cancellation insurance usually only reimburses specific events mentioned in the policy (such as illness or death of a loved one). A deteriorated security situation or fear of a conflict is usually not a valid reason for cancellation, unless the travel organisation cancels itself or the Calamity Fund designates the situation as a calamity.
The situation has increased risks for companies if they supply products or services to debtors who are based in countries in the Middle East and only have to pay after delivery ('trade credit'). Reconsider the risk and take any necessary measures. For example, by making new deliveries on the basis of advance payment or by obtaining additional guarantees. The coverage that credit insurers offer to suppliers may be adjusted as a result of the war. Both in terms of available coverage capacity and in terms of premium and conditions.
The transport sector also has to deal with the situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace, waterways and borders. Security officers of shipping companies receive signals from the coast guard directly from the ministry about additional measures. The usual War clause (M3) In goods transport insurance , this still applies and usually has consequences for the coverage. For more information, see Insurance Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.