Middle East Conflict

Important update: Middle East conflict and your insurance cover

We understand that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may be worrying, especially if you have a trip planned or are already travelling. This page explains what you need to know about your travel insurance cover and the support available to you.

2nd March 2026 update

There is currently a large-scale conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has led to missile and drone attacks in parts of the Middle East. Some airlines have cancelled flights or changed routes to avoid affected airspace.

If your travel plans are disrupted, your airline or travel provider should be your first point of contact, as they may be able to rearrange your trip. Avanti policies do not offer cover for travel disruption due to conflict. However policies for those customers trapped in the affected region have been extended at no extra cost until they can return home. 

Please be assured that we are closely monitoring events and your safety and wellbeing remain our absolute priority.

Current travel advice

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises:

• Against all travel to Israel & Iran
• Against all but essential travel to:
  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Qatar
  • United Arab Emirates

Travel advice can change quickly, so we recommend checking the latest updates before you travel. If you choose to travel to a destination where the FCDO advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, your policy will not cover you. 

You can find the latest travel advice from the foreign office here: Foreign Office travel advice updates - GOV.UK

If you are already in the Middle East 

1. If you are unable to return to the UK due to cancelled or disrupted flights, your policy will be automatically extended at no extra cost until you are able to return home. Please note you must take the first opportunity you are presented with to return home. There is no need to contact us to extend your policy, this includes if your policy has already ended, due to end shortly or you have exceeded your trip limits - the extension will be applied automatically.

2. You should regularly check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest travel and safety advice, plus destination-specific updates.

3. If your trip is affected – for example, if you are unable to return home on your planned date due to flight cancellation or disruption – please contact your airline tour operator, or travel provider.

4. For any medical emergencies please contact our dedicated assistance team, available 24/7 on +44 1403 288 123.

If you are preparing to travel to the Middle East, or have plans in the future, please take the following steps before your departure.

1. Please regularly check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest travel and safety advice, plus destination-specific updates. Do not travel to any destination within the region if the FCDO have advised against all or all but essential travel. Your policy will not cover you if you travel against FCDO advice. 

2. If your holiday has been cancelled, please contact your tour operator, holiday company or airline.

Rearranging your holiday

If you decide to rearrange your holiday, you may need to update your insurance policy. Any changes to your policy may affect the price. Please be aware that your policy won’t cover you for any costs incurred in rearranging a trip, so it’s best to speak to your travel provider first to find out what options are available to you.

Need help?

If you’re unsure about your cover or want to speak to one of our team, get in touch – we’re here to help.