The Middle East Conflict – February 2026
Updated 4 March 2026:
If you are currently impacted by the conflict in the Middle East and unable to return home before the end date of your policy, provided you had purchased your policy prior to 12pm AET on 1 March 2026, we will offer a free extension of cover until you are able to return home as soon as it becomes possible. You do not have to do anything for this extension to apply, and cover will continue to be available per the terms of your policy for events unrelated to war.
Original alert:
The Australian Government has issued updated travel advice for a number of countries across the Middle East. The advice follows military action between Israel, the USA, Iran, and impacted neighbouring countries. There have been numerous casualties and travel is widely impacted both in the region and globally.
We are urging travellers and customers to stay safe in what is an extremely dangerous and volatile situation, and as advised by the Australian Government, register with the nearest Australian Consulate office, as soon as possible. Travellers should also regularly review the latest updates at smartraveller.gov.au, and follow relevant local government authorities.
How does this war affect your cover?
If you hold a policy with us and require emergency assistance due to this event, please contact the Emergency Assistance team as soon as it’s practicable and safe to do so.
For the latest advice for travel to the Middle East and global impacts, visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/global-impacts-conflict-middle-east .
Our policies do not provide cover for any losses which arise from:
- Hostilities or any act of war; and/or
- Your choice to travel to, or remain in a destination where there are Do Not Travel warnings in place.
This does not affect coverage under our policies for travel to other regions or destinations subject to the policy terms and conditions.
All other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions continue to apply.
If your travel plans are affected
We understand this can be a stressful situation for travellers but it’s important to listen to local news reports and the advice of local authorities if you are already in the war zone.
Before planning travel, we recommend you check the government advice applicable to your policy and monitor media coverage for the destinations you intend to travel to.
If you’ve not left but already booked your travel and need to change your travel arrangements, please contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
If you have any other queries, please get in touch.