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  1. World Nomads
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  5. Terrorism

Does travel insurance cover terrorism or war?

Find out how we could help if you're caught up in a terror attack.

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At a glance

  • Travel insurance may cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and medical assistance if you’re affected by an unexpected terrorist incident overseas.
  • Most policies do not cover claims related to war, civil unrest, or travel to destinations under a “Do Not Travel” warning.
  • Trip cancellations due to fear of terrorism or conflict are generally not covered. Cancellation cover is excluded for threats or acts of terrorism. Our policies also exclude losses arising from a change of mind, disinclination or reluctance to travel.
  • Government travel advisories can impact both your safety and your travel insurance cover.
  • Before travelling overseas, always check your policy terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions, and whether your destination has changing security risks or travel warnings.
  • There is no cover under any section of our policy for a loss arising from any act of war (whether war is declared or not).

From European city breaks to Middle Eastern stopovers and popular Asian destinations, Australians are making plans to travel overseas more than ever in 2026. But global travel conditions can change quickly.

Terrorism threats, political unrest, regional conflicts, and sudden government travel warnings can disrupt even the best-planned trips.

That’s why it’s important to understand what your travel insurance may and may not cover before you leave Australia. Knowing your cover ahead of time can help you make informed decisions, avoid unexpected costs, and travel with greater confidence if the unexpected happens overseas.

There is no cover under any section of our policy for a loss arising from any act of war (whether war is declared or not)

When is it not safe anymore to travel to my chosen destination(s)?

Your plan will provide cover for your chosen countries and regions of travel unless there’s a ‘Do not travel’ warning issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or other official authority and you choose to go there anyway. 

Please note that your travel insurance plan will not cover a loss arising from travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a ‘Do not travel’ warning.

When you’re covered

You may be covered if:

  • You’re injured during an unexpected terrorist attack
  • You need urgent medical care overseas
  • You require emergency medical evacuation and approved by us

When You’re NOT covered

You’re unlikely to be covered if:

  • You cancel your trip due to fear of terrorism or war
  • You travel to a high-risk destination against advice
  • You purchase travel insurance after an incident occurs

What travel insurance may cover

If a terrorist attack is unexpected, your travel insurance plan may include:

  • Emergency medical treatment (hospital, outpatient care, medication)
  • Ambulance and medical transport
  • Emergency evacuation or repatriation home
  • 24/7 emergency assistance support
  • Help contacting family and consular services

Important: Cover only applies if the event was unforeseen and you followed government advice. Stay informed with Smartraveller for country-specific alerts.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance does not cover everything in relation to terrorism. Common exclusions include:

  • Trip cancellation due to terrorism
  • Changing your mind about travelling
  • Buying insurance after an event occurs
  • Travelling against a “Do Not Travel” warning
  • Leaving baggage behind
  • There is no cover under any section of our policy for a loss arising from any act of war (whether war is declared or not).

How to get help in an emergency

If you’re caught in an incident:

  • Get to a safe location immediately
  • Seek medical help if needed
  • Contact your insurer’s 24/7 emergency assistance team

Be ready to provide:

  • Your policy number
  • Your location
  • A contact number
  • Details of the situation

Travel insurance tip: Keep copies of important documents, such as medical records, passports, birth certificates, and travel itineraries. Always check visa requirements of your intended destination(s) – some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passport.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for terrorism and war. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply so please read your PDS carefully. If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.