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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).

Planning an overseas trip from New Zealand? From flight disruptions and political unrest to terrorism threats and changing travel warnings, global travel conditions can shift very quickly.

Understanding what your travel insurance may and may not cover for war or terrorism-related events may help you travel smarter, avoid unexpected costs, and feel more prepared before you leave home.

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 New Zealand Ministry 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
  • 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)

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 medical evacuation or repatriation back home were approved by us
  • 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 SafeTravel 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

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 only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch. The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.