Travel insurance: ‘I can’t get a refund as the Iran war left my policy void’
Lottie Cornwall, a student planning a family visit to Lebanon, faces losing hundreds of pounds after the UK government advised against travel due to the Iran war, rendering her travel insurance void. Her policy, purchased via Trip.com, excludes claims related to changes in travel advice, a limitation not clearly disclosed at purchase. Experts warn travellers to review insurance policies carefully before booking, especially for destinations affected by conflict.
- ▪Lottie Cornwall booked a trip to Lebanon to visit her extended family but was deterred by updated UK government travel warnings due to the Iran war.
- ▪Her comprehensive travel insurance policy does not cover cancellations due to changes in government travel advice, leaving her financially exposed.
- ▪The Association of British Insurers and analysts like Defaqto stress that standard policies typically exclude war-related disruptions and advise checking coverage before booking.
- ▪Insurance availability has decreased and premiums have risen for Middle East-adjacent destinations, with Turkey, UAE, and Saudi Arabia seeing double-digit percentage increases.
- ▪Travellers are advised to contact airlines or tour operators directly if flights are cancelled, as they are responsible for refunds or rerouting under such circumstances.
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Lottie Cornwall hoped for a holiday to see her family near Beirut, but the UK government advised against travel. Photograph: Lara Safa/Getty Images/500pxView image in fullscreenLottie Cornwall hoped for a holiday to see her family near Beirut, but the UK government advised against travel. Photograph: Lara Safa/Getty Images/500pxTravel insuranceTravel insurance: ‘I can’t get a refund as the Iran war left my policy void’The case of a student who could lose hundreds of pounds after the UK changed travel advice points to wider problems for travellersZoe WoodSat 16 May 2026 03.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIn February, when Lottie Cornwall booked a summer trip to Lebanon, she was excited at the prospect of introducing her boyfriend to her Lebanese extended family.“My mum’s whole side…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — UK.
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