As the war between the U.S. and Iran continues, many countries are now announcing a ‘do not travel’ warning, with southeast Turkey joining the list. With its proximity to the conflict region, the US State Department is warning travelers to be cautious, and reconsider their plans during this time.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- Warning for travel to southeast Turkey
- What this means for travelers
- How travel insurance may help
Is Turkey Safe For Travel During the War?
With tensions continuing to escalate between the US and Iran, the US State Department has announced a ‘do not travel’ advisory to southeast Turkey at Level 4, being the strongest warning level.
The country overall does remain at a Level 2 travel advisory (meaning travelers should exercise increased caution), but visitors to the country are advised to stay away from crowds and larger groups of people. The southeast region remains at risk of terrorism and conflict.
Can Travel Insurance Cover My Trip to Turkey?
Due to travel warnings being announced as a result of the war, travelers may be wondering if travel insurance can provide coverage.
Unfortunately, standard travel insurance will likely not provide coverage for flight cancellations or reimbursements if the war or act of terrorism is already known prior to travel. For example, if you were planning a trip to Turkey now, after warnings and announcements have been made, then it is likely that travel insurance will not cover you.
If you purchased travel insurance for Turkey before any warnings were made, check your plan exclusions and limits to see how coverage can apply. Acts of terrorism are often covered under travel insurance, while acts of war are often not.
Can Cancel For Any Reason Cover My Trip to Turkey?
If you have purchased a Cancel for Any Reason add-on to your trip insurance plan prior to your trip to Turkey, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Cancel For Any Reason allows for trip cancellation for reasons not covered under your standard trip insurance policy, with a chance of 50-75% reimbursement of non-refundable costs.
While CFAR can protect you prior to your trip beginning, Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) can offer coverage for if your trip is already in progress. IFAR allows you to cut your trip short for reasons not covered under a standard trip insurance policy. For example, if a military event occurs at your destination and you must return home, IFAR can provide partial reimbursement.
For both these benefits to apply, you must purchase them within 14-21 days of your initial trip payment. For CFAR to apply, you must cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. IFAR must be used at least 48 hours after departure.
How Can I Get The Help I Need?
This time of war and conflict can be quite scary for travelers, especially for those traveling internationally. Having to navigate the details of your trip, cancellations, delays, and accommodations can be stressful.
Trip insurance can ease such tension and offer support. If you have further questions or need clarification, our Customer Success Team is more than happy to help.
- US Department of State has issued a Level 4 ‘do not travel’ warning for southeast Turkey due to conflict.
- Standard travel insurance does not cover acts of war, but can cover acts of terrorism.
- CFAR can allow for trip cancellation before your trip begins, while IFAR can offer reimbursement while your trip is already underway.
- If you purchased CFAR before your trip to Turkey, you may receive coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Turkey During War
What is the difference between acts of war and acts of terrorism under travel insurance?
Under travel insurance, acts of war are defined as organized conflict between nations, states, or distinct political entities, while acts of terrorism are violent acts intended to create fear, committed by individuals or non-state groups for political, religious, or ideological purposes.
Can I be covered by travel insurance if my flight to Turkey is cancelled?
Typically, standard travel insurance policies will not provide coverage for a flight cancellation due to war conflict. However, travel insurance may offer coverage if you had insurance and were traveling before the warnings were announced.
If I don’t feel like traveling to Turkey anymore because of the warning, can I cancel for reimbursement?
If you are uneasy about traveling to Turkey after the warnings have been announced, Cancel for Any Reason can allow for cancellations if purchased prior to your scheduled travel.
Will travel insurance cover flight delays due to war?
If your flight to Turkey is disrupted or you need to cancel your trip due to war, travel insurance will often not cover related cancellation, interruption, or medical expenses. If you did purchase travel insurance before your trip and were traveling before warnings were announced, your plans (ex: flight delays) may be covered.
Are there any circumstances where travel insurance does cover acts of war?
Typically, travel insurance plans have a war or hostilities exclusion, meaning coverage is not provided for any losses or disruptions due to war. However, if you were traveling before the conflict began, had insurance, and your travel plans were interrupted, you may be eligible for coverage.
Is Interruption for Any Reason available as an add-on to any trip insurance plan?
Trip insurance policies will typically offer the IFAR add-on. While it is common for more comprehensive plans to offer IFAR, it may not be available with more basic plans. For IFAR to apply, be sure to purchase the add-on within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit.
If I need accommodations in Turkey due to the conflict, can travel insurance provide coverage?
If you do need accommodations in Turkey, standard travel insurance will often not provide coverage, particularly once a warning is announced. If you did have trip insurance prior to your journey, your costs may be covered.
