Travelers stranded in a conflict zone – what to do and what insurance covers

As armed conflicts escalate in the Middle East, several countries have closed their airspace to civil aviation. Airlines are canceling and suspending flights, and many travelers are currently unable to return home as planned. In such situations, a crucial question arises – is travel insurance still valid?

If the journey has already begun

If the journey has already started, travel insurance coverage for Balcia clients remains valid in this crisis situation, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy.

Although war is most often classified as an exclusion in insurance contracts, Balcia has committed to providing coverage in standard cases, in line with policy terms, to clients who:

• are already traveling in the affected region,
• purchased travel insurance by February 28.

This means that if flights are cancelled or delayed due to airspace closures, coverage will apply according to the specific policy terms and limits. In addition, Balcia will reimburse reasonable transportation expenses for clients’ early return home.

“Any war, no matter how near or far from home, is an unimaginable tragedy. At times like these, the most important thing is people’s safety and the reassurance that they are not alone in the face of challenges and misfortune,” emphasizes Jānis Lucaus, Chairman of the Board at Balcia.

What to do if your return flight is cancelled or delayed indefinitely?

If your trip has been interrupted or delayed:

• contact the Balcia support team as soon as possible to receive individual consultation regarding next steps and the claims process. Each case will be assessed individually, considering policy coverage and applicable limits,

• make sure to keep all documents related to safety measures and return expenses.

Important to know!

Insurance is designed for unforeseen circumstances, but it does not replace caution and responsible decision-making.

If you are in a high-risk area:

• stay indoors whenever possible,

• follow reliable information sources via television, radio, or the internet,
• comply with instructions issued by local authorities.

If your trip is still in the planning stage and the region is considered high-risk, we encourage you to carefully assess the necessity of travel. Balcia also reminds clients that if a travel insurance policy was purchased after March 1, when the armed conflict had already begun and the risk was publicly known, losses directly related to this conflict will not be covered.

Insurance – more than a policy

At times like these, our primary concern is people – the families waiting at home and those anxiously following the headlines. Insurance is not just a contract or a policy – it is a promise to stand by you even when the world around you suddenly feels uncertain.

The Balcia team continues to work to ensure that clients receive both financial and human support in this situation – because behind every claim there is a person whose goal is to return home safely.