22 November 2023
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continue to experience a volatile security situation, including the threat of terrorism, armed conflict and civil unrest.
This situation may impact Neighbouring Countries and your policy coverage.
As at the date of this notice Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran and Syria are considered Neighbouring Countries. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have updated the travel advice for various Neighbouring Countries to consider that the ongoing situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions and security situations could deteriorate with little notice.
As at the date of this notice, DFAT via its website smartraveller.gov.au has issued an advice of “Do not Travel” to:
• Lebanon;
• Iraq;
• Iran;
• Syria; and
• areas within 50km of Egypt’s border with Libya, the Governorate of North Senai, including Taba- Suez Road.
A “reconsider your need to travel” to Egypt overall advice has also been issued.
Airports may pause operations due to heightened security concerns. Land border crossings currently open may close at short notice.
Follow the instructions from local authorities. Monitor the media for any updates and advice issued by DFAT via its website smartraveller.gov.au.
Contact your airline or travel provider directly for any updates regarding your travel plans.
Policy Coverage:
All claims will be assessed in accordance with the terms conditions, exclusions, limits, applicable sub-limits and eligibility criteria of the relevant Product Disclosure Statement/Credit Card Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet. Depending on your circumstances, the following exclusions may apply:
• your claim arises from any act of war whether war is declared or not, or from any rebellion, revolution, insurrection or taking of power by the military.
• your claim arises because you did not follow an advice or warning that a reasonable person would have been aware of (when a ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ alert is in place, which can be found on or which was published in a reliable mass media source).
• a reasonable person in the circumstances would have been aware before the policy was issued of any reason that may cause your journey to be cancelled, rescheduled or shortened.
Policy coverage and benefits vary based on individual circumstances. Please refer to your Product Disclosure Statement or Credit Card Complimentary Insurance Policy Information Booklet for the full terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits that apply.
If you entered into a policy or become eligible for cover after 12pm (AEST) 22 November 2023
Our policies may not provide cover where, at the time of entering into the policy or becoming eligible for cover,
you or a reasonable person in your circumstances would have been aware of any reason that may:
• cause your journey to be cancelled, rescheduled or shortened or
• any other circumstance that would give rise to you making a claim under the policy.
From 22nd November 2023, we consider that you or a reasonable person were aware of the increased tension and security situation in Neighbouring Countries.
Our policies also have a general exclusion relating to travel alerts and other warnings if your claim arises because you did not follow an advice or warning that a reasonable person would have been aware of:
- by the Australian government (when a ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ alert is in place) which can be found on www.smartraveller.gov.au; or
- which was published in a reliable mass media source
This means that your policy may not provide cover for a claim that arises from the increased tension and security situation in Neighbouring Countries or where a “reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘do not travel’ advice has been issued by DFAT.
How to contact us:
As a provider of assistance services, it is always our priority to assist our customers where possible and within our ability to do so. Please consider your safety first and follow advice from local authorities.
• If you have any general queries, please contact our Allianz Global Assistance Information Hotline on 1300 725 154.
• In a medical emergency, contact us on +61 7 3305 7499. Additional charges may apply for any calls made from mobiles, public telephones or hotel rooms.
• To make a claim visit our website travelclaims.com.au
• We will publish this and any updated travel insurance advisories on our website.