Home / War and Conflict / Stranded in Doha: How 'Acts of War' Defy Travel Insurance
Stranded in Doha: How 'Acts of War' Defy Travel Insurance
4 Mar
Summary
- Standard travel insurance excludes war and hostile acts.
- Tourists in Doha are relying on airlines for compensation.
- Qatar government covers hotel expenses for stranded travelers.
A tourist in Doha discovered her comprehensive travel insurance policy did not cover expenses incurred due to an unfolding conflict, as standard policies typically exclude 'acts of war.' The individual was initially in Doha for a holiday when emergency alarms signaled the escalating situation.
She and her husband were advised to shelter in place, 27 miles from a stated Iranian target, the Al Udeid airbase. While conference organizers provided accommodation and laundry services, and the Qatar government covered hotel stays for stranded travelers, personal expenses for pet sitting and food continued to accumulate.
Insurance policies, like the one provided by Aviva for the Nationwide FlexPlus account, explicitly exclude consequences from war, invasion, and hostilities. Experts advise looking for 'catastrophe' clauses in policies, which might cover disruptions from civil unrest amounting to an uprising.
Stranded travelers are now largely dependent on airline compensation policies, which can be inconsistent. British Airways' policy, for instance, lists 'reasonable costs' for accommodation and food, but broader evacuation expenses remain unclear, with suggestions that the government might cover such eventualities.
