With fuel shortages and travel chaos warnings, this 10-minute insurance check could save your summer holiday

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I’m like a lot of people – when I book a trip, I always worry about what happens if my flight gets cancelled, and if my travel insurance will actually cover me if something goes wrong. I think it’s really important to know exactly what I’m covered for before I travel, just so I’m prepared for anything.

According to Olle Pettersson, a personal finance expert at Finansplassen, many people focus more on finding cheap flights than on understanding their travel insurance. He suggests spending just ten minutes reviewing your policy before booking could save you a lot of money, especially now with ongoing disruptions and uncertainty in global air travel due to the situation in the Middle East. That small investment of time is particularly valuable right now.

Here’s what you need to know.

Will I get my money back if my flight is cancelled due to fuel shortages?

If your flight gets cancelled, the airline you booked with must either get you on another flight or give you a complete refund. This is true no matter why the flight was cancelled, even if it’s due to something like a lack of fuel.

If the disruption is due to unusual events, like the ongoing conflict, you’ll probably only receive a refund and won’t be offered any further compensation.

Okay, so let’s talk travel insurance and current events. I’ve been looking at policies, and basically, if a war breaks out and messes up your vacation, you’re likely out of luck. Insurance companies consider war totally beyond their control, meaning they won’t cover any losses or disruptions caused by it. It’s a pretty standard exclusion, unfortunately, so it’s important to be aware of that when planning trips to potentially unstable regions.

A representative from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) explained that travel insurance coverage differs between policies. How much you’re covered for a cancelled flight depends on why it was cancelled and the details of your specific policy. They advise checking your policy documents and contacting your insurer directly to understand your coverage.

Can I cancel my holiday and book something closer to home instead?

If you’re concerned your summer vacation might be disrupted and you’d prefer to cancel now to explore options closer to home, first contact your airline, hotel, or travel company. They may let you reschedule your trip or offer a refund.

According to the ABI, if you used a credit card to pay for any portion of your trip, you should check if your card offers extra protection that could help you get some money back.

Typically, travel insurance won’t refund you if you simply change your mind about a trip. To understand exactly what your policy covers, and before you cancel anything, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly.

What if my summer holiday is to the Middle East or a neighbouring country?

Before you travel, always check the latest travel advice from your government for any country you plan to visit. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently recommends against non-essential travel to several countries in the area, and this can sometimes include routes you’ll be using to get there.

A representative from ABTA explained that even if flights are still running to and from the Middle East, vacations may not happen as scheduled because travel is currently limited to essential purposes only.

If you travel to or through countries with a government advisory against all but essential travel, your travel insurance might not be valid. It’s important to review your specific insurance policy details before you go.

I always believe it’s smart to quickly review my travel insurance policy before a trip. Knowing what I’m covered for and what my rights are just gives me peace of mind, especially since things can change so unexpectedly these days. It could save me a lot of hassle and money if my travel plans get disrupted!

Authors

Melanie Wright

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2026-05-08 12:04