Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are prompting travel insurers and assistance providers to closely monitor their operations as travelers and corporate clients seek clarity on coverage and safety planning.
Periods of instability create both a challenge and an opportunity for brokers to demonstrate advisory value. Travel disruptions tied to conflict can range from airspace closures and flight cancellations to security evacuations and emergency medical incidents.
Brokers who understand how travel insurance and assistance services respond to these events can help clients avoid costly surprises and strengthen their duty-of-care planning.
Glenn Maykish (pictured), global head of multinational solutions at IMG, said their firm’s travel assistance operations have remained stable despite the evolving conflict between the United States and Iran. However, the nature of requests from travelers is beginning to shift as security concerns mount across the region.
“While we have not seen an increase in emergency medical evacuations, we are experiencing a rise in requests for security evacuations,” Maykish told Insurance Business. “We are working closely with our security partners to support these situations on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our customers and clients.”
Below are several ways brokers can support clients before and during geopolitical crises:
One of the most important roles for brokers is helping clients understand that many travel insurance policies include exclusions related to acts of war, hostilities between nations, or terrorism.
These exclusions can significantly limit the coverage available when geopolitical conflicts arise. For example, expenses related to canceled trips, delayed return flights, or other disruptions tied directly to acts of war may not be covered.
“Many travel medical and travel insurance plans have exclusions for losses resulting from geopolitical conflict, such as hostilities between nations and acts of war,” Maykish said.
“We have seen an increased volume of inquiries from both customers and brokers seeking clarification due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
Because policy terms vary widely among insurers and plans, brokers should review coverage details with clients before they travel, particularly when trips involve regions experiencing political instability.
Encouraging travelers to carefully read policy documents and understand their benefits, including emergency medical care, evacuation coverage, and trip interruption provisions, can prevent confusion during a crisis.
Geopolitical conflict often triggers secondary disruptions that affect travelers far beyond the immediate conflict zone. Airspace closures, airline cancelations, and changes to travel advisories can cascade across global flight networks.
When those disruptions occur, travelers may assume their insurance will reimburse the resulting expenses. In reality, coverage may depend on the cause of the disruption and the timing of the event relative to when the policy was purchased.
Brokers can help clients manage expectations by explaining how claims are typically assessed and what documentation may be required if they need to file one.
They should also encourage travelers to monitor airline communications closely, since carriers may offer rebooking assistance or accommodation during operational disruptions.
For multinational employers, geopolitical instability raises broader duty-of-care concerns around employee safety. Brokers advising corporate clients can help ensure companies have appropriate protocols in place, including access to emergency evacuation resources and security support if conditions deteriorate.
Markish said this includes contracting with security experts that have on-the-ground intelligence and assets to assist their traveling employees. “Even with strong planning and support structures in place, situations like these present significant challenges,” he said.
“Our focus is on keeping our customers and clients informed and guiding them toward the safest and most appropriate course of action to ensure their well-being and, when necessary, their safe return home.”
Beyond insurance coverage, brokers should emphasize practical risk-management steps that travelers can take to improve their safety and access to assistance.
These include monitoring government travel advisories, registering with embassy alert programs, and ensuring travelers have access to emergency contact information for assistance providers.
Staying informed about rapidly changing conditions is critical in conflict-affected regions, where security environments and transportation options can shift quickly.
When geopolitical tensions escalate, clients often turn to their brokers first for guidance. Maintaining clear communication channels during these periods can help brokers respond to urgent questions about coverage, assistance services, or evacuation options.
“Travelers planning a trip to the Middle East or other destinations are strongly encouraged to visit the US Department of State’s website to view the latest travel advisories and ensure they are reviewing the most up‑to‑date, country‑specific recommendations, which are changing rapidly,” Markish said.
“IMG also encourages US citizen travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive safety alerts, communication support, and emergency assistance while traveling.”
