Latest news with #NatalieBall
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
Warning about border violence & insurance
Though a ceasefire has been declared between Thailand and Cambodia, ostensibly halting the conflict on their border which has caused the deaths of at least 35 people and displaced more than 200,000, travellers are still warned to be very cautious. Since July 24, the Federal Government's official travel advice website, Smartraveller, has advised 'do not travel' to areas within 50km of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to the conflict, despite the ceasefire. Natalie Ball, managing director for says: 'While a ceasefire is now in place, those travelling to troubled regions should always reach out to their airlines or travel agents first to explore their options. In situations like these, many travel providers offer flexible and penalty-free changes to bookings, allowing holidaymakers to postpone or reroute their plans with minimal disruption.' While travel insurers do not typically cover cancellation of travel because of a change of mind due to civil unrest, there are some instances in which travellers would be covered. For example, if the travel service provider cancels the trip and refuses to refund to reimburse the traveller, there could be scope to claim. For instance, insurers like 1Cover, Allianz and Cover-More provide cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits if riots or cases of civil unrest cause the cancellation of a flight or scheduled transport. Additional accommodation and travel expenses would be covered if civil unrest impacted flight or transport plans mid-journey. Ms Ball explains: 'If your scheduled transport was cancelled due to civil unrest at your destination and your travel providers were unable to reimburse your prepaid costs, you may be eligible to claim. To ensure adequate cover, opt for comprehensive policies as basic policies are unlikely to provide cover for cancellation and on-trip disruptions.' But she notes that while some cases of civil unrest may be covered, war-like situations are usually restricted from cover: 'Acts of war, involving military or armed force interventions are generally excluded from cover. These are unpredictable, high-risk scenarios at which the Australian Government is usually obliged to step in and assist its citizens.' She warns that travellers who purchase cover after a case of civil unrest is widely reported are unlikely to be covered. 'Travelling to or planning to stay in a region that the government has advised against is generally not recommended, and resulting claims would likely not be covered.'
Courier-Mail
26-06-2025
- Courier-Mail
Middle East flights: What travellers need to know
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Earlier this year I boarded the beautiful Celestyal Journey for a voyage around the Arabian Gulf. Kicking off in Doha where we shopped the souqs, the seven-day Desert Days itinerary taking in the likes of Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi quickly became one of my favourite cruises of all time. Back in Sydney, I told everyone within earshot: with its warm hospitality, dramatic landscapes and glorious cuisine, the Arabian Gulf (aka the Persian Gulf) is going to be the hottest destination for cruising in 2025. Then the bombings began and now I'm reminded of the time I told my computer studies teacher back in the early '90s that computers were never really going to catch on so I didn't need to attend class, thank you. I'm devastated by what's going on in the Middle East, and humanity (or perhaps the lack of it) is my chief concern. I also can't help but wonder what it means for my travel plans. Looking at my inbox, I can see I'm far from alone, with countless emails from others panicking about upcoming trips to Europe (particularly those connecting via Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi). Travellers due to travel to or transit through the Middle East have been warned of likely disruptions. We know that disruptions for flights anywhere near the region are significant and ongoing, with many airlines cancelling or rerouting flights, being forced to turn back or announcing long delays, and the situation is changing minute by minute. The Australian government, however, has issued a travel warning via Smartraveller advising that 'the security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable and could deteriorate further with little warning. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation across the region, as well as the potential for terrorist attacks.' So what does this mean for you? Resist that knee-jerk reaction to cancel your holiday, advises Dean Long, CEO of Australian Travel Industry Association. 'You may lose your right to a full refund or rebooking,' he says. 'If the airline cancels, you are entitled to those protections under Australian Consumer Law.' Abu Dhabi International Airport is among the major airports in the Middle East region. Airlines and ATIA-accredited travel agents are prioritising support for passengers flying in the next 72 hours and progressively contacting those whose flights are impacted, he adds. For anyone else who has had their flight plans changed, or can no longer travel, your best bet is to first contact your airline and accommodation providers to explore refunds or credit options, says Natalie Ball, managing director of Compare Travel Insurance. 'Given the current escalation, major airlines should offer cash refunds or flight credits if your flight is cancelled,' she says. 'Some accommodation providers may offer flexible cancellations or rescheduling options, but this will depend on the terms and conditions that apply to your booking.' Some flights to Dubai - the busiest airport in the Middle East - have been delayed and rerouted. No satisfaction? Your next step is to contact your insurer. Remember, too, that government warnings affect insurance coverage. 'Given that parts of the Middle East – including Israel – are now at a Level 4, ie 'do not travel', insurers generally can't offer cover for claims related to that destination. This includes cancellations, disruptions, or medical emergencies related to the conflict,' Ball adds. 'There's also the risk that those who travel against such warnings may face limited or no consular assistance during emergencies, so consider these factors carefully before making any travel decisions.' Stay in contact with your travel providers in the lead-up to your trip, and keep an eye on for updates on the latest advice on your intended destination. Originally published as Middle East flights: What travellers need to know
