GFA Highlights Key Advice Regarding Standard Travel Insurance War Exclusions

GFA Insurance, a leader in travel insurance, has issued a critical clarification for Mauritians in or travelling to the Middle East, warning that policyholders are not covered for “war risks” as regional tensions escalate.

The insurer confirmed that standard policy conditions explicitly exclude any bodily injury or material damage resulting from declared or undeclared wars, international conflicts involving force, and all types of military operations.

No Cover for Military Action

Under these terms, if an insured traveller is a victim of a terrorist attack, gunfire, bombardment, or direct military action, their medical expenses will not be covered.

This exclusion also extends to logistical disruptions. Any costs related to flight rebookings, additional accommodation, or alternative travel expenses stemming from the regional conflict are entirely excluded from the coverage.

Coverage for Those Already Abroad

For those currently on-site if a state of war is declared, GFA noted that coverage is not automatically cancelled.

MAPFRE will continue to provide care for issues unrelated to the conflict, such as:

• Sudden illness (e.g., infections or food poisoning).
• Road accidents with no link to an act of war.

However, claims will be refused if an accident is caused by the conflict—such as a shrapnel injury—or if the claim involves travel perturbations like hotel or airline ticket costs.

Protocol for Stranded Travellers

In an exceptional measure for those blocked abroad, GFA Insurance will allow the issuance of new policies for stay extensions under strict conditions:

• Maximum Duration: Total coverage must not exceed 92 consecutive days from the original departure date.
• Continuity: The new policy must start immediately after the previous one expires without any gap.
• Ongoing Exclusions: These extensions still strictly exclude all risks linked to the conflict.

Guidance and Contact

Travellers facing flight cancellations or changes are urged to contact their airlines first, as carriers are generally responsible for providing solutions during major disruptions.

GFA advises all policyholders to retain all receipts and email correspondence.

The insurer recommends following the advice of the Mauritian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities.

Those currently in the region should avoid sensitive areas and large gatherings.

For further clarification, GFA and MAPFRE teams are available via:

• Phone: 650-4320, 650-4321, or 5761-6937.
• Email: nonmotor@gfainsurance.mu.

Source: Defi Media