error_outline IMPORTANT error_outline
Global events (like the current Vanuatu earthquake) and government advice might affect your upcoming trip and travel insurance cover. Read the big print arrow_forward
airplanemode_active
  • Not sure? See full destination list.

      Home / Travel alerts / Lebanon situation

      Important Information Regarding: Lebanon Situation – August 2024

      Issued 7 August 2024

      Background

      Foreign Minister Winston Peters is urging New Zealanders in Lebanon and Iran to “leave now while options remain available,” as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, with threats of revenge after the killing of militant group Hamas’ leader.

      Peters also said, on social media site X, the Government recommends New Zealanders in Israel “consider whether they need to remain in the country”.

      Earlier today, the US told its citizens to leave Lebanon on “any available ticket,” amidst reports an Israeli strike has killed Hezbollah’s Fuad Shukr, deemed a “top military commander”.

      MFAT have had a “Do Not Travel” advisory in place for a number of months.

      If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24 hour emergency assistance team immediately on +61 2 8907 5240. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services.

      Policy coverage:

      Costs that are not covered by your policy

      • There is no cover for claims directly arising from you not following “Do not travel” advice issued by MFAT if the subject of the advice or warning is related to the nature of your claim.
      • There is no cover for claims arising as a result of war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power.
      • If your policy contains ‘Cancellation Plus Cover’, this cover is not available for trips including travel to Lebanon.

      Free Extension of Insurance

      If the relevant time of your current trip pre-dates this travel advice and your travel is disrupted due to this event, impacting your ability to return home on your policy end date, your policy will freely extend until you are physically able to return home as soon as it becomes possible.

      Important general advice

      This information must be read in conjunction with the Policy Wording as certain terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. These are detailed in the Policy Wording and in particular we draw your attention to ‘The Benefits’, ‘Policy Conditions’ and ‘General Exclusions’ sections of the Policy Wording.

      Contact us

      If you are travelling and require travel or medical assistance, please contact our 24 hour emergency assistance team on +61 2 8907 5240.

      For any general enquiries regarding the event please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 500 225 between 8.30 am and 5.15 pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm Saturday.