Important cover update: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

If you’re currently in the area, or have travel to the area booked, it’s natural to be concerned about how the events affect your trip. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below.

What is the current FCDO advice?

“There is currently a large-scale conflict happening in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza. Rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel and there are an unknown number of armed terrorists present in the area. There are reports of them shooting people and taking hostages in the peripheral area around Gaza. If you are in an area affected by the fighting you should follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command.

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. You should check with your airlines and travel insurers before travelling. You are advised to consult Israeli Home Front Command for more information: www.oref.org.il/en or call 104 if you are in Israel.

British nationals requiring consular assistance should call the following numbers: 

+972 (0)3 725 1222 or +972 (2) 5414100. 

If you experience technical difficulties with these or if you are in the UK, call +44 20 7008 5000.

If you are a British National in Israel or the OPTs, please register your presence which includes recording your up to date contact information. You should fill in this form for every member of your family or group who is a British National. Your registration will allow us to share any updates to this travel advice.”

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 

In addition, they advise against all travel to:

• Gaza
• The Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• Within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and and within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’).
• The area close to the border with Gaza that includes the following:
• The area southwest of Ashkelon
• The area south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
• The area west of Be’er Sheva
• The area north of route 211

What to do if you have a trip planned

• If you have a trip booked to any area where the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel, and you decide to rearrange your trip for a later date, we can change the dates on your policy at no extra cost (assuming the trip duration is unchanged). 
• If your flight or trip has been cancelled by the operator, please contact them to provide a refund or alternative.
• If you choose to travel against the FCDO advice, you should be aware that in an emergency we may not be able to provide you with the assistance or other services that we would normally be able to. You would also not be covered for any claim relating to the reason the FCDO advise against all or all but essential travel.

What to do if you are currently in Israel

• Continue to follow the advice from the FCDO (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel) 
• Speak to your tour operator, travel agent or air carrier. If your flight/travel arrangements have been cancelled, the operator should book you on to an alternative flight or make alternative travel arrangements.

If you are currently in the affected areas and need to call emergency assistance regarding cutting short your trip and returning home you can reach them on +44 (0)203 467 4122.