With global uncertainty constantly making headlines, we’re often asked this question.

As your broker, we want to give you a clear, practical overview of how common policies generally respond. While each insurer and policy wording differs, there are consistent themes worth understanding.

Travel Insurance

Most travel policies include broad exclusions for war-related events. For example, CoverMore policies exclude claims arising from war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, or military power.

Aa a rule, insurers follow the Government’s recommendations on which countries to avoid (for avoidance of doubt, war zones are a no-go!)

Visit www.safetravel.govt.nz to view the latest travel and health news as well as country advice warnings that may affect your policy.

What this means:

If your loss (such as cancellation, medical costs, or disruption) is directly linked to war or similar conflict, it is unlikely to be covered. However, cover will still apply for unrelated war events. For example, if  you tripped and broke your arm in Tehran Airport (Iran), your medical costs should be covered as the event was not war-related.

House, Contents & Motor Insurance

Policies from Vero exclude loss, damage, or liability connected to war and similar large-scale conflict events. This includes terrorism and civil uprisings that escalate to a level comparable to a popular revolt or military action.

What this means:

Damage to your home, belongings, or vehicle caused directly or indirectly by war or war-like situations is not covered. Everyday risks (fire, theft, storm, etc.) remain covered as usual, provided they are not linked to such events.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property policies follow a similar approach. Ando policies exclude claims arising directly or indirectly from war, invasion, rebellion, insurrection, or related events.

What this means:

Businesses cannot rely on standard material damage policies for losses tied to war or civil unrest of that scale. This is a global insurance market standard.

Life, Trauma & Income Protection Insurance

This is where things start to get interesting, as different insurers take different approaches.

For example, AIA personal Insurance policy wordings typically don’t include exclusions for war or terrorism, although these may sometimes be applied at the time of application depending on your lifestyle intentions.

In contrast, some other life insurers apply blanket exclusions for war-related events.

What this means:

Coverage for war and terrorism can vary depending on who underwrites your policy and your wording, so it’s important to review your individual cover.

Health Insurance

Health insurers also apply exclusions in this area. NIB excludes treatment relating to war, riots, terrorism, or criminal acts where charges are laid.

What this means:

Medical treatment linked directly to war or terrorism events is generally not covered under private health insurance policies.

Why are these exclusions so common?

War and terrorism present risks that are unpredictable, widespread, and potentially catastrophic in scale. Because of this, they are typically excluded across the global insurance market rather than priced into standard policies.

Is there a positive?

Yes! Because war is excluded, no additional pricing has been factored in. In plain English, you are not subsidising someone else’s policy who is active in (higher risk) a war zone.

If you’d like us to review your insurance portfolio in more detail or discuss how these exclusions may affect you personally or your business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Disclosure: This information is general in nature and does not consider your individual circumstances. The policy wordings referenced are based on products offered by well-established insurers operating in New Zealand. It is possible, but unlikely, your own policies may differ.

Thanks to Sindre Stoeten of Lake Taupo Chiropractic for his suggestion of this topic. Please reach out to us if you would like to see a topic featured in our next newsletter!

© JenBro Insurance April 2026.