With the news about tensions in the Middle East and cartel violence in parts of Mexico, several clients have asked whether travel insurance would cover them if situations like these escalate and disrupt travel plans. It’s an understandable question — and a good opportunity to clarify what travel insurance is designed to do.

Most travel insurance policies include what’s known as a “war exclusion.” This means disruptions caused directly by war, military conflict, or certain types of civil unrest are typically not covered. If flights are canceled due to a conflict, airspace closures, or government actions related to war, reimbursement may not apply under a standard policy. While some plans include limited coverage for terrorism, the conditions are often very specific.

However, that doesn’t make travel insurance any less valuable. In reality, the situations that most often derail trips are much closer to home. Travel insurance is designed to protect you from the unexpected personal events that happen far more frequently than geopolitical crises as long as it is purchased before you need it!

For some travelers medical care is the most important consideration and for others it is the expense of unforeseen delays or hiccups. Some of the most common (and surprisingly expensive) situations where travel insurance can help include:

• A sudden illness, injury or loss before departure that forces you to cancel
• Medical treatment needed while traveling abroad
• Emergency medical evacuation back home
• Severe weather that delays or interrupts travel
• Lost, damaged or delayed luggage
• An urgent situation at home that requires you to return early

The bottom line: travel insurance isn’t meant to insure global events, but it does provide an important safety net for the many unpredictable things that can affect a trip. For most travelers, it’s a relatively small investment that adds a significant layer of peace of mind.