Update on Individual Travel Insurance Coverage related to Middle East Travel Advisories
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, we would like to update our customers and partners of key dates and events that impact travel insurance coverage underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife) and First North American Insurance Company (FNAIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife.
Known event1 designation: As of February 28, 2026, Manulife considers the current situation in the Middle East a ‘known event’ with respect to Manulife Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance coverage.
Impact on Manulife Individual Travel Insurance* Customers Travelling to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Government of Canada travel advisories were issued February 28, 2026: Travel advisories to “Avoid nonessential travel” or “Avoid all travel” were issued for Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.
If insurance was purchased before February 28, 2026
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Customers may cancel their trip due to the updated travel advisory.
If insurance was purchased on or after February 28, 2026
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: No benefits for reasons related to the travel advisory.
If customers departed before February 28, 2026
- Emergency Medical Insurance: Benefits apply for the full duration of the trip.
- Trip Interruption Insurance: Benefits apply if the interruption is related to the travel advisory.
- The Act of War2 exclusion will be waived for Emergency Medical Insurance and Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance.
If customers departed on or after February 28, 2026
- Emergency Medical Insurance: No benefits for reasons related to the travel advisory.
- Trip Interruption Insurance: Benefits apply only if the interruption is unrelated to the travel advisory.
Impact on Manulife Individual Travel Insurance* customers travelling to Lebanon, Iran, Israel and Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Yemen
Government of Canada travel advisories to “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” that were in effect prior to February 28, 2026 for Lebanon, Iran, Israel and Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Yemen.
- Emergency Medical Insurance: No benefits for reasons related to the travel advisory.
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: No benefits for reasons related to the travel advisory.
- Trip Interruption Insurance: Benefits apply only if the interruption is unrelated to the travel advisory.
Applicable in All Scenarios
- If you’re currently in the Middle East, benefits won’t apply if you’re participating in and/or voluntarily exposing yourself to acts of war or acts of terrorism.
- If your travel plans have been impacted by cancellations, please contact your airline first before reaching out to Manulife. Most airline providers are offering refunds, credits, and other options.
How to contact Manulife Travel Insurance
Please refer to your policy for contact information for emergency assistance and claims inquiries.
Information in this document is subject to change as we continue to monitor the situation. For the latest travel advisories visit the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories: www.Travel.gc.ca.
* Please review the policy carefully, as benefits may vary depending on the policy purchased.
1 A known event is an incident or circumstance that has already occurred or is reasonably expected to occur before an insurance policy is purchased or coverage begins. Because it is not unforeseen, this incident or circumstance is generally excluded from coverage.
2 Hostile or warlike action, whether declared or not, in a time of peace or war, whether initiated by a local government, foreign government or foreign group, civil unrest, insurrection, rebellion, or civil war.
Benefits explained in this notice is for Individually purchased Travel Insurance product. The information provided in this notice does not apply to Credit card benefits, Group Benefits, Group Travel Plans.