Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue has deployed teams to Israel to begin evacuating American citizens from high-risk areas, as escalating conflict in the Middle East raises concerns about travel insurance coverage for those with existing or planned trips.
Gwen Kozlowski, president of Exeter International, a Tampa-based luxury travel company, says many travelers are unaware that standard travel insurance policies often exclude disruptions caused by acts of war, terrorism, or military conflict. “It’s a delicate situation,” Kozlowski said. “We did have a number of people affected by air closures in the Middle East.”
The Middle East serves as a critical aviation hub, connecting Africa to Europe, Asia, and North America, with limited non-stop flights from the U.S., according to Kozlowski. This makes the region’s instability particularly impactful for international travel.
As the spring break travel season begins, Kozlowski urges travelers to carefully review the fine print of their policies to understand what is covered. She explained that the most basic policies typically cover only medical insurance, even as more comprehensive options include trip cancellation coverage and “Cancel for Any Reason” clauses.
According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (USTIA), Americans spent $5.6 billion on travel insurance in 2024, a 46% increase since 2019, protecting approximately $68 billion worth of trips. Nearly 87 million travelers were protected by these policies.
Brandon Bates, president of the USTIA, stated, “Travelers today are navigating an increasingly volatile global landscape. While standard policies traditionally exclude acts of war, some travelers are choosing ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ options and enhanced non-medical evacuation services to address geopolitical uncertainty.” Bates added that the industry has increased its focus on 24/7 crisis communication and real-time safety alerts.
Bates emphasized the importance of purchasing coverage at the time of booking, noting that insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen events, not those already unfolding. He also advised travelers to look beyond the premium to ensure the policy includes specific evacuation support.
Operation Epic Fury, the recent U.S. Strikes against Iran, were coordinated from U.S. Central Command, which is based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Demonstrators in Tampa have also called for the U.S. To withdraw from the Middle East, reflecting growing public concern over the region’s instability.
Grey Bull Rescue launched “Operation: CHESS MASTER” on Monday, confirming the presence of evacuation teams on the ground in Israel, according to FL Voice News.
