Will travel insurance cover a destination wedding?

Partly. A travel policy covers the trip, not the wedding. GIG Gulf’s Travel Smart handbook, a UAE travel policy, pays unused travel and accommodation costs if the trip is cancelled or cut short for one of the reasons it lists.¹

Which reasons does a travel policy accept?

GIG Gulf Travel Smart pays up to USD 5,000 per insured person if the trip is cancelled or cut short because of:¹

• the death, injury or illness of you, someone you travel with, someone you planned to stay with, or a close relative
• accidental damage that makes your home uninhabitable, or the police needing you after a theft at home
• a hijack

A close relative is a mother, father, sister, brother, wife, husband, daughter or son.¹ The wedding being called off is not on the list.

What does the travel policy exclude?

The handbook excludes, among others:¹

• the failure or financial default of any provider of a service that forms part of the trip
• circumstances you knew about before booking that could be expected to lead to cancellation
• not getting the passport or visa you need
• illness or injury resulting from pregnancy
• cancellation because of travel restrictions after a pandemic declaration, or a flight route cancelled by the carrier or a government

Is the wedding dress safe in your luggage?

The handbook pays up to USD 400 for “any one article, pair or set of articles”, and up to USD 1,500 for all valuables, which include jewellery and watches. It does not cover valuables or money left unattended, including in the custody of carriers, unless in a hotel safe or your locked room. You must report a loss to the police within 24 hours.¹ Carry rings and expensive pieces in your hand luggage.

What about the wedding costs abroad?

ADNIC’s Mabrouk wedding policy covers postponement or cancellation, attire, rings and gifts.² Its leaflet does not say whether a wedding held outside the UAE is covered. Ask ADNIC before you buy.

What should guests flying in check?

Each guest’s own travel policy decides what they get back if they cannot come. Send guests your dates early so they can buy cover when they book flights.

Compare your travel policy’s list of cancellation reasons with the risks to your trip, and ask the insurer in writing about anything that is not listed.