PETALING JAYA: Three travellers were among the many Malaysians stranded in the Middle East when conflict erupted, grounding flights and upending travel plans.
University student Siti Nurul Iman, 24, ended up facing financial strain after opting for a standard travel insurance policy to minimise trip expenses to Dubai.
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“I chose a standard policy because I was travelling on a tight budget.
“When my flight was cancelled, the insurance did not fully cover my additional accommodation and transportation expenses,” she said.
Siti had purchased a standard seven-day travel insurance plan costing about RM40 to RM60, which offered limited benefits and lower claim limits compared to comprehensive policies.
“I had to rely on my savings while waiting for the next available flight. It was a stressful experience, especially managing unexpected expenses.
“If I travel again, I will definitely invest in more comprehensive insurance to avoid similar difficulties,” she said.
Two other travellers who had bought comprehensive travel insurance policies fared better.
Engineer Mohd Hafiz Zainal, 41, who was in Dubai for work, faced similar challenges when his business trip was unexpectedly extended.
“My return flight was cancelled, and the earliest available seat was several days later.
“I had to reschedule and extend my hotel stay,” he said.
Hafiz was covered under his company’s corporate travel insurance, with premiums typically valued at around RM200 to RM300 for a two-week business trip, which included higher coverage limits and access to a 24-hour emergency assistance helpline.
“The assistance team guided me on alternative routes and helped coordinate the new flight arrangements.
“However, the experience made me realise the importance of carefully reviewing policy terms, particularly regarding coverage related to the conflict,” he said.
He added that staying informed about developments in the region is equally crucial.
“In future, I will monitor travel advisories more closely and ensure that I have a contingency plan, including sufficient funds and flexible travel arrangements,” he said.
Another traveller, Nur Aisyah Rahman, 32, saw her return flight from a brief holiday in Saudi Arabia abruptly cancelled.
“I received a notification just hours before my departure that my flight had been cancelled.
“Hotels nearby were filling up quickly, and I had to get a room immediately while waiting for updates,” she said.
Aisyah had bought a comprehensive 10-day travel insurance policy for her trip, costing approximately RM120, which provided coverage for trip disruption, accommodation and travel assistance.
“The insurer helped with the rebooking process and reimbursed my hotel and meal costs.
“It gave me peace of mind because I didn’t have to worry about the financial burden during an already stressful situation,” she added.
Reflecting on her experience, Aisyah said she would be more prepared for future trips.
“I will make sure to thoroughly check what my travel insurance covers, especially for unexpected events like conflicts or airspace closures.
“I will also keep emergency contacts and important documents easily accessible,” she said.
