Northern Ireland holidaymakers considering cancelling trips due to Middle East unrest face limited refund options under standard travel insurance policies.

Ian Wilson, managing director at CompareNI.com and a travel insurance expert, stated that providers do not cover cancellations based on disinclination to travel.

Standard policies exclude disruptions from acts of war and only protect against events like sudden illness or a close relative's death.

Refunds or alternative arrangements become available if the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issues advice against travel to the destination, as it has for several Gulf countries.

Wilson advised against immediate cancellations to preserve legal rights to refunds. He noted that travellers visiting against FCDO advice risk invalidating their insurance.

Airlines must provide refunds or alternative flights if destinations are declared unsafe and flights are cancelled.

Travellers should monitor the FCDO website and airline updates, according to Wilson. Specialist high-risk policies exist for certain professionals but require careful review.