Will insurance cover you in a war zone? Take this step before cancelling your flights

Australians facing cancelled or disrupted travel due to the escalating Middle East conflict may be able to recover some costs - but eligibility will depend on the timing and terms of their travel insurance.

Three major airports that connect Europe and Africa to Australia and Asia - Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi - have stopped operations.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have suffered damage during the conflict.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said many Australians would be affected as countries shuttered their airspace amid the US and Israel's attacks on Iran.

The Australian government's Smartraveller website has updated its advice for Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi saying 'Do not travel'.

Compare the Market's Chris Ford said travellers who purchased insurance before the conflict escalated should contact their insurer as soon as possible.

Travellers who bought their policy before the escalation became a known event may be able to claim for lost deposits, cancelled flights, accommodation and other non-refundable expenses, Mr Ford said.

However, he warned that war and civil unrest are common exclusions.

"Every policy is different," he said.

"If you're unsure, check your product disclosure statement or speak directly with your insurer."

Mr Ford said those who took out insurance after the escalation began are unlikely to be covered for related losses.

"Once something is considered a known event, claims linked to it are generally excluded," he said.

Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive Dean Long said travellers should not rush to cancel bookings without first seeking advice, as doing so could affect their ability to secure refunds or insurance outcomes.

"The situation is evolving rapidly and airlines are actively managing rebookings and alternative routes," Mr Long said.

"We strongly encourage travellers to seek professional advice before cancelling arrangements, as the way a booking is handled can impact both airline credits and insurance claims."

Mr Long also urged travellers not departing within the next 48 hours to avoid contacting agents immediately, to allow support for those directly impacted.

Major airlines including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have all suspended their operations.

A spokesperson for Qatar Airways said flight operations remain "temporarily suspended" due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

"Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," the spokesperson said.

Emirates said it will begin operating a limited number of flights on the evening of March 2.

"We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates," a spokesperson said.

"Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified."

Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall told a press conference on Monday that over the next 24-48 hours, "we need to be very aware of the declarations of the government has made around do not travel advice to these countries".

He said travel insurers have fielded hundreds of calls over the last few days.

"The transport arrangements and the accommodation arrangements, people need to work with the government and with the airlines," he said.

A spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Australia said travel insurance policies generally exclude cover for loss or injury arising from war, armed conflict or civil unrest.

"When the Australian Government issues a 'do not travel' warning for a destination, as is almost always the case during armed conflicts, these DFAT advisories are a key trigger for policy exclusions.

"Covering conflict zones without restriction could inadvertently encourage travellers to take risks they would otherwise avoid, putting lives in danger.

"Insurance works by spreading risk across a large pool of policyholders."