Civil unrest has broken out in Nepal following student protests against government corruption and the recent ban on various social media platforms. The protests began at 9:00am local time on Monday, 8 September 2025, and while initially peaceful, have since escalated. Media reports confirm multiple casualties and many more injuries.

Transport and airport operations

Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) has been closed since the afternoon of Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
Airlines have suspended flights to Nepal until further notice.
Curfews have been imposed in parts of Kathmandu, with no indication yet of when these may be lifted.

Government advice

On the morning of Wednesday, 10 September 2025, the New Zealand Government issued advice regarding the unrest.
That afternoon, New Zealand Government raised its travel advisory for Nepal to: “Avoid non-essential travel to Nepal due to civil unrest and the risk of natural disasters.”

If you are affected
If you have been directly affected by this event and require medical assistance, please contact our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +64 9 918 2505 or email sosnz@goinsurance.co.nz.

We strongly recommend all travellers continue to monitor local media, emergency services, and Safetravel updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.

Policies purchased before 9:00am NZST on 11 September 2025

(also applies to trips booked under Annual Multi-Trip policies before this time)

Disruption experienced post-departure

Claims may be considered under Section 1 (Cancellation and Curtailment) or Section 10 (Disruption), subject to relevant terms and conditions.
Section 1: Provides cover for additional travel expenses and a proportionate refund of unused arrangements if civil unrest prevents planned travel from proceeding. (Your policy must include the Cancellation and Curtailment module).
Section 10: Provides financial assistance when public transport on which you are booked to travel is delayed at least 12 hours. (Your policy must include the Disruption module). This section does not apply if you claim under Section 1 or Section 12 (Special Events).

Important:

Policyholders must act as a “prudent uninsured” and minimise losses where possible by seeking refunds, rescheduling, or assistance directly with airlines, agents, and providers.
Some airlines may provide accommodation and support to affected passengers — travellers should make use of these facilities if available.
All claims for additional accommodation and transport must be supported by receipts, evidence of pre-booked travel, and details of actual travel undertaken.

Automatic Extension:
If you are overseas and are unable to return home as scheduled due to the unrest, your policy will automatically extend for up to 21 days without additional premium. No action is required to activate this extension.

Disruption experienced pre-departure

If you have not yet departed and your outbound flight is cancelled due to:

Civil unrest preventing travel as planned;
Initial outbound flight delayed beyond 12 hours; or
A New Zealand Government warning advising against travel to Nepal that remains in force within 7 days of your scheduled departure,

then Section 1 may respond. This section provides cover for:

The cost to amend travel to a later date or alternative route; or
Reimbursement of forfeited, irrecoverable pre-booked arrangements if the trip is cancelled (whichever is less).

We retain the discretion to determine whether amendment or cancellation costs apply as the basis for assessment.

Note: Airlines and providers often offer refunds or fee-free rescheduling in the event of widespread disruption. Policyholders should first seek assistance from their providers before lodging a claim.

Policies purchased on or after 9:01am NZST on 11 September 2025

(also applies to trips booked under Annual Multi-Trip policies on or after this time)

Insurance is designed to cover sudden and unforeseen events. It cannot provide cover for known or anticipated risks. Policies specifically exclude claims arising from circumstances known at the time of purchase or booking and which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim.

Accordingly, it is anticipated that no cover will be afforded under these policies for any claim arising from the civil unrest in Nepal.

General Note

The following costs are not covered under your policy:
Expenses incurred where your travel is not directly affected by the civil unrest.
The additional cost of alternate travel where the fare class is higher than originally booked.
Travel arrangements (flights, accommodation, tours, etc.) that have already been used.

Each claim is assessed individually on its own merits.
This advice is general in nature and subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy Wording in force at the time of purchase.
Travellers should continue monitoring updates from airlines, travel agents, and tour operators.

Our claims team is available to provide advice and assistance. Please contact us if you require support.