It's never too late to read the fine print of one's insurance policies

Is war fatality covered? Too many of us are unaware of what risks are insured and what are not

- SANJIV BAJAJ

As the Iran-Israel war unfolds, it brings with it anxiety, headlines and human loss. For the world, it's a geopolitical crisis. But for thousands of Indian families, it's personal. There are an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 Indian nationals living in Israel, including students, skilled professionals and technical workers. In addition, over 85,000 Jews of Indian origin call Israel home, many of whom still have family in India, making this not just an international crisis but an emotional one for the Indian diaspora.

One such tragedy struck recently. A young Indian engineer working in Tel Aviv was preparing to return home to Delhi. He had video-called his daughter and told her to finish her sign that read "Welcome Home, Papa." The ticket was booked. The sweets were in the fridge. And then a missile struck. His name was among the casualties.

The family's grief was instant, but what followed made it worse. When they reached out to the insurer, hoping for some support, they received a cold impersonal message: "Claim denied under Clause XYZ—death due to war or war-like operations." There was no fraud. No error. Just a clause they had never paid attention to—one line buried in fine print that changed everything.

The fine print could write your family's future: In most life insurance policies, death due to war or war-like situations is not covered for civilians. These exclusions are clearly outlined in the policy document, often under 'General Exclusions.' While some insurers offer optional riders or policies that include limited war-related cover, many do not.