In the past few days, we’ve seen that air bridges can close as quickly as they can open,
leaving holidaymakers with just hours’ notice to get back to the UK or face quarantine
restrictions upon their return.
The Government’s last-minute decision to remove Spain from the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) ‘safe list’ has understandably caused major concerns for those
hoping to make the most of what’s left of summer, and left many Britons wondering whether they’ll be covered by their travel insurance, should the FCO suddenly change their advice while they’re abroad.
Fiona Macrae, head of consumer awareness initiative travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk,
explains your rights and what a change in FCO advice could mean for your travel insurance.
If the FCO suddenly changes its advice regarding the country I am visiting after I
arrive, will my travel insurance policy be invalid?
If you have already arrived at your destination but then the FCO changes its advice, with
most providers, your travel insurance will still remain valid until you return home. However, if you are on an extended holiday, longer than 28 days, and the FCO changes its advice to the country you have travelled to, you would be expected to make every effort to return home. If you don’t, you could void your policy. We would advise anyone on a longer holiday to contact their travel insurance provider and discuss their options.
Will my insurer contact me to let me know if I’m no longer covered?
When you purchase a travel insurance policy, your provider doesn’t always ask for the exact country you are travelling to. Many just ask which geographical region so it is unlikely that they will be in a position to contact you in this situation. It is the holidaymaker’s responsibility to be aware of what cover they have and keep up to date with any changes to the FCO advice. If you are unsure of your cover, you should contact your travel insurance provider to clarify your position.
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