There's a good chance your insurer won't cover you if you decide to travel against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice.
In this guide, we'll dive into what the FCDO does and what to do if they warn against travel to your destination. Keep reading to find out more!
Who are the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)?
The FCDO is a government department that works with 12 different agencies and public organisations.
Whether you're planning a holiday or living abroad, the FCDO is there to offer guidance during emergencies. For example, during natural disasters, health risks or political unrest.
Their goal is simple: to keep you informed, so you can travel with peace of mind.
What information do the FCDO provide?
The FCDO provides objective and up-to-date travel advice for British nationals. This includes things like crime levels and entry requirements. Sometimes, the FCDO might advise against all or essential travel to a country if it has certain risks.
These can include:
- Terrorist threats
- Political unrest
- Localised health risks
- War or conflict zones
By staying informed through the FCDO, you can make better decisions about your travel plans and stay safe.
You can view the FCDO's foreign travel advice for your destination on GOV.UK.
Can I travel against FCDO advice?
You can. Although, there's plenty of reasons why you shouldn't.
Travelling against FCDO advice almost always means you'll invalidate your policy. You won't be able to get specific FCDO cover for travelling. So, you won't be covered for things you might need while away, like emergency medical treatment.
Wondering why? Well, travel insurance is designed to cover against unexpected problems. By going to a destination the FCDO advises against, you're knowingly accepting the risks.
It's always best to check the travel advice for your destination before you go.
What happens to my travel insurance if FCDO advice changes after I buy my policy?
After you book your travel insurance, there's always a chance that FCDO advice can change at any time. If it does, knowing your rights and the necessary steps to take is a good idea.
Let's walk through a few scenarios you might encounter:
If FCDO advice changes after you've travelled to your destination
Already at your destination when the advice changes? No worries. Your travel insurance provider should cover the costs if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. This is because if travel advice changes after you've reached your destination, it's usually seen as something out of your control. Phew.
If FCDO advice changes before you travel to your destination
If the FCDO issues a warning before you set off, you should be covered for costs if you need to cancel or reschedule.
But, here's the catch: if you still choose to go despite the warning, you could invalidate your insurance. So, think twice before packing your bags if you're in this situation.
Can I get a refund if I decide not to travel against FCDO advice?
Yes, you can usually get a refund from your insurer if changed FCDO advice halts your plans. Yay!
But, hold on—this might not always be the case. So, just make sure you read through policy documents carefully before buying. That way, you'll know what cover is offered from your travel insurance provider.
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