The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a public warning for anyone with summer holidays booked ahead of the busy May, June, July and August season. The FCDO took to X, formerly Twitter, with an update for holidaymakers.
The FCDO said: "Before you go, make sure your travel insurance covers all your medical conditions. If you don’t declare a condition, your claim could be rejected. Always check what your policy needs from you."
On the Labour Party government website, the FCDO says: "If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away."
"If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds," it adds. The FCDO also advises: "You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy."
The Association of British Insurers (ABI), which represents over 300 insurance and long-term savings firms, recommends checking FCDO travel updates in addition to securing appropriate insurance. Officials urge UK holidaymakers and tourists to sign up to alerts for their destination. If you travel to a destination where FCDO advises against all but essential travel or all travel, your insurance may be invalidated.
When you travel, make sure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number, the FCDO adds. Remember to share your policy details with people you’re travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf, the FCDO concludes.
