Foreign Office reiterates importance of travel insurance

Britain’s FCO has highlighted the risks of travelling without appropriate insurance.

Travel Insurance News - 12/08/2010

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The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is urging British travellers to ensure they carry travel insurance of sufficient level and appropriate form. The FCO says there is a serious risk for those who fail to make sure they have adequate insurance while abroad. As the big holiday season has just begun, many Brits will already have their travel plans set. However, the FCO continues to urge travellers to purchase insurance and make sure the coverage suits their needs.

The case of ‘pre-existing’ conditions is of particular importance. Most insurance policies will not provide cover for any physical or medical condition already known to the insured. This limitation does not refer only to the health of the person carrying the insurance. An insurer may refuse a claim for holiday cancellation if, for example, a close relative dies of an illness of which the traveller was already aware, such as cancer.

Also of concern is the increasing number of Brits headed on extreme sports holidays, or even just holidays involving activities like skiing or off-road driving. It is important to ensure the definition of any relevant terms, like “dangerous” is understood and meets the needs of the insured.

The FCO recently released the latest issue of its annual British Behavour Abroad report. According to the report, 3,689 people from the UK ended up in hospitals abroad this year. In addition, the cost of medical treatment has risen 33 per cent in the last five years. Medical treatment costs account for nearly two-thirds of payouts by travel insurance firms.

<< Travellers warned to carry valid EHIC cards | Travel News | KLM still holding back compensation for volcanic ash delays >>