The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning urging travellers to print out and carry a copy of their travel insurance policy while on holiday. The advice comes as many families head abroad for summer breaks.
The FCDO shared the warning on social media, emphasising that having insurance details readily available is crucial in an emergency. They recommend printing the policy and keeping it separate from your phone and other valuables.
Wildfires affect travel plans
The need for travel insurance has been highlighted by recent wildfires in France and Spain. In France, blazes have affected parts of Gironde and Landes in the south-west. In Spain, fires have burned out of control around Madrid and in the Valencia region. A fire in Avila, west of Madrid, became Spain's largest on record, scorching 193 square miles.
Official advice
The Foreign Office stated: "An emergency abroad is not the time to be searching for insurance details. Before you travel, print a copy of your insurance policy and keep it separate from your phone and other valuables. Pack your policy."
On its website, the department explained: "If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency."
Insurers urge caution
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is urging holidaymakers to pay close attention to local advice and FCDO updates. People should check their travel insurance policies to clarify what they are covered for.
Chris Bose, director of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: "We recognise how stressful and worrying the wildfires will be for people currently in the affected areas, as well as those due to travel there in the coming days. Safety must be the priority, so it’s important to follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services."
"Insurers are ready to support their affected customers. If your travel plans are disrupted by a wildfire and your policy includes trip disruption cover then travel insurance may cover some of the resulting costs. It can also help if you become ill or are injured. Where flights or accommodation are cancelled, you should seek refunds from their airline, tour operator or accommodation provider in the first instance. Cover can vary between providers, so if you’re not sure what’s included in your policy, speak to your insurer who will be able to advise on what support is available."
