Holidaymakers are being urged to check health insurance before they head overseas to make sure they are covered for Covid-related illnesses or cancellations.
Experts at International Citizens Insurance are warning people to read through policies in case they have to cancel a trip or become ill while away.
Overseas leisure travel could resume for people in England on May 17 under Boris Johnson’s road map for easing restrictions.
But Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, said: “As health insurance brokers, we work with thousands of expatriates, international citizens and travellers every month and they are concerned about being covered for Covid.
“Ensuring the health and well-being of you and your family is vital. My advice is always to check and double check your policy to make sure you are covered and if you aren’t, to make sure you are before you head away.
"They should also offer regular levels of protection, covering patients for Coronavirus in the same way that they would be covered for the flu or any other health condition.”
Similar advice concerning the cancellation of trips if a destination is re-categorised under the UK Government's proposed traffic lights travel system has also been issued.
New advice from insurance specialist battleface follows reports that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice may not match the ‘traffic light system’ for international travel.
It stressed its policies are fully valid irrespective of any change of colour under the UK government traffic light system.
Katie Crowe, director of communications for battleface, said: “We do not actively encourage people to travel to places the FCDO is advising against, we are simply offering them the possibility of being covered in these countries.
"Whilst leisure travel is currently banned, this is expected to change soon. With a battleface travel policy you will have peace of mind and will still be covered if your travel destination changes colour or the FCDO advice changes.”
