Despite the current travel ban, new research has found Brits are still travelling abroad. While some passengers insist they are travelling for business reasons, which is legally permitted, others revealed they were merely taking trips for leisure purposes regardless of this being against the law.
Those who travel against the government’s advice without a valid reason or evidence to do so run the risk of not being covered if they need emergency medical attention while abroad or if they submit a claim for any lost costs. Furthermore, in the event of a claim, most travel insurers will ask for evidence that the trip was essential.
Anyone who has to travel for work must make ensure their employer has arranged adequate travel insurance cover for them as travellers may not be covered on standard leisure travel insurance policies if work is undertaken abroad. Those who are self-employed must also make sure they have a policy that has the appropriate business cover within their policy.
It’s also worth knowing that some countries require tourists to obtain a temporary working visa to legally work there. As a result, it is essential that employers who insist their employees must travel arrange the necessary visas, and follow all protocols in place as it is not unheard of for some countries to enforce fines, imprisonment, or deportation for those who are caught working while on a visit visa. Travel insurers may also request proof of a working visa or other relevant evidence to prove the trip was essential if a claim is submitted while the government advises against non-essential travel.
And while there are several insurance providers offering cover for travellers to visit countries the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against, it’s worth being aware that these policies typically come with several other limitations that could void a policy altogether, if not read carefully.
For example, these types of policies often have no protection for any pre-existing medical conditions, no cover for claims as a result of mental health issues, and no cover for denial of boarding should anyone test positive for Covid-19 and have to isolate in the country. So, if you do travel without a legally permitted reason and fall ill abroad, you most likely won’t receive any financial help from the insurer.
We’re all desperate for a bit of sunshine, but the reality is, those who flout the rules could face serious consequences for doing so. So, we urge anyone considering travelling abroad while the travel ban remains in place to consider if the risks really are worth it, should anything go wrong.
