When you’re planning a holiday, it’s easy to get wrapped up in flights, hotels and weather apps. However, there’s one thing that really matters – and often gets overlooked: travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
This advice isn’t just a heads-up. It can affect whether your Travel Insurance is valid, especially if you’re travelling against FCDO advice. Understanding how Travel Insurance works in line with FCDO advice is essential if you want to stay protected. If you’re unsure what the guidance means or how it affects your cover, we’ve broken it all down clearly below.
What is FCDO travel advice?
Before you book your next trip, it’s worth checking the FCDO travel advice. It’s there to help you make smart, informed decisions, wherever you’re heading.
FCDO guidance covers everything from natural disasters to civil unrest, terrorism risks, and health concerns. Based on up-to-date intelligence, it’s updated regularly to reflect global events.
There are three levels of advice you’ll see:
- No advice against travel – you’re good to go.
- Advice against all but essential travel – there are known risks you should take seriously.
- Advice against all travel – the FCDO advises against all travel.
You can always check the latest advice on the official FCDO website. It’s simple to use – and it could make a big difference to your plans.
Can you travel against FCDO advice?
Yes, you can – it’s not illegal. However, it’s essential to note that travelling to a country under an FCDO warning means you may be heading to a destination the UK government considers risky for British travellers.
People do still travel in these circumstances, often for very personal or important reasons like:
- Seeing family or attending a funeral
- Business commitments that can’t wait
- Humanitarian or volunteer work
- Cheaper flight and hotel prices
But here’s the key thing: many insurers won’t cover travel against FCDO advice. At AllClear, we can still offer you cover in these situations, but it’s important to know that claims linked directly to the advice, such as a civil unrest incident or a health outbreak, may not be covered. That’s why it’s worth speaking to us before you travel.
So before you go, always check the FCDO’s advice – and make sure your Travel Insurance can still protect you.
Travel Insurance and FCDO advice: what you need to know
Most Travel Insurance policies follow FCDO advice closely, which means cover may be restricted if a warning is in place before you travel. AllClear may still be able to provide some protection, even if advice is in place, with restrictions to the cover on offer and the service we’re able to provide.
This could mean:
- You won’t be covered for medical emergencies abroad
- Claims for trip cancellation might be rejected
- Cover for lost luggage or stolen items could be void
- You may have to pay evacuation or repatriation costs yourself
These aren’t just small print exclusions – they’re risks that could cost you thousands.
Travelling despite an FCDO warning is usually treated by insurers as a ‘known event’, which means you’ve chosen to go ahead even though the risks are clear. As a result, many insurance policies do not cover cancellations or disruptions associated with these known risks. If something goes wrong, you may be responsible for the costs yourself.
So if you’re thinking about travelling in these circumstances, it’s vital to:
- Read your policy carefully
- Speak to your insurer before you book
- Be sure your cover includes what you need
It’s all about protecting yourself from the unexpected, even when the risks are already known.
Some insurers do offer policies for travel against FCDO advice, including AllClear. While cover may be more limited in certain areas, what matters is understanding exactly what’s included before you go.
Top tip: Always double-check the policy wording, declare your complete itinerary, and make sure you’ve listed all medical conditions. That way, you won’t face unexpected surprises if you need to claim.
How FCDO travel warnings affect your holiday plans
Travel plans can change fast, and so can the advice from the FCDO. Here’s how their guidance could affect your holiday, depending on when it’s issued:
1. Before you travel
You might book your trip with no warning in place, only to have the FCDO update its advice later. Some insurers will allow you to cancel and claim, but only if you purchased your policy before the advice changed. Others may only cover cancellation if you’ve selected a specific level of cover. It all comes down to the fine print.
If your trip is affected, contact your airline or tour operator first. Many offer rebooking options or refunds if the FCDO has updated its guidance. Not all insurance policies guarantee cancellation cover in these situations, so having flexible booking terms can be just as important as your insurance.
2. While you’re abroad
If a warning is issued during your trip, some policies may help you get home early or offer support – but it depends on:
- Whether your cover was valid when you left
- Whether the new risk is something your policy includes
It’s always best to check in with your insurer as soon as you hear of a change.
3. For trips you haven’t booked yet
If you book a holiday to a country that’s already under FCDO warning, you may need a specialist policy that’s designed to protect you in higher-risk destinations. Make sure that the cover is crystal clear in your documents.
We may still be able to offer you protection, with clear terms and guidance on what’s included.
Is it ever worth travelling against FCDO advice?
In some situations, travelling to a destination under FCDO warning might feel unavoidable – even justified. You might be:
- Supporting a humanitarian cause or crisis response
- Visiting loved ones in an emergency
- Returning to a long-term home or property abroad
If that’s the case, it’s not about saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ – it’s about being fully prepared.
Here’s what you need to do before you go:
- Understand the risks – You’re travelling without the usual safety net. That includes limited or no cover from most Travel Insurance policies.
- Look for specialist cover – Some insurers offer tailored policies for high-risk travel, though it may come with extra conditions.
- Register your travel – Use the FCDO’s LOCATE system or contact the local British consulate. That way, someone knows where you are if things change quickly.
- Have an emergency plan – Know how you’d get home if needed, and make sure your loved ones do too.
Also, don’t forget to declare any pre-existing medical conditions, especially when arranging cover for higher-risk travel. Even unrelated claims can be rejected if your insurer believes you failed to disclose vital health information.
If you’re concerned about last-minute changes while you’re away, check if your policy includes support for emergency situations like civil unrest or terrorism-related incidents.
Stay smart, stay covered
Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with a bit of responsibility. Keeping an eye on FCDO travel advice isn’t just about safety. It’s about making sure your Travel Insurance works for you, so your holiday goes to plan.
If you’re thinking of travelling against FCDO advice, do it with your eyes open – and the right protection. Read the small print, talk to your insurer, and never assume you’re automatically covered. Having the right cover in place means you can have peace of mind, which is what makes a holiday feel like a holiday.
