Our Underwriters Directive on International Travel

The information detailed within is applicable as of 19th May 2021 and is subject to change based on the latest government and FCDO travel advice.

Following the introduction of the traffic light system for international travel, our insurers tifgroup/URV have outlined their stance for green, amber and red list countries. The cover available with Freedom Insurance is outlined below. Travellers need to check the FCDO website for travel advice applicable to their destination.

Green Countries and Territories

- tifgroup will provide cover under Freedom policies for customers travelling to 'Green' countries and territories providing they are not travelling against the advice of the FCDO.

- We will include cover for emergency medical expenses providing customers do not act in a reckless manner and comply with all rules and restrictions set by the country or territory they are travelling to.

- All customers must follow any advice that is in place at the time of travel and for the duration of the trip by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This includes returning to the UK if the FCDO change their travel advice based on the risks being presented at the time. Failure to comply with the FCDO advice may invalidate coverage.

Amber Countries and Territories

- tifgroup will provide cover under Freedom policies for customers travelling to 'Amber' countries and territories providing they are not travelling against the advice of the FCDO.

- There is no cover under the policy for cancellation claims relating to a country or territories traffic light categorisation. We will include cover under the policy for all other sections of the policy, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

- We will include cover for emergency medical expenses providing customers do not act in a reckless manner and comply with all rules and restrictions set by the country or territory they are travelling to.

- All customers must follow any advice that is in place at the time of travel and for the duration of the trip by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This includes returning to the UK if the FCDO change their travel advice based on the risks being presented at the time. Failure to comply with the FCDO advice may invalidate coverage.

Red Countries and Territories

- tifgroup will not provide any cover under any section of the policy to customers who are, or are planning on, travelling to countries or territories categorised as 'Red'.

- This means no claims will be paid under any section of the policy for trips relating to 'Red' countries, including but not limited to ‘Cancellation, Curtailment and Medical Expenses’.

- Please be advised, that in the unlikely event that the FCDO advice permits travel to a Red Country, our policies will exclude all cover.

Please be aware that there is no cover under any Freedom policy for the costs associated with the following:

- Cancellation due to a change in FCDO advice caused by the pandemic (policies issued after the 13th March 2020)

- Denied entry to the country or territory that you are due to travel to

- Having to quarantine or isolate when you return to the UK (this includes hotel quarantine costs)

- Having to purchase/pay for COVID-19 tests in the UK or abroad

The traffic light system will be under constant review based upon the latest COVID risk assessment of each individual country. Whilst countries may be added to the green list, you should check the latest FCDO travel advice for entry requirements before purchasing insurance or travelling.

What COVID cover is available with Freedom?

- Cover for emergency medical expenses whilst abroad up to £10 million per insured, including those associated with COVID-19.

- Cancellation if you, or anyone insured on your policy, tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of your trip starting.

- Repatriation if medically necessary following you, or anyone insured on your policy, requiring emergency medical treatment related to COVID-19 during your trip.

- For an additional premium, you can add denied boarding cover to your Freedom quote. Additional accommodation costs will be covered up to the amount shown in our extension document if you were denied boarding on the return journey of your trip due to having or being suspected of having COVID-19. A positive test would be required.

Please note: There will be no cover under our policies if you travel to a country or area where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or Government are advising against all or all but essential travel. There is no cancellation cover if you are unable to travel due to the FCDO or Government advising against all or all but essential travel.

How to apply for a quote with Freedom Insurance

You can obtain a quote online or call us on 01223 446 914 to speak with our friendly, knowledgeable and medically aware travel insurance agents.