When it comes to travel insurance, cover arrangements may need tailoring depending on your intended destination. If you are planning a trip to a high-risk destination, you will require a bespoke type of travel insurance policy. These specialised policies protect you when travelling to destinations considered to be dangerous or unstable due to factors like political unrest, natural disasters, or conflict.

What is High-Risk Destination Travel Insurance?

This type of policy is designed to provide cover when you travel to areas against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) due to safety concerns. This could include reasons such as war, crisis, or natural disasters. If your trip is unavoidable, whether for work, family, or other personal reasons, this type of cover ensures you are protected in case of emergency.

What Is Considered a High-Risk Travel Destination?

Destinations are considered high-risk when they face instability or dangers that may pose a threat to your safety. These can include war zones, regions experiencing civil unrest, disaster areas, or destinations affected by natural disasters. Examples of high-risk areas in recent years have included:

  • Afghanistan
  • Iraq
  • Syria
  • Egypt
  • Sudan
  • Areas affected by flash flooding or other natural catastrophes.

Before you travel, always check the FCDO’s travel advice for up-to-date information on whether your destination is considered a risk. The list changes frequently, so it is wise to bookmark the page and consult it regularly.

Can I Get Travel Insurance Against FCDO Advice?

You can arrange insurance cover enabling travel to destinations the FCDO advises against. However, most standard travel insurance policies will not provide cover for high-risk destinations. You should consult with a specialist provider to arrange cover for this.

Before purchasing, you must carefully review the policy to ensure that it does cover your travel to a high-risk destination. If in any doubt, you must ask the provider about the specific cover details.

 

What Does High-Risk Destination Travel Insurance Cover?

A high-risk travel policy will typically include the same standard cover as regular travel insurance, such as protection for loss, theft, or cancellation, but can go further to provide added features suited to the unique risks of high-risk destinations. These may include:

  • Evacuation Cover: If you need to be evacuated for medical reasons or because of political unrest or a natural disaster, this cover can help facilitate your evacuation and repatriation.
  • Emergency Medical Aid: Covers medical expenses if you are injured or fall ill while in a high-risk area.
  • Additional Accommodation, Food, or Travel Expenses: This can cover extra costs incurred if your travel plans are disrupted due to emergencies or unforeseen events.
  • Visitor to Bedside Cover: If you suffer a serious illness or injury, this cover helps pay for a family member to travel to be by your side.
  • Hijacking, Mugging, Piracy, and Wrongful Detention Benefit.
  • Counselling Services: In the event of a traumatic incident, such as hijacking or wrongful detention, this benefit offers emotional support and counselling.
  • Legal Expenses: Helps cover legal costs up to a specified limit if you need legal assistance while abroad.

It is crucial you review and fully understand the policy terms, conditions, and any limitations before choosing any policy. Opting for the wrong level of cover could leave you facing substantial medical bills without financial support or without help in an emergency.

Who Is Eligible for High-Risk Destination Travel Insurance?

Usually, individuals up to the age of sixty-nine can apply for high-risk travel insurance, as long as they meet the specific criteria. Just like any standard travel insurance, you must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when applying. Full transparency with your insurer is essential, as failing to disclose health conditions could invalidate your policy. Additionally, some insurers may impose restrictions for those currently serving in active military or paramilitary forces, so it is crucial to review the exclusions thoroughly.

Who Needs High-Risk Travel Insurance?

Professionals who work in high-risk areas often require this type of insurance. These may include:

  • Journalists
  • Photographers
  • Aid or charity workers.
  • Interpreters

Additionally, if you are planning a holiday in a region considered high-risk, it is important to consider this specialised cover. Even if you are just passing through a high-risk area or if part of your trip takes you into a dangerous zone, high-risk destination travel insurance can offer much-needed peace of mind.

 

How Do I Take Out High-Risk Destination Travel Insurance?

There are insurers that offer high-risk travel insurance, but cover can vary depending on the involvement of high-risk destinations as defined by the FCDO. If you are travelling to or through a country on this list, you will need to find a specialist insurer. It is essential to fully understand the terms and exclusions before purchasing a policy.

At Brunel Insurance for People, we can help you compare travel insurance policies to ensure you have the right cover in place before finalising your purchase.

Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your travel insurance premium might be higher. It is essential to declare any health conditions upfront when purchasing cover. By doing so, you will ensure the insurer can offer a policy that specifically accommodates your needs.

Conclusion

Travelling to high-risk destinations may be necessary for work or personal reasons, but it comes with its dangers. High-risk destination travel insurance provides the protection you need, from emergency medical cover to evacuation and legal support. If you are planning a trip to or through such a destination, be sure to secure the right cover with Brunel Insurance for People.