Everything you need to know about the traffic light system and what we cover

Travel restrictions have changed in the UK, in regards to international travel and the Coronavirus pandemic. In October 2021 the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) changed its advice for over 50 countries and territories, making the rest of the world accessible once more for travellers.

On the FCDO website, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “These updates make travel abroad easier – boosting trade, tourism and reuniting friends and families. I am delighted that the safe reopening of travel allows people to exercise personal responsibility and visit more destinations across the globe” (Source).

With the travel rules constantly changing, we can understand how confusing it can be for travellers, leaving you unsure on the type of travel insurance cover you need. We wanted to put your mind at ease and share Postcard’s stance on our products, so you can jet off with a spring in your step.

Post-Pandemic Travel Rules

There have been some big changes to the traffic light system, making travel easier. The Amber and Green lists have been scrapped, with many countries now deemed ‘safe to visit’. The red list still remains and includes some countries which are deemed as a high risk for travellers.

Despite simpler travel rules, there are still restrictions in place if you’re travelling to a non-red country. Every country has different rules on entry in place, including the UK for coming home – whether you’ve been vaccinated or not, regulations could still apply. More information on each destination’s rules can be found on the Government’s website.

In general, vaccinated travellers need to book a day 2 Covid-19 PCR test before they fly and complete a locator form to be allowed entry back into the UK. The booking reference of your Covid-19 test will be added onto your locator form. For more information about travelling internationally, keep up to date with the new rules on the Government’s website.

Postcard’s COVID Cover

As long as you don’t travel against the FDCO’s advice, all Postcard policies include:

• Cover for trip cancellation if you or anyone named on the policy test positive for Coronavirus up to 14 days prior to travelling.
• Cover if you fall ill abroad and need treatment or have to be bought home early.
• Protection if your airline goes into administration due to the pandemic.
• Cover if you or anyone named on your policy are prevented entry at the airport on your inbound flight due to showing symptoms of COVID-19.
• Cover if you need to claim back any pre-booked events or excursions.
• Plus, much more.

For more information please visit our Coronavirus Travel Insurance page.

Full details of the cover available under each policy can be found in our policy documents.

Postcard customers should follow any advice from the FDCO and the local authorities of your destination in place at the time of travel and for the duration of your trip. Failure to comply with the FCDO advice could invalidate your policy.

All Postcard customers should note, at point of sale that there is no cover under any of our policies for the costs associated with the following:

For policies issued after the 13th March 2020

–  Cancellation due to a change in FCDO advice caused by the pandemic

– Denied entry to the country or territory they are due to travel to

– Having to quarantine or isolate when they return to the UK (this includes hotel quarantine costs)

– Having to purchase/pay for Covid-19 tests

I am travelling to a Red country, what cover can I get?

Red list countries are considered unsafe, and it has been advised not to visit them, unless it’s essential. Postcard will not provide any cover any section of the policy to customers who are, or are planning on, travelling to countries or territories categorised as unsafe by the FCDO. 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’.

The red list has many rules and restrictions, and it’s vital that you are aware of them should you travel there or are looking to return to the UK. At the moment, the rules for UK entry include taking a Covid-19 test 3 days prior to entering the UK, booking a quarantine hotel package which includes 2 Covid-19 tests and completing a passenger locator form. More information can be found on the Government website.

Information correct at the time of writing (and updated in October 2021). If our stance changes regarding travelling internationally and what we can and cannot cover, then the information above will reflect this and the policy wordings updated accordingly.