Direct Line and Churchill have removed restrictions to cancellation cover which were put in place last year as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.
The changes now mean travellers have “much more extensive cover where the claim relates to disruption caused by Covid-19”, according to a statement by the brands’ owner U K Insurance Limited.
Alongside this, the policy gives customers a choice of cancelling their trip or continuing to travel where the Foreign Office changes advice to against ‘all but essential travel’ after a trip has been booked.
From Tuesday (October 5), if Direct Line or Churchill customers are affected by such a change in FCDO advice, they will can either submit a cancellation claim or continue with their trip knowing that they will continue to receive full protection from their policy if they choose to travel.
Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line and Churchill, said: “As the world begins to reopen and the government relax Covid-19 travel restrictions, Direct Line and Churchill want to give customers back their freedom and allow greater choice when planning to travel.
“Our new approach aims to support the recovery of the travel industry and will give customers greater confidence to travel if they wish to, whilst offering the choice of cancelling or travelling where FCDO advice is against ‘all but essential’ travel.
“If customers are unable to travel, then we require them to seek the recovery of costs or to rebook with their travel provider where possible. However, our policies are there to act as a safety net for our customers when they need us.”
The Guardian reported that the U-turn is likely to be followed by other big insurers.
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