The FCO advises British people against all non-essential travel worldwide

benjus

danlightbulb said:

Is this the necessary trigger for travel insurance policies to pay out?

As long as the policy covers cancellation or travel disruption due to the FCO advising against travel, and does not exclude cover for epidemics/pandemics, it should pay out. But a lot of policies don't meet these conditions, as you can see from the people posting above.

benjus

danlightbulb said:

Is this the necessary trigger for travel insurance policies to pay out?

As long as the policy covers cancellation or travel disruption due to the FCO advising against travel, and does not exclude cover for epidemics/pandemics, it should pay out. But a lot of policies don't meet these conditions, as you can see from the people posting above.

Westin

Update 5 April:

The Foreign Office has extended its ban on non-essential global travel for an indefinite period.

Previously was through to 16 April.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

NJane_2

In October 2019 I booked a trip to South East Asia, due to depart on 17th May.  On 14th May Government issued advice against all non-essential travel and Vietnam borders had already been closed. Travel Agent refused to cancel the trip, said they were still able to offer all services and it wasn't their problem that I couldn't enter the countries on the trip..
Due to the FCO advice I contact my travel insurance with Nationwide. They took 12 weeks to let me know they refused to pay out on my trip,  because the travel agent had offered to postpone the trip. Note, they have not offered a voucher, I needed to give them a specific date and pay them £250 to rebook. Insurance said they would consider a contribution to this fee but recommended I contact my credit card company. 
Contacted Nationwide credit card, who took another 12 weeks to refuse chargeback because 'cancellations less than 7 days are charged 100%'.  I said I hadn't cancelled the trip, the  FCO had advised again all non-essential travel. The Customer Service Advisor told me it was 'just advice', I could've still gone, so it's not up to them to provided a refund !!!
I have been referred to Section 75 department but Nationwide chargeback team have absolutely no idea when Section 75 will be able to deal with my case.  I'm hoping that they will agree under their terms:
1) You have not received the goods or services that you purchased from the supplier
Any advice?  Anyone in a similar situation?