Can my insurer refuse coronavirus cover without fco guidance?

talon1581

Last October I bought and annual multitrip policy from cover wise. 
I'd like to go abroad in August once the FCO guidance is changed, as the news suggests it will. However, cover wise says they will not cover coronavirus related claims for any holidays booked after 17 March, regardless of FCO travel advice, because "travel insurance is about protecting from the unexpected". 
Can they do this? Seems very unfair. 

poppy12345

Yes they can do that. It seems perfectly fair to me. At the moment the advice on trvdel abroad is still "essential travel only" if this remains the same in August and you decide to ignore it then you tracvel at your own risk.

Covid19 issues will not be the "unexpected" and i'm unsure why you think any different.

[Deleted User]

Yes they can. The reason is that insurance is supposed to cover unforeseen costs, as they mention. Costs related to Covid-19 are now no longer unforeseen or unexpected, they could be deemed reasonably likely. 

Jeremy535897

It depends on the terms. See https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/

talon1581

poppy12345 said:

Yes they can do that. It seems perfectly fair to me. At the moment the advice on trvdel abroad is still "essential travel only" if this remains the same in August and you decide to ignore it then you tracvel at your own risk.

Covid19 issues will not be the "unexpected" and i'm unsure why you think any different.

I think you misunderstood my post I'm saying when the advice changes for certain countries in Europe, as reported is likely by the press, then I will book a trip. 

poppy12345

No i didn't misunderstand you at all. You still travel at your own risk and you won't be covered by your insurance comapny if anything happens that's related to Covid19.

talon1581

Yes I realise, I'm asking if this is enforceable. Lots of travel companies are breaking the rules by offering vouchers instead of refunds, I wondered if this was a similar case. 

Placitasgirl

COVID-19 hasn't gone away and won't have done by August, even if FCO travel advise is changed to permit travel to certain destinations. There is a known risk of catching the virus in many parts of the world which will still be the case then, and that's why your insurance won't cover you for this. Insurance is intended to cover you for unexpected issues and COVID can now in no way be classed as unexpected. 

Thrugelmir

Where people can travel to could change at very short notice. As local/regional lockdowns could be imposed due to Covid. Covid isn't going to disappear and is something that everyone needs to learn to contend with. Irrespective of where they reside.