The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to all families planning to travel abroad, ahead of the upcoming October half term. The FCDO is the UK’s ministry of foreign affairs and, among many other duties, regularly keeps Brits informed of all things travel-related.

In a new alert on Wednesday, families have been warned “make sure”. A post from the official FCDO X account reads: “Got some family fun planned for this half-term? Make sure it’s not a wild ride! Get travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.”

Parents and caregivers are then advised to visit the Gov.uk website for further information. Further Foreign Office advice reads: “Travel insurance is important. It provides protection and coverage for unexpected events that can happen on holiday.

“Travel insurance can cover a range of scenarios, such as medical emergencies and repatriation, lost or stolen baggage, trip cancellations or interruptions, and/or natural disasters. You must purchase cover that is appropriate for your travel plans.

“Travelling without the right cover can be very expensive if things do go wrong while you are abroad. If you buy a basic policy that does not provide enough medical coverage, you may get a big bill if you have an unexpected health issue on holiday.”

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), travel insurance claims are on the rise. One traveller visiting Thailand suffered a serious blood infection in 2022. They racked up medical bills of a staggering £250,000, which was paid by their travel insurance provider.

Another holidaymaker, who went to Spain, needed private medical treatment for a kidney infection – with medical bills totalling £15,000.