The Impact of FCO Travel Guidelines on Your Insurance

Travelling these days can almost be described as a science. Where many used to romanticise about throwing caution to the wind and fearlessly embarking on an adventure to the unknown, now we must sprinkle those impulsive urges with a healthy dose of caution and common sense.

Thankfully you do not need to pack a crystal ball in your luggage to be ‘in the know’. The magic of modern technology will provide you with all the information you need. When travelling to some of the less-frequented, hidden gems of the world such as the Middle East, travel insurance is a must, and it is best to read all the fine print.

Play by the Rules

The world is still, most definitely, a beautiful oyster, filled with amazing experiences and curiosities. Many travellers feel drawn to less standard destinations in pursuit of a genuinely authentic experience. Since many of these places are not deemed ‘typical tourist/holiday destinations’ their landscapes, cultures and way of life have been all but untouched by the modern western world.

However, when visiting these countries it is even more important to research their laws, rules and customs prior to travelling to ensure your own safety and to be respectful towards your hosts. For example, when visiting the Middle East, travel insurance is an absolute must but so is recognising and respecting local traditions in regards to clothing, manners and behaviour.

Due Diligence

Once you have researched your proposed destination it is time to read all the fine print in regards to your travel insurance. It is best to frequently refer to the FCO’s (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) website for the most up-to-date reports on any world destinations’ physical and political status. Fortunately, these updates are easily accessed by computers and phones these days, so staying alert and vigilant before and during your visit can become second-nature.

Also, know that the travel insurance industry, with your best interest in mind, is also monitoring and following all of the FCO’s recommended travel guidelines. Thus, if the FCO says ‘don’t go’, you simply won’t be able to purchase decent and comprehensive travel insurance for that destination.

Hot Spots

If your destination is in the Middle East, travel insurance may very well be more expensive and may exclude certain geographical areas from your plan. For example, currently the FCO has advised ‘against all travel’ to Yemen. Despite Yemen’s paradise-like beaches and landscape, the country’s escalating civil conflicts and terrorist attacks have flagged them as an official ‘no-go’ zone. The FCO even goes so far as to advise all foreigners to leave as soon as possible. Consequently, no matter how determined you are to spend your Christmas on one of Yemen’s idyllic beaches, you will not be able to purchase travel insurance, and may struggle to find travel options to the country in the first place.

Other advisories from the FCO are more precise and detailed. If you are travelling to Jordan in the Middle East, travel insurance will probably be obtainable but may have geographical restrictions for coverage within the country. The FCO advises extreme caution while visiting Jordan in general, but elevates their warnings for the areas that are within 3km of the entire Syrian border. The potential for stray mortars, small gun fire and terrorist attacks have increased in the past few months and poses a significant risk to both residents and visitors.

Stay Vigilant

The FCO is an excellent source of up-to-date information on both the political and geographical status of any destination. Most travellers prefer not to put themselves at risk while travelling, especially when travelling for pleasure. The FCO monitors the pulse of the world’s conflicts so that travellers can make wise decisions regarding their safety. Sadly, until there is less political unrest and violence in the Middle East, travel insurance will remain high or possibly unobtainable. The beauty of these countries will have to wait to be discovered.

The Impact of FCO Travel Advice on Your Insurance

Travelling these days can almost be described as a science. Where many used to romanticise about throwing caution to the wind and fearlessly embarking on an adventure to the unknown, now we must sprinkle those impulsive urges with a healthy dose of caution and common sense.

Thankfully you do not need to pack a crystal ball in your luggage to be ‘in the know’. The magic of modern technology will provide you with all the information you need. When travelling to some of the less-frequented, hidden gems of the world such as the Middle East, travel insurance is a must, and it is best to read all the fine print.

Play by the Rules

The world is still, most definitely, a beautiful oyster, filled with amazing experiences and curiosities. Many travellers feel drawn to less standard destinations in pursuit of a genuinely authentic experience. Since many of these places are not deemed ‘typical tourist/holiday destinations’ their landscapes, cultures and way of life have been all but untouched by the modern western world.

However, when visiting these countries it is even more important to research their laws, rules and customs prior to travelling to ensure your own safety and to be respectful towards your hosts. For example, when visiting the Middle East, travel insurance is an absolute must but so is recognising and respecting local traditions in regards to clothing, manners and behaviour.

Due Diligence

Once you have researched your proposed destination it is time to read all the fine print in regards to your travel insurance. It is best to frequently refer to the FCO’s (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) website for the most up-to-date reports on any world destinations’ physical and political status. Fortunately, these updates are easily accessed by computers and phones these days, so staying alert and vigilant before and during your visit can become second-nature.

Also, know that the travel insurance industry, with your best interest in mind, is also monitoring and following all of the FCO’s recommended travel guidelines. Thus, if the FCO says ‘don’t go’, you simply won’t be able to purchase decent and comprehensive travel insurance for that destination.

Hot Spots

If your destination is in the Middle East, travel insurance may very well be more expensive and may exclude certain geographical areas from your plan. For example, currently the FCO has advised ‘against all travel’ to Yemen. Despite Yemen’s paradise-like beaches and landscape, the country’s escalating civil conflicts and terrorist attacks have flagged them as an official ‘no-go’ zone. The FCO even goes so far as to advise all foreigners to leave as soon as possible. Consequently, no matter how determined you are to spend your Christmas on one of Yemen’s idyllic beaches, you will not be able to purchase travel insurance, and may struggle to find travel options to the country in the first place.

Other advisories from the FCO are more precise and detailed. If you are travelling to Jordan in the Middle East, travel insurance will probably be obtainable but may have geographical restrictions for coverage within the country. The FCO advises extreme caution while visiting Jordan in general, but elevates their warnings for the areas that are within 3km of the entire Syrian border. The potential for stray mortars, small gun fire and terrorist attacks have increased in the past few months and poses a significant risk to both residents and visitors.

Stay Vigilant

The FCO is an excellent source of up-to-date information on both the political and geographical status of any destination. Most travellers prefer not to put themselves at risk while travelling, especially when travelling for pleasure. The FCO monitors the pulse of the world’s conflicts so that travellers can make wise decisions regarding their safety. Sadly, until there is less political unrest and violence in the Middle East, travel insurance will remain high or possibly unobtainable. The beauty of these countries will have to wait to be discovered.

Apply for a Two Wheeler Loan for your next purchase

These loans are transparent and have quick approval processes. Two wheeler loans enable you to purchase the vehicle without having to spend all your savings at once, you can get the ownership of the two wheeler and then repay the loan amount in installments. Two wheeler loans come with competitive interest rates and long tenures that provide ease of repayment and flexibility in the same.

Eligibility:

• An individual above the age of 18,
• A salaried individual should be employed for more than a year, with atleast 6 months in the current job,
• A business owner should be in the current business for a minimum duration of 1 year.

Documentation:

• Identity Proof
• Address Proof
• Income Proof
• Photographs

The process of application and approval is extremely simple and transparent. This makes it viable to opt for a two wheeler loan when you are planning to make your purchase. In addition, Hero FinCorp provides special schemes from time to time for loan applicants. These schemes are based on the applicant profile and past credit record. Various Financial Institutions have festival special offers for big ticket purchases. Although, these schemes come with their terms and conditions that need to be followed. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for the approval of the loan. Applicants are provided with the option of prepayment of loan which reduces the amount of interest to be paid for the same.

The loans are customer friendly and can be customized based on the ability of the applicant to repay the same. The rate of interest ranges between 10% to 20%, it also depends on the type of two wheeler to be purchased. There are special schemes for super bikes and heavy vehicle purchase. When it comes to two wheeler financing, it is important to decide the two wheeler you are willing to purchase before you approach the financier. Choosing the right financier will make all the difference. Compare between Banks and Financial Institutions before you approach for the loan, it is also important to compare the interest rates as well as the terms and conditions offered by them. Approach the financier with your documents and duly filled application form to ensure quick processing and approval of the same.

If you are an existing customer of the Bank, the process will be quicker and the documentation will be basic. Financial Institutions have special offers for existing customers with a good credit score. Maintaining a positive credit score ensures quick and easy approval of loans.