Travel help line launched by FCO

A new travel phone line has been launched by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) that is cheaper than the previous

Travel Insurance News - 19/09/2005

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A new travel phone line has been launched by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) that is cheaper than the previous phone helpline.

Holidaymakers wanting help and advice about going abroad can now call an 0845 number, and the call is charged at local rate, making travel advice more accessible to the population.

The old service used a 0870 number, and calls were billed at national rates.

One of the most essential tips for travelling abroad is to ensure people have taken out adequate travel insurance.

While holidaymakers prepare for holidays in advance, travel insurance will protect the traveller in times of emergency.

Preparation will not stop people from getting ill, or losing belongings, and travel insurance, winter sports cover and business insurance will safeguards against the financial cost of travel emergencies.

Consular affairs minister Lord Triesman said: 'It has never been more important for people to be better prepared before they travel.

'Calling the Travel Advice Helpline can form a useful part of these preparations. The new number will be cheaper for members of the public to dial and we hope this will help encourage more people to use it.'

The new number is 0845 0850 2829 and the existing number - 0870 6060 290 - will remain active until the end of March 2006.

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