Foreign Office texts travel insurance reminders

A free email and text service that provides essential information to travellers has been launched by the Foreign Office (FCO). It will send those who sign up reminders about travel insurance and, where necessary, health advice.

Anyone who registers with LOCATE (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/Locate) can also be contacted directly by the Foreign Office if there is an emergency while they are away.

Holidaymakers who book trips through ABTA (www.abta.com) travel agencies will also be able to sign up for the Know Before You Go emails that offer destination-specific information as well as general travel advice, such as reminders about travel insurance and personal safety.

If a crisis occurs in their destination while they are away, they will receive free text messages from the FCO so they can be located and given essential advice.

FCO minister Chris Bryant said: 'This will help reduce the chances of preventable problems occurring and means we can reach those who find themselves in emergency situations while travelling overseas.

Travellers who don't book through ABTA companies can still register for the service by logging on to the FCO website. They will then have a better chance of embassy staff being able to help them in an emergency such as a tsunami or terrorist attack.

It only takes a few minutes for holidaymakers to register their contact details and travel plans. The FCO will let the embassy in the destination know they are visiting.

For each additional trip, users only need to log into their account and update their travel plans. They can even register all their planned trips for 12 months ahead.

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