§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek to make it compulsory for British citizens going abroad to take out adequate insurance cover when travelling to countries that 357W have no reciprocal arrangements for free medical treatment.
§ Mr. KershawThe Government advise and encourage those intending to travel abroad to take out insurance against illness and accident: but I do not think that legislation making it compulsory would be justified or practicable.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will include on the passport application form questions relating to adequate insurance cover for all British subjects travelling to those countries which have no reciprocal arrangements for free medical treatment.
§ Mr. KershawNo. The "Essential Information" booklet given to all recipients of passport facilities in the United Kingdom does contain special reference to the need for insurance to cover the cost of possible medical treatment abroad. I agree with the hon. Member about the value of medical insurance for travellers and I hope this Question will add to the public awareness of its importance.