The insurance issue was raised by Abta boss Mark Tanzer in early May when he listed it as one of the most pressing concerns facing travel when giving evidence to MPs.

Travel insurance is unlikely to be offered until the FCO advice is lifted. However, even once this happens, currently travel insurance sellers don’t seem to be including reassurance that customers will be covered if they cannot travel due to the virus – despite Saga, Holiday Extras and Staysure moving last week to include Covid-19 medical and repatriation cover in their policies.

Broker Rush Insurance’s founder Jeff Rush said Covid-related cancellation cover to protect initial deposits and balance payments prior to departure was the “vital missing element”.

“Having cover in your policy to protect you while you are overseas is fine and dandy, if you are overseas; but currently you can’t get overseas,” he said.

Rush believes an insurer will break ranks soon and offer such protection. “I’m certain when one does it, many others will decide they can’t be left behind,” he added.

One such example may be Asia specialist Experience Travel Group, which claims an industry first with a Covid-19 cancellation guarantee, offering a “no quibble cancellation” until the date of travel plus a £1,000 voucher per booking.