Brits are being warned that their travel insurance policies will not cover trips to Mexico following the outbreak of swine flu, it has been revealed.

The warning was issued by the UK Government after the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised British Citizens to avoid travelling to the country unless it is absolutely necessary.

Furthermore, traditional travel insurance policies do not cover holidaymakers travelling to places against the advice of the FCO.

The FCO website stated: "Visitors to Mexico should be aware of an outbreak of influenza. We are now advising against all but essential travel to Mexico."

The head of travel insurance at a price comparison website said: "In the case of swine flu, as the cancellation of travel arrangements is down to the FCO advising against non essential travel to an area, travel costs will be refunded by the tour operator. For those who have booked flights and holidays through independent companies, customers need to contact the provider first.

For people who risk travelling with no cover, this serious situation should demonstrate how important insurance is should you be taken ill when away, or are prevented from going at all. Travel insurance can cost as little as £1.79 per day, which makes chancing it a silly risk to take for such a minimal expense."

According to the website, people should keep away from the states, Burundi, the Central African Republic, East Timor, Guinea, Mauritania and Yemen.

Just under 200 people are thought to have died from the flu in Mexico while there are 78 cases of suspected swine flu sufferers in the UK.