Whether you’re travelling at home here in the UK or to some exotic destination abroad, travel insurance is there to protect you financially should the worst happen.
From simple things such as delayed or lost luggage, right up to repatriation due to illness or complete cancellation of your holiday altogether, travel insurance has it covered.
What Are the Different Levels of Cover?
There are a number of different types of cover depending on where you’re going, how long you’re going for and how often you’re likely to travel.
The first thing you need to decide is if you want to buy a single trip or multi trip policy. Single trip is obviously cheaper but if you’re likely to be travelling again in within 12 months, it will possibly work out more economical to purchase a multi trip policy.
Cover is usually then split into three groups, UK, European and Worldwide. There’s no point in spending extra on a worldwide policy if you’re only ever likely to travel to Europe.
Do keep in mind if you don’t need to worldwide cover the USA and Caribbean it’s usually cheaper, this is due to high healthcare costs in the USA if you were to
You can, of course, then add extras such as winter sports cover or cover for the whole family. Specialist travel insurance policies may also be needed for those with pre-existing medical conditions, the over 65s or perhaps those taking longer holidays such as gap years.
What Is Covered by Travel Insurance?
Although not compulsory by any means, travel insurance covers a number of risks, some of which actually occur quite frequently.
Travel insurance usually covers:
- Medical expenses
- Cancellation or delay to your holiday
- Lost or damaged baggage
- Theft or loss of cash and cards
European Health Insurance Card
While the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may currently cover some of your medical expenses whilst travelling in Europe, it’s certainly no substitute for a full travel insurance policy. Some insurance providers may insist you have one so it’s worth checking the small print.
Will the European Health Insurance Card be still valid after BREXIT?
To be honest we’re not sure. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal then it’s likely the EHIC won’t be valid for British citizens. You will then need comprehensive travel insurance to cover any health related issues or accidents in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. If the UK leaves with a deal and transition period then it’s likely your exiting EHIC card will still be valid at least until the end of the implementation period
How will brexit affect travel insurance?
You’re going to need a more comprehensive travel insurance policy if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal at 11pm on 29th March 2019. At the point of writing we still don’t know.
Will UK passports be valid after Brexit?
Yes, UK passports will be valid as they are issued by the British Government. However, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal you may need to have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport when you travel. At the moment nothing has been confirmed.
Will UK citizens need a visa to visit Europe after Brexit?
We’re not sure! If the UK leaves the EU without a deal then as a ‘third country’, we may need a visa to visit Europe. If we leave with a deal then this is maybe part of that deal.
