Vaccine Passports and Travel for the over 50's – Able2Travel Travel Insurance

That's why Able2Travel Travel Insurance explains what there is to know about Vaccine Passports so travellers can feel informed and confident when booking their next trip.

What is a Vaccine Passport and how do I get it?

A 'Vaccine Passport' is a term coined from the need of a certificate from the NHS which allows holidaymakers to prove they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to travel. Many destinations will require seeing your certificate upon entry to the country you intend to visit. There are two ways travellers can gain access to their certificate which are as follows:

1. If you have received both doses of the vaccine, you can download the NHS app to your mobile phone, enter your personal information or your NHS number and you will have access to view 2 barcodes within the App: one barcode for each vaccine dose received. Please note, this app is separate to the COVID-19 track and trace app. Some Countries will accept this as an acceptable form of proof.

However, if you print a PDF of the COVID Pass status direct via the NHS website, the printed copy will show 2 barcodes. The printed copy is valid until its expiry date and is more widely accepted than information via the NHS app.

2. You can request a letter be posted to your home address. This option should only be used if you have been fully vaccinated by the NHS and are planning to travel in the next 4 weeks to a country that requires evidence of having received the COVID-19 vaccination.

These letters normally take 5 working days to arrive, so it is advised getting this arranged early to avoid any delays as failure to travel because of this would not be protected by your travel insurance.

Why do I need a Vaccine Passport?

Many countries are using the Vaccine Passport programme to lower the transmission rate of the different variants of COVID-19.

Information from the UK Government website states that by allowing immunised people to move more freely, Vaccine Passports could speed up the return to a more 'normal' way of life and increase economic activity with a reduced risk of virus transmission.

It also states that they believe services and businesses that have been less able to operate under social distancing measures would also benefit, as would other sectors – such as travel and tourism. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) have also argued that Vaccine Passports could be crucial in reviving these industries which have suffered immensely the last 18 months.

It is worth considering that should you travel to a destination that requires proof of your vaccination certificate upon arrival or if proof is required prior to leaving the UK and you are unable to present this, you will no longer be permitted to continue your journey.

What are the criteria for Cruises?

Vaccination requirements vary by port of departure and by age group. However, guests booking on to cruises should be advised by their cruise liner at least 4 weeks prior to departure of the latest requirements. To be extra vigilant, it is worth checking these yourself as often as you can as close to the trip departure date as possible to help evade any last-minute surprises.

Currently, many countries and cruise liners position on the vaccination programme is that only passengers over the age of 18 need to show proof of their vaccinations and all passengers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure. However, at the time of writing, a number of cruise liners departing from Seattle: Washington, Galveston: Texas and Nassau: Bahamas are requesting all travellers over the age of 12 to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Where do I need to show proof of Vaccination?

Although it has been explained previously where you can gain access to your Vaccine Passport and why it is needed prior to travel; before booking your trip, it is worth also investigating what advice or rules are in place whilst you are there with regards to showing proof of vaccination.

A number of countries are asking local residents and tourists to show proof of their vaccination status before tallowing entry into restaurants, bars, gyms and theatres amongst many other establishments. So, it is worth ensuring that you can not only gain access to the destination you intend to visit but can take advantage of all the country has to offer too. Especially if you are considering booking excursions!

Travel Insurance

Wherever you decide to travel to in 2021 and beyond, it’s important not to forget to buy your travel insurance. Able2Travel Travel Insurance policies include cover for the following:

• Missed Departure up to £1,000.
• Personal Baggage up to £3,000.
• Cancellation or Curtailment up to £5,000.
• Emergency Medical Expenses up to £10,000,000.
• And much more…

Able2Travel can also offer protection specifically relating to Covid-19, which covers:

Cancellation / Curtailment – protection is in place should you receive a positive test result within 14 days of departure or if you are admitted to hospital due to testing positive to Coronavirus (Covid-19) after the purchase of your policy.

Emergency Medical Expenses – should you unexpectedly contract Covid-19 symptoms or receive a positive test result whilst on holiday, Able2Travel can help cover your emergency medical expenses so long as the FCDO has not advised against ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your intended destination.

So, if you are planning on travelling abroad, it’s important to ensure you're protected with a suitable and extensive travel insurance policy from Able2Travel. You can get an Able2Travel Travel Insurance quote by visiting www.Able2Travel.com or by calling our helpful team on 01483 806 826.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording here for the latest policy terms, conditions and exclusions.

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