Travelling post-brexit
Posted in General on 1 March 2020
Travelling post-brexit
With the final Brexit date now been and gone and the transition period commencing, Able2Travel Travel Insurance looks at what we know so far on travel post Brexit and things travellers need to be aware of for their future travel plans.
It is unlikely the travel industry will change overnight with planes expected to fly, trains to keep travelling and ferries continuing to sail. However, at the time of writing, the transition period is yet to be firmly confirmed but is currently expected to be on 31st December 2020.
(1) Travel Insurance
Any travel insurance policy already purchased for travel post Brexit will still be valid according to the terms and conditions of the policy. Any Single-Trip or Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance policies will remain in place and cover will continue as per the contract at the time of sale, which is good news for holiday makers that are beating the January blues by booking a trip!
If you currently use an EHIC card, while that is expected to offer some protection during the transition period enabling users access to state provided healthcare, once the transition period ends, EHIC cards issued by the UK will likely no longer be valid.
Remember, the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and does not cover any private medical costs, nor will it not cover the repatriation of you, your baggage and is not valid on cruises. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, ensure the travel insurance policy you purchase can offer protection against this as the EHIC scheme covers pre-existing medical conditions, while many travel insurance policies do not without declaring them.
Always read the policy wording to learn what is and is not included.
(2) Free Travel Movement
After the UK leaves the EU, there is still expected to be a transition period where Brits and European citizens can move freely through both countries for leisure and business purposes. However, once this period comes to an end, there may be limits introduced on how long UK citizens can spend in the EU, even just for leisure purposes.
At the time of writing, the current likely suggestion is the 90-day rule in which you can only spend 90 days out of every 180 within the EU without having to obtain a long stay visa. This current rule already applies to a number of other non-EU citizens.
(3) Travel for Pets
After Brexit, you will not be able to use the existing ‘Pet Passport’ scheme. Depending on the Brexit negotiations, the process of travelling with pets following the new scheme could take up to 4 months to apply and complete. So, ensure you are prepared within plenty of time before your trip to allow time to complete the necessary documents and fulfil any requirements.
(4) Driving in the EU
With the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, there may be some changes in documentation required when driving abroad and you may need one or more International Driving Permits (IDPs) depending on which country(s) you are driving to or through.
You will also need to place GB stickers on the rear of your vehicle, even if your number plate has a GB Identifier and ensure you have your green card (international driving certificate) in hand for driving within the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. These are usually obtained upon request from your motor insurance provider, however they can take a while to come through, so make sure you leave enough time before you travel for it to arrive.
(5) Post -Brexit holiday bookings
While there has been some speculation on the financial security of pre-booked holidays in terms of hotel and flight cancellations, travel delays and the state of the currency exchange rate, there may not be a reason to worry if reasonable steps are taken to ‘Brexit-proof’ you and your holiday.
- Book through a travel agent registered with either Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) or the Association of Independent Tour Operators. This will offer the most comprehensive consumer protection available.
- Consider booking an all-inclusive package – if you’re concerned about the Euro falling against the Great British Pound, an all-inclusive holiday will lock in the cost of your whole holiday before you travel.
- Purchase your Travel Insurance – this should be a high priority on your holiday booking checklist to help offer further protection for your travel plans.
Get Covered with Able2Travel Travel Insurance
If you are travelling within the EU or further afield this year, it’s important not to forget to buy your travel insurance. Able2Travel Travel Insurance can cover almost any medical condition and we understand that no matter what your age or medical condition, your passion for travel is still just as present today as it was 20 years ago. You can get a pre-existing medical condition travel insurance quote by clicking our 'get an instant quote' button, or by calling our helpful team on 01483 806 826.
*All information correct at the time of writing this article.