Brexit and Travel Insurance | JS Insurance

Brexit and Travel Insurance

There are several changes due to Brexit and Travel Insurance coverage.

UK Residents will only be allowed to stay in Europe for a maximum of 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Upon Arrival in the European Union after 1st January 2021  

Travel Insurance will need to be shown when entering the country. 

Sufficient funds for staying in that EU country – how much will vary from country to country.

They may ask to see a return ticket to the UK. 

Business travel, if paid, will require a Visa showing a work permit for UK travellers. 

There will be continued freedom of movement between Britain and Ireland.

EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)

This has been valid for free Reciprocal healthcare in the EU, even if you have a pre-existing condition.

This ended (on 1st January 2021), making it even more important to have a proper Travel Insurance policy with good Medical coverage.

Please Note: EHIC and the changes also apply to Non-EU Countries such as Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein for Travel Insurance.

 Most Travel Insurance policies in the past would waive your excess if you had an EHIC and used it to make a Medical claim on your Travel Insurance. This will now be no longer valid. 

The abolition of the EHIC is probably the most critical change after Brexit. 

The Global Health Insurance Card has replaced the European Health Insurance Card.

Passports 

UK Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in your destination country. You can check your Passports validity here: 

www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-travel-Europe-1-January-2021

And then, if it needs renewing: The passport expiry date is LESS than the departure date plus six months. You can do that here: 

www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew

It takes about three weeks, so if you plan a trip in the Summer, sort your Passport out now.

JS Travel Insurance covers the Loss of a Passport to £250 while you are away within its Travel Insurance policies. 

Covid-19 Medical Passports  

We think there may be a second type of Passport in the future.

These may comprise:

• PCR Test for Covid-19 done within 72 hours of Arrival is already compulsory in many destinations.
  

• Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate, showing proof of when you were vaccinated.
  

• Proof of Travel Insurance – with any details of any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.
  

Be prepared now; Your Annual Travel Insurance Policy will remain valid if it expires after 1st January 2021. 

Our recommendation at JS  Travel Insurance is to take out an Annual Policy to lock in rates and be covered. 

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