Our customers have been asking us many questions about how Brexit might affect their travel insurance, and we’ve tried to answer the most common ones here. Hopefully you’ll find your query below, but if not try these sites: ABTA, GOV.UK and ABI or chat with us online.
If extra checks at the airport mean that I miss my flight or connection, will I be covered?
Unfortunately, our policies do not provide cover for flights or connections missed due to delays at check-in or customs. When planning your trip, make sure that you allow enough time to get through the airport, and bear in mind that queues may be significantly longer for UK passport holders post-Brexit.
If I’m denied entry to an EU country because I can’t show I have enough money for my stay, can I claim for my missed holiday and return flight?
When arriving in an EU country after Brexit, you may need to show that you have enough money to cover your stay. If you’re not able to do this, and are denied entry, travel insurance will NOT cover any costs incurred. More information about travelling to the EU after Brexit can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein
If my passport doesn’t have enough time on it due to the new rules, and I can’t get a new one before my trip, can I cancel?
Our policies do not provide any cover for travellers who don’t have a valid passport or visa.
You can check whether your passport will be valid for travel here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
If your passport isn’t valid, make sure you apply for a replacement in plenty of time – renewing an adult passport should only take around 3 weeks, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible.
Am I covered for medical costs and will I have to pay upfront? Do I need to notify you?
After Brexit, medical expenses will be covered in Europe just as they are now. You will need to contact our 24hr emergency assistance team before receiving any hospital treatment or incurring costs of £500 or more, otherwise the amount we pay out may be limited. And remember to carry your EHIC or new GHIC with you when in the EU.
If I am stopped on my outbound journey as I would have overstayed my visa free period during that trip, can I claim for cancellation?
Our policies do not provide any cover for travellers who don’t have a valid visa. Check whether you’ll need a visa in plenty of time, and arrange for an extension if you’re going to be exceeding the visa-free period.
There’s information about travelling to the EU after Brexit, including information about visas, here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein
If I am refused entry to an EU country as I don’t have a return ticket, am I covered for any parts of the trip that I have missed?
When arriving in an EU country after Brexit, you may need to show that you have an onward or return ticket. If you’re not able to do this, and are denied entry, travel insurance will NOT cover any costs incurred.
More information about travelling to the EU after Brexit can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein
How is my EHIC card affected?
All EHIC cards issued before the end of 2020 will be valid until their expiry date (on the front of your card). After that, or if you don’t hold an EHIC, you’ll have to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
The EHIC or GHIC entitles you to free or reduced cost state healthcare within the EU countries that you visit. Your travel insurance will cover you for other medical costs which are not covered under the arrangement, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.
It’s important to note that, after 1st January 2021, your EHIC or GHIC will no longer be valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
Am I covered if I am not permitted entry to a country as I don’t have a visa?
Our policies do not provide any cover for travellers who don’t have a valid visa, so check whether you’ll need one and apply in plenty of time.
There’s information about travelling to the EU after Brexit, including information about visas, here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein
Can I cancel because the pound value has changed and my hotel is now 50% more expensive?
No, sorry. Exchange rates are constantly changing, both up and down, and we don’t provide cover for this.
What if I incur additional costs for my holiday related to Brexit (e.g. Charges for visas or additional taxes)?
There is no cover under our polices for additional costs due to Brexit, whether charges for visas, extra taxes, or increased costs due to exchange rate changes.
Will I be covered if my flights are delayed due to Brexit?
It would depend on the reason for the delay – our policies cover delayed departure due to strikes or industrial action, poor weather, or mechanical breakdown. Delays due to reasons other than these would not be covered.
If your flight was delayed for more than 24 hours, and the delay was due to one of the reasons listed above, we would consider a claim if you chose to abandon your trip.
Will I still be covered whilst I am driving in Europe?
You’ll still be able to drive in the EU after Brexit, but there will be a number of new rules. These will include carrying a Green Card to prove you have car insurance, displaying a GB sticker and, for some countries, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can find more information about the new requirements here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu
No cover is provided under our policies for the cost of these documents, or for the consequences of not obtaining them.
Am I covered for cancellation if I can’t travel with my pet after Brexit?
After Brexit, EU pet passports will no longer be valid. You can still travel with your pet, but you’ll need to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC) instead. Information about travelling with a pet after Brexit can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
Make sure that you apply for an AHC in good time – our policies won’t cover a cancellation claim due to your pet not having the correct documentation.