How will Brexit affect travel insurance?

Posted by Peter Burnside on 27/01/2020

The UK is leaving the EU, will this change the way Brits travel to and from the UK? What does Brexit mean for our holidays? And how will it affect travel insurance? Find out more here.

The countdown to the unknown has started: the UK is scheduled to leave the EU at 11pm GMT on 31 January 2020. The full impact remains unknown – potential delays at borders, changes to entry requirements, and the possibility of losing the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

But what does it all mean for your travel insurance? Well, if you do have to make a claim on your travel policy, the sections that may be relevant are:

Missed Departure
Delay
Travel Disruption
Medical Expenses

READ: How to deal with cancelled and delayed flights

Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and will be on hand to help out if needed. To reassure you, we’ve collected our most frequently asked questions below. Read the FAQs to Brexit and travel insurance below. If you need further support, contact us on 0161 445 6111 or email: office@thebmc.co.uk

After we leave the EU, will my travel insurance still be valid in the EU?
No need to worry as your travel insurance will still be valid. Your cover will be the same and you will get exactly the same levels of service and care if you need emergency medical treatment while you are in an EU country.

Will I be ‘covered for Brexit’?
If Brexit causes disruption to travel arrangements, then it’s the airlines and travel companies that take primary responsibility for offering alternative transport or refunds. In the first instance, customers should always contact their travel providers first.

I don’t want to go to Europe now; can I cancel my trip and make a claim?
Unfortunately, cancellation cover is for specific reasons only. Not wanting to go on your already booked trip is not a reason you can claim for.

What if long queues cause a problem?
Extra time for queueing should be incorporated into your schedule. Missed Departure cover only applies in certain circumstances leading to you arriving at an international or final departure point too late to board your booked transport.

The circumstances don’t include being delayed because of long queues. As longer queues are expected, you should make sure you take potential delays into account and leave enough time in your travel plans.

But what if my transport is delayed or cancelled?
The Delayed Departure section under the policy provides cover if your transport is delayed or cancelled for reasons which you or the tour operator (if utilised) can’t control. You will be entitled to £30.00 per 12 hours of the delay, after an initial 12 hour period up to £120 or if after 12 hours delay, the transport is cancelled and no suitable alternative is offered up to £5,000 as per the terms and conditions of the Policy under Trip Cancellation.

Note: if there’s a problem with your travel, then you should contact and follow the recommendations of your transport provider as a first port of call.

If I need medical treatment while overseas, can I still use my EHIC?
Yes. When the UK leaves the EU on 31 January 2020, the EHIC card will still be valid. (Check your EHIC card is in date until at least the end of 2020 before you travel!) If you use your EHIC to reduce the cost of a medical claim, then the £95 excess will be waived.

Can I still get compensation from the airline if flights are delayed or cancelled?

According to the CAA, the rights to compensation under the EU Flight Compensation Regulation will continue to apply to passengers departing from the United Kingdom to an airport situated in the territory of an EU member state, as long as the airline has an operating licence granted by an EU member state. Customers can find out more about their rights and how to make a claim on the CAA Website. And read the BMC article, how to deal with cancelled and delayed flights.

Will my passport still be valid, after we leave the EU? And will I need a Visa?
During the transition period, which is due to run from February 1, 2020, to January 1, 2021, all current rules on travel to the EU will remain the same as they are now. You do not need to have six months left on your passport to travel to the EU during the transition period, according to ABTA.

For Visas – The European Commission has confirmed that from 2021, UK citizens would have to pay €7 for a travel permit, as part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS). Travellers will register their details and pay the fee in advance of travel (at least 72 hours before departure is advised), to obtain ETIAS authorisation.

If I get stranded abroad beyond a scheduled return date, will the policy still provide cover?
We will extend the period of insurance by up to 60 days, at no extra cost, if you have to stay overseas due to events over which you have no control.

For full terms and conditions see our Evidence of Cover

Europe by Train

Seat61 has a plethora of information, ready-planned for you to make your train journeys to Europe plain sailing. We fully recommend checking out the routes available and booking in advance to get the best deals on cheaper tickets.

PLAN YOUR LOW-IMPACT TRAVELS: Find public transport routes across Europe