As the UK edges closer to crashing out of Europe next month possibly with ‘no deal’, Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis has issued some stark warnings if you’re travelling or holidaying after Brexit Day, 29th March 2019.
For many of us, that’s the start of school holidays and with Easter not long after, there is a risk of not being permitted to travel to EU countries. Here’s what we need to know….
There’s a few important factors which holidaymakers need to consider before they travel, such as their passport validity, EHIC, travel insurance and potential flight disruptions….and you may need to act NOW!
Passports
The most severe warning comes around passports. If you have less than six months left on your passport, there is a chance you won’t be able to travel to a host of countries in the EU, especially if the UK leaves without a deal.
That’s because most countries, including the likes of Spain, Portugal and France, all require non-EU citizens to have at least six months left – or you can be denied entry upon arrival. It’s worth noting that it can take up to three weeks to renew your passport, so factor in this time too if you have a holiday planned soon!
EHIC
European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) mean that EU citizens abroad are entitled to the same treatment at state-run hospitals and GPs as locals.This depends on you having your valid EHIC with you.
Again though Brexit could change things. If we leave with a no deal, it looks like EHICs won’t be valid, they’ll have to be renegotiated. If we leave with a deal, then EHICs should still work until at least the end of the transitional period in December 2020. A Brexit ‘No deal’ will likely mean you getting your wallet out if you become unwell in European countries.
Travel insurance
Without shadow of a doubt, you should buy travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked a holiday. Don’t wait until shortly before. Do it now, if you’re going on holiday anytime this year.
Half the point of travel insurance is to protect you if something happens and you can’t go on holiday. There’s no larger uncertainty at the moment than what Brexit may do to your travel and holiday plans, so as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, book your travel insurance too!
If not, you won’t be covered should anything happen beforehand, such as an illness or cancellation. Plus by doing it now, you could avoid potential rises in travel insurance costs post Brexit.
Flight disruptions
When Brexit comes into force on 29 March, it’s currently unknown whether there will be disruption to flights. If there is a no deal and some flights do end up grounded or delayed, you won’t be entitled to compensation under EU law – mainly as this will likely be considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ which means the airline doesn’t have to pay out. It’s worth considering that by adding on some ‘optional extras’ when taking out holiday insurance to ensure you get covered for airport delays.
More on this important subject can be read here https://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2019/01/martin-lewis–7-post-brexit-travel-urgent-need-to-knows/
