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Frequently asked Brexit questions
We have been asked questions about how Brexit might affect your travel insurance when travelling within Europe. So, we’ve tried to answer the most common ones here. Hopefully you’ll find the answer to your query, but if you require further information, it’s available on the following sites too: ABTA, GOV.UK and ABI
Would my travel insurance cover me if I’m faced with problems like flight cancellations, or missing hotel bookings as a result of a no-deal Brexit?
If you already have a policy, or if you buy one before the effects of Brexit are clear, your policy will cover for any claims for travel delay or cancellation of flights in line with the policy terms and conditions of your policy. Once the Brexit situation has been clarified we’ll update our advice accordingly.
What do I need to look out for in a policy that’s taken out after Brexit?
You should always look for a policy that’s right for your specific needs. Ideally a policy should at least:
Give you appropriate cover limits
Cover you for the destination
Cover you for the duration of your trip
Cover all the activities you want to do during the trip
Cover your medical conditions
After Brexit however, there are a few things to be mindful of like ensuring your travel insurance has:
Adequate medical coverage in Europe if the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can no longer be used
Cover for delays and disruptions due to Brexit
We’re still waiting to see exactly what impact Brexit will have on travelling overseas. So, we’ll update the answer to this question as things become clearer.
If I am no longer able to use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit, will my policy cover medical expenses in Europe?
As long as you make a full, accurate medical declaration, then the medical expenses section of your cover will still apply as normal.
If I am no longer able to use the EHIC, what will happen to my excess?
If you’re unable to use the EHIC then the standard excess on your policy will apply.
What happens if I’m delayed at customs and miss my flight?
Tour operators and airlines are likely to provide guidance if disruption is expected. Make sure you follow their advice and ensure you allow plenty of time to check in and to clear customs. Some of our policies include travel delay cover, and you may submit a claim as long as the reason for the delay was not public knowledge at the time of purchase. The following circumstances are applicable:
Strike or industrial action,
poor weather conditions, or
mechanical breakdown
In order to claim, you must have been delayed by at least 12 hours, and within 36 hours of you commencing your outward or return journey.
If your delay falls within this and lasts at least 24 hours you then can choose to abandon your holiday.Also, if your flight to or from an EU country is delayed or cancelled by the airline due non-extraordinary circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. You can find further information regarding this here: EUR- Lex
Will I be covered if my flights are delayed due to Brexit?
Currently we aren’t aware of any flight disruption that may be caused due to Brexit. Some of our policies include travel delay cover, and you may submit a claim as long as the reason for the delay was not public knowledge at the time of purchase. The following circumstances are applicable:
Strike or industrial action,
poor weather conditions, or
mechanical breakdown
In order to claim, you must have been delayed by at least 12 hours, and within 36 hours of you commencing your outward or return journey.
If your delay falls within this, and lasts at least 24 hours, you may then choose to abandon your holiday. Also, if your flight to or from an EU country is delayed or cancelled by the airline due non-extraordinary circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. You can find further information regarding this here: EUR-Lex
What if I decide not to travel?
If you need to cancel your trip before your departure date, make sure it’s for one of the reasons outlined in the cancellation section of cover. Our policies don’t cover cancellations because you decide not to travel. If your airline or tour operator cancel your trip, try to claim any money back directly from them or from your credit card first, as we’ll only consider eligible costs that you can’t get back from elsewhere.
Will the cost of travel insurance rise as a result of Brexit?
It’s possible but we don’t know yet. There are a number of factors that could potentially cause an increase to prices. An example of one of those factors is the possible loss of EHIC. At the moment, some customers are being treated for free in Europe with EHIC, but without it, that cost will be passed on to travel insurers which could force prices up.
Will the terms and conditions of my current policy change when we leave the European Union?
If you already have a policy with us, we won’t change the terms and conditions during its lifetime. However, we may need to change the T&Cs of our policies after Brexit. We’ll make sure any changes we make are clear
I’m not sure if I have a valid passport?
Please visit www.gov.uk/visit-europe-brexit for information on passport requirements and be aware there’s no cover on any of our policies if you can’t travel due to not having the appropriate passport.
Will I need a visa to travel within Europe?
In the short term, the Government is advising that you won’t need a visa for European travel but this is likely to change. Please check www.gov.uk/visit-europe-brexit for any updates as there’s no cover on any of our policies if you can’t travel due to not having the appropriate visa.
Will I still be covered whilst I am driving in Europe?
There may be changes to the documentation required for you to drive in other European countries. Please check www.gov.uk/visit-europe-brexit. Please be aware we would only consider medical expenses claims whilst driving, there’s no cover for anything else under any other sections of cover.
Post-Brexit, will I need travel insurance?
Unfortunately, things can still go wrong in a post-Brexit world; luggage can still go missing, people can still have accidents or become unwell etc. so it’s always worthwhile to take out travel insurance.
The underwriter behind the insurance policy is Spanish, will this have any effect on the policy post-Brexit if there is no deal?
Just in case there’s a no-deal Brexit, MAPFRE ASISTENCIA applied for, and has been granted, temporary permissions to continue to operate within the UK. This will ensure the insurer can continue to underwrite insurance in the UK whilst the process for direct authorisation is undertaken. This means there will be no disruption to cover.