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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
If extra checks at the airport mean I miss my flight or connection, will I be covered?
Unfortunately, our policies don’t 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-europe-1-january-2021
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 don’t 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.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport
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 three 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 in the rest of the world. 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.
If I’m stopped on my outbound journey as I would have overstayed my visa free period during that trip, can I claim for cancellation?
Our policies don’t 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-europe-1-january-2021
If I’m 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, your 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-europe-1-january-2021
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), entitling you to reduced cost or Free 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 EHIC arrangement or alternative reciprocal health agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.
However, for those whose cards have expired, you will not be able to apply for a replacement card. The UK Government has now introduced a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which entitles you to the same cover as the EHIC and is free to obtain from the official GHIC website. You should apply at least ten days before you plan to travel to ensure your GHIC card arrives on time.
Am I covered if I’m 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-europe-1-january-2021
Can I cancel because the pound value has changed and my hotel is now 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’s 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 wouldn’t be covered.
If your flight were 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’m driving in Europe?
You'll still be able to drive in the EU after Brexit, but there’ll 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-from-1-january-2021
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/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-from-1-january-2021
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.
The underwriter behind the insurance policy is Spanish; will this have any effect on the policy post-Brexit?
MAPFRE ASISTENCIA has been granted temporary permissions to continue to operate within the UK. This will ensure that the insurer can continue to underwrite insurance in the UK, meaning there’ll be no disruption to cover.