As the supposedly ‘great’ British summertime continues to provide completely underwhelming weather, last-minute holidays have seen a surge in popularity, leaving many holidaymakers wondering if they need travel insurance for their impromptu getaway.
Although there are signs that some warmer weather could be on the way, the UK has still been experiencing some of the wettest summer months on record.
However, Europe’s weather could not have been more different from what we have been experiencing in the UK, with most of the continent experiencing record-breaking temperatures in July.
As such, many UK holidaymakers will be heading off to popular tourist spots like Italy, Spain, Greece, and France.
So, your bags are packed, and the flights are being booked – but should you get travel insurance?
Here is what you need to know.
Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
Yes, you do.
Since Brexit, the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) has been replaced by the UK GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) for most travellers – unless they have a right to a UK EHIC under the withdrawal agreement.
The UK GHIC is free to apply for and will help you access state healthcare when you travel abroad, should you have an accident, fall ill, or need any other treatment that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK.
An application for a UK GHIC can be made through the NHS website.
However, the gov.uk website warns that, when you travel to any EU country or Switzerland, ‘you should also have travel insurance with healthcare cover.
‘An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Make sure you have both before you travel.’
The NHS states that this is because a UK GHIC ‘may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs.’
In addition to this, the right travel insurance should not only protect you from medical expenses but also from theft, loss, and other unexpected bills.
How to get cheap travel insurance
When looking for cheap travel insurance, your first step should be making sure that the policy covers everything you need.
This can be done by carefully inspecting the terms and conditions of the policy, as it’s essential that, should you need it, you don’t get any nasty surprises.
When it comes to saving money on the policy, it’s worth keeping in mind that you are best to organise your travel insurance in advance – the earlier, the better, even if your holiday is last minute.
Shopping around can also save you a lot of money, as some policies are more expensive than others. You will probably be offered travel insurance when you book your flights, but this might not always be the cheapest option, so it’s worth researching in advance.
For example, an annual policy might be worth investing in if you are a frequent traveller, and group policies can also save you money.
Finally, it is always worth checking what your bank offers, as some accounts include travel insurance.
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