How Brexit has changed traveling for UK residents
From duty free booze to health cover, what travel looks like for UK travelers in a post-Brexit world.
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
Post Brexit Travel to the EU for UK travelers
Visas, passports, health care and travel insurance
- Do I still get reciprocal health care in the EU?
- Does travel insurance cover medical emergencies for UK travelers in the EU?
- Do UK travelers to EU countries need new passports or visas?
- Do I need travel insurance if I travel to the EU from the UK?
During the more than 40 years before 1 January 2021, the people of the UK enjoyed a smorgasbord of benefits as citizens of a country within the European Union. Not least was the right to work freely in other European countries, and exemptions from holiday visas.
More importantly, UK residents traveling to the EU could also take advantage of reciprocal state health care in other European Union countries, in the event of illness or accident while traveling… a rather marvelous benefit and potentially a huge cost saver if plans went awry.
Brexit has changed the travel landscape, raising the question of how travel insurance can support UK travelers while abroad.
Do I still get reciprocal health care in the EU post Brexit?
Thanks to the fantastic European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), millions of travelers from the UK have enjoyed reciprocal state health care while European Union citizens. While the UK government advice states you can still use your existing EHIC until it expires, the level of cover available to UK residents has changed with the introduction of the slightly more international sounding Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
The GHIC has different rules and cover to the EHIC – it may not offer the same cover you previously enjoyed when holidaying to Europe as the cover available in some countries has already changed. Before traveling, check your card expiry and even if you have traveled to a country in the EU before, it’s a good idea to know the new rules and cover provided under the EHIC And GHIC for your destination. If the cover isn’t what you need, travel insurance may be able to bridge any gaps in emergency medical assistance while you’re abroad. It is worth noting that you can apply for a card six months before your current card expires.
Does travel insurance cover medical emergencies for UK travelers in the EU?
World Nomads Travel Insurance for UK travelers includes 24/7 Emergency assistance if you’re injured or ill while abroad, as well as overseas medical assistance, hospitalization and repatriation or evacuation if needed. Benefit limits apply and vary depending on the plan you purchase.
World Nomads travel insurance also offers cover for more than 150 activities. There are limits and exclusions around these, so take the time to consider what activities you might plan on doing and the level of cover you’ll need.
And if you’re already abroad and discover you don’t have the health care cover you thought you might, you can purchase travel insurance online and may be immediately covered for unexpected accidents, although be aware a 72 hour time excess does apply before some benefits kick in.
Do UK travelers to EU countries need new passports or visas?
Not having the right visas or travel documents can not only see your dream holiday abroad cancelled or delayed, it may mean any additional costs you incur are not covered by your travel insurance. A double whammy you definitely want to avoid.
Yes, the rules did change from in 2021 and the transition period ended on 31 December 2021.
Depending on where, what and how long you plan to travel, you may need to apply for a visa and consider getting a new passport if yours is close to expiring. There are also restrictions on the age of your passport as it shouldn’t be more than 10 years old.
How your passport looks is changing too – the new UK ones will no longer be the smart burgundy colored passport, used by most countries within the EU, but a return to the navy version of pre-European Union days.
You might need to get your passport stamped (great if you love to collect stamps!) and show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
From early 2022 the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) kicked in and it’s anticipated it will be obligatory by 2023 meaning you may need to apply and pay for a visa waiver to travel to Schengen area countries in the future.
Travel Insurance Tip: It pays to be prepared – not having the right travel documentation might leave you out of pocket and isn’t a reason for cancellation or trip interruption under many travel insurance policies. Make sure you know what travel documents you need, how much time you’ll need to apply and be approved for them, any other documentation you might need, and have a valid passport with plenty of time before it expires (at least 6 months).
Do I need travel insurance if I travel to the EU from the UK?
That’s up to you – but here at World Nomads we believe it’s always a great idea and here’s some reasons why. The UK government has also included it in their list of things to do before traveling to the EU.
When buying travel insurance, make sure it has the level of health care cover you might need, including overseas medical cover and repatriation, travel disruption, lost, stolen or damaged baggage cover, and the activities you plan to do on your trip abroad. You can get a quote here which outlines what’s covered on World Nomad’s Standard and Explorer Plans.
If you’ve any questions about World Nomads travel insurance, contact us for more.
The UK government has also published advice on what Brexit means for UK travelers – you can read more here.
World Nomads travel insurance includes cover for:
True Claims Stories
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamWherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads
Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.