The easing of lockdown and travel restrictions over the past month has seen a flurry of activity with eager jetsetters desperate for some summer sun.
Airlines and holiday companies have reported a surge in bookings with holidaymakers looking for last minute deals while others have been waiting patiently for the chance to get away after their 2020 holidays were cancelled due to the pandemic.
Many travel destinations are still covered by strict entry rules, with the countdown on to the next government review of the traffic light system which is set for June 7.
At present only countries on the "green list" are deemed safe for leisure travel, and the government is advising people not to travel to countries that remain on the "amber" and "red" lists.
With so many things to take into account prior to booking a holiday and insurance companies being stricter than ever, here are a number of things you need to know before booking a holiday.
1. Always make sure it is safe to travel to your desired destination
Always check current Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice, as travelling against FCDO advice is likely to invalidate your travel insurance. Be aware of any quarantine requirements on your return to the UK – travel insurance will generally not cover costs associated with quarantining in Government-provided accommodation.
2. Buy travel insurance and make sure that it best meets your needs
The main reason for travel insurance is to cover the costs of emergency overseas medical treatment, which together with any repatriation required back to the UK, can easily run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.
3. Check and be aware of any Covid-19 exclusions in your travel insurance
All ABI travel insurers will continue to provide cover for emergency medical treatment needed overseas, including emergency medical treatment related to Covid-19. However, policies are unlikely to cover cancellation due to Covid-19, as it was a known risk when the policy was taken out.
4. Be aware of, and comply with, travel requirements for entering overseas countries
It is your responsibility to comply with any border restrictions in place at your destination country. If you do not comply with these requirements, then you will need to return home, generally at your own cost.
5. Have your EHIC, or get a GHIC, if travelling to Europe
If you hold a current European Health Insurance Card (the EHIC entitles you to access state-provided healthcare when visiting the EU), this remains valid until its expiry date. After then, or if you do not have an EHIC, you will need to apply in the same way for a Global Health Insurance Card or GHIC.
Neither the EHIC or the GHIC is a replacement for travel insurance, as it will not cover you for all medical costs, or the cost of emergency repatriation back to the UK.
6. Know your rights
Get as much information as you can, so that in the event of any travel problems, you know what you are entitled to. For example, check the refund policy of any accommodation provider, what you are entitled to if booking a package holiday, and what the legal obligations of the airline are if your flight is disrupted or cancelled.
Information provided by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
