A short break?

02 June 2021

We’ve had Brexit, Covid, Lockdowns in triplicate and by now, most people are feeling more than a little weary with it all. So what do we have to do if we have a chance to get away.

A short break or just a change of scenery would be relished but with so many destinations still not on the Green list, we have limited options we can enjoy at present.

Covid Compliance

Do ensure that you check what is required and bear in mind, these requirements will change with the current situation so you will need to check regularly for any changes that can affect you. However, most countries will require a clear Covid 19 test before you travel and one before you can return as a minimum.

Planning to go to Europe?

If so there are changes to the EHIC card and some countries are not accepting visitors from the UK at the moment due to Covid19 restrictions.

The EHIC was an agreement between countries in the EU and European Economic Area.

It was no substitute for health insurance because travel insurance covers far more, including the costs incurred if treatment isn’t free, cancellations, delays, repatriation and baggage loss or theft. But an EHIC gave you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.

You could only use hospitals and doctors signed up to the EHIC scheme. This was the situation until the end of December 2020.

Now there are two types of cover available for future arrangements for reciprocal healthcare with the EU. 

• You are able to use your existing EHIC card if you have one and it will remain valid until its expiry date. When that happens you just apply for a new one and you can apply up to 6 months before it expires.

• Or you can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC which replaces the existing European Health Insurance Card which provides the same access to healthcare as before.

• Both GHIC and EHIC cards are free of charge.

For more information about the new arrangements, including a country-by-country rundown and how to apply for your card, visit the following page on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Lots of people are looking at holiday destinations in the UK this year as it seems the safer thing to do while we are getting new and more virulent strains of the COVID19 virus appearing.

Fortunately, we live in a beautiful country and there are loads of places to go. The National Trust has re-opened their venues, galleries and exhibitions are now open. There are theme parks, glamping, canoeing, holiday parks to name but a few, and all will have taken measures to ensure you have a safe visit. The choice is almost endless, just take a trip down to your local travel agent and see what’s available.

Take care, but it’s time to get out there and have some fun.