6 Brexit rules that might catch you out on your next holiday
Covid isn’t the only thing that could throw your next holiday into disarray
New Brexit travel rules kicked in at the beginning of this year
When British holidaymakers board flights to green-listed destinations this summer, it is not only Covid regulations they need to bear in mind.
New Brexit travel rules kicked in at the beginning of this year, meaning fresh considerations for holidaymakers – from passport validity to health insurance, to pet restrictions and limits on how much booze you can bring home.
Below, we outline the main Brexit changes that could affect your holiday.
If you are in possession of a valid Italian health card (
tessera sanitaria), this remains valid, and when it expires, you will be able to renew it if you meet the requirements.
If you have one, you can present a
new biometric card to your local health authority (ASL) to prove your entitlement under the Withdrawal Agreement when applying or renewing your healthcare registration. However, because it is not mandatory to hold the biometric card, if you already hold a residency document from your local town hall, this is evidence of your status.
If you are entitled to a
European Health Insurance Card issued by Italy, this card remains valid for use when you visit the UK, and other EEA countries. The Italian EHIC (also known as TEAM-Tessera Europea Assicurazione Malattia) will cover you for any necessary medical care during a temporary stay in the UK. Remember that the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should always make sure you travel with insuran
The FCDO explained: You will need to download and complete a self-declaration from the Ministry of Interior before you travel.
The authority also advises: Consult the Italian Government’s online questionnaire (in English) for more advice on entry requirements and travel to Italy.
The very latest update covered new information on what to do if you have a UK prescription in Italy. Unlike in the UK, you will need to go to a pharmacy ( farmacia ) to get most over-the-counter medicines, the FCDO explained.
Italy: You will need to download and complete a self-declaration from the Ministry of Interior (Image: Getty Images)
Tips for travellers to avoid travel insurance pitfalls By Alan Beresford Published: 07:00, 18 January 2021
Get the Forres Gazette sent to your inbox every week and swipe through an exact replica of the day s newspaper
Holiday makers should still by travel insurance even if they have European or Global Health Insurance Cards.
However, travel into Europe will only begin again once the present lockdown restrictions are finally lifted.
So, what is available to UK travellers who are planning trips to Europe once the current travel restrictions are lifted?
What happens to travellers who renewed their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in 2020? Alternatively, is it worth acquiring a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?
Travellers should still get insurance
Credit: Getty
The Government has now formally launched the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – the scheme replacing the old EHIC arrangements, which gave British citizens access to free or low-cost medical treatment in EU countries. Full details have yet to be announced, but we now know enough to make a broad comparison between the two schemes. Here are the key questions answered.
Why is it important?
The huge benefit of the old EHIC and the new GHIC is that people who find it hard to get full insurance cover because they have pre-existing medical conditions can travel knowing that, if they need emergency treatment, they can use the local public health system without facing a huge bill. The official description puts it: “Your GHIC entitles you to free or reduced cost state-provided healthcare where treatment becomes medically necessary during a temporary visit to the European Union (EU).” Note that in some countries, state healthcare