AXA Travel Insurance – Brexit FAQs
06/01/2020
06/01/2020
Q. What is the European Health Insurance Card?
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to state-provided healthcare if you are resident in the UK.
It’s free from Department of Health and it’s a good idea to get one, however, it’s not a substitute for having proper travel insurance in place as it won’t cover all medical costs, or the cost of emergency repatriation back to the UK.
UK-issued EHICs will remain valid until the UK leaves the EU, or if your treatment started before exit day. However, please be aware that if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the EHIC may no longer apply.
Q. Will AXA cover me for healthcare currently provided under EHIC?
Your AXA travel insurance will continue to cover you up to the limits stated in your policy or schedule if you need emergency treatment while you’re abroad.
However, some pre-planned routine treatments like dialysis or oxygen therapy, which are available under the European Health Insurance Card, are not covered under your travel policy.
View AXA’s Brexit & Travel Insurance Infographic here.
Advice still stands at the time of printing, valid until 31st January 2020.
If you have a pre-existing health condition, we’d suggest that you speak to your doctor before you travel. You can also find out more by using AXA’s Travel Health Calculator developed in conjunction with the medical assistance specialists CEGA.
Q. Can I still claim on my EHIC Card after Brexit?
It has not been confirmed as to what the reciprocal health agreement will be post Brexit. Your AXA travel insurance will continue to cover you up to the limits stated in your policy or schedule if you need emergency treatment while you’re abroad. However, some pre-planned routine treatments like dialysis or oxygen therapy, which are available under the European Health Insurance Card, are not covered under your travel policy.
Q. Is there anything else I need to consider if I have a pre-existing health condition?
If you are travelling to any country in the EU, or to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland before or after Brexit and you have a pre-existing health condition, we’d suggest that you speak to your doctor before you travel.
Booking travel abroad
We are expecting additional checks to be put in place at airports /ferry terminals which could add extra time to your journey. So please allow extra time when travelling to Airports or Ferry terminals and follow any advice which they publish.
Q. Due to Brexit uncertainty, is it advisable to book flights for future travel?
On the 5th September, the government put further measures in place to ensure that flights will continue to run smoothly should we leave the EU on 31 October 2019 – with or without a deal.
The UK’s air traffic rights for EU airlines has also been extended to October 2020. You can read more about the arrangements on the government’s website.
Q. Will my AXA travel policy compensate me if an airline cancels my travel because they are unable to fly to Europe after Brexit?
If your flights are cancelled, you should get some or all your money back from your transport provider. How much depends upon how your holiday was booked:
Q. If I arrive at the airport/ferry terminals in time but miss my flight or ferry due to security delays, am I covered?
No, you need to make sure you allow enough time to get through security and passport control.
Q. Am I covered if the FCDO advises against travel in the EU?
Yes, if you have purchased a policy which covers Travel Disruption Cover or specific coverage under the Cancelling or Cutting Short Your Trip section then your insurance will cover you to cancel providing the advice hadn’t already changed when you purchased your policy or your trip.
Q. Am I covered if flights are cancelled due to UK airlines not being allowed to fly over EU airspace and want to continue to travel?
Yes, if you have purchased a policy which covers Travel Disruption Cover or Delay or Disruption to Travel then your insurance will cover reasonable additional costs for cancelled flights.
Q. Am I covered if my flight is cancelled due to UK airlines not being allowed to fly over EU airspace and therefore I want to cancel my holiday?
Yes, if you have purchased a policy which covers Travel Disruption Cover or specific coverage under the Cancelling or Cutting Short Your Trip section then your insurance will cover you to cancel, however it is worth noting that the airline has a responsibility to its passengers and they may be responsible for reimbursing you in the first instance visit https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm
Q. Am I covered if flights are cancelled due to UK airlines not being allowed to fly over EU airspace and I am stranded abroad and cannot get home?
Yes, if you have purchased a policy which covers Travel Disruption Cover or Delay or Disruption to Travel then your insurance will cover reasonable additional costs for cancelled flights.
Q. If after Brexit I need a Visa to travel to the EU, am I covered to cancel my trip?
No, you need to make sure that if Visas are needed that these are all applied for before travelling.
Q. Will my Travel Insurance cover me if following Brexit, there is a requirement that passports must have at least 6 months before they expire and there isn’t enough time to get a replacement?
This is not covered under your travel insurance, you need to make sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 month validity on if required.
This content was produced by AXA Insurance and David Oliver Associates. The information is based on current understanding of laws and can be subject to change in the future.