Travel Insurance After Brexit

Introduction

When the United Kingdom formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020 — with the transition period ending on 31 December 2020 — it marked a fundamental shift in the travel rights of British citizens. From healthcare access to driving requirements, pet passports to consumer protections, almost every aspect of travelling to Europe changed to some degree.

Now, in 2026, many of these changes are well established, but confusion still persists. Surveys consistently show that a significant proportion of UK travellers are unsure about what the GHIC covers, whether they need different insurance than before, and what other practical changes affect their European holidays.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything that's changed, what it means for your European travel insurance, and how to make sure you're properly protected before your next trip across the Channel.

Key Changes Since Brexit

Brexit has affected numerous aspects of travel to EU and EEA countries. Here are the most important changes UK travellers need to be aware of:

Passport & Entry Requirements

• UK citizens are now treated as third-country nationals when entering the EU
• Your passport must have at least 3 months' validity beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area
• Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years on the date of entry
• You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area without a visa
• Passport stamps are now required at entry and exit points
• The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, introducing digital border checks

Healthcare & the GHIC

• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has been replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
• The GHIC covers state-provided medical treatment in EU countries only
• Non-EU countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Turkey) may have separate bilateral arrangements or no reciprocal healthcare
• The GHIC does not cover repatriation, private treatment, or non-medical costs

Consumer Protections

• UK travellers booking with EU-based airlines or tour operators may no longer have the same automatic rights under EU consumer protection regulations
• EU261 flight compensation rules still apply on flights departing from EU airports or on EU-registered airlines, but not on UK airlines departing from the UK to the EU
• Package holiday protections depend on whether you're booking through a UK or EU-based company

Mobile Roaming

Since Brexit, some UK mobile networks have reintroduced roaming charges for use in EU countries. While some providers still offer free EU roaming, others now charge daily fees or impose fair usage caps. Check with your operator before you travel to avoid unexpected bills.

EHIC to GHIC: What You Need to Know

The transition from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is one of the most significant changes for UK travellers. Here's what you need to understand:

What Is the GHIC?

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the EHIC for most UK residents following Brexit. It is issued free of charge by the NHS and entitles you to state-provided medical treatment in EU countries on the same terms as a resident of that country. This means you receive medically necessary treatment during your stay — but may still need to pay co-payments or charges that local residents would also pay.

How to Apply

• Apply online through the official NHS website — the card is completely free
• Beware of third-party websites that charge a fee; the application should cost nothing
• Processing typically takes a few weeks, so apply well before your trip
• Each family member needs their own card

Limitations of the GHIC

While the GHIC is a valuable document to carry, it has significant limitations that make travel insurance essential:

• It only covers EU countries — not Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein (unless separate agreements exist)
• It does not cover private healthcare or hospitals — many tourist areas primarily have private facilities
• It does not cover medical repatriation (the cost of getting you home)
• It does not cover cancellations, baggage loss, delays, or personal liability
• Some EU countries require co-payments even for state treatment

For a detailed comparison, see our guide on travel insurance for Europe.

Do You Still Have Healthcare Rights in Europe?

Yes — but they are more limited than before Brexit. Under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, UK residents retain the right to access state-provided healthcare in EU member states through the GHIC. However, the scope of this access varies depending on the country you're visiting and the type of treatment you need.

What's Covered

The GHIC entitles you to medically necessary treatment during your stay in an EU country. This includes emergency treatment, treatment for chronic conditions that require ongoing care (such as dialysis), and maternity care. Treatment must be provided through the state healthcare system — not private hospitals or clinics.

What's Not Covered

The GHIC does not cover treatment that can wait until you return to the UK, nor does it entitle you to travel specifically for the purpose of receiving medical treatment. It also does not cover you in non-EU European countries. Most importantly, it does not cover repatriation — if you need to be flown home on a medical flight, you'll need insurance to cover costs that can range from £10,000 to over £50,000.

The Bottom Line

The GHIC is a useful supplementary document, but it is not a replacement for travel insurance. The UK government, the NHS, and the FCDO all recommend having comprehensive travel insurance alongside your GHIC when travelling to Europe.

What Insurance Do You Need Now?

Since Brexit, the minimum travel insurance you should carry for European trips includes:

Essential Protection

• Medical cover: At least £2,000,000 for European trips, including emergency repatriation
• Cancellation cover: Matching the total non-refundable value of your trip
• Baggage cover: To replace lost, stolen, or damaged belongings
• Personal liability: Protection if you accidentally cause injury or property damage
• 24/7 emergency assistance: A helpline you can call any time, day or night

Additional Cover to Consider

• Winter sports cover: If you're skiing or snowboarding in the Alps
• Cruise cover: If you're taking a Mediterranean or European river cruise
• Medical conditions cover: If you have any pre-existing health conditions
• Gadget cover: If you're travelling with expensive electronics
• Travel disruption cover: Extra protection for delays, missed connections, and airline insolvency

For guidance on how much cover you need, see our detailed guide.

Driving in Europe After Brexit

If you plan to drive in Europe — whether taking your own car or hiring one — there are important changes to be aware of since Brexit:

Documents You Need

• UK driving licence: Your photocard licence is recognised in all EU countries, but some countries may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• International Driving Permit: Required in some EU countries. Available from Post Office branches, typically costing a few pounds
• Motor insurance Green Card: Although the requirement to carry a physical Green Card has been relaxed in many cases, check with your insurer for the latest advice
• V5C logbook: Carry the original or a photocopy if taking your own vehicle
• GB sticker or UK number plate: A UK sticker or plates with the UK identifier are required

Hire Car Insurance

When hiring a car in Europe, check whether your travel insurance or credit card provides excess waiver cover. Hire car companies will insist on their own insurance or a high excess payment. Many travel insurance policies can include hire car excess cover as an add-on, potentially saving you significant amounts compared to the hire company's own excess waiver.

Breakdown Cover

If you're taking your own vehicle to Europe, ensure you have European breakdown cover. This is usually separate from your travel insurance and can be arranged through your existing breakdown provider or as a standalone policy.

Pet Travel After Brexit

Bringing your pet to Europe has become more complex since Brexit. The UK is now classified as a 'Part 2 listed' third country under EU pet travel rules, which means different documentation requirements.

What's Changed

• EU Pet Passport: No longer valid for pets travelling from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Pets from Northern Ireland can still use an EU Pet Passport
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC): Required for each trip, issued by your vet no more than 10 days before travel. This must confirm your pet's microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and (for dogs) tapeworm treatment
• Rabies vaccination: Must be administered at least 21 days before travel
• Tapeworm treatment: Required for dogs travelling to certain EU countries, administered 1–5 days before entry

Planning Ahead

The Animal Health Certificate process takes time and has associated veterinary costs. Plan well in advance — at least a month before your intended travel date — to ensure all documentation is in order. The return journey to the UK also has its own requirements, so check the latest government guidance before travelling.

Standard travel insurance does not typically cover pet-related costs or veterinary bills abroad. If you're travelling with a pet, consider specialist pet travel insurance alongside your main travel policy.