What should I do before going abroad?

Package holiday vs non-package holiday

If possible, try and book a holiday as a package holiday. This will provide you with significantly more consumer protection than a non-package holiday because the holiday provider is liable for the acts and omissions of their suppliers i.e. the hotel, or transfer driver. This means that even if you had an accident in a hotel in Spain, or on the transfer coach, you could bring a claim against the holiday provider here in the UK. You will also have access to a holiday representative at your hotel and booking your holiday will be easier as it should include all relevant components.

Take out travel insurance

Before going abroad, it is important that you take out travel insurance. This would ordinarily cover you for any medical expenses, in the event you require medical treatment abroad, and most policies also provide cover for repatriation costs, as costs associated with the same can be significant. However, ensure you read the Terms & Conditions carefully as these can vary from insurer to insurer, and it is important that you choose the right policy to cover your individual needs. It is especially important to check cover if you are going on a cruise holiday, or if you are participating in excursions such as quad biking, because many insurers will prohibit cover or require payment of an additional premium.

Get the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

This replaces the European Health Insurance Card (E111). You can apply online, it is free to obtain, it lasts for 5 years, and you can add your family into one application. The benefits will give you necessary state healthcare in E.U. countries and some others. The healthcare will be provided on the same basis as a resident of that particular country e.g. if a resident has to pay a £100 excess to be entitled to unlimited free healthcare, then the GHIC card would entitle you to the same; you would pay the £100 excess to be entitled to unlimited free healthcare.

Please note that “necessary state healthcare” is defined as healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the U.K.

Is your passport in date?

Some countries will not allow you access if you have less than 6 months left on your passport. Make sure you check your passport expiry date and the entry requirements for the country to which you are travelling. Requesting a new passport can take weeks, if not longer, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

Staying safe

Preparing for your holiday is important, but no matter how much you prepare you cannot always know everything that is going to happen. We are here for those unexpected times.

If you or a loved one is injured abroad or while travelling, we may be able to help. The knowledge our team of lawyers has with accident abroad claims is unsurpassed with many of the team having worked in the legal teams of tour operators and package holiday providers, giving them a keen insight into the world of travel.

Contact us online here for any advice or to start a claim.