As we approach the summer season and with borders ‘re-opening’, islanders are hopeful about holiday prospects for the rest of 2021 and beyond.
However, in a post Brexit world where Covid-19 considerations are key and the UK has officially left the EU, travellers understandably have many concerns when it comes to insurance and what documentation they will need.
Local insurance broker, Rossborough, has put these concerns at the heart of its latest travel insurance offering and is also providing key advice for islanders on what to consider when planning trips away.
Check your ID and passport documents well in advance
It may seem obvious, but it has been a while since most people had to consider their identification documentation. From passports to ID cards and driver’s licences, remember to double check expiry dates long before travel, allowing ample time to renew them as required.
Covid-19 related cover
Everyone is adjusting to what it means to travel whilst taking Covid-19 into consideration. It is vital that the travel insurance islanders opt for also takes this into account so that protection is available should these issues arise. Rossborough has launched a new Covid related offering giving clients peace of mind when travelling. For example, it protects travellers if:
- Planned travel is disrupted by having to self-isolate
- Boarding is denied due to detected Covid-19 symptoms
- A planned stay with a family member is no longer possible due to that member having to self-isolate
It is recommended that travellers make sure that any new or existing insurance policies can be enhanced to include pandemic-related incidents.
Insurance that specialises in where you live
Travel insurance should not take a one size fits all approach and insurance providers should take this into account. As a community broker, Rossborough understands the additional issues that may arise for people who live in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is always recommended that islanders check with their insurer that they will cover the additional requirements that may be needed to repatriate ‘home’ when this may not be on the UK mainland.
Green cards for motorists
Following the UK’s official withdrawal from the European Union (EU), motorists travelling to Europe need to apply for a Green Card via their motor insurer. Anyone taking a vehicle to a European Economic Area (EEA) country on holiday and those driving across the Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland border are affected, along with freight and commercial companies travelling through the EU.
Drivers with a Guernsey/Jersey driving licence travelling to certain countries in the EU and EEA may also need to obtain an IDP (International Driving Permit). For clarification, Jersey islanders should visit here and Guernsey here.
Rossborough customers can apply for a Green Card at least 14 days before travel through the green button on their website.
Breakdown cover
Breakdowns whilst driving on holiday can be stressful and expensive to rectify, this can be compounded if breakdown cover isn’t in place. Before embarking on a trip, always make sure to check if breakdown cover is included in motor policies or if it can be added.
Overall, holidays and trips to see family are about fun and relaxation, by being prepared with the correct documentation and insurance, islanders can avoid unnecessary stress and still enjoy time away no matter what incidents occur.
James Anderson, Group Managing Director of Rossborough Insurance, explained to Channel Eye: “Here at Rossborough we are thrilled that travel is on the horizon again. However, it is paramount that it is done as safely as possible, especially considering the new pandemic related incidents that may arise. We have worked hard to make sure that our latest travel insurance policies take all of this into account.
“Rossborough is a local broker and a part of Gallagher, one of the largest insurance brokers in the world. This means we are uniquely positioned to provide island residents with the best combination of local expertise with a global outlook so that our policies help to cover all eventualities when they travel aboard.”
