The countdown to the summer holidays is well underway, with families up and down the country putting the finishing touches to their plans. For those with flights already arranged, June tends to be a hectic period. From buying sunscreen to arranging airport transfers, there’s plenty to tick off before the relaxation can begin.
Before jetting off, travellers are also being reminded to complete two crucial tasks to safeguard themselves while away. Offering guidance to customers online, easyJet has published advice on its website.
On a page devoted to ‘safety on your holiday’, the carrier has outlined two vital checks for all travellers to carry out. Firstly, the airline strongly recommends that all passengers take out comprehensive travel insurance, reports the Mirror.
easyJet said: “We cannot stress enough how important it is take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, to cover you in the event that something stops you going on holiday and of course while you’re away too.
“Before taking out the insurance, make sure you check that the policy covers the activities and sports that you may take part in. The cost of international healthcare can be significant, and insurance does more than pay for it, it can also provide the support to get the best care and get you home afterwards.”
The airline added that passengers should take a copy of the policy with them and save the emergency assistance contact number in their mobile phone. Sharing why travel insurance is important, easyJet explained: “Remember that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) only entitles you to basic state medical care in participating countries; it doesn’t cover you for repatriation. You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.”
Next, easyJet told passengers to share their travel details with someone they trust. “Leave a copy of your travel details with your next of kin or an emergency contact,” the airline said.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card enables holidaymakers to access healthcare without paying more than a local resident would while travelling in the European Economic Area.
The NHS explains: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
“The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.”
The guidance adds: “Not all state healthcare is free outside of the UK. You may have to pay for treatment that you would get for free on the NHS, if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you’re visiting.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
