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Confusion over change in healthcare arrangements for Channel Islands visitors
British holidaymakers who visit the Channel Islands are being warned that they will no longer receive free medical treatment from Wednesday (April 1).
According to travel insurance company, EssentialTravel.co.uk, some of its rivals are cashing in on the change by increasing the price of cover.
In response, it has announced today that its customers will still be protected by its standard UK single trip cover.
“We recognise the importance of providing comprehensive medical cover for anyone travelling to the Channel Islands from April,†said Stuart Bensusan, insurance director.
“This is why, unlike many other insurers who are cashing in on the change in healthcare arrangements, our customers will be protected by our standard UK single trip cover, as before.â€
Bensusan said other insurers have been criticised for increasing the price of cover for the Channel Islands, or by insisting travellers will only be covered by a European policy, as opposed to a cheaper UK policy.
Holidaymakers can expect to pay up to double the price for insurance to the Channel Islands this year through other insurers, he added.
“At a time when the industry should be doing all it can to encourage people to travel, this change in cover implemented by some insurers, will only serve to frustrate and confuse travellers.
“There’s a danger that those tourists who have visited the Channel Islands previously on a UK policy, may unwittingly travel unprotected on the same policy as before, risking hefty medical bills.â€
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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