Ice climbing. Powder riding. Hot sun seeking. December is normally a time for delivering on mountain dreams. Most of us aren’t travelling but, for those that are, BMC Travel Insurance has still got you covered. Here’s a roundup of our common questions and answers.

Is BMC Travel Insurance open?
Yes. We haven’t stopped insuring climbers, walkers and mountaineers throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. You can buy any of our policies – from Travel to High Altitude and Remote Areas.

Does BMC Travel Insurance cover me if I travel against government advice?
Yes, BMC Travel Insurance includes cover to an area where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against “all but essential travel”, subject to local government advice. However, it excludes cover if the FCDO advise against “all travel”. Check the latest advice here. 

Does BMC Travel Insurance cover COVID-19 emergency medical expenses?
Yes. BMC Travel Insurance includes emergency medical expenses if you contract COVID-19 on holiday. This is subject to the full terms, conditions and exclusions of the Policy.  A copy of our Evidence of Cover is available here.

Does BMC Travel Insurance cover cancellation through COVID-19?
No. BMC Travel Insurance excludes any cancellation and journey disruption claims in any way caused by or resulting from a) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19); b) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); c) any mutation or variation of SARS-CoV-2; any fear or threat of a), b) or c). Check with your travel or accommodation provider.

What does Brexit mean for BMC Travel Insurance
Brexit – deal or no deal – won’t directly affect an existing BMC Travel Insurance policy. You’ll be covered with your existing terms and conditions.

Do I need travel insurance after Brexit?
Yes. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows UK residents to access healthcare at the same cost (often free) as local residents while on holiday. As things stand, after 31 December, UK nationals visiting EU countries will have to pay full price for any medical treatment. If you have an accident or emergency, you could be in for a significant bill.

Where can I travel?
Travel in your area, including international travel, may be restricted because of domestic regulations. Different rules apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Follow all the rules that apply to you. Other countries may close borders, restrict movement or bring in new quarantine rules with little warning. Check the travel advice for your destination and be prepared to stay overseas longer than planned. Before you return to the UK you must provide your journey and contact details. Also check if you need to self-isolate. Read the government advice for travelling internationally

Can I travel to the EU after Brexit?
Brexit Travel changes on 1st January 2021: Brexit travel changes will be in place for the 1st January 2021. Border control: you may have to show your return ticket and money. At border control, you may need to:

• Show a return or onward ticket
• Show you have enough money for your stay
• Use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing

If you’re a tourist, you will not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total.

It is very likely that following Brexit, travel to all EU countries will be restricted from the UK due to our Covid-19 infection rates. As the situation currently stands, the latest date you could leave the UK for a winter holiday is 31 December.

Are ski resorts open?
Yes. Some ski resorts are open, and some plan to open after Christmas. Some are limited to local or domestic skiers only, so be careful to check before you travel. The Ski Club of GB has some useful info. 
 

BMC travel insurance is loaded with the essential cover that you need for adventure.  

BMC travel insurance comes in five policies: Travel, Trek, Rock, Alpine and Ski and High Altitude.

All of our policies include the following Coronavirus cover:

• 24-hour emergency assistance helpline
• £10 million emergency medical cover
• £100,000 Search, rescue and recovery cover

Please be aware that there is no cover for cancellation, curtailment, delays or journey disruption in any way caused by or resulting from coronavirus / Covid-19. Read more about the Covid-travel FAQs here

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