The airline has shared essential advice for passengers with upcoming flights and holidays
The summer holiday countdown is on, with families across the country making last-minute preparations. For those with flights booked, June is often a busy time. From stocking up on sunscreen to booking transfers, there’s lots to do before it’s time to start relaxing.
Ahead of their holidays, passengers are also urged to complete two essential tasks to look after their safety while travelling. Sharing advice for customers online, easyJet offered advice on its website. On a webpage dedicated to ‘safety on your holiday’, the airline has set out two checks for all passengers to complete.
First, the airline urges all passengers to get comprehensive travel insurance. 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.”
easyJet added that people should take a copy of the policy with them and save the emergency assistance contact number in their mobile phone. Explaining why travel insurance is essential, the airline said: “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.”
Secondly, 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.
According to the NHS: “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 NHS adds: “You can apply for a UK GHIC if you’re a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.” It is free to apply.
