All the pieces it’s essential find out about checking your passport, driving in Europe and ensuring your healthcare is roofed on vacation

Some households have fallen foul of post-Brexit modifications which imply that in some EU international locations, your passport is just legitimate for ten years from its concern date – and you could have a minimal of three months left if you journey in order that successfully cuts it all the way down to 9 years and 9 months from the date it was first issued whatever the expiry date proven.

The Authorities is presently advising individuals to permit ten weeks to obtain their new passport, except you pay additional for a fast-track service.

And it isn’t simply your passport you may must test earlier than you head off to catch your flight or ferry.

Another issues have modified since Brexit – the European Well being Insurance coverage Playing cards (EHIC) which changed the outdated E111s are not issued.

Now you can apply for a UK World Well being Isurance Card (GHIC).

The Authorities’s web site says: “A GHIC permits you to get medically mandatory state healthcare in Europe at a decreased price or typically without spending a dime.

“In case your EHIC continues to be in date, you don’t want to use for a brand new GHIC.

“They’re each legitimate when you’re travelling to an EU nation or, when you’re eligible, in Switzerland.”

Nonetheless, all travellers are additionally suggested to have journey insurance coverage with healthcare cowl, with the web site including: “An EHIC or GHIC will not be a substitute for journey insurance coverage. Ensure you have each earlier than you journey.

“Every healthcare system is totally different, and in some international locations you’ll must pay to have remedy.”

How and when can I apply for a GHIC?

You may apply for a World Well being Insurance coverage Card (GHIC) without spending a dime on the NHS web site.

If in case you have an current European Well being Insurance coverage Card (EHIC) it would stay legitimate till the expiry date proven on the cardboard.

You may apply for a brand new card as much as 6 months earlier than your present card expires.

The Authorities’s web site warns that folks ought to enable loads of time when making an utility: “It’s presently taking longer than traditional to course of new UK EHIC and GHIC purposes as a result of excessive demand. We’re working to resolve this and can course of all purposes as quickly as potential.

“When you want emergency remedy whilst you’re visiting one other nation and haven’t obtained your card, you possibly can apply for a Provisional Alternative Certificates (PRC).”

What can a GHIC be used for?

It is very important know that the GHIC can solely be used to entry medically mandatory state-provided healthcare if you’re visiting an EU nation or Switzerland.

The Authorities web site says that is outlined as: “Medically mandatory healthcare means healthcare that can’t moderately wait till you come again to the UK. Whether or not remedy is critical is set by the healthcare supplier within the nation you are visiting.”

This contains issues like emergency remedy and visits to A&E or remedy for a long-term or pre-existing medical situation.

You may typically pre-arrange remedy out of the country. Examine the International Workplace nation guides on GOV.UK for data on entry remedy within the nation you’re visiting.

Can I nonetheless drive in Europe with a UK driving licence?

Sure, most individuals can use their UK driving licence for driving within the EU or Switzerland, and you must take your licence with you if you journey.

You could want to use for an Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP) you probably have a paper licence, or in case your licence was issued in Gibralter, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

You have to have a sound driving licence to use for a IDP, which may be obtained from the Submit Workplace.

Earlier than you journey overseas, test your licence continues to be legitimate and renew on-line if it has expired or is about to run out – you must obtain your new licence inside 5 days. You may as well apply by publish, however it would take longer.

In case your licence has been broken, destroyed, misplaced or stolen you’ll need to use for a brand new one.

What are the foundations for driving overseas?

When planning to drive abroad you must at all times test the foundations for the nation you might be visiting.

This contains native pace limits, drink drive legal guidelines and the requirement to hold additional tools like a reflective jacket and warning triangle.

You’ll need headlight converter stickers, and a UK sticker.

Some European cities require emission stickers (permits).

If you’re hiring a automobile, it’s your accountability to test it’s accurately outfitted.

And in case you are taking your personal car, test your insurance coverage cowl – your UK insurance coverage gives you a minimal of third get together cowl, however might not embrace issues like theft or harm.

You might also want further insurance coverage in case you are towing a caravan or trailer.

Extra driving recommendation for each nation in Europe may be discovered on the RAC’s web site.