Fresh calls have come from health and travel experts for the need for travel insurance for those UK holidaymakers planning on visiting the Channel Islands following the end of a mutual agreement between the Islands and Britain.

Securing effective travel insurance has been promoted as essential by Post Office Travel after the announcement earlier this year that visitors to the Channel Islands from the UK would be required to pay for their own medical treatments in their entirety if they do not have the appropriate travel insurance cover. Prior to the announcement UK-based visitors were entitled to some medical treatments free of charge.

Although visitors have always had to cover some of their medical costs on visits to the Channel Islands such as dental care, GP treatment and prescription medicine in Jersey, the change in legislation means that visitors are now responsible for all of their own medical costs, making thorough insurance cover essential.

The reciprocal agreement also applies to Channel Islanders who are visiting the UK, with authorities encouraging travellers to Britain to take out appropriate travel insurance. According to Post Office Travel Insurance good travel cover is a critical component of any journey.

The recent trend towards staycationing has also meant that now, more than ever, adequate travel insurance is of utmost importance, even if for the short jaunts across the water. The Channel Islands encompass the main islands of Guernsey and Jersey along with the smaller islands of Sark, Herm and Alderney.