Visitors planning a trip to the Channel Islands not far from the French coast could buy
cheap travel insurance as a precaution.
A reciprocal health agreement between the National Health Service (NHS) and the Channel Islands has come to an end, meaning UK residents are no longer entitled to free healthcare in the region without policies such as
worldwide travel insurance.
Around 5,500 UK holidaymakers seek medical treatment in the islands each year and insurance experts are concerned that tourists and backpackers will not realise the change and will end up having to pay their share of the £3.68 million annual bill.
Steve Williams, of price comparison site Confused.com, told the Times: "Holidaymakers should be careful, though, to avoid doubling up on insurance. Items taken on holiday might already be covered by home insurance policies, while people with annual European or global cover will automatically be covered for UK trips."
Trips to the Channel Islands could become more popular now that many people are seeking holidays closer to home in response to the recession.
The Channel Islands endured a tumultuous time during the mid-20th Century as they were occupied by the Germans during World War II.
Going, going, gone. Downunder for
cheap travel insurance.