How to get the best travel protection as new Covid restrictions are introduced tomorrow

TRAVEL rules are set to change tomorrow as the UK eases its Covid restrictions.

Travellers who previously had to take a PCR test two days after arriving in England will now be able to use a cheaper lateral flow instead.

What changes are coming into force?

Since yesterday, Brits have been able to return to the UK without needing to have a Covid test to enter the country, provided they are vaccinated.

The isolation rule – which required arrivals to isolate until they received their day two test result – has also been scrapped.

And from tomorrow, the day two test rules will change – and families will be able to save hundreds.

From 4am on Sunday, Brits will be able to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test, with the former much cheaper.

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While the NHS lateral flow tests can't be used for travel purposes, they cost around £22 from private medical firms – while PCRs are at least £60 more.

The government website states: "If you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England, and you will arrive in England after 4am, Sunday 9 January, you can choose to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test after you arrive in England.

"If you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England, and you will arrive in England after 4am, Sunday 9 January, you can choose to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test after you arrive in England."

However, while travellers don't have to isolate while they wait for their result, they will have to take a PCR test if it comes back positive.

The website continues: "If you take a lateral flow test and test positive, you will need to self-isolate and take a free PCR test."

What can I do to get the best Covid holiday protection?

1. Purchase travel insurance

Buying travel insurance before jetting off is vital to ensuring you're not left out of pocket should things go south.

Without the right policy, you could be left with thousands of pounds worth of emergency expenses.

So, make sure your police includes "disruption cover" to help plug costs caused when the unexpected happens.

2. Check if your cover includes spots banned by the UK government

Only a few insurance providers offer this.

Consumer protection group Which? suggest that Barlcays, Churchill, Direct Line, HSBC and Nationwide have the best Covid cover.

These providers should pay out if you're forced to cancel your trip due to chnages in Foreign Office advice.

They should also cover you should a lockdown come into force or if you test positive for Covid-19.

3. Bring your insurance policy details with you

If anything goes wrong, you'll need to know your policy number and the insurer's emergency assistance number to get help.

If going away for longer than a short stay then check the maximum duration allowed in your policy.

4. Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is the best way to provide protection against the virus.

It's also the best way to score good cover as some insurers may choose not to pay out claims if you're unvaccinated – with the exception being those who are medically exempt.

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