Government launches Global Travel Taskforce to enable people to travel again

Added 08/10/2020

The latest move from the government gives more hope to those of us who are looking forward to enjoying a holiday abroad in 2021.

It has announced the launch of a new Global Travel Taskforce whose job it is to look at ways of opening up international travel to and from the UK.  With its initial recommendations due in November, things should be looking good for 2021 holidays.

The taskforce’s priorities are to:

  • consider how a testing regime for international arrivals can be implemented to boost safe travel into and out of the UK.
  • see what steps can be taken to facilitate business and leisure travel through testing and non-testing means.
  • increase consumer confidence to support the recovery of the travel industry. 

The taskforce is a collaboration between the Department for Transport and the Department of Health and Social Care who will be working with clinicians, health experts and the private testing sector on the practicalities of testing new arrivals.

Their aim is to reduce the 14-day quarantine requirements which are currently in place.

They will look at the feasibility of a single test taken after a shorter period of self-isolation, as well looking at alternative models such as working with partner countries to determine whether self-isolation could be undertaken before departure.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: 

“The taskforce will implement a testing regime to reduce the self-isolation period, along with a wide range of other measures to enable travel whilst keeping coronavirus rates down.”

Travel insurance for 2021 holidays

If you are planning a holiday it’s a good idea to buy travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked.  That way the money you’ve invested is protected against the risk of cancellation.

Gold and Platinum policies from Goodtogoinsurance.com provide cancellation cover if you have to cancel your holiday for the following reasons:

- Illness or injury (incl. contracting covid-19 if you have Covid+ cover), redundancy, your home becomes uninhabitable, requirements of HM Forces, court appearance or jury service.

We are flexible.  

If you need to change the dates or destination of your trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can move your single trip insurance to match, up until 31 December 2021, with no admin charge*.

All of our policies include Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation (bringing you home) if you contract COVID-19 abroad.  Covid+ policies also include cover for cancellation if you, or anyone insured on the policy contract COVID-19 before you travel.

*If the new trip is for a longer period, to a different destination, or more than 12 months from the adjustment date, there may be an additional premium.
 

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