As France opens its borders to UK travellers* following a temporary ban, a new poll just launched by research platform Opinium and commissioned by travel insurer, battleface, reveals that 12% of Brits will now be planning a summer holiday to France.
The poll, conducted on 13 January 2022, asked 2000 people “if France opens its borders as expected, what impact would this have on their holiday decisions?” with 12% stating they would book a summer holiday to France and 6% claiming they would book a holiday to France in the next six months.
Looking specifically at those who usually book a ski holiday, 54% said that the closure of French borders had impacted their ski plans whilst 11% of all respondents said that they have or will take a ski holiday in the 2021/2022 winter season.
Katie Crowe, global director of communications at battleface says:
“In the first week of January, insurance policies purchased for France represented just 5% of our sales with other destinations such as Switzerland talking a bigger share (over 10% in the case of Switzerland). We are pleased that the French government has taken the move to lift its travel ban on British tourists. This will allow families hoping to travel to France to continue to plan ahead of the February half term as well as skiers wanting to plan a winter escape this season.
It is worth remembering however that not only is there a continuing surge of COVID-19 infections in France, stringent testing requirements are still in place for anyone travelling from the UK including a COVID-19 test (PCR or lateral flow test) 24 hours before leaving the UK. The requirements for British travellers while in France might also change and it’s vital that travellers keep up to date with the changing entry requirements as well as ensuring they have robust travel insurance in place.”
battleface offers both winter sports cover and COVID-19 medical expenses with their travel insurance, which will include cover for medical expenses caused by or resulting from COVID-19 for travellers aged 59 or under.
battleface winter sports product provides medical expenses for accidents and illness on the slopes (up to the policy limits) as well as additional benefit for sports equipment including:
- Winter Sports equipment up to £750 (£500 per single article, set or pair)**
- Hired equipment is also covered (£300 per single article, set or pair)**
**subject to the policy excess
For up-to-the-minute information on global travel restrictions and entry requirements, visit the battleface Travel hub: www.battleface.com/en-gb/travel-restrictions
* French borders are open to UK travellers who are fully vaccinated and have evidence of a negative coronavirus test taken within 24 hours of departure. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements