EU freedom of movement, consumer protection and health insurance make it easier and safer for UK citizens to travel in Europe.

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UK citizens travelling around Europe benefit from:

EU passenger rights
Covers you when travelling by rail, air, bus and ship in case of delays, cancellations or overbooking. Sets out circumstances in which passengers are entitled to refunds, compensation or alternative travel arrangements.

EU healthcare rights
Gets you access to healthcare for any medical treatment that can’t wait until you get home, whether on holiday, a business trip or studying abroad. All UK citizens can apply for the European Health Insurance card, which makes it easy to obtain healthcare abroad but have the cost covered by the NHS back home.

EU freedom of movement
Allows you to travel visa free throughout the entire EU and European Economic Area (EEA), and passport free within the 29 member states that are part of the EU’s ‘Schengen Area’. The UK has a permanent opt-out from joining the Schengen Area so there are still border controls and checks to get in and out of the UK.

EU consumer protection
Stops you getting ripped off in the EU just for being a tourist. Companies are not allowed to charge EU citizens different rates for the same service just because they aren’t local.

A large part of the EU Commission’s role is to regulate the Single Market and ensure consumers are protected. It is currently investigating Disneyland Paris for making Brits pay 40% more than the French to visit Disneyland Paris. Internet giant Amazon, ski-lift operators and hotel companies are also under investigation.


Sources:
Passenger rights: http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/index_en.htm
Healthcare rights: http://europa.eu/eu-life/healthcare/index_en.htm
European Health Insurance Card: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559&langId=en
Free movement: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=457
Your Europe: http://europa.eu/youreurope/