GoCompare's 'Traveling with Grandchildren' Guide

Going on holiday with your grandchildren provides the perfect opportunity to catch up and create memories to last a lifetime.

But there are certain rules to follow when you travel overseas with grandchildren.

You’ll need the permission of everyone who has parental responsibility for the child before taking them out of the country. And it’s important to note you’ll need consent from both parents (if applicable) – getting permission from only one is not enough.

While verbal consent is acceptable, it might be a good idea to get written consent for the child from their parents, just to be on the safe side.

DO GRANDPARENTS NEED A CONSENT LETTER TO TAKE GRANDCHILDREN ABROAD?

Getting written consent to travel with your grandchildren can be a wise move in case you get stopped at a UK or foreign border.

Border officials sometimes ask to see proof of parental permission for travel to help prevent child abduction. It could be more likely to happen if you have a different surname to your grandchildren.

Check the exact rules for the countries you are travelling to as they might have their own laws on parental permission, consent letters and whether these letters need to be authorised by a notary.

Without proper evidence of consent, you could face delays or even be denied entry to the country.

WHAT SHOULD A CONSENT LETTER ALLOWING A CHILD TO TRAVEL WITH GRANDPARENTS SAY?

In a formal letter of permission, parents need to outline the trip that their child will embark on and express their consent for the child to travel with their grandparents.

It should include the following:

• Information about the child – full name, date, place of birth and passport number.
• Name, address and passport details of grandparents.
• Flight information – departure and return date, as well as airports you’ll be flying from and to.
• Where the child will be staying.
• Parents’ names, address and contact number/s, in case an official calls to confirm parental permission at a border.

There are lots of consent form templates you can find online.

WHAT ELSE DO GRANDPARENTS NEED TO BRING WHEN TRAVELLING WITH GRANDCHILDREN?

You’ll need:

• Your grandchild’s passport.
• You could bring a copy of their birth certificate, as well as a copy of your son or daughter’s birth certificate (as applicable) to prove your relationship to your grandchild.
• The child’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It will give you access to free or reduced-cost emergency state healthcare while in the European Union.
• If the child has any medical issues – a particular illness or allergy or is on any medication – consider bringing along their medical notes. This could make things easier as you can show the notes to any health practitioners should your grandchild child need medical care.

DOES FAMILY TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER GRANDPARENTS TAKING GRANDCHILDREN ABROAD?

Buying travel insurance for your trip with the grandkids can provide peace of mind that you’ll be covered should something unexpected happen.

A policy can cover you for things like:

• Medical expenses – If any of you have an accident or illness and need medical treatment.
• Repatriation – Pays for the cost of getting you home if you fall ill and need treatment back in the UK, or if you can’t use your booked return travel.
• Cancellation – This can cover the cost of your holiday if you can’t make the trip for an insured reason.
• Theft, loss or damage of your baggage and other personal items – You can claim up to a specified amount, provided the items weren’t left unattended.

There are a few different types of policies you can consider, including:

FAMILY TRAVEL INSURANCE

This type of policy can cover up to two adults who live together and up to eight children aged under 18 (or up to 24 years old if they’re in full-time education). It can work out cheaper than covering everyone separately.

This could work for grandparents travelling with their grandchildren because:

• Children do not have to live at the same address as the adults named on the policy to be included in the cover.
• Available as a single-trip or annual policy, and for European or worldwide cover.
• Some providers cover children below a certain age for free.
• Offers a convenient solution to insuring multiple people – you won’t need to keep track of multiple policy numbers, documents and terms and conditions.

GROUP TRAVEL INSURANCE

This type of policy can cover a group of up to 10 people travelling together and can be a mix of adults and children who are not necessarily related. For grandparents and grandchildren, family travel insurance usually works out cheaper as insurers often charge families less than a group of unrelated people.

CHILDREN’S TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you already have your own insurance in place (perhaps you have an annual travel insurance policy), you can insure a grandchild on their own policy.

A child’s travel policy covers everything a policy for an adult does.

Before you buy separate travel insurance, though, check that your grandchild isn’t covered under an existing annual family travel policy with their parents. Some might cover the child when travelling with at least one responsible adult and with the full consent of an insured parent or guardian. Check the policy terms and conditions.

KEEPING YOUR GRANDCHILD SAFE WHEN YOU TRAVEL

When you’re travelling with very young children, their safety is paramount:

• Use an ID bracelet with your name and phone number on it, so if your grandchild gets lost, you can be easily contacted.
• Teach them what to do if they get lost – things like finding a safe person like a police officer, member of staff or a parent with children.
• Pack a first aid kit.
• Never leave them unattended near or in a pool or the sea.
• Keep babies completely in the shade. Older children should cover up with long-sleeved loose clothing, wide-brimmed hats and suncream. Seek shade as much as possible, especially during the hottest times of the day.