But your travel insurance will cover it, surely?
So a valuable lesson for us all: get adequate travel insurance, because you never know when you might need it.
It's not like it's awfully expensive; I buy an annual policy for Europe each year with additional cover for my medical conditions, which has £5k cancellation cover, and despite a significant hike in price when I got a new one last year it's still under £50. I suspect the prices will jump again if we're out of the EU/EEA and no longer eligible for an EHIC.
I'd absolutely recommend that anyone who travels more than once a year buys an annual policy. It's one less thing to worry about when planning, and the prices are good.
Moderator note: Posts relating to Brexit have been moved here: Brexiteers causing disruption as the disruption has ended, and suitable advice has been given regarding travel insurance, this thread is now locked.