Travel further with greater financial confidence.
Understand travel insurance in the UK, including medical cover, cancellation protection, baggage, excess, exclusions and the differences between single-trip and annual policies.
What is travel insurance in the UK?
Travel insurance is designed to provide financial protection against certain unexpected events connected with a trip. Depending on the policy, this can include overseas medical expenses, cancellation, delays, baggage problems and other specified risks.
Policies differ significantly. The destination, length of the trip, activities planned, medical circumstances, level of cover and excess can all affect what a policy provides.
Travel insurance should therefore be assessed on the actual protection offered rather than simply choosing the cheapest premium.
What can travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance policies vary, but these are some of the main areas travellers commonly review before buying cover.
Medical Cover
Overseas medical expenses can potentially be substantial, making medical protection an important part of many travel insurance policies.
Cancellation & Curtailment
Some policies can help with certain non-refundable trip costs when an insured cancellation or curtailment reason applies.
Baggage & Personal Belongings
Baggage cover can help with specified loss, theft or damage to eligible possessions, subject to policy limits.
Which type of travel insurance may suit your trip?
The right policy depends on how often you travel, where you are going and the type of activities planned.
Single Trip Insurance
Designed for one specific journey. It can be useful for travellers who take occasional holidays or trips.
Annual Multi-Trip
Provides cover for multiple trips during the policy year, subject to individual trip duration and policy conditions.
Family Travel Insurance
Family policies can cover multiple eligible travellers under one arrangement, subject to insurer requirements.
Specialist Travel Cover
Certain destinations, medical circumstances or higher-risk activities may require specialist insurance.
What can affect the cost of travel insurance?
Travel insurance premiums can vary considerably because insurers assess several characteristics of the traveller and trip.
Destination
The country or region you visit can influence the premium because medical and other travel risks vary.
Trip Duration
Longer trips can involve greater exposure to insured risks and may affect the cost.
Traveller Age
Age can be one factor insurers consider when assessing travel insurance risk.
Medical History
Pre-existing medical conditions may affect eligibility, cover and premium.
Activities
Certain sports and adventure activities may require additional or specialist protection.
Cover Level
Higher limits and additional benefits can affect the overall policy premium.
Excess
A higher excess may reduce a premium but can increase the amount you contribute towards an eligible claim.
Trip Type
Single-trip and annual multi-trip policies can have different pricing structures and conditions.
Use this checklist before choosing a policy.
A low premium does not necessarily mean suitable cover. Check the policy limits, exclusions and conditions against your actual trip.
Know what your travel insurance may not cover.
Exclusions can vary significantly between policies. Always read the latest policy wording and Insurance Product Information Document before travelling.
Areas commonly covered when insured
Areas to check carefully
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Common questions about travel insurance in the UK.
These answers provide general educational information. Always check your policy wording and current travel requirements before travelling.
Choose travel cover based on your actual trip.
Review medical protection, cancellation limits, baggage, activities, destination restrictions, exclusions and excess before choosing a travel insurance policy.