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Best travel insurance UK 2024 guide

We all deserve a break now and then. And the last thing you want to think of when booking your holiday is something going wrong. But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. That’s why you should always consider travel insurance when going on a trip.

But how can you find the best travel insurance policy for your needs? Read our guide below to find out more.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance protects you financially if your trip away doesn’t go as planned and you incur unexpected expenses for delays, losses or medical treatment.

All travellers can benefit from travel insurance. But travel insurance is particularly important if you are going on an independent trip without a tour operator, because if something goes wrong, you will have no other help.

There are three main types of travel insurance:

• Single-trip cover: this is the most typical form of travel insurance, covering you for a one-off trip or holiday. There will be a time limit on the cover that can range anywhere between one month and 365 days
• Annual multi-trip cover: this allows you to make multiple trips, or have multiple holidays, in a 12-month period, all under the same travel insurance policy. There may be a cap on how long each individual trip can be
• Long stay, or backpacker, cover: this is normally used for around the world trips, gap years, and longer cruises, and can last for up to 18 months

To find the best UK travel insurance, compare policies before you go to ensure you get the right coverage for you and the specific trip you’re planning.

How to find the best travel insurance policy

When comparing policies to find the best travel insurance for your trip, you should consider: 

• Type of cover you need
• Excess (how much you’ll be expected to pay out yourself before the policy will cover you)
• Amount of medical coverage, and why pre-existing conditions aren’t included
• Limit on baggage claims
• Coverage for specific sports and activities
• Any potential rewards and discounts
• Add-ons, such as gadget insurance

Best travel insurance deals and discounts

Looking for the best travel insurance deals from the best travel insurance companies? In most cases, the easiest way to find the best travel insurance deals is to use a comparison website. Travel insurance comparison websites let you compare costs and coverage side by side to find the best UK travel insurance.

The four main comparison websites – Moneysupermarket, Comparethemarket, Confused.com and GoCompare – also often have certain deals and discounts when you buy travel insurance from them, offering some of the best travel insurance deals on the market.

Moneysupermarket : Find the same deal for less, and it will price match and give you a choice of a £20 gift card. Only on annual travel insurance.

Comparethemarket : Two for one cinema tickets with Meerkat Movies and savings at restaurants when you dine out or order pizza in with Meerkat Meals, as well as 25 per cent off coffee and pastries at Caffè Nero every day of the week through the Meerkat app.

(In November 2023, Confused.com and GoCompare had no deals or discounts for travel insurance).

Price is obviously a big consideration when you are looking for the best travel insurance – you’ve probably already spent a lot on your holiday. But you may be able to get much better coverage for just a few pounds extra, so it’s worth scrolling down the comparison site’s list of providers before buying.

Medical costs abroad will undoubtedly be the biggest expense you face if you fall ill abroad, so don’t scrimp on those.

Then think about your next biggest expense (probably cancellation/interruption of your trip) and make sure that you have high-value coverage for that.

If you find you can get much higher coverage (the maximum amount you can claim per type of claim, such as medical or baggage) for not very much more money, go for the slightly more expensive option.

Going direct

Comparison sites won’t always find you the cheapest deals, however. For example, Direct Line offers some of the best travel insurance with Covid cover and is not on comparison websites.

Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer discounts for buying directly from them, as follows:

Bundled coverage options

When looking for the best travel insurance for your holiday, it can make sense to buy a bundle of coverage under one policy.

Comparison websites will often offer add-on gadget cover, winter sports cover or cruise cover all under the one policy. If you need that extra cover, it is typically cheaper to buy your travel insurance this way rather than as separate policies.

What is covered by travel insurance?

The best travel insurance companies will offer you comprehensive coverage across all types of claims. It’s easy to compare the best travel insurance deals using a comparison website.

Medical coverage

This covers you for medical expenses you incur if you become ill or have an accident while away. The best UK travel insurance will have a high level of medical coverage.

For example, medical coverage will pay for any necessary treatment if you come down with severe food poisoning or you fall through a window and have to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

• Avoid hefty bills or debt for medical assistance outside the UK
• Access better treatment – for example, at private vs public hospitals
• Often, as long as you declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests, you are covered if you fall ill during your trip (check policy exclusions)
• Even the best travel insurance companies will likely charge you more if you have a pre-existing medical condition
• You might have to pay part or all your medical expenses first, then claim on the policy afterwards
• Even the best travel insurance companies do not cover events that happen after you have consumed alcohol excessively or taken recreational drugs or other substances

Trip cancellation/interruption

This insurance pays out the cost of your missed trip if you have to cancel or cut your holiday short due to unforeseen circumstances.

For example, cancellation insurance would normally pay out if you broke your leg just before you were due to travel and had to cancel your trip.

Interruption insurance would cover you if you had to come home early for certain reasons beyond your control – for example, if the area you were staying in was engulfed in wildfires.

• Money you would have lost on pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses is paid to you under the policy
• It can be especially valuable if the trip you are planning is very expensive, as this is money you would lose if you couldn’t go
• You’ll usually only be covered if your trip is cancelled or cut short for specific reasons listed in your policy
• You usually won’t be covered if you miss your flight because you are held by customs or cancel because of a work issue or a pre-existing medical condition that is not covered

Baggage cover

This insurance covers the cost of replacing your luggage if it is lost or stolen.

For example, if an airline loses your luggage in transit or your suitcase is stolen from your hostel while you’re away, you can make a claim for the cost of replacing its contents.

You may also be able to claim for costs related to baggage delay if the airline temporarily misplaced your baggage.

• You can claim for the actual cash value of your belongings or the cost of replacing them (whichever is less)
• High-value items, such as jewellery or sports equipment, can be very expensive to replace without travel insurance
• Standard policies usually place per item and total limits on claims.
• If you are taking very expensive items away, check your policy carefully to ensure that you’re covered (and potentially get a separate policy)
• Some items could be covered by your home insurance policy, so check your policy carefully to see what is any isn’t. It’s also important to note that, should a lost item be covered by both policies, you can only claim once; an attempt to claim twice would be considered fraud

Personal liability

This insurance covers you if you are held responsible for harming another person or damaging their property.

For example, it covers you in situations where you cause serious damage to your holiday accommodation or accidentally stumble into someone else, causing them to need medical treatment.

• The cost of defending yourself in a legal case or repairing/replacing damage could be extremely costly without travel insurance
• Your travel insurance company will take over dealing with a foreign legal system
• You’re covered for the cost of any compensation (up to certain limits)

Limits: 

• Not all travel insurance provides personal liability as standard
• Policies may exclude personal liability while you partake in adventure activities
• Claims related to you committing a crime or damage by wilful negligence won’t be covered
• You likely will not be covered if you admit liability or make an offer to pay before talking to your insurer

Finding the best travel insurance with Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance with Covid cover? Many travel insurance policies now include cancellation cover for reasons related to Covid. This often applies within two weeks of being due to travel, according to the Association of British Insurers, but individual policies can vary.

To make a claim, insurers often require proof in the form of a medically approved positive Covid test. A lateral flow test or self-diagnosis is usually not accepted.

What Covid-related cover to look for

The best travel insurance with Covid cover should include the following:

• Cover if you can’t start your trip because you tested positive for Covid before travelling
• Cover if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for Covid during the holiday
• Cover for additional costs, such as alternative flights, accommodation and Covid tests
• Cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to Covid-19

Travel insurance providers with comprehensive Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance providers with Covid cover? Most travel insurance policies now offer some kind of Covid cover, but Churchill, Direct Line, M&S and Aviva have some of the most comprehensive offerings, with cover for cancellations and expenses related to Covid.

• Covid covered as standard on travel insurance policies
• Cover for trip cancellations if you, a close relative or a travelling companion is diagnosed with Covid-19 or another pandemic disease
• Cover if you or a person you’re planning to stay with must quarantine (abroad or in the UK)
• Cover if you can’t use pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation affected by Covid-19
• Cover for quarantine or where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel within 28 days of departure
• Cover for emergency medical expenses abroad due to Covid-19

Direct Line

• Cover for travel to a destination where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel 
• Cover for medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 while you’re away 
• Cover for additional accommodation and transport if you have to quarantine due to Covid
• Cover for cancellation costs if you or a close relative get Covid-19 before you go
• Cover for quarantine or if the FCDO changes its advice after you book your trip
• Cover if you have to cut your trip short if the FCDO changes its country advice unexpectedly

• Cover for emergency medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 during your trip
• Cover for unrecoverable costs up to £6,000 if you must cancel your trip or return early, including if you have to self-isolate or quarantine before you travel due to Covid-19
• Cover for if you need to cancel your trip due to a positive Covid-19 test or if the FCDO advise against travel to your destination in the 31 days leading up to your trip
• Providing you haven’t travelled against FCDO advice, you’ll also be covered if you catch Covid-19 while abroad

• Coverage of up to £5,000 per person if you must cancel your trip due to getting Covid (you’ll need to provide confirmation and evidence of a positive test result)
• Cover for Covid-related emergency medical treatment and expenses while away
• Cover if you unexpectedly need to quarantine, including extra travel and accommodation costs to get home (provided a return trip was booked) 
• Cover for costs for any accommodation and excursions unused due to getting Covid where the costs can’t be recovered elsewhere
• No cover you if you travel against FCDO advice*
• No cover if you can’t travel because you don’t meet the entry requirements of a country (such as having had Covid vaccinations)*

* It’s worth noting that these clauses are not unusual and the majority of providers will have something similar

Tips for selecting the best UK travel insurance packages

Need some help picking the best UK travel insurance packages to make sure that you get the best travel insurance deals? Here are some tips for picking the best policy features for you.

Coverage limits

When looking for the best travel insurance companies to go with, check coverage limits. These are the maximum amounts your travel insurer will pay if you need to claim. You’ll see when you compare travel insurance policies that coverage limits vary for each type of claim and between policies.

The government-backed MoneyHelper website recommends that the best UK travel insurance should have the following minimum coverage for each type of claim:

• Medical: £1m or more for travel to Europe and £2m or more for the US
• Cancellation/interruption: £2,000 or more
• Missed departure: £500 or more
• Delay: £200 or more
• Baggage cover: £1,500 or more
• Personal liability cover: £2 million or more

Deductibles/excess

Deductibles, also known as the excess, is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your travel insurance will start paying for your claim.

You have to make a trade-off when it comes to choosing the excess and the best travel insurance policy for you.

The lower the excess on a travel insurance policy, the better for you if you have to claim because you will have less to pay from your own pocket (or, more often, deducted from your claim).

But lower excess travel insurance policies are more expensive because the insurer knows it has more to pay out if you claim. Higher excess policies are cheaper, but you’ll have more deducted from your claim.

An exclusion on a travel insurance policy is an event the policy will not cover you for.

Common exclusions on a standard travel insurance policy may not be obvious. According to the ABTA – The Travel Association, these include:

• Incidents that occur after drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
• Theft of unattended possessions
• Sports, extreme sports and activities such as skiing, white water rafting and bungee jumping
• Medical treatment resulting from existing medical conditions you have not declared or conditions preventable by vaccine or advisable medication, such as antimalarials
• Medical costs if you stay abroad after your doctor says you are fit to return to the UK
• Strikes and industrial action if it was known when you booked your trip
• Rescheduled flights where the airline has cancelled and then rescheduled your flight
• Travel to destinations where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel

To get the best travel insurance deals, one way around some of these exclusions is to buy add-ons for adventure activities. In addition, make sure to declare all pre-existing conditions and keep an eye out for any travel disruptions before you book.

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or medical conditions you have and are aware of before you travel.

Travel insurance companies will ask you to disclose any pre-existing conditions. If you use a comparison website, it will be among the first questions you’re asked before it shows you quotes. It’s important to be honest.

Some travel insurance companies, but not all, will offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, while others will offer cover but exclude any claims arising from that medical condition. This will depend on the person being covered and the medical condition.

Most price comparison websites include an option to show insurers who do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, so that would be a good place to start.

The following are likely to be considered pre-existing conditions you should disclose, according to the government-backed MoneyHelper website:

• A condition where you are on a list for an operation
• A condition where you are waiting for test results
• Anything you have been to the doctor about in the last year, including minor things
• Any serious conditions you’ve ever had – for example, cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems or a mental health breakdown

A good tip for everyone, but especially if you have a pre-existing condition, is to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. If your condition gets worse and forces you to cancel your plans, you’ll be covered from the day the policy starts.

On family group policies, the cost will be determined based on the riskiest traveller (according to insurers), which could be someone with a pre-existing condition or an older individual. In this case, it is often cheaper for the group for that person to get a separate policy.

Add-on options

Add-ons are extras you can purchase in addition to a standard travel insurance policy. They cost a bit more, but you may find you’re not covered without them. 

Gadget insurance

This covers things that a standard policy may not, such as your mobile phone or laptop. If these items are covered, you may find the claim limits are far less than the cost of replacing them.

Before you add this option to your travel insurance, check your home insurance policy, because you may already be covered.

Winter sports/adventure activities

Riskier activities, such as skiing or white water rafting, often require extra holiday insurance because insurers think that you are more likely to need to make a claim doing these things.

Winter sports/adventure activities cover is worth getting, or you may find you are not covered for medical expenses if something goes wrong.

Standard travel insurance is generally meant for land-based holidays so you’ll need to opt for a specialist cruise policy if your holiday is a cruise.

European FCDO travel advice extension

Most standard travel insurance policies are invalid if you travel when the FCDO advises against “all but essential travel”.

This add-on allows you to travel to Europe with a valid travel insurance policy, even if the FCDO has advised against it.

This can be an expensive add-on, but if you really must travel to a risky area, you will need this extension in order to make sure you have cover.

Best holiday insurance summary

Choosing the right travel insurance is an essential part of enjoying peace of mind while you are on holiday.

When looking for the best travel insurance deals, don’t just pick the cheapest policy. Instead, look for the cover limits that match your requirements. For example, baggage cover of £5,000 isn’t worth having if your baggage is worth £1,000; cancellation cover up to £10,000 isn’t worth having if your holiday cost you £2,000.

The easiest way to compare the best travel insurance is usually by using a travel insurance comparison website.

Think about the sort of activities you’ll be doing while you’re away. You may need extra holiday insurance for things such as winter sports or scuba diving or if you are going on a cruise.

Be honest about any pre-existing conditions when buying your travel insurance, or you won’t be covered if you have to claim.

The best travel insurance is a safety net for you and your family to enjoy your trip away stress-free, knowing that you’re covered for everything from medical expenses to cancellations if things go wrong.

Frequently asked questions about the best travel insurance UK packages

Is travel insurance necessary for domestic travel within the uk.

Even where medical costs in the UK are covered by the NHS, a sudden illness could lead to other expenses, forcing you to cancel your trip, the costs of which travel insurance would cover.

Lost or stolen luggage and broken gadgets or other claims for damage can just as easily occur in the UK as abroad.

What is annual travel insurance, and is it a good option for frequent travellers?

Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers you for multiple trips away within any 12-month period. It is often cheaper than buying a separate policy for each trip if you are planning to go away multiple times in one year.

Annual travel insurance is also useful if you are planning a long trip visiting several countries, as often insurers require you to buy travel insurance before you leave the UK rather than abroad mid-trip.

Are there any travel insurance companies that specialise in certain types of trips or travellers?

Specialist travel insurers cater to specific groups of people. It can make sense to seek out travel insurers that cover your needs.

Adventures Insurance, Sports Cover Direct and Snowcard tailor their travel insurance to those who enjoy activity holidays and extreme sports, for example.

Senior travellers are the focus of policies from All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance Services, Free Spirit Flex, Good 2 Go Extra, Goodtogo Insurance, Saga, Staysure and Total Travel Protection.

Insurers offering business trip cover include Allianz, Direct Line, Coverwise and Insure & Go.

How do I make a claim with my travel insurance company?

To claim on your travel insurance while you are away, make sure that you take your policy number with you and the emergency number for your insurer. If you are travelling abroad, take any international numbers too.

Call your insurer as soon as you realise you need to make a claim. Keep all receipts and medical expense forms. If you are travelling with other people, make them aware of your policy details and the insurer’s phone number in case they need to call on your behalf.

To make a claim when you return home, check the following:

• You haven’t left it too late to make a claim
• What you’re claiming for is covered
• The excess is not more than the value of your claim (if so, it’s not worth claiming)

Notify your insurer as soon as possible for a claim form, send it back fast and keep a copy of it. You should also include copies of paperwork to support your claim, such as receipts or medical certificates (keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused).

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a freelance journalist, editor, and producer. She has a wealth of consumer finance experience, having written about money matters and business for over 15 years.

During her tenure as a freelance writer, she has worked for ITN, Wired, and The Sunday Times, as well as financial institutions such as Aegon, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Pension Bee, where she’s presenter of the Pension Confident Podcast.

Laura has previously held roles at The Times, where she was the Acting Editor of Times Money Mentor, The Telegraph as a senior finance reporter and was the co-host of the It’s Your Money Podcast, which was renowned for making complex finance issues accessible, and The Financial Times, where she worked as a News Editor. Laura has also worked at CNN, Politics.co.uk, and as a producer at Radio 5 Live.

Connor Campbell

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal and business finance writer who has been producing online content for almost a decade. 

Connor is the personal finance expert for Independent Advisor, guiding readers through everything they need to know about car insurance and home insurance. From how much it costs to the best insurance providers in the UK, he’s here to help you find the right policy for your needs. 

In his capacity as writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet , Connor explored a number of topics close to his heart, such as the impact of our increasingly cashless society, and the hardships and heroics of British entrepreneurs. His commentary was featured in sites such as The Mirror , the Daily Express and Business Insider . 

At financial trading firm Spreadex, meanwhile, his market commentary was featured in outlets such as The Guardian , BBC , Reuters and the Evening Standard . 

Connor is a voracious reader with an MA in English, and is dedicated to making life’s financial decisions a little bit easier by doing away with jargon and needless complexity.

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Helping you make the most out of your money

Searching Money Mentor . . .

The best travel insurance providers.

Updated March 26, 2024

In this guide

If you’re looking to escape the UK winter, or if you’re saving your holiday for the height of summer, you may wish to consider travel insurance. We explain what travel insurance is and some of the best policies on the market for your holiday.

In 2022, UK residents made 71 million visits abroad. This was over three times the amount made in 2021, when COVID restrictions kept many people at home. 

So if you’re part of a growing number of people spending time abroad, have you considered travel insurance? By taking out one of these policies you could be protected for lost baggage, delayed flights, and medical emergencies abroad among other unforeseen events.  

In this article we explain:

• What is travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

The best travel insurance.

• Travel insurance and medical conditions

Read more: Passport renewal costs and waiting times

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers the cost of unforeseen events and mishaps that either stop you from going on holiday or affect you while you’re away.

Depending on the policy, travel insurance might cover you for:

• Medical bills if you suffer illness or have an accident while you’re away
• Cancellation of your trip for reasons outside of your control
• Lost or stolen baggage

Policies are usually relatively inexpensive and can give you the peace of mind that your costs will be covered if something bad happens while you are on holiday.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, the average claim on travel insurance in 2022 was a little over £970. So while travel insurance won’t stop bad things from happening, but it can prevent you from having to find the money to pay for unexpected costs even after you return from your holiday.

Read more: Ten budget travel tips

Many people opt to take out travel insurance to cover potential medical care while away.

Every week, 3,000 Brits need emergency medical treatment while abroad, according to the ABI. But travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical costs. It can protect you against a range of unplanned events:

• Cancellation or trip interruption for reasons outside your control
• Missed transport or delayed departure for reasons outside your control
• Personal injury and death, including medical evacuation
• Lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money – check if your home contents insurance covers you
• Accidental damage or injury caused by you

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

Most travel insurers provide a basic level of cover for cancelled flights. Aviva’s travel insurance, for example, will pay out if your flight is cancelled due to an airport shutdown.

If your airline cancels your flight then you should claim a refund directly with them, so your travel insurance could cover other costs such as hotel bookings, vehicle rentals, and other possible excursions.

What are my rights during strike action?

If your flights are cancelled because air staff are striking, which they have over last summer, you might be entitled to compensation from the airline. But for this to apply, customers must have been given less than 14 days’ notice.

It also depends on whether the airline was at fault or not: so if it’s the airline’s staff who are striking, you should be entitled to compensation.

If you’re worried that your flights might be delayed or cancelled, you should also check your travel insurance policy.

Some policies cover you for a cancelled or delayed flight, provided you took out the policy before the strikes were announced.

But if you haven’t yet bought your insurance, you may be out of luck. This is because most insurers won’t cover you for strikes which were already known about.

Read how travel insurance could catch you out.

Below we’ve listed some of the best travel insurance providers on the market, all of which were nominated in Times Money Mentor awards 2023.

Times Money Mentor award winning cover

Best for over-50s

Post Office

Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions

Best for those wanting substantial medical cover  

Best for a range of unique add-ons

Looking for a new holiday destination?

Make sure to visit Times Travel for your holiday inspiration this year. From palm beaches in Fiji to the beautiful Italian coastline, Times Travel caters to all different tastes. Unlike other parts of the site, you also don’t need a subscription to enjoy their high-quality content.

Another notable provider

Despite not winning a nomination at the Times Money Mentor awards, this provider also offers a decent level of cover:

Switched On

The best travel insurance for cruises.

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, it’s important to take out special additional cover such as a cruise insurance to protect you.

Cruise insurance is normally offered as an add-on to travel policies, and protects you if you:

• Miss connections to reach the departure
• Fail to get back on board after planned stops
• End up being confined to your cabin

Though if you want a dedicated travel insurance policy for a cruise, here’s an option to consider:

Just Travel Cover*

Best for cruise holidays

The best winter sports cover

If you’re planning a skiing and snowboarding trip then it’s important you have insurance that will cover you if you’re involved in an accident on the slopes.

Most travel insurers will offer winter sports cover as an optional add-on to their regular cover and will protect you if you:

• Need to be airlifted off the slopes or rescued and need medical treatment
• Turn up and there’s no snow
• Can’t start skiing and snowboarding because of avalanche risk
• Find out your equipment – such as skis, snowboard and boots – has been stolen

It’s difficult to predict what the next ski season will look like. But if you’re booking now and want cover for the essentials, here’s a policy to factor into your calculations.

InsureandGo*

Best for winter sports

What should a basic travel policy cover?

When shopping for travel insurance, you should ensure your policy comes with the following seven things as standard:

1. Medical expenses

This covers the costs of any emergency medical and surgical treatment while you’re away.

It usually costs more for cover in the US as medical bills can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Any treatment that can wait until you get home is not usually included.

Most policies offer cover of £1 million for medical costs in Europe. This is usually £2 million in the US.

2. Repatriation

This is where you might need to be evacuated from the country you’re visiting.

Repatriation usually happens when you need to get back home to the UK in the event of a medical emergency and is usually covered as standard in most travel insurance policies.

3. Cancellation/curtailment

This covers any travel and accommodation costs you have paid for and can’t use or claim back.

You need a good reason to cancel your trip, so make sure you double check the terms and conditions of your policy.

4. Missed departure

This covers your extra accommodation costs and travel expenses should you miss your departure due to situations outside your control.

It usually includes your car breaking down or being involved in an accident. Leaving home at the last minute won’t count.

This covers you for delays to your travel plans, such as severe weather conditions.

Delays known about before (such as strikes) won’t be covered.

6. Baggage cover

This should cover you if your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

You might need extra cover for gadgets or valuable possessions as there are usually limits on separate items.

Losses need to be reported within a certain time frame and you must have a written report from your airline if it loses your baggage.

7. Personal liability cover

This should cover you if you are liable to pay damages due to:

• Accidental bodily injury to someone
• Or for loss or damage to someone else’s property
• Claims made by family members or employees won’t be covered

Choose a smooth private healthcare journey with Saga Insurance

• Easy access to a specialist

• Fast tests, scans and treatment

• Comfortable hospital stay

Get a Saga Health Insurance quote

For people over 50. Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers, and it’s only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high standards of quality and service. 

What extra cover can you buy?

To provide a peace of mind you might be able to add the following onto your policy too:

• Wedding cover – If you’re travelling abroad for a wedding, some providers might include an add-on which covers damage to your possessions. If you think you need something more comprehensive, then consider a separate wedding insurance policy
• Gadget insurance – While you’re abroad you may wish to cover your laptop, phone, or tablet from theft or damage
• Golf equipment cover – Planning to tee off abroad? Then consider cover for moving your clubs overseas. This type of add on includes cover for your equipment if it is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged

Read more: Is credit card travel insurance any good?

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance won’t cover you for a risk that is known about.

For example, if you have a long-standing medical condition that means you can’t go on holiday, your insurer might not cover you for the cancellation costs.

Insurers also won’t cover you if you have to cancel your trip for reasons within your control. For example, if you miss your flight because you woke up late, your claim is likely to be rejected.

Travel insurance is also unlikely to cover you if you have been irresponsible. For example, if you leave your valuables in your hold luggage then your policy won’t cover you if these items are damaged.

Each travel insurance policy will have specific things it won’t cover and this will vary depending on the provider. So it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully.

What types of travel insurance can you buy?

There are two main options to choose from when taking out a travel insurance policy:

• Single trip — covers you for one trip of a specified length only
• Annual multi-trip — covers you for all your trips for one year (if you travel a lot this can work out cheaper than lots of single policies)

You need to make sure that either option of travel insurance covers you for where you are going, such as:

• Europe only
• Or the more expensive, worldwide policies (these either include or exclude the US)

But check first which exact countries providers include in their policies. For example, some policies include Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in their Europe insurance.

There is also specific travel insurance for backpackers, which offers extra cover for those who are likely to be away for an extended period of time or travelling to multiple destinations.

Also bear in mind that if you are doing any extreme sports like skiing or going on a cruise then you might need to buy an add-on.

When should I take out travel insurance?

It’s usually best to take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.

While many people think of travel insurance as something that covers problems while they are away, some policies cover you for issues, accidents and illnesses that stop you from being able to travel.

Cancellation is one of the main reasons that people claim on a travel insurance policy. If the cancellation happens before you have bought insurance then you wouldn’t be able to claim.

How much should I pay for travel insurance?

Your travel insurance premium will depend on a range of factors such as your age, health, type of policy, and destination. This is why an average travel insurance premium will likely be meaningless, so make sure to do your research and get a quote from several different providers before deciding on a policy.

Do I need travel insurance?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, it does come with a host of benefits such as cover for medical expenses.

We’ve already listed the benefits of having protection for unexpected medical costs above, and it remains pertinent if you’re travelling abroad and won’t have access to the NHS. According to the ABI, there is one recorded case in 2022 when a traveller in Thailand contracted a serious blood infection which needed intensive medical treatment. The bill eventually came up to £250,000 which was paid in full by their travel insurance provider.

Also consider that some visa applications require you to have a suitable travel insurance policy in place before you apply. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to travel Europe you’ll need a policy in place which covers medical expenses up to €30,000 during your trip.

FAQs: Travel insurance and medical conditions

Many people solely take out travel insurance to protect themselves from medical expenses. According to the ABI, the average medical claim on travel cover is more than £1,300. Notoriously in the US, these figures run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

So below we’ve answered some of the most common medical related questions on travel insurance:

Q. Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some insurers do provide cover for pre-existing conditions. However, it is vital that youflag these conditions during the application stage. If you don’t it could invalidate your policy.  

Q. Do you need to tell your travel insurance provider if you have a new medical condition?

If there is a significant change to your personal health then you’ll need to inform your travel insurance provider. This includes being diagnosed with a new long-term illness.

Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

Q. Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 75 with medical conditions?

Yes. In fact, there are some providers on the market which tailor their policies towards an older demographic. For example, Saga has dedicated policies for over 50s and 70s.

* All products, brands or properties mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback, and are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. This article contains links from which we can earn revenue. This revenue helps us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. For more, see  How we make our money  and  Editorial promise

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

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Travel Insurance

All medical conditions considered.

Includes Medical Assistance Plus 

Kids go free on family policies^ 

^ Kids (under 18s) can be covered at no extra cost on our Single-trip and Annual Multi-trip policies provided they have no medical conditions.

A choice of travel insurance to suit you

We have different types of cover for whatever you have planned. And we consider all medical conditions.

Offering cover for anything from a short UK break to a year of travelling around the world

• Covers you for a one-off trip up to 365 days* 
• Perfect for short or long trips for anywhere in the UK or abroad 
• No age limit

Travelling more than once this year? An Annual Multi-trip policy could save you time and money

• Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period
• Various individual trip durations available**
• Available for everyone aged up to 75 years

Looking for a gap year, career break or to travel the world? We could have the cover you're after

• Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months
• Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions
• Available for those aged 18 – 60

Medical Assistance Plus: 24/7 holiday health support

Enjoy your holiday safe in the knowledge that health professionals are just one click away.

Medical Assistance Plus, powered by Air Doctor, is an outpatient benefit included free when you take out travel insurance with us^^.

Whenever you are abroad, you can book an in-person or video consultation, and receive any medication prescriptions for collection from your nearest pharmacy.

We’ll even send an SMS reminder about the service the day before you travel (for Single-trip) or the day before your policy begins (for Annual Multi-trip policies).

^^This service is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to 3 separate medical events per person, per policy and for each medical event up to 3 appointments per person listed on the policy. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service. For any online appointments or where the appointment was held at your accommodation, where a prescription is issued, you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. No excess will be applied for any prescription charges. If your appointment takes place at a clinic and they have a dispensing chemist, you will not need to pay for your prescription and all charges will be covered by your policy at the point of appointment. If there is no dispensing chemist at the clinic, you will either be given a prescription, or the prescription will be sent to a chemist by the treating Doctor, and you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. If your medical situation needs to be handed over from an outpatient case to an inpatient case and requires hospital admission, you will be handed over to our emergency medical assistance team in the UK. For any inpatient cases, no excess will be applicable.

Living with a medical condition such as high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes shouldn't stop you having a fantastic holiday. But it's important you’re adequately insured. So make sure you tell us the full details of all existing medical conditions.

Post Office Travel Insurance covers most pre-existing medical conditions. Get a quote today to see if we can cover you.

If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition we’re unable to cover you for, check the  Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS)  directory of companies that may be able to help you. Or call  0800 138 7777 .

Pre-existing medical conditions

Choose a travel insurance cover level

We can offer you a choice of Economy, Standard and Premier cover levels.

Policy wording

*Increased to £750 if you bought your foreign currency from Post Office.

Upgrade your cover with ease

Need cover for your policy that's not included as standard? Just pay a little more to add these upgrades – optional or mandatory depending on the trip type.

This optional extra helps protect you from the impact of airspace disruption, natural catastrophes or terrorist acts on your travels >>

Add extra coronavirus protection, including for missed departures, connections and unexpected costs, or cutting your trip short if you’re staying or travelling with someone who tests positive >>

Taking more gadgets than standard policies cover? Add extra protection for smartphones, tablets, laptops, consoles and drones with our easy-to-add gadget cover >>

Specialist cover is mandatory for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There’s greater risk and emergency costs to airlift you from a mountain can be high. Make sure you’re protected on the pistes >>

If you're going on a cruise, specialist cover is both important and mandatory. It covers missed departure due to breakdown, falling ill on board, being confined to your cabin, lost baggage and more >>

Lots of activities are covered as standard by our policies but some, like golf and extreme sports, need extra protection >>

>> Terms and conditions apply

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

What is travel insurance?

Travel Insurance may be able to protect you against a range of unforeseen circumstances that can negatively impact your holiday – from losing valuables to medical emergencies. You can make sure that you’re getting cover that meets your needs by reading our  policy documents .

Cancellation and cutting short your trip

Emergency medical expenses.

• Missed departure
• Delayed departure

Personal liability and legal costs

We'll reimburse you for any non-refundable, unused travel and accommodation costs if you have to cancel or cut short a trip due to reasons set out in the policy. This includes pre-booked activities and excursions, car hire, cattery and kennel fees, up to the limits shown

We may be able to help if you need emergency medical treatment, repatriation to the UK (getting you back home) and more while you’re abroad 

Missed departure <<

We'll also cover any extra travel and accommodation costs you incur if you arrive too late to travel on your booked transport due to reasons set out in the policy

Delayed departure <<

You're covered if your first outward or final inward international departure is delayed by 4 or more hours due to certain reasons set out in the policy wording

Items that are usually carried or worn during a trip are covered if they get lost, stolen or damaged 

You'll also get protection for any legal costs you might unexpectedly incur while you're away 

<< Delayed and Missed Departure are only available with our Standard and Premier cover levels.

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

An award-winning provider

Best travel insurance provider.

Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023

Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the British Travel Awards in 2022

Defaqto 5-star rated cover

Our Premier level policies have a 5-star Defaqto rating

Cover you can count on. We’ve paid out over £177 million in travel insurance claims since 2007

Common travel insurance questions, what does travel insurance cover.

Post Office Travel Insurance can cover you for a single trip of up to 365 days*, or multiple trips** in a single year, anywhere in the UK or abroad. We also offer backpacker cover> for a single trip of up to 18 months.

The type and level of cover provided depends on the policy type and options you choose, but can include cover for cancellation, cutting your trip short and abandonment of your trip, emergency medical expenses, lost, stolen or damaged baggage, lost, stolen or damaged passports or personal money, personal accidents and liability, legal protection.

Optional additional cover available includes  Covid-19 Cover upgrade ,  Gadget Cover ,  Sport and Activities Cover (including golf),  Trip Disruption Cover (including Terrorism, Natural Catastrophe and Air Space Disruption) and Excess Waiver, plus 31-, 45- or 60-day trip extensions (on  Annual Multi-trip  only).

Winter Sports Cover  is compulsory for winter sports trips and  Cruise cover  is mandatory if you’re going on a cruise. It’s important to check the different travel insurances available, and their various options and add-ons, to ensure you’ll be sufficiently covered for your trip and all you’ll do on it.

Why is it important to have travel insurance?

Having travel insurance is a worthwhile purchase for anyone going abroad for their holidays. Even in relatively safe locations such as central Europe, a number of things can go wrong.

Flights can be delayed. Airlines can lose your luggage. Tourist areas may be prone to opportunist thieves who may target your belongings. And you could fall ill anywhere in the world, to the detriment of your holiday plans.

We hope that none of these events happen to you. But, if they do, you could be out of pocket. And with emergency medical problems it could be by tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Holiday insurance may be able to help avoid some of this risk. It’s a way to insure for travel you, those travelling with you and your belongings.

If your luggage is lost, holiday insurance may not be able to replace it, but the payout from a claim can help recover any costs that you have had to pay to get temporary alternatives.

In particular, the medical cover outside of the EU offered by insurance is a necessity.

Within the EU, you may think that an  European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) or its replacement, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic), can cover all your medical needs. This isn’t true. Some of the most expensive medical services, such as repatriation, aren’t covered by the Ehic or Ghic. They are limited to health cover and won’t help at all with things like cancellation, loss or theft. And the Ehic no longer provides access to healthcare for UK nationals travelling to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Even if you’re staying in the UK for your break , having holiday insurance will provide cover for lost, damaged or stolen possessions such as baggage, and cancellation, cutting your trip short or delay to your trip in some circumstances.

To qualify for cover on our Annual Multi-trip policies, UK trips must consist of:

• at least 1 night's pre-booked and paid-for accommodation, or
• a stay at least 100 miles from your home, or
• at least 1 sea crossing

Why choose Post Office?

You’re in safe hands with Post Office. We won Best Travel Insurance Provider at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We also won bronze for Best Travel Insurance Provider at the British Travel Awards 2022, voted for by the UK public.

Our Premier cover is 5 Star Defaqto Rated. Defaqto is a financial information business, helping financial institutions and consumers make better informed decisions.

We have a range of cover options available to suit lots of different holidays, so you can choose the cover that suits you best. We’re there for our customers when they need us the most; since we launched travel insurance in 2007, we’ve paid out over £177 million in claims.

What cover is there for Covid-19 as standard?

Policies purchased from the 31 March 2022 onwards provide cover if:

• you test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of your trip and are required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, the NHS or any UK government body 
• a medical practitioner certifies you as too ill to travel due to Covid-19 
• you, someone you’re travelling with, or someone you’re staying with is required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, UK government body or health authority 
• you, an immediate relative# or someone you plan to travel or stay with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19 

If an insured trip has to be cut short, the unused portion of it can be claimed for if:

• you test positive for Covid-19 after you’ve left the UK and have to self-isolate
• you test positive on arrival in your destination and are not allowed to continue your trip
• you, an immediate relative# or someone you’re travelling or staying with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19

There’s also cover for medical and repatriation costs if you fall ill with Covid-19 while away. Call our emergency assistance line and we’ll help you seek treatment or, if needed, arrange to bring you back to the UK.

There’s no other coronavirus cover on our policies, but for extra reassurance you can add our  Covid-19 Cover  upgrade option for protection against missed departures and expenses incurred due to change of testing or quarantine requirements to your preferred policy for an additional premium.

For policies sold on or after the 31 March 2022, should the FCDO advise against all travel to your destination, there is no cover under any section of the policy should you travel. 

If the FCDO have advised to only undertake essential travel to a destination and your trip is not essential and you choose to travel, we will only cover a claim if the cause is not linked to the reason for the FCDO advice. This limitation applies even if you have purchased an optional Trip Disruption or Covid-19 upgrade. You may be able to travel with full cover if we authorise in writing that your trip is essential before you depart. Should you like to request this, please email  [email protected]

Please make sure you’re clear what’s covered and what’s not. Check the answers to common questions about coronavirus cover and the full policy wording for more details.

#Immediate relative: Your mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, civil partner, fiancé/e, your children (including adopted and fostered), grandparent, grandchild, parent-in-law, daughter-in-law; sister-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin, nephew, niece, step-parent, step-child, step-brother, step-sister or legal guardian

Does Post Office Travel Insurance cover medical expenses?

Yes, our travel insurance provides cover for unexpected medical expenses while you’re travelling, including emergency treatment and hospitalisation, and even evacuation and repatriation if needed. Cover is provided up to the limit specified in the policy wording for the specific cover level you choose.  

Emergency medical assistance  

If you need emergency medical assistance, you can call our team dedicated to providing it any time 24/7. Check the correct contact details for your policy on our travel insurance help and support page .  

Non-emergency medical support  

If it’s not an emergency but you still need to see a medical professional, you can use our Medical Assistance Plus service. This outpatient service is included free with all new Post Office Travel Insurance policies.  

It gives you easy access to carefully vetted medical experts such as doctors, dentists and gastroenterologist through a single online platform. 

Choose whether you’re seen at a clinic, your hotel or in an online video consultation. Get the support you need in your own language. The service even orders any prescriptions from local pharmacies that have what you need in stock.

So you can continue enjoying your holiday as much as possible without the stress of trying to find the help you need yourself.

Do I need travel insurance for UK trips?

We provide cover whether you’re taking a break in the UK or going on holiday overseas. It could provide welcome reassurance if your luggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged while you’re staying away from home in Britain. You’re also covered if you have to cancel or cut short your trip in some circumstances, as set out in the policy.

For Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance, to have cover for trips within the UK there is a minimum requirement to have 1 night's pre-booked and paid accommodation or your stay must be at least 100 miles from your home, or you must have at least 1 sea crossing.

Where can I go on holiday in the UK or overseas?

The UK Government provides guidance on travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is to enable you to understand any restrictions, safety issues and quarantines information that may be in place for the destination that you are travelling to. For each individual country the FCDO will list if travel is permitted or not. We recommend that you check the latest advice regularly as from time to time it can change, sometimes at short notice. Remember, your cover won’t be valid if you travel against the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice of all travel, or against local government advice. Check the latest on the  FCDO site  or read our  where can I go on holiday guide.

Does travel insurance include gadget cover?

Our standard travel insurance policies will not provide complete coverage for any gadgets or devices you might like to use whilst on your trip. The only cover provided for gadgets as standard is for a mobile/smart phone up to the limit of £100.

Gadget Cover  is an optional add on you can buy at any time to add protection for your gadgets. It will cover mobile/smart phones, tablets, computers, laptops, smart watches, drones, games (including handheld) consoles, all accessories for these items, plus wearable activity trackers. Check the policy wording for full terms .

Do you offer a student discount?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Student Beans to offer a discount to students. To claim it, you’ll need to either  register for a Student Beans account (to verify your student status) or  log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

Do you offer a discount for graduates?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Grad Beans to offer a discount to graduates. To claim it, you’ll need to either register for a Grad Beans account (to verify your graduate status) or log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

• Read more travel insurance FAQs

*For Economy, Standard and Premier policies, the Singe-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to:

365 days for persons aged up to and including age 70

90 days for persons aged between 71 and 75

31 days for persons aged between 76 and above

**For Economy, Standard and Premier policies under Annual Multi-trip, although you can take as many trips as you want within the policy year, there is a maximum duration for each individual trip. This limit varies depending on the cover level chosen and will be 17 or 31 days. On some policies the limit can be extended to 31, 45 or 60 days for an additional premium.

> Backpacker policies only available on the Economy level of cover

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:

Visit our travel insurance support page

We’re here to help on your travels

Access your travel insurance policy anywhere.

You can buy travel insurance and view your policy all in our free Post Office travel app. Plus you can order and top-up our Travel Money Card wherever you are too

Travel money made easy

Buy your travel money online. You can click and collect from a branch near you or choose next-day delivery to your home

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About our travel insurance

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

The above details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

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Guide to planning a cruise trip

Whether it's your first time planning a cruise, or you're a veteran cruiser, there can be a lot to prepare. Our handy series of guides will help you on your way to a blissful cruise.

Europe Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers your trips within Europe, including popular destinations such as Spain, Italy and France.

FREE Downloadable Packing

With our handy travel planner and packing checklist, it's easy to organise your holiday and tick off all the essential tasks you need to complete.

Frequently asked questions

Travel Insurance is a type of cover that protects you and your holiday from various risks. This could be if you need emergency medical treatment while you are on holiday or if you need to cancel your trip before you go. The level of protection you have will depend on the level of cover you choose.

The purpose of Travel Insurance holiday cover is to provide financial protection and medical support if you need help when you are away. Travel insurance can help cover the costs of emergency medical care and loss of luggage.

How much you will pay for Travel Insurance will depend on your age: pre-existing medical conditions , trip duration and destination . Travel Insurance will cost a percentage of your overall holiday budget. However, it will protect you from bills from an emergency abroad that could otherwise cost you tens of thousands of pounds.

The type of Travel Insurance cover you choose will depend on frequently you travel. An Annual-multi trip Travel Insurance policy can save you time and money if you plan to get away more than once within 12 months, otherwise a single trip policy might be better for you. If you plan to take a cruise, you'll need cruise cover . Cruise cover offers all the essential elements of cover found on a standard Travel Insurance policy, but with extra benefits tailored for your cruise holiday.

All you need to do is start a quote and complete the medical screening process. You'll be asked a set of simple questions regarding your medical history and trip details. You'll then be presented with various options for Travel Insurance cover.

You can buy online Travel Insurance directly from our website. Alternatively, you can call one of our specialist experts who can help guide you through the process over the phone.

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About Travel Insurance

Planning a holiday is one of the most exciting activities we can undertake, but we all have different ideas about our perfect trip. For some of us a beach holiday in Benidorm is paradise, while others would prefer a trek in Southeast Asia or a mountain climb in Scotland.

Whatever we choose, we should always be cautious about protecting ourselves if something goes wrong, and that’s why travel insurance is so important.

NerdWallet has partnered with Quotezone. Compare quotes from the UK’s top insurers, including:

This insurance quote service is powered by Quotezone. The data you supply and submit is collected directly by Quotezone who are responsible for the handling and processing of that data. By using their quote system you are agreeing to their terms and conditions and privacy policy which can be found at Quotezone.co.uk.

What will travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance is a premium taken out to cover the traveller in the eventuality of something bad occurring during the holiday. Typical occurrences covered by travel insurance include:

• Flight/holiday cancellation and curtailment
• Serious injury/illness
• Loss of baggage/contents
• Personal liability (injuring someone else)
• Emergency assistance

Should I always go for the cheapest policy?

Definitely not, unless it covers you for everything you plan to do on the holiday and all eventualities. Cheaper options can sometimes exclude important details and set high excess levels.

What won’t it cover?

These are not concrete examples and all insurers differ, but some reasons why an insurer might not pay out include:

• In certain circumstances it will not cover extreme sports or expeditions; don’t book a trek to the top of Mount Everest and expect standard insurance to pay out in the event of a disaster
• Loss of items or injury through negligence such as alcohol
• Ignoring FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) advice
• Full cost of valuables (see below)
• Failure to report crime within a certain time frame

Is travel insurance mandatory?

For the vast majority of countries travel insurance is not mandatory, although for the cost of a few pounds it makes sense to obtain it. There are many factors, such as flight cancellations, crime, bag thefts and political upheaval in a country that are out of the traveller’s control, but will cost them dearly if they are not insured.

Passport controls in some countries, such as Cuba, will ask for proof of insurance before allowing you to enter. When you apply for a visa for Russia, you could be asked to supply evidence of insurance. The simple rule of thumb is to check well before you reach the airport and put steps in place to cover yourself.

When should I take out travel insurance?

From the moment you book, not the start of the holiday. The cost will probably not be too different, and that extra cost will cover you if you have to cancel before the holiday begins. If you decide to undertake a more spontaneous extreme excursion or activity while on holiday, this could be booked a day or two before.

What affects my travel insurance costs?

There are a huge range of factors, such as:

• The destination itself
• Type of holiday – cruise, multi-trip, extreme adventure
• Your health (see below)
• Gadgets (see below)
• Length of travel

How will my health affect costs?

There’s no need to reveal every ailment and pain you suffer, but failure to disclose significant conditions such as heart conditions, cancer or diabetes would be folly simply because your cover could be invalidated in the event of a claim and you could face bills of thousands or tens of thousands of pounds. Even if you have been cured of a particular condition, you might still have to declare it.

Previous injuries, illnesses and conditions could be regarded as denoting a higher risk and the downside is that it might drive up your travel insurance costs. An insurer might even refuse to insure you altogether. Some countries such as the US and Canada have particularly expensive medical care, which could also affect the insurers’ decision.

Will travel insurance cover my gadgets?

It depends – some companies will cover laptops, smartphones, cameras and similar, but only up to a certain cost. Consider paying out an additional premium for individual items.

What should I do if I’m travelling to somewhere that becomes dangerous?

Check your policy documents for details of what your insurer will do in the event of trouble. Aim for a tour operator covered by ATOL (UK Civil Aviation Authority), ABTA or similar representative body.

If something happens a few days before you’re due to leave then your first port of call should be the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which regularly updates travellers on travel advice and the current political/economic/social states of countries that might be affected by unrest or freak, dangerous conditions such as earthquakes.

Travel Insurance FAQs

Which? recommends £2 million of medical cover for Europe and £5 million worldwide, £1,500 of cover for baggage and personal belongings, and £3,000 for cancellation or curtailment.

Don’t travel to Europe without an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. It’s free and in effect gives you access to state–provided healthcare within EEA countries.

The more claims you’ve made in the past, the more expensive your cover is likely to be.

It is not mandatory to take out travel insurance through the airline or travel agent you’ve booked the holiday with. In fact, shopping around may save you money.

About the Author

Holly champions clear, jargon-free writing. She’s been creating finance content for leading organisations for over 10 years.

Feel the Fear and Consider Life Insurance Anyway?

Life insurance can stir up difficult feelings that may even be a barrier to getting cover. Understanding why this decision can be emotionally charged might help you to approach it differently.

Life Assurance vs Life Insurance: What’s the Difference?

Life assurance is cover that lasts your whole lifetime, while life insurance usually lasts for a specific period of time. Here’s why that difference matters if you’re thinking of putting that protection in place.

Can You Get Life Insurance with No Medical?

Most people don’t need to have a medical exam to get life insurance. But if the insurer does ask you to have one, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be offered cover.

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What is travel insurance?

Whether you're heading to snowy slopes or beautiful beaches, going abroad is an exciting experience.

Although accidents can happen while you're away, the best travel insurance policies provide you with peace of mind; with travel insurance from Allianz Assistance, you'll be covered for many unforeseen costs incurred whilst you're away. This could include medical expenses including medical emergency, delays, cancellations, lost or stolen property and more.

Our holiday insurance can be used to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, delays, lost or stolen baggage and personal liability. When you choose Allianz Assistance travel insurance for your trip, there’s no more wondering ‘what if?.’ There’s a policy for most types of travel so, whether you’re heading on a family holiday, a last-minute business trip or jetting off on a few city breaks, we’ve got you covered. Below is some more information about our products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

You could spend months planning and looking forward to your holidays, and Allianz Assistance travel insurance helps you to protect your investment. There's no need to worry about whether emergency medical treatment or delayed flights will affect your trip, because we offer the support you need to handle the unexpected. Plus, with three different levels of cover to choose from, you're likely to find the right travel insurance for you.

Choose the plan that suits you and you’ll be protected for your holiday. The type of travel insurance you need will depend on the countries you’re visiting, the activities you’ll be doing and the length of your trip. We offer Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance, and can provide cover for Backpackers  too.

Popular Types of Travel Insurance

We'll help you find a travel insurance plan that covers the 'what ifs?' for your next trip. Just select your type of travel from the options below.

Terms and conditions apply.

• Cover all your trips this year with one affordable annual multi-trip insurance policy.

Single-Trip

• Perfect for those that only travel occasionally whether here in the UK, Europe or Worldwide.
• Gap year, career break, or just a wander? Ideal cover for overseas or adventure travel.

How to ensure you have the right cover

Does your bank or credit card company provide cover.

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked. For example, you might not be covered for emergency medical costs you could incur if you have na accident or need medical treatment.

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

Are you covered by ABTA or ATOL?

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

What is an EHIC or GHIC and what can it offer you?

Having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will entitle you to the government-provided healthcare of the European Union country you are visiting and lowering the medical expenses you would normally expect to pay.

Although this is a good addition to take on holiday, a European Health Insurance Card or Global Health Insurance Card should not be seen as a replacement for travel insurance which could provide you with further protection and peace of mind whilst you are abroad. Our travel insurance policies can protect you against many unforeseen eventualities.

Is emergency medical treatment covered?

Dicsover our products to choose a travel policy that's right for you.

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Backpacker Travel Insurance

Ski & Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Business Travel Insurance

Family Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Seniors

Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions

Golf Travel Insurance

Cruise Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is always worthwhile when you're heading abroad, even if you're visiting a relatively safe location like mainland Europe or somewhere close by. After all, the unexpected can still happen: your flight could be cancelled, you could eat something that disagrees with you or you could be targeted by thieves.

It's also important to know that, if you're travelling to Europe your GHIC card doesn't cover all of your medical needs and many of the most expensive services like repatriation (bringing you back home if you've had an accident or need emergency medical care) aren't covered. Plus, your GHIC only covers you for basic health treatments; you won't be protected against things like holiday cancellation, and loss or theft of your belongings.  

Sadly, even on the shortest holidays, accidents can happen. When you have holiday insurance, we can help to reduce your worries around medical costs, flight delays, lost items and thefts, leaving you to enjoy your holiday and create precious memories.

If anything does happen and you're not insured, it could end up costing you a lot of money. Thankfully, the best holiday insurance policies can help protect you. Whether you're taking the family to the beach, hitting the slopes on a skiing holiday, venturing on a backpacking holiday or making the most of your retirement, buying travel insurance can be essential for keeping you and your loved ones protected. You will be covered if you need emergency medical care, your trip gets cancelled or delayed, or your personal belongings are lost or stolen. Once you've booked your travel insurance with Allianz Assistance, all you need to do is get excited about your break and pack your bags. You can enjoy peace of mind from the second you book, to the minute you return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

We're one of the largest insurance providers across the globe, with more than 150,000 people working for the Allianz group and covering 92 million customers worldwide * . For your holiday to Europe, staying in the UK or anywhere in the world, you want a company that is able to be with no matter where you are to ensure any health scares or medical emergencies are covered and we can be there to support you 24/7 from all corners of the globe.

*Correct as of August 2023

At Allianz Assistance, we offer travel insurance that’s appropriate for most travellers. Our policies provide varying levels of cover, therefore it’s important that you read your policy documents carefully, so that you know exactly what you’re covered for before you travel. If there’s anything on the policy that you’re not sure about, please get in touch – we’ll be happy to help.

Our Single Trip , Annual and Backpacker policies all suit different needs. Plus, we offer three different levels of cover - Bronze, Silver and Gold - so you can choose the cover with the claim limits that meet your needs. Depending on which policy and level of cover you choose, you’ll be covered for:  

• Cancelling or cutting short your trip
• Emergency medical and associated expenses
• Loss of passport*
• Delayed personal possessions
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
• Loss of money*
• Personal accident cover
• Missed departures
• Delayed departures
• Personal liability
• Legal expenses
• End-supplier failure**

*Not available with Bronze level cover

**Only available with Gold level cover

If you're planning on taking a golf or cruise holiday, while we'll still be able to cover you under the standard sections of our Travel Insurance policy, from 5th May 2021 we have been unable to offer the additional cover previously provided by the Golf and the Cruise optional extra sections. We will also be unable to provide cover while you take part in more risky sports and leisure activities such as kite surfing or rugby. This is only a temporary measure while we make improvements to the booking engine of our website. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer these additional covers again. Policies purchased before 5th May 2021 aren't affected and your cover won't change.

Yes! Your health and the health of others is vitally important so you''ll be covered if:

• You can't go on your trip through a positive test or advice from your GP
• You are denied access to pre-booked public transport due to COVID-19 related symptoms
• You contract COVID abroad and need medical treatment
• A close relative becomes unwell with COVID and you are unable to go on your trip
• You are required to quarantine whilst abroad and need to extend your trip
• You are fully covered if you are both vaccinated and unvaccinated

For more information on over COVID cover, please visit  https://www.allianz-assistance.co.uk/help-and-advice/faqs-centre/Covid19-faqs.html

Your travel insurance quote will vary depending on:

• The type of policy you choose
• The duration of your trip
• Where you’re travelling to
• The number of people travelling (a single or a group policy)
• Whether any additional options are required

You should also be aware that we are temporarily unable to provide cover for any pre-existing medical conditions . Policies purchased before 5th May 2021 aren't affected and your cover won't change.

At Allianz Assistance, we offer three different levels of cover: Bronze, Silver and Gold. To get a travel insurance quote, simply click ‘Get a Quote.’ Then, select your policy type, enter your dates of travel, destination information and passenger details. You can then choose your optional extras.

You’ll be able to see exactly what’s included as part of your travel insurance quote, and you can compare our Bronze, Silver and Gold policies with our handy table, so it’s easy to see which is best for you. 

The type of travel insurance you need will depend on the trip you’re taking. If you’re heading on a family holiday, then our Single Trip cover may be best. But if you’re heading away more than once this year,  Annual Multi-Trip cover may be more appropriate. If you’re on a gap year, taking a career break or just exploring the world, try our Backpacker cover .

It's worth noting that if you're planning on taking a golf or cruise holiday, while we'll still be able to cover you under the standard sections of our Travel Insurance policy, from 5th May 2020 we have been unable to offer the additional cover previously provided by the Golf and the Cruise optional extra sections. We will also be unable to provide cover while you take part in more risky sports and leisure activities such as kite surfing or rugby. 

This is only a temporary measure while we make improvements to the booking engine of our website. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer these additional covers again. Policies purchased before 24th November 2021 aren't affected and your cover won't change.

We even have options that cover you for business travel , golfing holidays and skiing trips . No matter where you’re going, we’ll be right there with you. 

Travel guides and advice

Best travel books to read

Travelling whilst pregnant

Essential advice for mums-to-be on how to keep yourself and baby safe whilst travelling. 

Best alternative city breaks

How to stay safe abroad

Policy documents

You'll need your policy number to submit your claim to us. This is available in your certificate of insurance which is sent to you when you take out cover. 

It's a good idea to take your policy information with you on your trip so you can provide us with all the necessary details in order for us to help.

Claims assessment

Once we receive your claim, it'll be assessed by our experienced team. 

To speed up the assessment of your claim please make sure to include all applicable information and evidence such as receipts, booking confirmations, hotel reservations and crime reference numbers. If you fail to provide all the necessary information this will cause a delay in processing your claim. 

Your claims outcome

Once our team has assessed your claim we'll be in touch with you via your preferred contact method to confirm the outcome and inform you of any next steps.

Make A Claim?

Policy documents.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers  featured in the MoneyHelper  directory  of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or Email: [email protected]

Top Travel Insurances for the UK You Should Know in 2024

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

The United Kingdom is a world-renowned travel destination, known for its history, culture, and iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the British Museum. Although travelling to the UK can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, and although healthcare costs in the country aren't outrageously expensive, it's still a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance anway, as you'll want the highest-quality healthcare you can find.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to the UK and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

UK Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for the UK:

Best Travel Insurances for the UK

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for the UK? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to the UK scroll down

Heading to the UK soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for the UK?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through the UK.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to the United Kingdom or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for the UK:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to the UK. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to the UK, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for the UK:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to the UK? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to the United Kingdom

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for the UK. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in the UK can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

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What we know about the container ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge

• The ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday was the Singapore-flagged Dali.
• The container ship had been chartered by Maersk, the Danish shipping company. 
• Two people were recovered from the water but six remain missing, authorities said.

A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River.

A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just moments before the impact at 1:28 a.m. ET.

Baltimore first responders called the situation a "developing mass casualty event" and a "dire emergency," per The Associated Press.

James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore Fire Department, said in a press conference that two people had been recovered from the water.

One was uninjured, but the other was transported to a local trauma center in a "very serious condition."

Wallace said up to 20 people were thought to have fallen into the river and some six people were still missing.

Richard Worley, Baltimore's police chief, said there was "no indication" the collision was purposeful or an act of terrorism.

Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, declared a state of emergency around 6 a.m. ET. He said his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary.

"We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration," Moore added.

Understanding why the bridge collapsed could have implications for safety, in both the shipping and civil engineering sectors.

The container ship is the Singapore-flagged Dali, which is about 984 feet long, and 157 feet wide, per a listing on VesselFinder.

An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said that the ship "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port, ABC News reported.

The crew notified officials that they had lost control and warned of a possible collision, the report said, per the outlet.

The Dali's owner is listed as Grace Ocean, a Singapore-based firm, and its manager is listed as Synergy Marine, which is also headquartered in Singapore.

Shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported that Grace Ocean confirmed the Dali was involved in the collapse, but is still determining what caused the crash.

Related stories

Staff for Grace Ocean declined to comment on the collision when contacted by Business Insider.

"All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," Synergy Marine said in a statement.

The company did not respond to a request for further comment from BI.

'Horrified'

Maersk chartered the Dali, with a schedule for the ship on its website.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," the Danish shipping company said in a statement.

Maersk added: "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Per ship tracking data, the Dali left Baltimore on its way to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at around 1 a.m., about half an hour before the crash.

The Port of Baltimore is thought to be the largest in the US for roll-on/roll-off ships carrying trucks and trailers.

Barbara Rossi, associate professor of engineering science at the University of Oxford, told BI the force of the impact on one of the bridge's supporting structures "must have been immense" to lead to the collapse.

Dr Salvatore Mercogliano, a shipping analyst and maritime historian at Campbell University, told BI: "It appears Dali left the channel while outbound. She would have been under the control of the ship's master with a Chesapeake Bay pilot onboard to advise the master.

"The deviation out of the channel is probably due to a mechanical issue as the ship had just departed the port, but you cannot rule out human error as that was the cause of the Ever Forward in 2022 just outside of Baltimore."

He was referring to the incident two years ago when the container ship became grounded for a month in Chesapeake Bay after loading up cargo at the Port of Baltimore.

The US Coast Guard found the incident was caused by pilot error, cellphone use, and "inadequate bridge resource management."

Claudia Norrgren, from the maritime research firm Veson Nautical, told BI: "The industry bodies who are here to protect against incidents like this, such as the vessel's flag state, classification society, and regulatory bodies, will step in and conduct a formal investigation into the incident. Until then, it'll be very hard for anyone to truly know what happened on board."

This may not have been the first time the Dali hit a structure.

In 2016, maritime blogs such as Shipwreck Log and ship-tracking site VesselFinder posted videos of what appears to be the stern of the same, blue-hulled container vessel scraping against a quay in Antwerp.

A representative for the Port of Antwerp told BI the Dali did collide with a quay there eight years ago but couldn't "give any information about the cause of the accident."

The Dali is listed as being built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Watch: The shipwreck at the center of a battle between China and the Philippines

• Main content

Money blog: Eight major price hikes next week - but it's not all bad news as pensions, benefits and your take-home pay rise

National Price Hike Day is on Monday, with water bills, broadband, council tax and the TV licence among the things going up. Read this and more in the Money blog - your place for consumer and personal finance news. Leave a comment on the stories we're covering, or a Money Problem, below.

Tuesday 26 March 2024 22:01, UK

• Eight things that are going up in price next week - and six major boosts to Britons' pockets
• 'Secret' court for speeding and TV licence offences must end, say magistrates
• Free childcare about to be extended - here's all the support on offer to parents of young children
• Basically... What is a recession, how does it affect me and what could happen with the economy this year?
• Money Problem : My boss makes me use annual leave for sick days - is this legal?
• ISA deadline approaching - here's what you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

1 April (next Monday) is nicknamed National Price Hike Day, as it's when government bodies and private companies traditionally increase the cost of goods and services ahead of the new financial year.

So what can we expect this year?

TV and broadband

BT, EE, Plusnet and Vodafone customers will be charged 7.9% more from April. These companies pin their prices to December's inflation figure plus 3.9%, which is common practice in the industry.

Virgin Media and O2, which merged in 2021, are upping prices by 8.8%, as they use the retail price index from January plus 3.9%. There are caveats which mean some O2 customers will see prices rise by less than this.

Sky is also implementing price rises, meaning most Sky TV and broadband customers will pay an average of 6.7% more from 1 April.

Council tax

Most people who live in councils with responsibility for social care in England will see their bills rise by the maximum of 4.99%.

In areas where the councils don't oversee social care, the rise for most will be 2.99%.

Birmingham City Council, which has declared effective bankruptcy, has been given permission to hike council tax by 21% over two years due to a black hole caused partly by equal pay claims and a botched IT systems rollout.

Council tax has been frozen by the devolved government in Scotland, while rises in Wales range anywhere from 3% to 21%. Northern Ireland uses a rating system instead of council tax, and rises are also expected here.

The annual cost of a standard colour TV licence will rise to £169.50 from 1 April - an increase of £10.50 on the current price of £159 a year.

Rent for social housing

The CPI rate of inflation in September - 6.7% - is used to determine the yearly rise in rents. 

For 2024-25, the limit will be 6.7% plus an additional 1%.

The average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales will go up by an average of 6% from April . 

Water UK said the increases would leave households with an average annual bill of £473.

Vehicle excise duty will rise on all but the cleanest new and used cars in April.

Increases are generally calculated in line with the RPI rate of inflation and are expected to be about 6%.

Train fares

Rail fares will rise by 8.7% in April for those in Scotland, after the Scottish government argued previous fare freezes were not sustainable. 

For those in England and Wales, fares rose by 4.9% on 3 March. 

The Royal Mail will raise the price of stamps again as the company struggles with a decline in the number of letters being posted.

The price of a first class and second class stamp will increase by 10p to £1.35 and 85p respectively from 2 April.

It's not all bad news in April

National insurance

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in the budget earlier this month that the starting rate for NI will change from 10% to 8% from 6 April.

This will benefit 27 million workers, he said, and is worth about £450 a year to an employee on an average salary of £35,000.

NI for two million self-employed workers is also being cut.

Their rate will fall from 8% to 6%. The government says that is worth £350 to a self-employed person earning £28,200.

Child benefit

The amount people can earn before child benefit is reduced or taken away is increasing.

At the moment, people lose 1% of the benefit for every £100 they earn over £50,000. At £60,000, the benefit is cut completely.

From April, the benefit won't be reduced until one parent earns more than £60,000. And it will only go completely at £80,000.

Benefits and tax credits that are linked to inflation will rise by 6.7% in April.

That was the level CPI in September.

For joint claimants over the age of 25, universal credit standard allowances will rise from £578.82 to £617.60 per month.

The basic and new state pension will rise by 8.5% in April - to £11,502 a year.

The new state pension is for those reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016. It will rise to £221.20 a week - up from £203.85.

Minimum wage

The National Minimum Wage for those 21 and over will rise to £11.44 - an increase of £1.02, or 9.8%.

There are larger percentage increases for younger age groups -as well as a 21.2% rise for apprentices (going up to £6.40).

Energy price cap

From 1 April to 30 June this year the price paid by a typical household that uses electricity and gas will go down to £1,690 a year.

This is £238 a year lower than the price cap between 1 January and 31 March this year. 

For the first time, COVID-19 jabs will be available on the high street.

Boots has become the first major pharmacy to launch a private vaccination service, with at least 50 stores offering the single-dose Pfizer vaccine.

The shot will be available from 1 April for anyone aged 12 or over - but there's a hefty price tag.

The vaccine will be priced at £98.95. 

Boots has said it is working to make the vaccine more affordable, but the COVID jabs are more expensive to produce than others.

Some people are still eligible to get a booster vaccine for free on the NHS - including those over 65 or with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as cancer.

The discount supermarket has said it plans to increase its animal welfare standards by allowing more space for its chickens to roam. 

Chickens used in its own-label products will have 20% more space than the industry standard, with a maximum density of 30kg per square metre, Lidl said.

The transition will start this summer and should finish by early next year. 

The move will provide chickens with more space to roam, which Lidl said "enables them to engage in natural behaviours like stretching their wings, dust bathing and exploring, bolstering both physical and psychological well-being, leading to more fulfilling lives".

Lidl GB chief commercial officer Richard Bourns said: "Animal welfare is a priority for us, and we are dedicated to ensuring all animals within our supply chain lead good lives."

The supermarket was previously criticised by campaign group The Humane League UK, which said it was "very resistant" to making changes on animal welfare.

It had called on Lidl and other supermarkets to sign the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) - a welfare policy requiring the use of slower-growing breeds, more space, natural light and enrichment, less painful slaughter methods and third-party auditing. 

Partners Ocado and M&S appear to have been involved in a tussle for some weeks, but the former has now insisted they are "absolutely aligned".

The retailers have been in a dispute after M&S put its final payment for the joint venture on hold, saying the online grocer partnership had failed to meet key performance targets. 

M&S was due to pay £190.7m by August, dependent on the venture's performance against an undisclosed target in the year to November 2023. 

Last month, Ocado Group chief executive Tim Steiner said he believed M&S owed a "substantial amount of money" and if a settlement was not agreed it could pursue litigation. 

However, Ocado Retail chief executive Hannah Gibson has now insisted conversations are ongoing and it is not impacting day-to-day operations. 

Ms Gibson claimed both companies were "working really closely operationally together".

"They were in a board meeting and there were positive conversations and relationships going on focused on what we're doing now to grow and improve the business," she said.

"I think we're all absolutely aligned."

Nearly four million smart meters across Great Britain are not working properly , government figures show.

While some 2.7 million meters were not operating in smart mode as of June 2023, that figure increased to 3.98 million by the end of last year, according to data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Read more here ...

Fundraisers doing door-to-door collections for charities will be monitored more closely , the Fundraising Regulator has said. 

News reports found recruits were being taught pressure-selling tactics, despite the Code of Fundraising Practice warning against putting "undue pressure" on people.

Charities must monitor subcontracting firms carrying out fundraising on their behalf more closely and must ensure fundraisers are given appropriate training. 

ITV racked up millions of pounds in legal costs last year as it dealt with the fallout of the Phillip Schofield scandal , according to a report.

The broadcaster paid £24m in legal fees in 2023, some of which were related to a KC review into Schofield's affair with a young colleague. 

The presenter of This Morning stepped down in May last year, saying his relationship with the studio runner was "unwise, but not illegal". 

ITV was cleared of wrongdoing and has denied it paid a settlement to Schofield or his younger colleague.

Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis has called on the government to close a tax loophole used by fast fashion giants such as Temu and Shein.

He argued companies are avoiding customs bills in the UK by shipping individual orders directly from countries like China, rather than shipping in bulk to fulfilment centres. 

A UK rule means shipments worth less than £135 are exempt from import duties.

Basically, a recession is the decline of a country's gross domestic product (GDP).

It's worth explaining a bit more about what GDP is before we get in-depth on recession.

Gross domestic product is the world's most closely watched economic indicator. It measures how much is produced, how much is spent and how much is earned in an economy over a certain period of time.

When GDP goes up, the economy is considered to be doing well.

When it goes down - negative growth or economic contraction - it's not doing well.

The most commonly used definition of a recession is when GDP falls for at least two successive three-month periods, or "quarters".

The Office for National Statistics says the "two quarters" rule has the potential to be misleading, however, as there are other factors that might mean GDP falls for six months that won't mean an economy is in recession.

But it's widely used - including by the Bank of England - as a rule of thumb.

Recessions are temporary and part of the economic cycle. If an economic downturn is particularly severe or lasts for a long period of time, it's known as a depression.

Why do some people talk about a 'technical recession'?

You may have heard economists, journalists or statisticians use this phrase before.

As we've said above, in the UK a recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth regardless of how deep, wide-ranging and long an economic downturn is.

Some will use the phrase "technical recession" to identify that they're applying this prescriptive definition of a recession, compared to, say, the US where the National Bureau of Economic Research will consider a broader range of economic indicators, such as unemployment, job vacancies and wage data, before declaring whether the economy is in recession.

What causes a recession?

It's difficult to determine exactly what causes a recession, as a number of factors can be at play.

They can be triggered by rising interest rates, economic shocks such as that experienced during the COVID pandemic, excess debt in the housing market (2008 crisis) and oversupply of goods and services - among many other things.

What happens during a recession and how would it affect me?

During a recession there's less money circulating, which can mean job losses, pay cuts, recruitment freezes and businesses shutting up shop.

Getting a mortgage or loan during a recession will prove hard as banks tighten their lending criteria.

It is also likely a recession will not be felt equally across society, with those on benefits, in precarious work or without savings faring worse.

Are we in a recession now?

Figures released by the ONS last month showed the UK slipped into a recession at the end of 2023.

But the economy is set to grow more than expected in 2024, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility - the country's fiscal watchdog - which is also expecting better economic growth in 2025 than previously forecast.

Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, also hinted in February that the recession may "already be over". He told a committee of MPs he believed the downturn would be one of the most shallow recession events of modern times.

Read other entries in our Basically... series:

Prosecutions for low level offences such as speeding, truancy and TV licence fee non-payments are usually dealt with behind-closed-doors by the Single Justice Procedure (SJP).

It's designed to keep the court system efficient and minimise delays to more serious cases in the magistrates' courts. 

But the Magistrates' Association has intervened to call for a reform of the SJP system, saying "flaws" in the system mean magistrates do not have enough time to consider cases and that it is harming "some of society's most vulnerable people". 

The association is urging the Ministry of Justice to carry out a 12-point plan, including allowing prosecutors to see all pleas and mitigations beforehand, and letting the sittings be observed by journalists. 

Up to 40,000 SJP cases are currently decided in private each month. 

News reports say cases prosecuted by the SJP include a 78-year-old with dementia fined for not having car insurance while she was in a care home, a 33-year-old given a £781 legal bill after accidentally failing to pay £4 to the DVLA, and an 85-year-old woman prosecuted for not paying car insurance after suffering a broken neck and being admitted to a care home. 

A black Uber Eats courier has been given a payout to end a legal claim in which he alleged he was unfairly blocked from work because the company's facial recognition app was racist.

Pa Manjang had his courier account suspended after being told security selfie checks he provided had "continued mismatches". 

Couriers need to provide the photo checks at the start of their shifts, but Mr Manjang said he had been asked to take pictures of himself "multiple times a day" because the AI software failed to recognise him.

He told Uber Eats: "Your algorithm, by the looks of things, is racist."

The food delivery app has said its verification process also involves human reviewers.  

Mr Manjang was backed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the App Drivers and Couriers Union, who funded his case.

Both said they were concerned by the use of AI in this instance, "particularly how it could be used to permanently suspend a driver's access to the app, depriving them of an income".

Uber Eats has made a settlement in the case, but reports suggest it accepts no liability.

The company said in a statement to Sky News that the real-time ID check "was not the reason for Mr Manjang's brief loss of access to his courier account".

"Our Real Time ID check is designed to help keep everyone who uses our app safe, and includes robust human review to make sure that we're not making decisions about someone's livelihood in a vacuum, without oversight," it said.

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The possibility of a new record high being reached by the most valuable companies of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 has ebbed away. 

The index is down slightly (0.06%) this morning, no longer within touching distance of the all-time high in the combined value of the FTSE 100 companies recorded in February last year, as the rally that came late last week receded. 

The news that Asos sales fell 18% in the six months to March did nothing to dent the share price - it was up 7.6% but comes after a fall of 90% across the last three years. 

Performing well this morning is gambling giant Flutter, the owner of Paddy Power and Betfair brands. Today it announced it is moving its primary stock exchange listing to New York on 31 May, a blow to London. But it also recorded revenue growth of 17.3% in the UK and Ireland as it said its market share grew in the countries. 

Oil prices have fallen from the $87 a barrel cost of Monday and now the benchmark Brent crude oil costs $86.8.

A pound buys $1.2647 and €1.1659.

Chocolate is among the products placing upwards pressure on grocery inflation in the run-up to Easter, according to closely watched supermarket data.

Kantar Worldpanel, which tracks pricing and market share, reported a further slowing in the pace of price growth across the sector over the four weeks to 17 March.

It said the annual rate for grocery inflation eased to 4.5% - down from the 5.3% figure recorded the previous month.

The report credited price matching guarantees across the industry, as shoppers continue to seek out value amid the wider cost of living crisis that is continuing to damage household spending power despite wage growth firmly outstripping the rate of inflation.

Kantar reported that prices were rising fastest in markets such as sugar confectionery and chocolate confectionery.

Global cocoa prices have nearly doubled so far this year. Heavy rains in West Africa, where most of the world's cocoa is grown, have hit production.

Things falling fastest include butter, milk and toilet tissues, it found.

You can read more from our business reporter James Sillars here...

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