uk travel insurance already travelling

Travel Insurance After Departure

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TRAVEL INSURANCE AFTER DEPARTURE

Are you looking for travel insurance but you’ve already left home? It is a condition of most travel insurance policies in the UK that you have to have purchased a policy before you’ve left home, with the start date of your trip needing to match your UK departure. However, there are many circumstances where travellers can find themselves already abroad with no travel insurance, and it can be a real problem to arrange cover when this happens.

The main reason that most travel insurance companies will not issue cover after a departure is that it is quite common for people to not purchase insurance but then encounter a problem on their travels. They will then try to put travel insurance cover in place in an attempt to make a fraudulent claim. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for those who genuinely find themselves in a situation with no cover and a need to purchase immediate travel insurance.

But, have no fear, as here at Navigator Travel Insurance it is possible to purchase post-departure travel insurance in the UK. For those hoping to learn more about the conditions of buying travel insurance when already travelling, our experts have composed this article and are on hand to talk you through it. 

POLICIES FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE AFTER DEPARTURE

The only already abroad travel insurance sales that we can make after you have left the UK (or EU) are the Single Trip Short Stay and Single Trip Long Stay versions of the Navigator Silver, Navigator Gold, and Navigator Diamond policies. This doesn’t apply to the Annual Multi-Trip option offered on these policies.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PURCHASING POST-DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE IN THE UK

Whilst we do offer travel insurance for already travelling individuals on our aforementioned policies, several considerations need to be made before choosing the right policy for you:

THERE IS A 25% SUPPLEMENT FOR AFTER-DEPARTURE POLICIES

With our post-departure travel insurance policies, a 25% supplement will be added on top of the usual travel insurance policy fees. This will be applied automatically when you select “After-departure cover” on the options page of our website. We cannot offer cover if you are currently in a country against the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development (FCDO) advice.

In the UK, you must consider the UK’s FCDO advice before you choose to travel to any destination. If the FCDO has travel advice in place which states that it “advises against all or all but essential travel”, our post-departure travel insurance policies are not valid. This same condition applies to many travel insurance policies from other providers.

HOW TO PURCHASE OUR AFTER-DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICIES

When you’re purchasing our travel insurance policies,  you will be offered a tick box option for “already departed cover”. You must tick this box to gain travel insurance whilst already travelling. When you tick this box, it will automatically increase the cost by 25%, which is the after-departure supplement that we previously mentioned. 

If you are not offered this tick box option for “already departed cover”, you are not buying the right policy and it will be invalid. Navigator Silver, Navigator Gold, and Navigator Diamond Single Trip or Long Stay travel insurance policies are the only policies that will offer you this tick box and therefore offer you cover when you’re already travelling.

ANNUAL MULTI-TRIP POLICIES ARE INVALID IF PURCHASED AFTER DEPARTURE

If you are buying post-departure travel insurance online, you will be offered Annual Multi-Trip, Single Trip, and Long Stay policies to choose from. As previously mentioned, ignore the Annual Multi-Trip policy option as these can’t be purchased after departure. 

Travel insurance policies issued after departure always exclude any claim that arises from any situation such as illness, theft, or otherwise that predates the date of inception of the policy. This seems obvious, but it is emphasised to ensure that it is understood that insurance cannot be arranged retrospectively or backdated in any way, and claims will not be considered if the incident or illness giving rise to the claim predates the policy issue.   

POST DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE DURATIONS

The already travelling insurance policy that you buy must match the overall duration of the trip that you are on. The Single Trip option is only for trips that do not exceed 62 days from the date that you left home. If your overall trip is going to be longer than 62 days from the date that you left home, you must select our Long Stay policy option, otherwise, the policy will not be valid.

ALREADY DEPARTED TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER: THE CONDITIONS

There are some conditions that you need to be conscious of when booking your post-departure travel insurance policy. When ticking the “already departed cover” box before buying your chosen policy, you are accepting the following special conditions for policies commenced after departure from the UK or your country of residence in the EU/EEA. Please read these conditions very carefully and make sure that you are aware of the implications:

• Already abroad travel Insurance cannot be assigned a start date that is the same day that you purchased the policy, it must be dated for the next day or later. 
• If there has been a gap of more than seven days in which you have been uninsured between the expiry of your last policy (if applicable) and the start of your chosen already travelling travel insurance, there will be a 14-day waiting period for the start of your illness cover.  However, this 14-day period starts counting from the day you buy the policy (the issue date). this means that if you can buy it 14 days before you need cover to start, the 14 days will have lapsed by the time you need the medical cover. This delay does not apply to accident or injury cover, but only illness cover. This condition will not apply if there has been no gap between your previous cover and this one, or the gap is not more than seven days. It will also not apply if you only left the UK in the last seven days.
• Policies started after departure will not cover claims arising from any known situation, including pre-existing medical conditions. There are no exceptions to this condition for our already travelling insurance policies.
• By purchasing post-departure travel insurance with us, you are agreeing that you are not aware of any circumstances that are likely to give rise to a claim.
•  The 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ that we offer for our immediate travel insurance does not apply to policies that start after departure. So, once you have purchased this policy it is non-refundable.
• The Navigator Silver, Navigator Gold, and Navigator Diamond policies are only available to people who are normal residents of the UK or EU. If your normal place of residence is not in the UK or EU, you cannot use these policies.  Residents of some other countries may be able to use our Global Voyager policies as these can also be started after departure with the same conditions, but are available to residents of many more countries.
• The overall period of your trip outside of your home country must not exceed the policy maximum for your age, including any period of insurance under this policy. In the event of a claim, you will be required to provide evidence of the day you first left your home country. Maximum overall durations for ages are as follows:
• Ages 18-59: 18 months
• Ages 60-74 (Anywhere): 62 days
• Ages 75-84 (Europe): 62 days
• Ages 75-84 (Worldwide): 31 days
• Ages 85 or over (Anywhere): 31 days

These are the maximum overall durations from when you left your home country until your return home. We cannot issue cover if your overall duration away from home will be longer than the above limits.

If you are unsure about any of these conditions or the post-departure travel insurance policies that we offer, do not just buy a policy from our website. We are on hand to answer any queries you have, so if in doubt you can always contact us on 0161 973 6435 or by email at [email protected] and we will answer any questions you may have. 

WHY CHOOSE NAVIGATOR TRAVEL INSURANCE

The fact of the matter is that a lot of travel insurance providers will not offer you travel insurance when abroad because of the risk of fraud that this holds. The insurance providers that do offer instant travel insurance, should you need cover last-minute whilst you’re on your travels, are specialist insurers. 

These specialist providers are knowledgeable and reliable, meaning you can trust them should you need to claim in the instance of an accident, loss, or emergency. 

Navigator Travel Insurance is one of these specialist insurance providers, as we offer several post-departure travel insurance policies to our customers. This opens up the opportunity for those who need travel insurance while already abroad to stay protected and have peace of mind while making the most of their trips. 

NAVIGATOR’S ALREADY ABROAD TRAVEL INSURANCE

At Navigator Travel Insurance, we recognise that there are often occasions when a situation can arise in which you will need immediate travel insurance cover and, in many cases, we will be able to help.

Each situation is considered on its merits and there is no hard and fast rule where we can state categorically that we can cover you. But, in an attempt to clarify, we have detailed certain situations below where we may be able to help and others where we will not:

• If you have been living and/or working overseas for several years and you are arranging travel insurance policies back to back, we cannot help. 
• If your normal place of residence is now overseas, you cannot use our policies. You need to be paying monthly private health insurance rates in the country where you reside, which are significantly more expensive than travel insurance. In this situation, you are no longer considered to be travelling, you are living abroad.

 If you are a UK or EU resident and need to start a policy from overseas whilst you’re travelling, simply follow the instructions above or contact our specialist team online now and we will consider your circumstances. 

HOW TO EXTEND YOUR EXISTING POLICY

If the travel insurance policy that you left the UK with has lapsed because you forgot to extend it, or because the insurer will not extend durations, we may be able to help. Although, this will depend on how long you have been out of the UK in total.

It is quite common for people to inadvertently take out unsuitable policies. For instance, you may have left the UK on a long-stay trip with an Annual Multi-Trip policy, not realising that the maximum duration for an individual trip on one of these is 31 or 45 days. We can often help in these circumstances.

We often get requests from people who have been working temporarily overseas and are insured by their employer or by organisations such as BUNAC. At the end of their work period, they decide to go off travelling independently before returning to the UK and find that the insurer who has been covering them cannot extend cover once their employment contract is over. We can often help with these situations as the person is clearly and genuinely travelling, not taking up residency abroad.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE AFTER DEPARTURE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Whilst the above information we’ve shared about immediate travel insurance policies may have cleared up the main details you need to know, you may still have some questions that need answering before purchasing a post-departure travel insurance policy. We’ve aimed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding already travelling insurance to better your understanding:

When Is The Best Time To Buy Travel Insurance?

For any destination around the world, type of trip, and duration of time that you will be travelling for, the best time to purchase a travel insurance policy is as soon as possible after booking your trip, if not at the same time. 

This advice also applies if you purchase your travel insurance when you’re already abroad. The sooner you buy travel insurance when already overseas, the sooner you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are covered in the event of an injury, accident, or emergency. 

Can I Buy Travel Insurance At The Airport?

Given the terms and conditions of our travel insurance when already abroad policies, it is possible to purchase travel insurance at the airport. If you purchase our policy online or over the phone, you may be able to secure the appropriate cover for you just before you board a flight or after you’ve landed. But, as previously stated, this will depend on specific conditions and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

For other insurance providers, the cut-off points can vary for providing travel insurance to travellers. For example,  if you’ve gone through customs, you may not be able to receive cover for your trip.  

How Long Does It Take To Get Travel Insurance?

It’s possible to get travel insurance last minute to ensure that you receive the cover you need whilst travelling as soon as possible. Although, there’s always a chance that when you purchase your travel insurance policy you may encounter delays in your policy providing you with cover. This applies in the case of our travel insurance whilst already abroad policies, as it can take 14 days to offer you illness cover, as mentioned in this article. 

What Does Last-minute Travel Insurance Cover Me For? 

Much like any travel insurance policy, a plan purchased last-minute will typically protect you in the case of medical emergencies and injuries; unexpected events which cause delay; cancellation;  repatriation; and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. 

It is possible to purchase travel insurance after departure last minute, and the cover that you will be offered will encompass the aforementioned factors. 

When Does Travel Insurance Start and End?

Normally, you can arrange for the exact date that your travel insurance starts to align with when your trip abroad begins. You can also assign the date for your arrival back home to be the end date of your travel insurance policy. 

However, in the case that you purchase travel insurance when already abroad, your travel insurance will start the day after or further in the future from when you purchased the policy. Certain aspects of your cover, such as medical cover, will apply after your 14-day waiting period, as previously outlined in this article, so this is worth bearing in mind. 

GET IN TOUCH WITH US FOR YOUR AFTER-DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE NEEDS

Some people simply forget to arrange cover or may have thought someone else had done this on their behalf before their travels. Suddenly, they may realise they have arrived at their destination without a travel insurance policy. Here at Navigator Travel Insurance, we can usually issue cover for you in this situation and are on hand to offer you guidance and support.

You can find out more information about our travel insurance policies on our website . Should you need any additional insight before booking your post-departure travel insurance for your next trip, be sure to contact our team of specialist advisors now who will be happy to help you.

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Home > General Travel > Travel Insurance When Already Traveling

How to Buy Travel Insurance When Already Traveling (5 Tips)

If you're already traveling and looking to cover your butt with travel insurance, this post will help you find the right plan for the right price—or, if Step 1 of the five steps below applies to you, you may not even need to buy anything!

Cover up your mistake.

Most would agree that not buying travel insurance is a mistake. It's cheap, whereas the potential medical costs if you get hurt abroad can be enormous.

But sometimes you forget. There are a lot more interesting things to think about when planning a trip, after all.

The bad news is that if this happens to you, lots of insurers don't want anything to do with you. You're too "high risk."

The good news is some companies are more flexible and will sell you travel insurance when already traveling. Or you may be covered already and not even know it.

To find the best plan, and not make your mistake even worse by buying an invalid plan (a common error), here are five steps to follow to find the best travel insurance when you're already traveling.

5 Steps to Get the Best Travel Insurance When Already Traveling

• Check You Don't Already Have Free Insurance
• Watch Out for the Following
• Pre-Departure vs. Post-Departure Insurance
• Buy the Best-Value Plan
• Put it in Your Wallet

Step 1: Check if You Already Have Free Insurance

Before hurrying to buy travel insurance, ask yourself:

Is your credit card's travel insurance already covering you?

For example, Kim and my credit card provides 31 days of travel insurance. If we're traveling for less than that, we don't need to buy anything. And if we're traveling for more than 31 days, we avoid double-paying by buying travel insurance plans that kick in the day our credit card insurance expires.

Step 2: Watch Out for the Following

• Do you have health insurance back home? Some travel insurers won't cover you or will significantly cut back their coverage if you don't have home country health insurance. And if you get badly injured, your travel insurer will likely bring you home for treatment. Once home, you're on the hook for all medical expenses whether you have home country insurance or not.
• What's not covered? Travel insurance policies generally don't cover pre-existing or on-going medical conditions, dangerous sports, and some high-risk countries.
• Are you going to the United States? Travel insurers charge significantly more for travel in the US because of astronomical health care costs there.
• Do you still have to pay if something bad happens? Some travel insurance policies have an excess or a deductible, which is the amount you need to contribute if you make a claim.
• How much coverage do you really need? The biggest expense you risk incurring when traveling is emergency air evacuation. It can cost as much as $250,000 if you're in the middle of nowhere and they need to bring you home.
• Age matters? Yes. Once you hit 40 years old, travel insurance rates tend to go up, and once you're over 65 years old it can be very difficult and extremely expensive to get coverage.

For more boring but important info on travel insurance, see our 8 Steps to Finding the Best Travel Insurance .

Step 3: Pre-Departure vs. Post-Departure Travel Insurance

Many people make the mistake of buying pre-departure travel insurance when already traveling. Those policies are void, so if something happens, they're screwed.

To avoid a similar screw-up, be mindful of these differences between pre-departure and post-departure travel insurance:

• Most travel insurers don't offer post-departure travel insurance. They only sell pre-departure travel insurance. Call the insurer to confirm before buying any policy if you're at all unsure.
• Travel insurance when already traveling is more expensive. The few companies that will sell you travel insurance when you're already traveling generally charge a premium because you're a higher risk to them than someone who buys a policy before leaving.
• Post-departure travel insurance isn't fully refundable. You can usually get a refund on travel insurance policies you buy before you leave, but not on policies you buy when already traveling.
• You can't get trip cancellation insurance if you're already traveling. Trip cancellation insurance refunds pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel a trip. But some companies like SafetyWing do offer trip interruption insurance, which covers a flight to your home country if your home residence gets destroyed, there's a death in the family, or you get injured and your physician deems it medically necessary for treatment and recovery.
• There's often a waiting period if you get travel insurance when already traveling. With some insurers, you have to wait (and play it safe) 48 to 72 hours before the policy kicks in.

Step 4: Buy the Best-Value Plan You Can Find

We scoured the web for the best already traveling travel insurance and found a new startup that blows the competition out of the water.

If you find something better let us know and we'll update this post.

$US1.32/day (under 40-year-old of any nationality not traveling to the US)

• Worldwide. Aside from very few exceptions (Cuba, Iran, and North Korea) everyone can buy it no matter their home country or where they're traveling.
• Flexible timing. Unlike other policies, which require you to buy insurance for your entire trip up front, you can buy four weeks (or less) and extend (or auto-renew) as needed.
• Unlimited coverage period. Great for long-term digital nomads like us because, unlike most travel insurance policies, you can extend every year for as long as you need.
• Travel coverage. Insurance includes trip interruption, travel delay, and checked luggage protection. Other low-cost travel insurance providers often don't.
• Kids are free. One 14-day to 10-year-old child is covered for each adult without added cost.
• No waiting period . You're covered as soon as you pay.
• It's getting better. SafetyWing has announced plans to increase their limits, get rid of the deductible, and offer extreme sports add-ons. They also plan to release a comprehensive health care package.

• Not the cheapest (as long as you remember to buy before you leave). For example, the travel insurance plan we're covered by as I write this in Spain is $1.12 a day, 15% cheaper than SafetyWing.
• Low maximum limit. SafetyWing's maximum is only $250,000 (and only $100,000 for emergency evacuation), which may not fully cover worst-case scenarios in far-off lands. The industry insiders I interviewed off-the-record for my travel insurance post recommend a maximum of at least $500,000.
• $250 deductible for non-urgent medical care. Many other companies have a $0 deductible, though you generally pay higher premiums for this benefit.
• No US travel flexibility. SafetyWing's doesn't cover non-Americans traveling through the US or on short layovers there. You have to get a new policy that includes the US to be insured (though a good credit card's travel insurance should cover you).
• Not customizable. SafetyWing keeps their insurance cheap by keeping it simple, but that also means you'll have to look elsewhere if you want insurance on things they don't cover like personal electronics, travel to Iran and North Korea, and some extreme sports.

Do your future self a favor and read the full policy (PDF).

Other Companies Selling Already Traveling Travel Insurance

Shop around and see if you can find a better deal than Safety Wing for already traveling travel insurance. (If you do, please let us know!)

Here are the most popular providers of travel insurance when already traveling.

• World Nomads . Starting from $US2.78/day. Yeah, super expensive . Bloggers love to recommend these guys because they pay high commissions. But World Nomads does have a great reputation in the industry and among past customers and offers extensive coverage for activities and countries SafetyWing doesn't.
• Globelink . Starting from $US1.57/day. For UK, EU and EEA residents only.
• True Traveler . Starting from $US1.78/day for European residents. They offer a wide variety of add-ons, options, and packages.

Step 5: Put it in Your Wallet

Keep insurance contact info in your wallet.

If something happens during your trip, you, your companion, or anyone who's caring for you will then know who to call to coordinate emergency travel arrangements, doctor referrals, or claims questions or other issues.

Hopefully, it's a waste of (less of) your money!

Enjoy an injury-free trip, so all that time and money you spent on finding travel insurance doesn't get put to use.

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, feedback, or tips of your own about buying travel insurance when already traveling.

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Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

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Where do you live

All persons to be insured must reside at a permanent address within the EEC ( Excluding Switzerland, Russia, Belarus, Montenegro and the Ukraine) to be eligible for cover.

Can I take out this insurance if I am already travelling?

When cover is purchased after an Insured Person has departed their home to commence their journey, there is a fixed period of 48 hours prior to cover commencing. Any illness arising during this initial 48 hour period will be an excluded Pre-existing Medical Condition. In the event of serious injury in connection with an accident, you will be covered from the date you take out cover subject to the accident being independently witnessed and also verified by a Medical Practitioner.

There is no 14 Day Cooling off Period and no premium refund will be made if the insured Person has already travelled.

family family 

Definition of a couple

A couple is defined as 2 adults who have been permanently living together at the same address for more than six months, who intend to travel together.

If you do not qualify as a couple, please select individual(s)

Annual Multi-Trip Durations

Annual Multi Trip policies are designed for multiple short holidays leaving from and returning to your home country.

Annual Multi Trip trip limits:

Standard policy - 30 days

Premier policy - 70 days

If you need continuous cover for a year (home visits allowed on policies over 4 months long) select Single Trip or One Way. You can travel around as much as you like, to as many different countries as you like, with a Single Trip or One Way policy.

One Way Trip

Please note a Single Trip policy can cover travels with no return ticket booked, a One Way policy is intended for:

Emigrating to new country where you intend to permanently live

Returning to your home country permanently

All cover ceases upon arrival at final destination

Select the type of policy most suitable for your needs.

Single Trip: A flexible policy with no limits on how many countries you visit or how long you’re away for. Suitable for all types of travel whether it be short term/long stay or backpacking. No return ticket required and unlimited home visits offered on policies over 4 months long.

One Way Trip: Means you are Emigrating to a new country where you intend to live permanently or, returning to your home country permanently. Cover will end upon arrival at your final destination. Please note: There is no cover for emergency return travel expenses if you do not have an original return ticket.

Annual Multi-Trip: This policy covers an unlimited number of trips throughout the 12 month Period of Insurance. Each trip has a maximum stay validity depending on the type of policy chosen. For example, for Standard Policies, the maximum duration of any trip shall not exceed 30 days and for Premier policies, the maximum duration of any trip must not exceed 70 days. 

If you are already travelling it is not possible to purchase the annual multi-trip policy.

Geographical Areas

Europe: Europe means the continent of Europe West of the Ural Mountains, and includes the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Iceland, Jordan, Madeira, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Mediterranean Islands as well as all countries bordering the Mediterranean. Australia & New Zealand: a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide excluding North America & Mexico: (North America means the USA, Canada & Mexico.) a) For any period of cover purchased, a 48 hour stop-over anywhere in the World for both outward and return travel will be included. b) If the period of cover purchased is two months or more, a stop-over of 7 days/nights anywhere in the World will be included. Worldwide including North America & Mexico: Worldwide means anywhere in the World including the USA, Canada & Mexico.

Automatic Trip Extension   If the Insured Person is prevented from completing their travel before the expiration of this Insurance as stated under the Period of Insurance on the Booking Invoice or Validation Certificate (as applicable) for reasons which are beyond their control, including ill health or failure of public transport, this Insurance will remain in force until completion but not exceeding a further 31 days on a day by day basis, without additional premium. In the event of an Insured Person being hijacked, cover shall continue whilst the Insured Person is subject to the control of the person(s) or their associates making the hijack during the Period of Insurance of a period not exceeding twelve months from the date of the hijack. Please ensure you arrange cover for the entire duration of your travel

Where you normally reside

Where do you normally reside? Where do you normally reside? Please use the drop down box to choose your country of residence. Note we can only insure residents of the UK & EEA Countries. Can I take out this Insurance if I’m already abroad? If you are normally a resident of the UK or EEA Countries and your insurance has run out, you may take out cover online with us. This is on the understanding that nothing has occurred at the time of taking out the cover which has led to a claim or may lead to a potential claim. Note you cannot take out our Multi-Trip Insurance if you are already abroad. Do you have minimum residency requirements? No. If you are, for example, a British Passport holder and have right of abode in the UK, we are not concerned as to how many months in the past year you have been in the UK provided at the time of arranging this insurance you have a UK residential address.

Age Restriction Error

We are unable to quote, Please ring our Offices on 0333 0033 161 for further assistance.

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Get Cover if Already Travelling

You don't need to be in your Home Country to get cover, you can buy a policy from anywhere in the world, as long as you're residential status is still in the UK. Just follow the Quote form to get a price and complete your purchase.

Extend your Travel Insurance

If at any point you realise you're not quite ready to return home, you can extend your insurance to include the remainder of your trip. Even if you don't have a Policy with us.

Working while abroad

Non manual / clerical work is covered for free, if you'll be volunteering, WWOOFing or partaking in any sort of manual labour - our Activity Pack can cover you.

Free Home Visits

If you feel homesick at any time, so long as your policy duration is more than 4 months, you can pop home to see family and friends at any time, however many times you choose.

Cover for 156+ Activities

Whether you'll be scuba diving, jet skiing, bungee jumping, sky diving, trekking above 2,500m or kayaking. Our Activity Packs can cover various levels of adventurous sports.

Winter Sports

Big Cat’s Winter Sports Extension provides great-value cover for those wishing to make the most of the snow. As well as standard skiing and snowboarding, you’ll be covered for cat skiing, snow skiing, cross-country skiing, off-piste skiing / snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Cancellation & Baggage Cover

24 hour emergency helpline, up to £10m medical cover, claim while you're travelling, already travelling insurance.

It’s not uncommon for people to head off on their travels only to realise they are not insured after departure, or to find out once they are already overseas that their travel insurance is about to run out. But don’t fret, Big Cat can still provide you with suitable already travelling insurance cover even though you’re already travelling abroad, or we can extend your insurance to cover the remainder of your travels.

Annual Multi-trip policies can not be purchased if you are already travelling.

Key features of already travelling insurance:.

• Emergency Medical and Repatriation Expenses up to £10 million.
• Emergency Dental Cover.
• Cover duration of up to 24 months.
• Baggage Cover
• Gadgets & Valuable Cover 
• One Way Travel.
• No return ticket requirement.
• Free Home visits.
• Policy Extensions whilst still travelling.
• 156+ Sports and Activities.
• Winter Sports Cover.
• Loss of Passport & Visa replacement costs.

Some FAQ's:

Riding a motorbike or scooter up to 125cc is automatically covered with all our policies. Riding a motorbike over 125cc can be covered with our Activity Pack Add-on.

If you are a pillion passenger on a motorcycle tour, such as the Ha Giang Loop, this is covered automatically and does not require any Activity Packs or any relevant licences.

When riding, you must always ensure you:

• Wear an appropriate crash helmet.
• Obey the Local road rules and laws
• Have the relevant licence(s) required to ride a motorcycle in the country or countries you will be riding in. If the country you’re in requires you to obtain a specific in-country licence to legally ride a motorcycle, then to be covered, you must obtain this licence.
• If all that’s required is an International Driving Permit (IDP), and you hold an IDP, then there’s no need to go about getting any more licences.
• Be aware that an IDP will only allow you to ride the same class of vehicle as your home licence allows. So, if you’re not licensed to ride a motorbike at home, you’re not licensed to ride a motorbike abroad under your IDP. It's up to you to make sure you are licensed for the type of motorcycle you hire.
• You should always ensure the bike is fully insured (motor insurance arranged by the company that owns the bike) as there is no Personal Lability cover whilst riding a bike. We cannot cover any participation in competitions or racing or any kind.

Non-manual/clerical work is covered automatically with a Big Cat policy. So, there’s nothing you need to add to be covered for things like teaching, caring or nursing.

With the Activity Pack, we can also cover work of a more manual nature. This can include things like WWOOFing, partaking in community or wildlife based conservation work, charity based supervised building / renovation projects or other permitted manual work (defined below).

Cover is excluded for any activity that involves the use of industrial machinery (other than tractors) or non-domestic power tools.

WWOOfing is classed as Permitted Manual Work, so with the Activity Pack, you’re covered.

(see above)

Temporary return to home country (Single trip policies only) Where cover has been purchased for a total duration of 4 months or more, and you want to return to your home country during the period of insurance for any reason that is not directly or indirectly caused by arising or resulting from, or in connection with a claim under this insurance all cover under this policy will be suspended from the time that you clear customs in your home country and restarts after the baggage check in at the international departure point for the return flights, international train or ferry to the overseas destination. Any illness, disease, injuries, accidents which existed, showed symptoms or were diagnosed in the previous trip(s) during this period of insurance will not be covered in the restarted period of insurance.

Yes, bar work or working in a chalet is automatically covered with all of our policies.

Decide Canada’s not for you, and want to return earlier than your full period of insurance?

Other insurers will tell you to wave goodbye to your money, but Big Cat lets you claim a partial premium refund for the unused time you didn’t stay in Canada.

How does the EARLY RETURN REFUND work?

Let’s say you buy a 24-month policy to cover your time in Canada. But after nine months, you decide that Canada’s not for you, and you want to return home. You may have invested a substantial amount for your 24 months Big Cat policy, most of which you’ll now no longer need. Unlike most insurers, Big Cat is happy to offer you a partial refund on the redundant portion of your insurance as a fair’s fair consolation. Please note that travel insurance premiums are not calculated on a pro-rata basis, as such, no refund is calculated in this manner either.

How does Big Cat calculate the amount of EARLY RETURN REFUND?

We take the length of time of the original policy and subtract the actual amount of time you have used, and payout the difference, deducting a £50 Cancellation Charge.

Are there other conditions that apply to my EARLY RETURN REFUND?

• Only applicable to 24 month IEC policies.
• We are not able to offer refunds to cover the first 6 months of the policy.
• No refund can be given on a policy where a claim has been made or is likely to be made prior to the cancellation of your Big Cat policy.
• You must be back in your home country and notify us by email of your wish to cancel the policy within 14 days of your arrival, please also provide us with proof of your return to the UK (flight ticket / e-ticket / boarding pass).
• All refund calculations are based on the base premium paid only. Add-ons are non-refundable.

Can you give an example of how much I could receive back in my EARLY RETURN REFUND?

Say you took out a 24-month budget IEC policy costing £525.24, then you wish to cancel the policy after 9 months. Our 9-month budget IEC policy costs £312.55. So we deduct £312.55 from £525.24 = £212.99

Then we apply the £50 Cancellation Charge, refunding you a total of £162.99.

Big Cat Travel Insurance Services, a trading name of Flynow.com Ltd (registration No.FRN 745388)   is an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd (registration No.306242) who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You may check this on the Financial Services register www.fca.org.uk  or by contacting them on (0) 800 111 6768. © 2023 Big Cat Travel Insurance Services.  All rights reserved.

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List of automatically covered medical conditions that do not need to be declared

Acne, ADHD, Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) provided that you have not needed hospital treatment for this in the last 2 years, Allergic rhinitis, Arthritis (the affected person must be able to walk independently at home without using mobility aids), Asthma (the diagnosis must have been made when the affected person was under the age of 50, and the asthma be controlled by no more than 2 inhalers and no other medication), Blindness or partial sightedness, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Cataracts, Chicken pox - if completely resolved, Common cold or flu, Cuts and abrasions that are not self-inflicted and require no further treatment, Cystitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Deafness, Diabetes (which is controlled by diet or tablets only), Diarrhoea and vomiting - if completely resolved, Eczema, Enlarged prostate - benign only, Essential tremor, Glaucoma, Gout, Haemorrhoids, Hay fever, Ligament or tendon injury - provided you are not currently being treated, Macular degeneration, Menopause, Migraine - provided there are no on-going investigations, Nasal polyps, PMT, RSI, Sinusitis - provided there is no on-going treatment, Skin or wound infections that have completely resolved with no current treatment, Tinnitus, Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism), Urticaria, Varicose veins in the legs.

Important information

If you have a medical condition in addition to any of the automatically covered medical conditions, all conditions will be excluded from cover unless declared to the medical screening helpline.

What is classed as a medical condition?

a Any respiratory condition (relating to the lungs or breathing), heart condition, stroke, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, allergy, or cancer for which you have ever received treatment (including surgery, tests or investigations by your doctor or a consultant/ specialist or prescribed medication).

b Any psychiatric or psychological condition (including anxiety, stress and depression) for which you have suffered which you have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication for in the last five years.

c Any medical condition for which you have received surgery, in-patient treatment or investigations in a hospital or clinic within the last 12 months, or for which you are prescribed medication.

Any premium for medical screening quoted can be paid directly. This can be done either before or after taking out a policy with us. The policy and medical extension connect automatically, no reference numbers need to be exchanged.

Choosing not to declare a medical condition will not invalidate cover, but any costs incurred in relation to an undeclared condition will not be covered.

If making a declaration all medical conditions must be declared, you can't choose to only declare certain conditions.

Medical conditions can only be declared for up to 12 months at a time. A second declaration will have to be made after 12 months if necessary.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Guide to Travel Insurance for UK Travellers + Options to Consider

Last updated: December 15, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 6 Comments

We’re often contacted by readers asking whether or not we think travel insurance is worth it. In our opinion travel insurance is a necessity, not an option. This is particularly the case for the medical cover it provides should you find yourself in difficulty abroad.

The cost of medical bills when you travel can be eye watering, and we don’t think that the small savings you get from skipping insurance is worth the huge potential bills you might be saddled with.

Travel insurance varies though in what it covers, and what it costs. It also varies depending on your country of residence, as well as a range of other factors including your age, trip destination, trip duration, planned activities, and so on.

In this post, we’re going to go over some of the key features of a travel insurance policy, to give you an idea of what to look for. This part of the guide applies to most travellers, regardless of where you are resident.

Then we’re going to look at a range of travel insurance options for travellers who are resident in the UK. Usually they will also require you to be registered with a medical practitioner in the UK as well. I’m from the UK and have purchased a variety of travel insurance policies over the years for my travels.

Some of the policies we include in this guide are available for travellers from other countries, but the majority are for UK residents only. That includes those living in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. They may also cover crown dependencies like the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, but you would need to check.

We’ll cover a range of trip types, from gap year travel insurance policies, to insurance policies for couples and families, to policies for those in different age groups.

Before we start, the inevitable disclaimer. This article should not be constituted as advice, and we are not insurance or financial experts. We have just provided the facts for individual policies to the best of our abilities, to help you make an informed decision on the best travel insurance for you.

Now, let’s get started.

Travel Insurance Policy Features

Before we get into individual travel insurance policies on the market today for British travellers, let’s take a look at what travel insurance typically covers, and different features you can use to compare policies.

What Travel Insurance Typically Covers

I’ll go into more details on some of these sections below, but in general travel insurance can cover the following (subject to exclusions and your specific policy).

• The cost of medical treatment if required on your trip
• Loss of baggage on your trip
• Costs incurred due to delays
• Costs incurred due to cancellations
• Personal liability and legal expenses claims
• Replacement of travel documents

Some travel insurance policies may be more niche or specific, and may only cover specific things like medial costs or trip cancellation costs.

Does Travel Insurance Cover the Coronavirus?

As well as tragic loss of life, the Coronavirus pandemic of 2019/20 caused major disruption to travel and travel plans.

Some existing travel insurance policies covered some but not all of these cancellations and disruptions, depending on the reasons for the cancellation or delay and the policy wording.

If you are taking out a new travel insurance policy, most providers have specific rules in place regarding the coronavirus. Most commonly, insurance providers will not provide cover for a trip to a destination which is on the FCO government list advising against all but essential travel. You can see the specific countries on the FCO website here .

In addition, many providers may have blanket exclusion causes related to the coronavirus. This might mean they won’t cover you for any claims relating to the Coronavirus. These claims might include trip cancellation due to you catching the virus before your trip, medical costs due to you catching the coronavirus when you travel, or your trip being cancelled due to government restrictions.

From our research, nearly every provider has specific information regarding their coronavirus coverage which is easily accessible from their homepage. We highly recommend reading this information before purchasing any particular cover.

We’ve also linked to the specific coronavirus information page for the providers in our list where possible.

Providers which do include Coronavirus insurance for new policies, to at least some extent, include Staysure , Insurefor , and True Traveller . However, do check the exact wording of each policy so you know what you are covered for, as the policies vary.

From our research, currently Staysure would appear to offer the most comprehensive coronavirus travel insurance coverage, but please check as the information changes regularly.

Single or Multi-trip Cover

There are a range of different types of travel insurance on the market, with the two main types being single trip and multi-trip cover.

Single trip insurance is designed to cover you for a specific trip. This type of insurance covers you for a specific number of days to a specific destination or destinations. You can think of it as insurance for one trip. Gap year travel insurance also usually falls into this single trip category.

A multi-trip insurance policy works a little bit differently. These policies usually last for a fixed period, say a year, and cover you for all your travels in that period. Usually there is a limitation on the length of each trip you can take before returning home and starting the next trip.

The price difference between single trip cover and multi-trip cover is often relatively small. Depending on how often you travel and the length of your trips, you can compare single trip policies with multi-trip policies to see which is best for you.

We have an annual multi-trip policy for our travels, as we travel a number of times each year from the UK, and this has worked out to be the best value option for us. However, you will need to decide which kind of cover is best for your specific needs. Those who usually only travel once or less per year will probably want to look at single trip insurance.

Trip Duration

Both single trip and multi-trip travel insurance policies will have a limit to the length of each individual trip you can take. Multi-trip policies may also have a total limit on the number of days they cover over the duration of the policy.

For a single trip policy, you will buy the trip for the number of days you are travelling for.

For a multi-trip policy, usually the length of any individual trip will be specified in the policy. For example, the policy might cover you for any trip lasting up to 30 days. You can take multiple trips over the lifetime of the policy, but to be covered you will have to return to your home country before starting a new trip.

Usually you can pay a fee to extend the duration of trip that the policy covers. So for example, our annual multi-trip cover allows us to take trips of up to 30 days in length, but we were able to contact them and pay a fee to increase that cover to 45 days.

Finally, you might be looking to cover a much longer trip, such as travel insurance for a gap year or insurance for life as a digital nomad. These policies also exist, and are often called gap year insurance or something similar. Business travelers and those being sent to work in another country should check with their company on their insurance coverage while abroad.

People Covered

Travel insurance policies for UK travellers are available for different family units. For example, you can buy travel insurance on an individual basis, or you can buy it as a couple or family.

In our experience we have found that covering more people on a policy usually works out to be less expensive per person than buying individual cover, although of course every situation varies.

When checking the policy for the number of people covered, things to look out for include whether or not the policy still covers you when you are travelling alone. For example, some couple policies allow you to travel together and individually. On the other hand, children insured on a family policy are usually not covered unless they are travelling with the family.

Destinations Covered

Different regions of the world have different risk and cost factors associated with travelling in them, and so the price of insurance policies will vary depending on where you are travelling.

For example, the cost of medical treatment in the USA is generally regarded as quite high. As such, insurance policies which cover travel in the USA are often more expensive.

Other destinations might be considered higher risk for travel for a number of other reasons, ranging from safety issues to infrastructure.

It is important to be aware that where you travel will affect the price of the policy you purchase. So be sure that you include all destinations you plan to visit when applying and are sure that you will be covered in each.

The mode of travel is important – many policies for example may require you to specify if you will be taking a cruise. If so, this may require the purchase of cruise specific cover. Again, you will need to check what is defined as a cruise – an overnight ferry crossing for example is unlikely to be considered a cruise, but this will be policy specific.

In addition, you will want to check if the policy covers you for domestic trips in your home country. Some policies cover travel in your home country and some do not. Normally for those policies that cover you domestically, you need to be away for a certain length (e.g. at least two days) and a certain distance from you home for the coverage to apply (e.g., 300 miles) so you can’t claim for an accident close to home.

Age Limitations

Insurance is basically a gamble. The insurer takes a gamble that you will not require to claim, whilst you take a gamble that you might need to claim.

As with any gamble, the odds vary depending on a number of factors. When it comes to insuring a traveller, one of the main risk factors an insurance provider considers is the age of the traveller.

As this article from the Association of British Insurers makes clear, younger travellers are less likely to make a claim, and the cost to the insurer of those claims is lower than older travellers. The average cost of claims rises as travellers get older, as do the frequency of those claims.

As a result, older travellers tend to have to pay a higher premium for their travel insurance. Some insurers won’t even provide insurance for certain age groups as they deem the risk is too high.

On the other hand, there are specialist insurance providers like Saga who only provide cover for older adults.

Medical Cover

One of the main benefits of travel insurance is the medical cover it provides. If you get sick or injured whilst on a trip, the costs associated with medical bills can be very high.

This is especially the case if you need emergency transport such as a helicopter or flight to a hospital, where you might be looking at tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of costs. You might even need to be flown all the way home – known as repatriation.

Having to spend this amount of money would be a life changing event for most people, and it is for this reason that travel insurance is important. Even if you are not travelling anywhere particularly dangerous, or partaking in risky activities, accidents can and do happen.

It is important that you read exactly what is and what isn’t included with any part of a policy, and medical cover is no exception. For example, most policies only cover non-elective treatment (so immunizations and general checkups won’t be covered), and any prescriptions or medication you usually have to take at home also won’t be covered.

It’s also important to read the procedure you need to follow if the worst should happen and you need to invoke your policy.

Most insurance providers provide a free phone number that can be used from around the world to contact your insurer. They should be able to provide you the advice and information you need. Nearly every provider we know of requires you to get in touch as soon as is possible when it comes to medical treatment, so they can ensure you get the help you need, and so you can claim under the policy.

You want to be sure you have 24/7 year-round access to be able to get in touch with your travel insurer for medical assistance and emergency assistance, and have this number at hand with you as you travel. You should also give this number and your insurance policy number to either a travelling companion, your tour guide, or a trusted contact at home, in case you are incapacitated on your trip. Many of the tours I’ve been on have required this information as a condition of booking.

Finally, be aware that most policies have strict rules around pre-existing medical conditions. You will usually need to let the insurer know about any pre-existing conditions, as this can affect your policy. If you do not let them know about a condition and you have to make a claim, there is a good chance they may reject it, although you will need to check the insurance policy wording to see the exact rules for your policy.

Depending on your pre-existing condition, you may struggle to find insurance. In this case, you might have to find specialist travel insurance that covers your pre-existing condition.

As a traveller from the UK, you also need to be aware that the UK has reciprocal healthcare arrangements in place with a number of countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. This means travellers from these countries are usually eligible for NHS treatment, and travellers from the UK can use health care services in these countries.

Many insurance providers will require you to register for this cover either during or prior to your trip in order for your medical coverage to be valid.

Travellers from the UK visiting other EU countries will also likely need to register for and travel with a European Health Insurance Card , or EHIC. An EHIC gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.

Whilst an EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, many insurance providers will require UK travellers to have one as a condition of insurance.

Possessions Cover

Many travel insurance policies include some kind of possessions cover, which can cover your baggage and personal effects against loss, theft, or even accidental damage.

The exact circumstances that the cover will apply to will vary depending on the policy, and you will need to read the small print to find out what is and what isn’t covered. For example, some policies might cover possessions left in the locked boot of a vehicle overnight, but others might not. Other policies might only cover you if your valuables are locked in a hotel safe.

Another thing to be aware of is that most travel insurance policies have relatively low single item limits. So for example, the policy might have a total possessions cover of £2,000, but a single article limit of £250.So if you have an expensive item like a camera stolen valued at £1000, even though your total cover is £2000, you will only be eligible for the £250.

If you have an item stolen, you may be required to file a local police report to make a claim.

Basically, there are a lot of variables for cover, so always dive down into the details and check what the policy covers compared to what you need it to cover. If you are travelling with expensive items, you may have the option to add them to your policy as named items for an additional fee.

Another option to consider is your home contents insurance policy if you have one. This might be more cost effective for covering your valuables away from the home, rather than relying on that part of your travel insurance policy.

We actually had a laptop stolen whilst on a trip in France, and to make a claim we had to get a police report, as well as proof of the laptop purchase. Unfortunately our travel insurer only had a single item limit of £300, with an excess of £50, so this was all we were able to claim. Since then we have added travel outside the home cover to our home contents insurance, with our valuable items listed individually.

Activity Cover

We go on holiday for different reasons, and to take part in different activities. Obviously, some activities are riskier than others, and as such insurance policies will usually have different levels of activity cover available.

Usually, activities are rated into different categories. Low risk activities might include cycling or golf, whilst more extreme activities like winter sports, mountain climbing, skydiving, or white water rafting will generally be rated as higher risk.

Insurance providers are usually very specific about which activities they cover, and the majority of them allow you to add specific cover which includes more risky activities.Winter sports cover is a very popular addon due to the number of people who go on ski trips.

Make a list of any activities you plan to take part in and make sure they are covered.

Excess Amount

Most insurance policies have some sort of excess in place. The excess is the amount you have to pay when you make a claim.

Some policies have a variable excess depending on which part of the policy you are claiming on, for example £100 towards your medical expenses, but £50 towards a lost luggage claim. Others have a fixed excess that applies to all claims.

The majority of policies will let you adjust the amount of excess you are willing to pay. Usually, a higher excess will result in a cheaper policy, whereas lowering the excess to zero will result in a more expensive policy.

Does it Overlap with Existing Insurance You Own?

Travel insurance is obviously a specific type of insurance designed to cover you while you travel. However, some of the features that travel insurance policies provide are not necessarily unique. You might find that you already have existing cover for some scenarios, in which case you might be able to save money by skipping some of the features on the travel insurance policy.

One example of this is possessions cover. As mentioned previously, most travel insurance policies have relatively low single item limits for your possessions, meaning it can be challenging to cover high value items like cameras, smartphones, video equipment, jewellery, ski equipment, and laptops.

However, home insurance policies often have a feature where you can insure your items outside the home. In some cases, this can be less expensive compared to adding it as a feature on a travel insurance policy.

There are other areas where travel insurance policy features can overlap with existing insurance. For example, some travel insurance policies may allow you to add Collision Damage Waiver protection when you hire a car. However, this might also already be provided through your credit card company or home car insurance policy.

So do check before buying an insurance, or adding features to the policy, that you are not already covered for it with a policy you either already have, or that you can buy separately at a lower cost.

Finally, in the UK there are a couple of additional protections to be aware of. First, there exists a scheme known as ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licensing scheme). Operated by the Civil Aviation Authority, this government backed scheme is designed to protect consumers from the failure of a travel business that sells package holidays, such as a holiday which includes both flights and accommodation.

ATOL is a mandatory scheme which every UK company selling overseas holidays and flights has to be a part of.

Another program to be aware of, although this time voluntary, is ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents). The ABTA scheme is set up to provide protection for non-flight based holidays, such as coach, rail or cruise holidays, as well as linked travel arrangements and monies paid to travel agents.

ABTA is not mandatory, however if you are booking a trip that falls into the above categories, we suggest doing it through an ABTA registered travel agent, and ensuring you get ATOL protection as well.

Business Travel

Whilst most folks think of travel as a leisure activity, a huge amount of travel is actually for business reasons.

If you travel a lot for work, then you might want to check that any policy you purchase also covers business travel. It is likely that your workplace insurance covers you or will reimburse you for your policy, but you will need to check with them.

As with any other feature, naturally business travel cover can come with specific exclusions, which might include the nature of the business. So for example, specific type of manual labour are often excluded, as are other high risk jobs.

So always check the policy wording carefully if cover for business travel is important to you, and if in doubt, always contact the insurer for clarity before taking out the insurance and embarking on the trip.

Specific Features such As Scheduled Airline Failure & Cancel for Any Reason

A common complaint heard about any insurance policy is that when you need to make a claim, it mysteriously doesn’t cover you for the specific circumstances in question.

This is why you need to check what a policy covers you for, and what it does not, before you purchase it. There are some relatively common sense exclusions we cover below in our section on common travel insurance exclusions, but there are some others which are perhaps less well known.

One example of these is Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, or SAFI. Without this specific inclusion, you are likely not going to be covered if an airline ceases operating and you can no longer take your trip as a result. There are similar insurances for other supplier failures, such as hotel or car hire companies.

Of course, even if the policy includes this failure insurance, read the small print to be sure it covers situations relevant to you. For example, some might only cover failure for products booked before your trip begins.

Another example of an uncommon inclusion is known as Cancel for Any Reason. Normally, something needs to happen for an insurer to pay out if your trip is cancelled. You can’t just decide not to go and claim on your insurance. However, some policies allow you to add this feature for an additional cost if you want this additional peace of mind as it allows you to cancel your trip for almost any reason.

Common Travel Insurance Exclusions

There are usually a list of exclusions on a travel insurance policy, and it is vital that you know what you are not covered for. This is why it is so important to read through the small print, boring though it may be, so you can see exactly what you are and are not covered for.

The exclusions will vary depending on the policy, and many can be added to a policy at an additional cost, but some common exclusions might be:

• If you leave your belongings unattended they will likely not be covered
• Claiming against any pre-existing medical condition
• Travelling to a region or country when government advice has been issued against travel to that region. You can see current UK government advice here .
• Claims arising as a result of partaking in any illegal activity in the destination you visit, such as drink-driving, drug use, or off-road driving
• Travel resumption – if you have to return home for any reason, such as a medical claim, most policies will not cover the cost of resuming your trip at a later date
• One way trips – if you set off on a journey with no return ticket, many policies will not cover this
• If you are already travelling – the majority of travel insurance policies need to be taken out before you start your trip, and cannot be bought once your trip has started
• Cancellation of products booked with reward points such as airline miles

There are also often clauses limiting claims for other reasons, which may include claims arising as a result of terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics, and times of global strife etc,.

Ease of Getting a Quote

This is not necessarily a feature of a travel insurance provider, but we think it is worth mentioning.

Some of the providers on our list make it very easy to get a quote – you just put in your destination, age, and type of policy you are interested in, and you get a quote straight away.

If you have pre-existing conditions, in most cases you need to declare these as well.

Other providers require more personally identifying information, including your full home address, contact phone number, and email before they’ll even give you a quote.

If a provider does require personal information, we advise opting out of any marketing materials when you go through the quote so you don’t end up getting lots of marketing material sent to you.

Travel Insurance If You Are Already on a Trip

The majority of travel insurance providers will only issue you with a travel insurance policy prior to your trip start date. However, if you are already travelling and require insurance, some providers will still allow you to purchase insurance.

For UK travellers, some options include True Traveller and Safety Wing .

Travel Insurance Policies for UK travellers

Below are some providers of travel insurance for UK travellers. Information on these policies is up to date as of April 2020, and we have done our best to ensure it is accurate.

However, please do check the policy wording and information prior to making any purchase. These are not listed in any order of preference.

Note: since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic most new policies will not provide any coverage for coronavirus related issues. In addition, due to a volume of claims some insurance companies have stopped issuing new insurance policies for the time being, or have rules around when policies can start.

Prices and availability of policies may be affected by the current outbreak. Each provider will have specific information on their website.

For those looking for coronavirus related resources, see the UK government advice here and NHS guidance here .

True Traveller Travel Insurance

True Traveller offers a wide range of travel insurance products to travellers aged 65 years and under. They are particularly focused on backpackers and long term travellers, and are also one of the few providers on our list who offer cover even after your trip has started.

They offer gap year, one-way, multi-trip and single trip cover, as well as specific policies for trekking and those going to Canada on an IEC visa.

True Travellers products are very customisable. The base product for example doesn’t include baggage cover, as they recognise this may duplicate an existing home contents insurance policy. This can save you money by skipping insurance you don’t need.

You can also add all sorts of extras, from CDW excess cover, to cover that lets you ride scooters or motorbikes (excluded on many insurance policies), to travel disruption cover that includes natural disasters. Obviously, additions will increase the price of your premium.

You can take out the multi-trip cover for varying durations, unlike many other policies which sell it as an annual policy which lasts for 12 months. So if you are doing a few trips over 6 months, you don’t have to commit to a full year of coverage.

When it comes to their policies they have three packages. The policies vary in terms of what is offered, as well as who can take them out.

The True Value product currently does not include Financial Failure Protection, but the Traveller product does, and this covers you against the failure of service providers including scheduled airlines, hotels, etc.

For multi-trip cover, two of the packages offer individual trip durations up to 30 days, while the more expensive package allows for trips up to 70 days. There’s no limit on the number of days you can travel per year.

For the single trip cover, you can take this out for a period up to 18 months, and you can then extend it for 12 months at a time.

It’s super easy to get a quote from True Traveller, and you don’t need to enter your e-mail address or contact information.

Get a quote from True Traveller here .

Does True Traveller Travel Insurance cover the Coronavirus?

True Traveller does include coronavirus coverage in their insurance policies. You can read here to see exactly what is and isn’t covered.

Staysure Travel Insurance

Staysure offers a range of insurance policies, including single trip, annual, cruise, and golf insurance. They also have specific cover for a range of pre-existing conditions, and they have no age limit on their policies.

They have a number of packages available depending on how much cover you want. For example, for a multi-trip annual policy you can choose between a basic package and a more comprehensive package. The former costs less and covers the essentials like medical expenses and repatriation, but is missing things like end supplier failure.

The more comprehensive package includes supplier failure cover and personal liability, as well as legal protection and winter sports.

You can also add higher value items, wedding rings and sporting equipment to your policies.

The annual multi-trip cover covers up to 183 days of travel in a year, with up to 50 days of consecutive travel per trip for those aged 70 and under, and 35 consecutive days for those aged over 70.

You can get a quote without entering your e-mail address or contact information, although you do need to enter your name and date of birth, as well as disclose any medical conditions.

Get a quote from Staysure here .

Does Staysure Travel Insurance cover the Coronavirus?

Staysure offer fairly comprehensive coronavirus travel insurance for new policies, including cancellation cover, medical cover, and cover in case you are quarantined. You can see what their policy covers in terms of the coronavirus here .

AXA Travel Insurance

AXA are a huge French firm specializing in a range of insurance products, as well as other financial services. When I lived in France, I had a travel insurance policy through AXA.

They also offer travel insurance policies in a whole range of other countries, including the USA, Canada, and of course, the UK, and in fact many travel insurance policies are actually underwritten by AXA.

AXA offer both single and multi-trip policies. Single trip cover is available for trips up to 120 days in length, while multi-trip cover is for 30-40 days depending on the package, and can be extended to cover trips up to 45 days. Policies are also available for those with pre-existing conditions.

Policies are currently available in three tiers of cover, Bronze, Silver and Gold. As far as we can tell all the policies include cover in the event of insolvency of the accommodation provider, transport provider, or their booking agents, but do check the policy wording before purchasing.

In terms of age, for single trip policies which include travel to the USA, Canada or the Caribbean, these are only available for those under 75. Single trip policies to the rest of the world are only available for those under 80. Annual multi-trip policies are available for those under 75, regardless of destination.

From our research, AXA was one of the most price competitive options for travel insurance for UK travellers, although they don’t offer any kind of gap year or long trip cover currently. It also covers domestic trips in the UK that are for at least 2 days in length.

AXA do require some personally identifiable information including your e-mail address and home address, before they will give you a quote.

You can get a travel insurance quote from AXA here .

Does AXA Travel Insurance cover the Coronavirus?

AXA has some coverage for Coronavirus related claims for both new and existing policies. The coverage is primarily for medical and repatriation coverage. New policies do not include cancellation coverage relating to the coronavirus. You can see full information here .

Saga Travel Insurance

Saga specialises in travel insurance for the over 50s. So if you are are under this age bracket, you’ll want to skip Saga as they don’t even provide insurance for the under 50s.

If you do fall into the over 50 age bracket though, then Saga is an option. They offer a range of policies, including single trip and multi-trip cover. Single trips can be up to 120 days per trip, whilst multi-trip cover has a standard duration of 45 days per trip. This can be extended to up to 90 days, depending on where you are travelling.

Based on our research, Saga do charge a bit of a premium compared to other providers. However, their policies are tailored toward a specific age group, and the policies include generous cover for things like trip cancellation and medical expenses. They also include supplier failure including scheduled airline failure.

Saga do require some personally identifiable information including your name and home address, before they will give you a quote.

You can get a travel insurance quote from Saga here .

Does Saga Travel Insurance cover the Coronavirus?

Saga Travel insurance offers some coverage for coronavirus claims, specifically relating to medical coverage and repatriation when travelling. Cancellation is not currently covered. You can read more on their website here .

Insurefor Travel Insurance

Insurefor is a travel insurance provider with a range of policies available, including annual multi-trip cover, family travel insurance policies, and single trip policies.

In terms of policies, they currently offer three levels of cover, standard, premier and Ultimate. The price difference between these level of cover is not too great; however, there are a few key differences around what is covered and what isn’t. For multi-trip annual cover for example, the Ultimate package allows for trips up to 60 days in length, whilst the other two policies allow for trips up to 32 days.

Trips inside the UK of at least two days in length are covered, and if you travel with a number of electronic items, you will be pleased to hear the you can add gadget specific cover for higher value items.

Age wise, currently Insurefor offers annual multi-trip policies for those aged 74 and under, whilst their single trip policies are available for those aged 84 and under.

One obvious omission from Insurefor policies is that they do not currently cover scheduled airline failure or any other losses you might incur as a result of a provider going insolvent. This is definitely something to be aware of and to keep in mind when comparing this insurance with other providers.

Insurefor make it easy to get a quote without needing to enter your personal information. You can get a quote from Insurefor here .

Does Insurefor Travel Insurance cover the Coronavirus?

Insurefor travel insurance includes some coronavirus cover for both new and existing policies. You can see more on their coronavirus page here .

Virgin Money Travel Insurance

Virgin Money offer a range of travel insurance products, including backpacker insurance, annual multi-trip cover, and single trip insurance.

Each policy is available at a range of color coded levels, and as with other insurance policies, these offer varying levels of cover. In addition, Virgin offers a range of optional extras which vary including winter sports and other activities, through to cruise, business, and gadget cover.

Even their most basic “red” cover for single and annual policies includes scheduled airline failure as standard. However, if you want to include the insolvency of other providers, you would need a higher level of cover.

For the multi-trip policy, you can travel for up to 31 days on the red option, 45 days on the silver product, and up to 90 days for the gold and black policies. Note that these limits vary depending on your age.

Speaking of age, the most basic “red” policy for the single and multi-trip products is only available for people aged 65 and older. The other single and multi-trip policies have no upper age limit, however if you are aged between 66 and 75 the maximum single trip duration is limited to 31 days and if aged 76 and over the maximum single trip duration is limited to 17 days.

Virgin also offers a Backpacker specific travel insurance, available for trips from 18 days up to 18 months. This policy is a good option for longer term backpackers, but is only available for travellers age 39 and younger.

InsureandGo Travel Insurance

InsureandGo offer a range of travel insurance products including single trip, annual multi-trip and backpacker insurance. They also offer specific insurance for travellers over 65.

They are also the provider of the Virgin Travel Insurance product, although there are some differences between the two providers, including age limits and what exactly is included, so I have included both providers in this round up.

Product wise, each type of insurance is available at a different level of cover, ranging from a budget product through to a black product. Cover and remuneration varies by product. Trip length is also one of the main variables, the budget product allows for trips up to 31 days, whilst the Gold and Black products allow for trips up to 90 days.

Note that unlike the similar Virgin Travel policy, none of their products include Scheduled Airline Failure insurance, or cover for the failure of any other supplier. As with other providers, you can add valuables, winter sports, and cover for other activities as well as natural disasters.

In terms of age, with the exception of the backpacker policy (66 and under only) there is no upper age limit on InsureandGo policies. The only restriction they have is on trip length – the maximum trip length for those over 65 is 31 days on both single and annual trip policies.

InsureandGo make it very easy to get a quote without having to provide any personally identifiable information.

You can get a quote from InsureandGo here .

AllClear Travel Insurance

AllClear specialises in providing travel insurance to travellers who have pre-existing conditions, and they provide cover for travellers with any of up to 1,300 conditions.

Launched in the year 2,000, AllClear was the first company in the UK to provide this specialist medical travel insurance cover.

They also provide insurance to folks without pre-existing conditions, although their policies are a little more expensive based on our research.

They do offer a wide range of packages though, depending on the cover you need. However, not all packages are available for all ages, so you would need to search based on your specific age and requirements to see if there is a package to suit. In addition, we weren’t able to find a policy which included end supplier failure.

The maximum trip length for single trips is 180 days, so this wouldn’t work for those looking to go on a longer trip like a gap year. For annual multi-trip policies, the standard trip duration is 31 days.

AllClear do require some personally identifiable information including your name and home address, before they will give you a quote. You can get a travel insurance quote from AllClear here .

Allianz Assistance Travel Insurance

Allianz are the world’s largest insurance company, and they offer a huge range of insurance policies for all kinds of things, including travel, in countries around the world.

In the UK, they offer a range of travel insurance policies, including single trip, annual multi-trip, and gap year travel insurance. They also have specific policies for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, travellers over 75 and for families. So hopefully you should be able to find a policy that meets your needs!

Currently, Allianz offer three main tiers of insurance, Bronze, Silver and Gold. These offer varying levels of coverage, and at time of writing only Gold includes end supplier failure coverage.

In terms of trip duration, the multi-trip annual cover policies allow for unlimited trips up to 31 days in length. Single trip cover is available up to 180 days.

The backpacker policy is available as two products, either with skiing or without. It’s available for travellers aged 35 or under, and covers trips up to 365 days in length. It does not include supplier failure insurance.

The standard multi-trip and single trip products are available for travellers up to age 75. However, you should be aware that the multi-trip policy for travellers over the age of 65 is only available for those without pre-existing conditions.

However, Allianz also offer a specific Seniors travel insurance. This is available in both single and multi-trip variants for travellers over the age of 65, and is available for those with pre-existing conditions. Otherwise, the coverage is similar, with three tiers (Bronze, Silver and Gold), with silver and gold including possessions cover, and gold including supplier failure.

Allianz make it very easy to get a quote without having to provide any personally identifiable information. You can get a quote from Allianz here .

Comparison of Quotes and Cover

I wanted to provide a comparison of cover for a range of scenarios, to give you an idea of pricing and features. I’ll use some example trips and applicants of different ages to show you what’s available.

Prices are all valid as of April 2020 when I did the comparison search.

As providers often have a range of packages at different price points, I have tried to include the most comparable products from each provider in terms of coverage.

Where possible, I also tried to pick a package that matched the trip, for example if a provider has a special gap year product, this was chosen for the gap year comparison.

Cover was chosen to include worldwide trips including the USA and Caribbean. If additional features were available these were not added to the cover.

Excess was left at the default amount if available, and the middle amount if a choice had to be made. Some providers have varying excess amounts for different parts of the product, so in these cases the most expensive excess was used in the comparison table.

No pre-existing medical conditions were specified.

One last thing before getting into the individual prices. Please remember that price is not everything. You need to compare the specific inclusions and exclusions for each product, as well as recent customer reviews on websites like TrustPilot . Many providers also have a Defaqto rating , which gives a product a score based on features and benefits.

Ideally you want a policy where it is easy to make a claim and reviews indicate customer service is good.

Now, let’s compare providers to see what they offer, and how much they charge across a range of scenarios. Prices have been rounded to the nearest pound. Please note this information is provided for comparison purposes only. You will always need to do your own research and get your own quote to ensure a product is correct for you prior to purchase.

Example 1: Multi-trip Annual Travel Insurance for a 40 year old Couple

Example 2: multi-trip annual travel insurance for a 75 year old couple, example 3: 1 year gap year travel insurance for a 21 year old.

Notes: True Traveller has an initial 18 month policy duration (24 months for Canada IEC if required), and it can then be extended while you are travelling 12 months at a time.

Example 4: 2 Week Single Trip Travel Insurance for a Family, two parents age 32 and two kids aged 2 and 4

Note: When checking single trip insurance, always check to see what the equivalent annual policy price would be, as this might sometimes work out either cheaper or only slightly more expensive.

For this reason I have included the equivalent price for a similar annual policy for each provider if they offer one. Just be aware that the policy may vary slightly from the single trip policy, so it’s hard to compare it directly.

Does Your Bank or Financial Provider Offer Travel Insurance?

Before you finish your travel insurance search, don’t forget that many bank accounts in the UK offer travel insurance as a benefit. These products are generally known as packaged bank accounts, and may come with a number of benefits including travel insurance, mobile phone insurance, and/or car breakdown cover.

For example, we have a FlexPlus bank account with Nationwide, which offers us a number of benefits including worldwide multi-trip travel insurance.

There is a cost to having this bank account, as there usually is with any packaged bank account like this, however in our case the cost was worth the benefits. We’ve claimed on the travel insurance twice, and had a good experience both times.

As with any insurance product you will of course need to read the terms and conditions to check it meets your specific needs before purchasing.

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to travel insurance for UK travellers. We hope you found it useful! Before you go, we have a few more guides we think you might find helpful in planning your travels.

• We have a guide for how much it costs to travel in the USA
• We have a guide to choosing the best VPN for travel
• Our guide to the  best travel routers  for improving your WiFi signal, both when travelling and at home
• Our guide to  how to get online when travelling  away from home
• You’re going to need to power all your devices when you travel – see our guide to the  best travel adapters
• If you are heading out onto the road and looking for a laptop to get some work done, see our guide to the  best laptops for photo editing
• Thinking of buying a new camera? See our guide to the  best cameras for travel
• Looking to improve your photography? See our detailed online travel photography course here

And that’s it! As always, we hope you found this guide useful. If you have any thoughts on the policies above, or experiences with a travel insurance provider you’d like to share, just pop them in the comments section below.

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There are 6 comments on this post

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18th June 2023 at 9:26 am

Thank you, Laurence! What helpful information. I’m trying to research travel insurance options for my son, who is a UK resident and a US citizen. The main concern is to find a way that he can have medical emergency insurance when visiting the US (which he does for about one month per year). The policies you have researched look like they offer high maximums for medical emergencies, but we wonder if people actually succeed in getting their claims approved should they get a high bill from a US medical provider in case, for instance, someone is involved in an auto accident. US medical bills are so high, as is the cost of medical insurance in the US. So, it makes us wonder if a policy that costs only £153 per year would give someone reliable coverage for emergency medical costs in the hundreds of thousands. It wouldn’t be very surprising to pay the £153 only to discover that the insurance company has found a pretext to deny payment of large hospital bills, even though the patient (or the patient’s companion) had called the insurance company as soon as possible after the emergency. I guess it boils down to a company’s reputation for actually covering emergency medical claims when they are large, and we don’t really know where to look for such information. If you have any ideas, we’d really appreciate your insights. Thanks again! Cindy

Laurence Norah says

18th June 2023 at 10:11 am

This is a great question and one that is really important. After all there is no point having insurance if they don’t pay out! Unfortunately it’s a hard question to answer definitively. I’d recommend reading the small print for any policy to see if there are any exclusions (which can be incredibly tedious I know, I read a lot of them when putting this article together!). From a personal perspective, we’ve thankfully never had to claim for a large sum from our provider when travelling in the US, although we have had no problems with smaller sums for things like getting ill and needing to see a Doctor.

I think the best option would be to read the small print for the policy, contact the provider directly if you have further questions, go with a provider that has been around for a while, and one that has good recent reviews from a site like TrustPilot. Of course, review sites can often skew towards the negative as people are more likely to report on a bad experience, but you can normally get a good feel for what sort of overall experience people are having.

I’m sorry I can’t give you a more definitive answer, but I do hope you find a provider that you can put your faith into.

All the best

Lynn Glenn says

22nd January 2022 at 1:33 am

Hi Laurence, Thank you for such a comprehensive review of the insurance covers out there. My daughter and I are travelling to the UK in May 2022 from the US. Does this information also apply in reverse with entry into the UK and return to the US? I will continue to do my research, you certainly gave me a headstart. My biggest concern is that the trip will be cancelled [again, due to Coronavirus], I do not want to be stuck with the cost of the airfare. Is this a cover that is offered by a travel insurance policy? I will definitely read the small print in any cover that I do purchase,

Best Regards, Lynn Glenn

25th January 2022 at 11:34 am

It’s my pleasure! So the first part of this guide will be applicable in terms of evaluating the options. However, not all the insurance providers I link to will be applicable, as some of them are aimed at UK residents. So you would need one that works for US residents. There are some on the list like World Nomads and Staysure I think that would cover you, but obviously I’d advise checking a few and seeing what they cover / cost. It’s also worth checking annual policies vs coverage specifically for your trip, as the price can be similar.

For covid cover, this is something where you definitely need to check exactly what they cover. Some policies are good in terms of what they cover, but there are always exceptions. Normally if a flight or something is cancelled, the airline normally has to refund you. However this isn’t always that easy to do We always recommend trying to find flights and accommodation options which have free cancellation from your side so you can always cancel yourself if you need to. We also always suggest booking things on a credit card as the credit card companies can often help get money back if a supplier cancels on you.

I hope this helps. I also hope your trip goes ahead! Do be sure to read up on the latest testing requirements before you travel as they tend to change quickly.

Have a great time in the UK!

Kate M. says

14th June 2020 at 3:14 pm

Hello there – thoughts on what insurance options might be best for a married couple in their 40’s (42, 46) with one child (age 8), no major preexisting medical conditions. We would like a plan we can just buy for the year and then forget it when travelling. We usually take two holidays a year abroad in Europe for about 1 week each, and then travel within the UK a bit during school holidays although not so much this year with COVID-19. Also wondering how the coronavirus affects insurance and if we’d be protected if we got sick for that? Thanks!

14th June 2020 at 3:35 pm

So before I respond I have to say I’m not a qualified insurance expert, and I can only provide you my opinion rather than advice.

Personally, I have found that the travel insurance with Nationwide’s bank account is very competitive. As well as the travel insurance, which will cover your families needs, you also get European wide breakdown cover and mobile phone cover. We’ve used it for a number of years, and have made three claims to date (one medical, one lost item, one car breakdown), and had excellent service. It costs £13 a month, which puts it in the middle of the options on the list for worldwide cover. You can read more about it here .

However, the Flexplus insurance product from Nationwide includes worldwide travel, and you have said you are only travelling in Europe. So you would be able to save by picking a product which is for Europe only, as long as you do not plan to do trips further afield. In this case, I would try getting quotes from AXA and Allianz , as well as any of the other providers in the list who offer plans to meet your needs.

For the Coronavirus, it will depend very much on the insurer, and the policy wording they have. Currently, most insurers will not cover you for cancellation as a result of the coronavirus at this point. Some still cover you if you get sick from the virus though, as long as you are not travelling to an area where the UK foreign office has not advised against travel (this is the case for most insurance policies, if the foreign office advises you don’t travel somewhere, most policies won’t apply if you do).

I hope this helps, and that your travels are safe 🙂

All the best,

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Foreign travel insurance

If you’re travelling abroad, it's important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.

If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go. If you already have a travel insurance policy, check what cover it provides for coronavirus-related events, including medical treatment and travel disruption, and any planned activities such as adventure sports. If you are choosing a new policy, make sure you check how it covers these issues.

If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.

For example:

You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print, and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy.

When you travel, make sure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number. Share your policy details with people you’re travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) represents over 200 insurance companies. Read ABI’s advice on travel insurance , including how COVID-19 can affect it, and their guide on choosing the right travel insurance policy .

In addition to making sure you have appropriate insurance, you should check and sign up to travel advice for your destination.

What to consider when you buy travel insurance for you and your family

• emergency treatment and hospital bills can be expensive. Check whether your policy covers treatment in public or private hospitals
• emergency transport, such as an ambulance, is often charged separately to other medical expenses, and emergency travel home on medical grounds can also be expensive
• pre-existing medical conditions: declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests so that you are covered if anyone gets ill during your trip. Failing to declare something may invalidate your travel insurance
• all activities you may undertake on holiday, such as sports or adventure tourism (you may need specialist insurance for some activities). Also consider all the places you intend to visit, even if you are in transit, in case anyone needs emergency treatment in another country
• cruises generally require an additional level of cover because it is more difficult to get to hospital for treatment. Check the booking conditions of the operator you plan to sail with
• repatriation costs if you or a family member die abroad
• getting home after medical treatment if you cannot use your original ticket
• reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home, if required
• 24-hour assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
• COVID 19 cover for if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for COVID during your travel. Check your insurance covers additional costs such as alternative flights, accommodation and COVID tests. You should also check your insurance provides cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to COVID-19
• within Europe, some insurers may waive any excess on medical treatment if you use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Check the terms of your policy or contact your insurer to see if this is the case. EHIC and GHIC allow you to access state-provided medically necessary healthcare within the EU and Switzerland on the same terms as residents of these countries. Note that EHIC and GHIC are not alternatives to travel insurance as they do not cover any private medical healthcare costs, repatriation or additional costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts. Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC, including how to apply for one free of charge
• ATOL is a consumer protection scheme for air holidays and flights, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) . Some insurance policies do not provide cover for when airlines or suppliers go out of business. Choose an ATOL-protected holiday or a travel insurance policy that includes airline or supplier failure cover

Policy exclusions

Check how an insurance policy covers:

• alcohol and drugs: most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances
• high risk destinations: many travel insurance policies will not cover travel to a high risk destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel or all travel. Check your policy wording and the relevant country travel advice pages before booking your trip and buying insurance
• mental health conditions: some policies may exclude cover for treatment related to a pre-existing mental health condition. For more guidance see foreign travel advice for people with mental health issues
• age restrictions: check whether there are any age-related restrictions if you are buying an annual policy. The Money Advice Service provides guidance on how to choose the right level of cover, get the best deal, and make a travel insurance claim. It also has specific guidance for travellers over the age of 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions
• sports such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies. Use of quad bikes and hire of mopeds is also usually not covered
• driving overseas: check Driving abroad . If you’re hiring a car, check what cover the hire company provides. If you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers
• terrorist acts: most policies offer only limited cover for terrorist acts. As a minimum, make sure your policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and travel home if you are caught up in a terrorist attack. Some travel insurers offer policy add-ons to provide additional cover if there is a terrorist attack in your destination. This may include cancellation cover, if your destination is affected by a terrorist attack before your trip and you decide you no longer wish to travel
• other incidents: some policies only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by a natural disaster (such as an earthquake or tropical cyclone) or civil unrest. You may also not be covered for some claims that arise from an incident (such as strikes or other industrial action) that was known publicly when you booked your trip and/or bought your travel insurance policy

Insurance for extended periods of travel

‘Long-stay’ travel insurance can cover extended periods of continuous travel. Check carefully the maximum duration allowed in any policy you consider buying to ensure that it meets your needs.

Make sure that the entire policy meets your needs, including specific activities and work (paid or unpaid) you may undertake.

Insurance if you live abroad or go for work or study

Travel insurance is not intended for permanent residence abroad. If you live overseas, or you’re planning to move to a different country to live, work or study, you should consider your insurance needs carefully. Local law may require you to have medical insurance, including as part of a visa application.

Read the healthcare guidance in the Living in guide for the country where you live to ensure you have the right healthcare arrangements for your circumstances.

You can buy private medical insurance for UK expatriates. You can also buy insurance from local providers overseas. You should always check policies carefully, including seeing whether you could transfer medical cover if you re-locate to other countries in future.

Support for British nationals abroad

Support for British Nationals Abroad explains how the FCDO can provide support to British nationals if things go wrong abroad.

Reviewed and updated guidance in full.

Updated guidance on using an EHIC or GHIC to access healthcare in Switzerland.

Updated to reflect new rules for travelling to amber list countries.

Updated COVID-19 section on new rules for international travel from 17 May.

Updated to reflect current COVID-19 travel guidance

New link to the declaration form for international travel (for England), from 8 March.

Edited grey box at top of page to provide further information on requirements coming into affect from 15 February

From 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.

Updated with new requirements coming into effect from 4am on 18 January 2021.

Updated with information on pre-departure testing for everyone travelling into England and Scotland.

Updated to reflect latest UK COVID-19 restrictions.

Updated the section on travel to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, to reflect changes from 1 January 2021.

Updated ‘Travel to the EU’ section to reflect that UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will still be accepted in EU countries, with different guidance for people travelling to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from 1 January 2021.

Updated COVID-19 travel guidance

Updated to reflect the latest Tier-based COVID-19 rules for England

Updated to reflect the 5 November national restrictions for England relating to travel

Updated EU travel section with information on EHIC validity

New information on making sure your travel insurance covers you for coronavirus-related events

Update to contents including addition of new segments; travel insurance after starting travel or changing your plans, making a travel insurance claim, other financial protection and if you’re not covered.

Added information on financial protection of package holidays.

Information on the use of European Health Insurance cards (EHIC) in the event of a no deal added to the EU Exit update section

EU Exit update with advice on checking insurance coverage when travelling to Europe after the UK leaves the EU.

Content and format changes

Inclusion of Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries (ATII) information.

Updated information on travel insurance

First published.

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You can get a quote online by visiting itssoeasytravelinsurance.com or by telephone on 01223 785 539.

Freedom Insurance are working alongside It’s So Easy Travel Insurance who have developed a specialist travel insurance policy for those who have already left their home in the UK.

If you've left home and realised you don’t have travel insurance in place or if you are looking to extend a trip with your current insurance coming to an end – This policy is designed for you.

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If you have forgotten to take out travel insurance prior to leaving the UK and are only just realising your mistake, don't panic, we can get you back on track!

Freedom Insurance working together with It's So Easy Travel Insurance can offer customers who have already left the United Kingdom an option to still take out an insurance policy. You would need to be a UK passport holder , have unrestricted entry to the UK and be registered with a GP in the UK .

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It's So Easy Travel Insurance can offer cover for travellers who have already left the UK including cover for pre-existing medical conditions

Travel insurance if you have already left the UK

If you take out your cover after you have left home to commence your trip, the insurance does not take effect until either 48 hours from the date you purchased the policy or from the start date of the policy.

In the event of serious injury in connection with an accident, you will be covered from either the date you purchased the policy or from the start date of the policy, whichever is the later, subject to the accident being witnessed and verified by an independent witness. Our definition applicable to Independent Witness is a third party who is not directly involved with the insured event and is not related or does not have any connection to the any of the parties involved in the insured event. Any information provided by the Independent Witness must not be biased towards any of the parties involved within your claim. Unless the Independent Witness can provide a clear, accurate and unbiased account of the insured event, any information provided from them may be discounted.

Get cover through It's So Easy Travel Insurance

It's So Easy Travel Insurance is owned and run by the Freedom Insurance family and is designed to offer cover for more niche circumstances such as having already left the UK, no minimum residency and one way trips.

Extending your travel insurance on holiday

If you need to extend your stay abroad but your current travel insurance provider cannot provide cover for the new dates, we can help.

A lot of insurers limit the number of days they can provide cover, so if you've already been on your trip for a long time and want to extend, you may breach there maximum duration and be left without insurance. This is where It's So Easy Travel Insurance step and look to offer cover despite you already being outside of the UK.

This policy can potentially provide cover up to 79 years of age with a maximum trip duration of 365 days. 

Already left the UK and require travel insurance

We would be unable to offer a freedom policy however working together with with It's So Easy Travel Insurance we can offer the following option, please click on the enclosed link It's So Easy Travel Insurance for full details 

Cover for medical conditions

The Left UK policy provided by It's So Easy Travel Insurance can include cover for your pre-existing medical conditions

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United Kingdom Travel Insurance

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to the united kingdom, how does travel insurance work in the uk, do i need travel insurance for the united kingdom, how much does travel insurance cost for the united kingdom, our suggested axa travel protection plan , traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , does the uk have any covid-19 restrictions for u.s. visitors, do you need car insurance to drive in the uk, are there any other requirements for traveling to the uk.

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.  AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind. 

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for the United Kingdom.

Picture this: You've planned a scenic road trip through the Scottish Highlands, a land of misty glens and ancient castles. You stumble upon the enchanting Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Imagine, a misstep on the slippery terrain, and suddenly you've got a sprained ankle, not the souvenir you had in mind. With AXA Travel Protection, you receive access to our 24/7 emergency hotline.  Speak to a licensed multilingual travel assistance agent, they can help assist and direct emergency transportation if necessary to your location. With an AXA Travel Protection plan, we are here to assist and support you whenever and wherever you may be. Here’s the entire list of benefits travelers can have access to with an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:  

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Americans aren't required to purchase domestic or international travel insurance to visit the United Kingdom. But it’s still highly recommended that you have a travel insurance plan before embarking on your next trip. 

Why? There are several reasons:

Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in New York, travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Flight Delays: Travel disruptions like flight delays can happen. If you miss a connecting flight or incur additional expenses due to delays, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

In general, travel insurance to the United Kingdom costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to the United Kingdom will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that United Kingdom hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.  

The Platinum Plan  is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage aligned with the United Kingdom experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the " Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) " offers assistance when you're out exploring the United Kingdom's stunning landscapes in a rental car. 

Additionally, part of the Platinum Plan is the " Lost Skier Days " benefit, offering potential reimbursement if ski resorts unexpectedly close due to ever-changing snow conditions. These perks make the Platinum Plan an excellent option for anyone seeking comprehensive protection during their exciting United Kingdom adventures. 

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation. 

American visitors can breathe a sigh of relief that the UK no longer has any COVID-19 restrictions for visitors coming from the United States. You do not need to fret over getting a COVID test or submit proof of vaccination upon arrival in the UK. 

It’s illegal to drive in the UK without vehicle insurance. This also applies to those driving on an international license, even if it’s only for a brief period. If you are renting a car, however, we strongly recommend you purchase rental car insurance. AXA Travel Protection can help you with that by offering Rental Car Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver.)  This coverage provides extra coverage for your rental car against damage and theft.

American citizens are considered non-visa nationals in the UK. Therefore, they neither require a visa (for short-term travel) nor need to fulfill any other conditions to visit and travel across the UK.

UK Travel Insurance FAQs

1. can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight.

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) 

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

2. Do Americans need travel insurance for the UK?

UK law doesn’t require U.S. citizens visiting the UK for a short time (up to six months) to carry travel insurance. However, carrying international travel insurance for the United Kingdom for unforeseen events is a good idea.

3. What is needed to visit the United Kingdom from the USA?

U.S. citizens only need a passport and a ticket to travel to the UK. The passport must have at least one empty page and validity for the duration of your trip.

4. What happens if a tourist gets sick in the United Kingdom?

The UK has a National Health System (NHS) that provides medical care nationwide.  If a tourist gets sick in the UK, they can get medical care from an NHS center.  However, it’s important to note that while the NHS services are free for the locals, tourists are charged about 150 percent of the cost of their treatment.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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If you need to arrange cover, either for yourself or for somebody who has already travelled without arranging insurance – WE CAN HELP YOU .

Likewise, if you had travel insurance but this has run out, in most cases you can arrange new cover, even though you are outside your home country.

Please note  – cover is available on a Single Trip basis and must be arranged for the remaining period of the trip beginning on the day following purchase.

For UK/EEA Residents

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance has been specially designed for residents of the UK or EEA who have already travelled abroad – for example, having omitted to take out insurance before leaving; where cover has run out or cannot be extended; or for those who have decided to extend their trip, or even decided not to come back!

Travel Destinations

Please remember: It is essential that you check the latest advice outlined by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) before departure. Our policies will NOT provide cover under any section of the policy if you travel to a country or specific area, where prior to travel, the FCDO are advising against all (or all but essential) travel.

We can provide Travel Insurance where the FCDO is advising against All Travel or All but Essential Travel with our  High Risk Voyager product.

Voyager Plus Key Features:

• Residents of the UK and Eligible EEA countries (as defined in the policy wording).
• COVID-19 Cover is included for Cancellation and Emergency Medical Expenses.
• Up to £10,000 Cancellation or Curtailment
• Up to £10 Million Emergency Medical Expenses
• Up to £3,000 Holiday Financial Protection
• Cruise & Winter Sports trips options available
• No age limit on Single Trip Policies (Trip duration limits apply)
• Single Trip cover from 3 days to 18 months (up to 24 months upon referral)
• 24/7/365 assistance service for medical emergencies anywhere in the world
• Fast, fair and efficient claims handling service
• Medical, Evacuation and Repatriation Cover
• Quick and easy to apply online
• Instant e-mail delivery of documents
• Premiums & coverage available in pounds and euros

Download the Policy Wording to read the terms and conditions in full, as well as the Insurance Product Information Document .

For those residing outside the EEA

Global Voyager is a flexible International Travel Insurance providing cover for Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation & Assistance and a wide range of other optional benefits on a virtually “anywhere to anywhere” basis whilst travelling outside of the insured person’s Home Country. GlobalVoyager is available to residents of almost every country around the world.

Global Voyager Key Features:

• Emergency Medical cover available up to £6,000,000 / €8,000,000 / $10,000,000
• Choice of travel within 3 areas of cover (within Europe, Worldwide excluding USA/Canada, Worldwide)
• No Age Limits for single trip cover (Cover limits and reductions apply from age 70+)
• Single Trip Cover from 3 days to 24 months (extendable to 36 months maximum)
• Over 120+ leisure and sports activities (non-professional) included as standard (If aged under 65 at date of departure)
• 24/7 Emergency and Medical Assistance Helpline
• Emergency Air Ambulance and Medical Evacuation Services
• Available for one way trips (including a maximum of 48 hours in the country of final destination)
• & MUCH MORE!

CLICK HERE TO GET A QUOTE

Before you apply, there are some important points to be aware of:

• You must be able to confirm that you know of no circumstances which are likely to give rise to a claim.
• Full cover is available on the day following purchase, provided you have not been outside your home country for more than 7 days.
• If you have been away for more than 7 days, a 14 day waiting period applies before medical expenses cover for illnesses (not accidents) starts.

For further information, please click the links for the  Policy Wording ,  Sales Leaflet  and the following Insurance Product Information Documents:

INSURANCE PRODUCT INFORMATION DOCUMENT – GLOBAL VOYAGER – BASIC »

INSURANCE PRODUCT INFORMATION DOCUMENT – GLOBAL VOYAGER – STANDARD »

INSURANCE PRODUCT INFORMATION DOCUMENT – GLOBAL VOYAGER – SUPER »

INSURANCE PRODUCT INFORMATION DOCUMENT – GLOBAL VOYAGER – ELITE »

CLICK HERE TO GET A QUOTE IF YOU ARE AN UK / EEA RESIDENT

CLICK HERE TO GET A QUOTE IF YOU ARE RESIDENT OUTSIDE THE EEA

Please Note: Global Voyager is currently not available to persons who are located in the following Home Country at time of application (this list is subject to change/ update): Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, India, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. It is also not available to USA Citizens located in the USA at the time of application.

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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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Popular categories, how to buy travel insurance when you’re already abroad (after departure).

By: Charlotte · Last updated 16. November 2023 · In: Travel

Are you wondering whether or not you can buy travel insurance when you’re already abroad ? Fear not, there are a few companies that offer travel insurance that you can buy or extend even after departure. Let’s take a look at a subscription-based travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

Watching the sunrise over the clouds looking out the tiny airplane window, you are ecstatic that in just two hours you will reach your next pin on the map. The sun is bright, and the anticipation of all the new experiences your next adventure will bring is keeping you on the edge of your seat. There is just one problem. You can’t help feeling as if you are forgetting something.

Is it my phone? No. My extra camera battery? No. My Passport? No. A quick inspection of your carry-on bag eases your mind, but it’s a feeling that just won’t go away.

Then it finally hits you. You forgot to buy travel insurance before you left. The panic sets in and you think is it too late? I’m already halfway around the globe.

Or you might realize when you’re already abroad that your current insurance only covers a certain amount of days of travel. Been there done that!

Disclosure: I’ve written this SafetyWing Nomad Insurance review to the best of my knowledge and understanding, however, changes to insurance policy terms can happen. Use the information within this article at your own discretion. Before purchasing a policy do your own research and make sure all your personal travel needs are covered!

Article overview

Do I really need travel insurance?

How to choose the right travel insurance, purchase a policy with safetywing, remember to pin this for later 😉, travel insurance when you’re already abroad.

Travel plans can change very quickly. You might fall in love with a person or a place or discover that you’re supposed to live out of a backpack for at least another year.

The ability to make spontaneous decisions on the road is one of the main reasons why many of us love to travel. I live for the feeling of freedom when I don’t have any set plans and know I can go wherever I want whenever I want. However, deciding to extend your time overseas can sometimes be a bit tricky. Especially when it comes to travel insurance.

The good news is that it’s NEVER too late to buy or extend your travel insurance , even when you’re already abroad . The trick is finding the right company to suit you and your travel needs.

While many companies offer travel insurance, a select few let you buy a policy when you’re already abroad or if you don’t know the exact length of your trip. Some of these include World Nomads, True Traveller (for UK residents) and SafetyWing .

One travel insurance you can buy when you’re already abroad is SafetyWing Nomad Insurance . A travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads by digital nomads.

At least, that’s my personal choice. SafetyWing is a Norwegian and United States-based company with remote team members all over the globe. They offer exactly the type of coverage needed for long-term travelers and digital nomads, even if you’re already abroad .

SafetyWing says “we’re here to remove the role of geographical borders as a barrier to equal opportunities and freedom for everyone.”

I’m so happy to now know that a company like SafetyWing exists as I’ve wasted so much money in the past on ridiculously expensive plans for long-term travel. When I moved to Indonesia at the beginning of 2019, I had so much trouble finding an insurance provider in Norway willing to cover me over the standard 70 days.

I could literally have saved hundreds of dollars and so much time had I known about SafetyWing back then!

You can find my full review of SafetyWing here .

For those of you who might be thinking, is travel insurance really all that necessary? I’m healthy, young and plan on taking in the sites at a leisurely pace. Or maybe not?

Maybe you are planning on ziplining over the Amazon Rainforest, sand surfing in the Sahara Desert, scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef or riding in a hot air balloon over Turkey. Either way, the answer is YES!

Travel insurance is always a good idea because the reality is, anything can happen. With the SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (travel and medical insurance), you can have peace of mind that your next adventure is covered. Let’s put it this way if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel!

• Lost luggage: We’ve all known at least one person who has lost their luggage while traveling and what a true nightmare it can be. For a nomad, especially those without a permanent address, your luggage is your lifeline. When traveling away from home, your possessions are everything and being without them can be nerve-wracking. Don’t let the fear of losing luggage stop you from living out your dreams.
• Risky Business: Secretly an adrenaline junkie? If you have an adventure-seeking soul and plan to take in the sights with fast-paced, exhilarating thrill activities, medical coverage is definitely necessary. Safety Wing nomad insurance covers anything from ambulance rides to hospital stays (including intensive care). Some exclusions do apply so make sure to check the fine print on all SafetyWing nomad insurance policies .
• Cough, cough, achoo: Dancing in the rain in Tuscany was 100% worth it, but the cold you got in return will just not go away. In fact, it turns into pretty serious No problem. Safety Wing has you covered. As long as your medical issues do not stem from a pre-existing condition (see policies for more detailed information), you can receive medical care and get back to your adventures as a happy, healthy nomad.
• COVID-19: This is one we can not forget to mention. A new policy for COVID-19 coverage from SafetyWing can be found on their website. Their coverage may include testing and quarantine if deemed necessary by a medical professional. Please check all policies, terms, and conditions for more detailed information.
• Monkey or snake bite: Ok, that’s a little extreme, but you get the point. Anything can happen from natural disasters to political strife and serious injury. Sometimes what you least expect to happen, happens. No one ever wants their travel to abruptly come to an end, but sometimes in severe cases evacuation or relocation is necessary. Having nomad insurance in your back pocket (or your fanny pack) lets your breath easy, knowing that you will be covered if disaster strikes.
• Always read the small print before buying a policy and make sure that everything you might need is covered.
• When you need to renew make sure you are allowed to buy the policy when already traveling. With SafetyWing your insurance automatically extends every 28 days until you pick an end date. It’s just like a subscription so you never have to pay for coverage you don’t need.
• Medical coverage is the most important part of travel insurance, nothing else matters if you don’t have your health. Make sure the policy you buy includes emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Are you covered in your home country as well? With SafetyWing you keep your medical coverage for 30 days in your home country after being abroad for 90 days. (15 days if your home country is the U.S.)
• Double-check which activities and sports your insurance covers, especially if you are going to be doing things like quad biking, spelunking and white water rafting. You might need to pay extra to include high-risk activities. You can find a list of the sports and activities covered by SafetyWing here .
• If you travel with expensive electronics like a camera or laptop you might need to buy additional coverage. The same goes for expensive clothes and accessories, make sure to check how much the policy you consider covers if your luggage is lost or destroyed.
• It’s often cheaper to exclude the US, so only choose a worldwide policy if you don’t know where you’ll be traveling to or you don’t want to limit yourself.
• Check the deductible (the amount of money that you are responsible for paying toward an insurance claim). The higher the deductible the cheaper the policy, but make sure you can actually afford the deductible.

Convinced yet that you need to acquire travel insurance?

If so, follow this link to the SafetyWing Nomad Insurance page. Here you can easily sign-up and find information on their current insurance policies including Nomad Insurance and Remote Health. Read through the Nomad Insurance specifics , even the small print and decide if SafetyWing covers everything you need in a travel insurance.

The best part about the SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is that it can be customizable to your needs as far as when to start and end. Like a subscription-based service, your insurance will be automatically extended every 28 days.

So, no trying to remember to re-enroll. You can keep exploring without having the nagging feeling that you have forgotten something yet again. Completely focus on your travels with peace of mind that you are covered with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance.

Again, you can find my complete SafetyWing review here where I talk about the positives but also the limitations of the Nomad Insurance.

Have you bought travel insurance when you were already abroad before?

About Charlotte

Charlotte is the passionate traveler and online business coach behind Sunshine Seeker. She started working as a content creator on Instagram in 2014, before social media was even a thing, and as a travel blogger in 2015. Over the past 14 years she has explored 45+ countries and lived in Oslo, Kraków, Bali and Lombok. Every month she helps more than 50,000 people plan their adventures and learn how to create more freedom by working online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does travel insurance cover.

Cover and benefit levels depend on the travel insurance option you choose. All Globelink policies provide over 50 pre-existing medical conditions and Cruise cover as standard, plus 100 adventure activities for free.

How to get travel insurance?

You can buy travel insurance online, by entering some basic details so you can review all options available to you. Then simply choose the cover that’s right for you, or call us on +44 1353 699 082 .

How does travel insurance work?

Once you buy, you get your travel insurance documents emailed to you immediately. If you then need emergency medical assistance while you’re travelling, contact the 24 hour Emergency Assistance Service on +44 (0)1273 624 661 , or email [email protected] . If you need to claim once your home, visit https://rpclaims.com/helpcentre.html .

Why do I need travel insurance?

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Most Globelink Travel Insurance policy options for under 65’s have an excess of £75 or less. The maximum excess for up to 89 yrs is £300.

Does the insurance cover personal liability?

Globelink travel insurance policies cover personal liability as standard.

How do I extend and upgrade my policy?

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Does my policy include skiing?

You need to check the policy you choose. Our Winter Sports travel insurance covers skiing as standard, and we provide some Winter Sports cover free on Annual Multi Trip travel insurance with a 45 day or more trip duration.

What to look for when buying travel insurance?

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When should I buy travel insurance?

You can buy travel insurance at any time, even if you’re already travelling you can get Already Travelling cover.

Who should buy travel insurance?

Anyone can buy travel insurance, but he or she should mention all the travellers, who are going to travel under the travel insurance policy.

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If you want Car Hire Collision Damage Waiver insurance , you need a separate policy. Globelink offer various options and trip lengths on our website.

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You must always follow FCDO travel advice . You won’t be covered if the FCDO advises against travelling to your location.

Can I get travel insurance after I book my flight?

With Globelink you can get travel insurance after you book your flight. We suggest you buy insurance as soon as you book so you benefit from the policy cancellation. You can even buy insurance after you’ve travelled by choosing an Already Travelling policy.

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• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

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What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

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