long stay travel insurance uk

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Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance, seniors travel insurance, europe travel insurance, worldwide travel insurance, coronavirus travel insurance, long stay travel insurance.

• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
• Up to £10K cancellation cover
• 24/7 emergency medical helpline

Covered 27 million+ travellers

Trusted for 20+ years

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With long stay travel insurance from InsureandGo, your holiday doesn’t have to stop at a fortnight. We can cover trips of up to a whole year in length, whether you’re planning to travel the world or spend a season on the slopes.

What is long stay travel insurance?

Long stay travel insurance can cover your longer-than-average holiday, whether an extended 3 week stay or an epic round the world trip. If you’re going away for three or four weeks instead of the traditional one to two, then you’ll be pleased to know our standard   single trip policies will still cover you. In fact, they’ll cover a trip of up to 365 days!

This isn’t the same as annual travel insurance , which covers you for multiple trips during the year, rather than one long trip.

What does long stay travel insurance cover?

All of our long stay travel insurance policies include:

• Cover for cancellation of your trip
• Over   100 sports and activities covered (See   policy wording   for a full list)
• Emergency medical expenses
• Personal belongings and baggage cover
• Personal money, passports and travel documents cover
• Accommodation cover
• Legal expenses cover

The excess and cover limits will vary depending on the level of cover purchased. Find out more in our   policy wording . Further items and activities can be added to your travel insurance policy, making sure you are covered for any specific needs.

Who is long stay travel insurance suitable for?

Long stay travel insurance is suitable for anyone! Our single trip policies can cover trips of up to a year, and have no upper age limits . So if you’re planning to travel around Southeast Asia on your   gap year   or volunteering for some charity work abroad, you’re in the right place to get a quote.

Does long stay travel insurance cover several countries?

It can! Just let us know the countries you’ll be travelling through and we’ll quote you a price for the whole trip. To choose the right long stay travel insurance policy for you,   get a quote online .

Does long stay travel insurance cover multiple trips?

No, it covers one long trip, and ends when you get back to the UK. If you want cover that will cover multiple trips for a whole year, check out our annual travel insurance instead.

Can I buy long stay travel insurance after booking a trip?

Some travel operators may require you to buy your insurance at the same time as booking your trip. Others are more flexible as long as you obtain your travel insurance before you depart.

Long stay travel insurance with medical conditions

We cover a wide range of medical conditions on our Silver, Gold and Black level policies, however long you’re travelling for, and we will never refuse to cover a   pre-existing medical condition   without prior consideration. We can usually cover any medical conditions with an additional premium, and medical cover on your long stay holiday is no exception.

You can check through our insurance   policy documents  for further details on long stay travel insurance with medical conditions we cover, or  get in touch  today for more information.

Does a long stay travel insurance cover me while working abroad?

If you’re working with hand tools, then conservation or charity work is included as standard under all our policies. We can insure you for manual labour too, but you would need to add our hazardous activities cover to your policy.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024

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As the situation regarding Brexit continues to change, as it stands the UK is still currently set to...

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Voyager Plus Long Stay Travel Insurance

Cover your long stay trip to europe from less than £1* per day..

• Up to £10 million - emergency medical expenses cover
• Up to £5,000 - cancellation cover
• Up to £2,500 - baggage Cover
• 3 Levels of Cover – for all budgets and requirements
• Excellent value for money – great prices without sacrificing cover
• Holiday financial protection – keeping your money safe
• 24/7 emergency assistance – helping you through the most difficult times
• 14-day money back guarantee – so you can make sure the policy is right for you
• 1,000s of activities and medical conditions - covered as standard

*based on an 18 month trip to Area 2 for an individual aged 18-40.

Short Stay Travel Insurance

• Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Long Stay Travel Insurance

• Already Departed Travel Insurance
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• UK Expatriate Travel Insurance
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Great Long Stay Travel Insurance cover at a great price - For peace of mind whilst you're on your long term trip or holiday.

Sometimes going away on a trip for one week or even a little longer just isn’t enough, especially if you want to visit multiple countries. There aren’t many travel insurance providers who can cover trips with a duration of more than two months. Voyager Plus Long Stay Travel Insurance can provide cover for trips lasting up to 18 months, giving you the peace of mind that you’re protected financially if something should go wrong.

So whether you’re planning a round the world trip of a life time, backpacking across South East Asia or staying closer to home with a gap year trip around Europe, Voyager Plus Long Stay Travel Insurance can provide the peace of financial protection you need in case you require emergency medical treatment whilst abroad, your bags are lost in transit or much more.

Voyager Plus Long Stay Travel Insurance can provide the peace of mind and financial protection you need in case your bags are lost in transit, you require emergency medical treatment whilst abroad and much more. And a Voyager Plus Long Stay policy includes all the same great benefits as the Voyager Plus Short Stay & Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance policies.

You can buy a Voyager Plus Long Stay Travel Insurance policy if you’re up to the age of 59 for a maximum trip duration of up to 18 months. And the trip duration on Voyager Long Stay policies can be extended to up to 24 months (2 years) upon referral.

Long Stay policy options can also include cover for the additional risk aspects associated with golfing holidays, cruise holidays and winter sports (up to 31 days maximum consecutively) as well as gadget cover and much more! However, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to include these options on your Long Stay Holiday Insurance policy.

There are a range of policy options available for your Voyager Plus Long Stay Travel Insurance policy upon payment of an additional premium. So, if you’re planning on going skiing or snowboarding on your trip among other things then you may need to include one of our policy options which are explained below.

And if you suddenly feel unwell on your holiday, you may be wondering how to see a doctor when away from home, especially if you are abroad. Our Long Stay Travel Insurance policy now includes a service where you can speak to a 24/7 doctor while abroad as standard* .

To purchase Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for Long Stay, click the 'Get a Quote' button. Then, you can focus on planning your around world trip of a lifetime, backpacking routes across Southeast Asia, or staying closer to home, your gap-year trip around Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Long Stay Travel Insurance?

A Long Stay Travel Insurance policy is one that covers you for 1 continuous trip and is sometimes called Long Term Travel Insurance. The minimum trip duration for a Voyager Plus Long Stay policy is 62 days (2 months) and can last up to 18 months. For certain circumstances this can be extended to 24 months (2 years) upon referral.

A Long Stay policy does not have to be to one country, you simply need to choose the area or areas where you’ll be travelling to, so it’s great for Backpackers who may be travelling to multiple countries.

2. What destinations are covered under Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for Long Term Travel?

Voyager Plus Long Stay Travel Insurance can cover trips to the following areas: depending on the area selected at the time of purchase:

• Area 1: The United Kingdom Including Northern Ireland
• Area 2: The continent of Europe West, any country with a Mediterranean coastline (excluding Algeria, Libya, Syria and Israel), Channel Islands, the Canary Islands, the Isle of Man, Madeira and Iceland (including Area 1)
• Area 3: Worldwide excluding North America. So, the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Bahamas & Bermuda are excluded under this area
• Area 4: Worldwide including North America

Policy Summary:

Medical Expenses - Up to £10 million Cancellation - Up to £10,000 Financial Protection - Up to £3,000 Personal Possessions - Up to £3,500 Disruption - Up to £1,000 Abandonment - Up to £10,000 Personal Liability - Up to £3 million

8 Options available including: Action Activities Cover, Cruise Travel Insurance Option, Business Travel Insurance – Business Plus Option, Enhanced Travel or Terrorism Disruption Cover... see all

Long Stay Travel Insurance Options

This Travel Insurance product offers a range of different options.

Action Activities Cover

Cruise travel insurance option, business travel insurance – business plus option, enhanced travel or terrorism disruption cover, winter sports cover, sports equipment and cycle insurance cover, gadget insurance option, golf travel insurance.

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies include 100+ sports and hazardous activities at no additional cost. You can upgrade to include more adventurous activities and sports such as glacier walking (over 2000m), white water canoeing/rafting (up to grade 4) and more.

Going on a cruise? Make sure you add our Cruise Insurance option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy so that you are covered on your cruise. Enjoy all the standard cover such as Cancellation and Emergency Medical Expenses specifically for your cruise as well as including extra cruise specific cover to Re-join your Cruise, Missed Port Departure cover, Cabin/Stateroom Confinement cover, Itinerary Change cover, Unused Excursion cover and Cruise Interruption cover.

Add Business Plus Insurance option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to protect your business equipment, money, staff replacement costs and more.

Add Enhanced Travel or Terrorism Disruption cover option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to cover you against travel disruptions due to acts of terror, changes in FCDO/ WHO Travel Advice Restrictions and other circumstances such as volcanic ash clouds.

Winter Sports Cover will provide protection for lost, damaged or stolen ski equipment, unused, lost or stolen ski packs and piste closure as well as extended cover for Emergency Medical Expenses for costs associated with winter sports activities.

Add Sports Equipment and Cycle Insurance Option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy if you are planning to hire or take sports equipment or a bicycle with you on your trip.

Add Travel Gadget Insurance to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to cover up to 4 gadgets per policy including, mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, games consoles, headphones and much more!

Add Golf Insurance to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to get cover for golf clubs and other golf equipment. As well as cover for the cost to hire replacement equipment, if yours is lost, stolen or damaged

GP on Demand

Going abroad on your trip should be an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons. However, what happens if you suddenly feel ill and want to speak to an English-speaking GP while abroad. The good news is our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies now include the “GP on Demand” service as standard, giving you can access to medical help whenever you need it 24/7, during your period of insurance, for greater peace of mind.

What is GP on Demand and What Service does it provide?

Once registered with the service online, “GP on Demand” gives you access to unlimited virtual appointments, either by telephone or video-call with a UK-based, NHS qualified GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, helping you to get professional advice when you need it most.

The medical practitioner on this service can cover a wide range of subjects including:

• advice on managing chronic conditions, minor illness, and acute symptoms of serious clinical conditions
• general questions about prescriptions, travel, and lifestyle

Once you book an appointment on the GP on Demand app, you will receive a call back from a GP within 15 minutes of the appointed time.

For more information about our GP on Demand, please visit our Voyager Plus Policy Wording page to download our “Voyager Plus 24/7 UK GP Access with GP on Demand” Booklet.

Please note: video appointments are only available between 8am and 10pm, 7 days a week.

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What is Travel Insurance and What Does it Cover?

While going on holiday should be a fun and enjoyable experience, sometimes the unexpected can unfortunately happen. Voyager Plus Travel Insurance is designed to give you financial peace of mind that you are covered should something unexpected happen, so you are not left out of pocket, in the event of a valid claim.

Travel Insurance Benefits

The following summary of Travel Insurance benefits are just some of the areas of cover included as standard across all levels of cover on our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy. Please read the policy wording here for the full cover available under the policy.

Cancellation or Curtailment

A Cancellation is where you are unable to start your trip, due to an insured reason. A Curtailment is where you have to end your trip earlier than expected, due to an insured reason.

This section provides cover for any unused and non-refundable travel and accommodation costs (including unused pre-booked excursions and course fees) that have been paid, or where there is a contract to pay, if it is necessary to cancel or curtail the planned trip because of any of the events specified in the policy wording .

Emergency Medical Expenses

Medical treatment in other countries can be very expensive. This section covers the cost of emergency medical treatment, outside your home country if you’re injured or suffer unexpected illness including with symptoms of or testing positive for COVID-19 during your trip, in line with the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Cover also includes the cost of repatriation back to your home country if medically necessary.

Please Note : If you have pre-existing medical conditions and would like cover in case you need emergency medical treatment related to them, you will need to complete a medical screening to see if cover is available and pay the appropriate additional premium.

Covers the loss, theft or damage to your baggage, meaning: personal belongings, including clothing worn, and personal luggage owned or borrowed by you that you take with you on your trip, as well as your valuables as defined in the policy wording .

Please Note : Your gadgets may not fall under the Baggage definition in the policy wording and you may need to also purchase the gadget cover Option to cover them.

Personal Accident

In the event of a serious accident from which you suffer life changing injuries during your trip the policy will provide cover in the event of your death or permanent disablement because of the accident. Please refer to the policy wording for full details on this area of cover.

Please Note : Any immediate injuries you suffer from such an incident would be dealt with under the Emergency Medical Expenses section.

Travel Delay

No one likes to be delayed when travelling!

So with Voyager Plus Travel Insurance cover is available if the public transport (meaning any aeroplane, ship, train or coach) that you are booked to travel on is delayed by at least 12 hours. If your departure from your home country is delayed for more than 12 hours and you choose to abandon your trip, instead of a payment for delay, you are covered for the cost of the trip under the Cancellation or Curtailment section of cover.

Missed Departure / Journey Disruption

Cover for additional travel and accommodation expenses in the event you miss the departure of your public transport for your trip, due to a specified reason as defined in the policy wording .

This section also covers, in the event of a Catastrophe (as defined in the policy wording ), if you are forced to move from your pre-booked accommodation to allow you to continue your trip.

These are a few of the reasons why getting travel insurance is a good idea before you travel so that you are not left out of pocket should the unexpected happen. Furthermore, Voyager Plus Travel Insurance has a wide range of features and benefits, which are just not available on cheaper products, see the policy wording for full details.

Important Information for Customers with Serious Medical Conditions - For UK Residents Only

MoneyHelper has developed a directory of specialist travel insurance to ensure customers with pre-existing medical conditions are easily able to obtain access to affordable travel insurance. If we are unable to help you and you are struggling to find medical cover that suits your needs, due to a serious medical condition, you may find a company that can help you through the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory  or by calling 0800 138 7777 - Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm. 

You may also be interested in...

If you have a specific holiday of up to 62 days duration in mind, a short stay Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy will give you the peace of mind that you are protected financially if something should go wrong.

Annual Multi Trip Insurance

If you are planning on having several holidays this year then a Voyager Plus Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance policy may be for you.

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Towergate together with our parent company The Ardonagh Group are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. She is remembered by our colleagues and worldwide as a beacon of duty, wisdom and service.

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Long Stay Travel Insurance

Specialist travel insurance to cover long holidays and adventures.

Cover for over 350 activities

24-hour emergency helpline.

• UK based support

One of the UK's leading independent insurance brokers

Overall service rating 4.6 / 5

Based on 4352 customer reviews

Why choose long stay travel insurance with Towergate?

Travel cover up to 365 days.

Policies up to a year long.

We can provide insurance for over 350 adventurous activities.

24/7 medical emergencies claim helpline.

Pay by Direct Debit

Choose to spread your payment into 10 monthly Direct Debit  instalments.

About long stay travel insurance

What does it cover, personal possessions cover while travelling.

Up to £1,000 of cover for your personal possessions is provided in case they are lost, stolen or damaged while you’re away. There are individual limits for certain individual items, please check the policy wording for limits. If an item has been lost or stolen, make sure you notify the Police within 24 hours of discovery. Please be aware an excess may apply to this section of cover.

Emergency medical and associated expenses

Cover is included for medical expenses including repatriation under the SunWorld policies and you can get cover for up to £15 million for Medical Emergency and Repatriation Expenses. An excess may apply but we do recommend you to get an EHIC card to allow you to benefit from the health care arrangements which exist between countries within the EU/EEA or Switzerland. In Australia you must enrol with a local MEDICARE office after the first occasion you see medical treatment and make sure you call the Emergency Claims Assistance Service for guidance. All claims are handled within the UK.

Adventurous sports and activities

Our long stay travel insurance covers a variety of hazardous activities. Some are covered as standard such as elephant trekking and swimming with dolphins however, if you fancy something a little more adventurous such as hang gliding or black water rafting, then you’ll be able to add on an activity extension pack. Just call our travel team to find out more.

Departure delay insurance

If your internal flight, train or boat is delayed for more than 12 hours, our long stay policy provides up to £200 compensation. We’ll also cover you if your trip gets cancelled and up to £2,500 should you need to arrange alternative transport. This section of cover won’t cover any accommodation costs, only travel costs.

How do claims work?

When you need to make a claim, we'll guide you through the process and get your claim settled as quickly as possible.

• Find your insurance documents and make sure you have all your information at hand, including your policy number.
• Call the claims team on 03450 744 838 and explain exactly what happened.
• Provide photos if requested to help us understand what happened as quickly as we can.

Ready to get covered?

• Fill in our online quote form or call us
• Purchase your policy
• Relax - You're covered!

Long stay travel insurance FAQs

Will i be able to be insured if i have a medical condition.

This will be assessed on a case by case basis. The medical screening experts will ask you several questions relating to your health condition and this will determine whether we are able to offer you cover. Please be reassured, everything you tell the team is treated with the utmost confidentiality and your details will not be shared with anyone outside of the organisation.

Will the E111 / EHIC health agreement still be valid after Brexit?

No. The UK's reciprocal health agreements (E111 / EHIC) with the EU will come to an end on the 1/1/2021. It is therefore vital when travelling within Europe you purchase adequate travel insurance, if you wish to be covered should you require medical treatment.

What happens if I need to travel home early due to illness?

Please contact the relevant claims details above.

Am I covered if I miss my internal flight?

If your flight is delayed for more than 12 hours, you’ll be compensated for each complete period of travel up to a maximum of £200. Compensation will only be paid if personal possessions are checked in, and we will need to see details of the missed flight and scheduled departure time, so please keep a record.

Will I be covered if my money gets stolen?

Yes, we’ll cover up to £500 for loss or theft of your personal money during your trip however please be aware an excess may apply. Also, please remember this will not cover for financial loss suffered as a result of credit/debit card being stolen.

Who do I need to contact in a medical emergency?

Are there any countries not covered under the long stay travel insurance policy.

We aren't able to cover for any countries that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against. You can check whether the country that you’re travelling to is listed on the government website's page on  Foreign Travel Advice .

We also insure

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Long Stay Travel Insurance

Sometimes a one or two-week holiday just isn't enough! Our comprehensive long-stay Travel Insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions, and much more. Get your quote from AllClear today.

Page contents

Why long stay travel insurance.

Long stay travel insurance is cover for a holiday where you’ll be travelling for any period up to 12 months and wish to travel with peace of mind. This type of insurance covers you for medical emergencies, which is vital to prevent unexpected medical bills and give you the support you need if you have any medical problems while you are away.

Sometimes a one or two-week holiday just isn’t enough! If you need time to take in the sights or soak up the sun, consider long stay travel insurance.

Read our helpful guide below to know what to look for in a long stay policy.

What is Long Stay Travel Insurance?

Long stay Travel Insurance is cover for a holiday where you’ll be travelling for any period up to 12 months. A quote for long term cover works the same way as single-trip Travel Insurance. So if you’re looking for Travel Insurance for 6 months, for example,  select ‘single trip’ quote, and enter the intended departure and return date of your trip. This will make sure you are given options for long stay Travel Insurance.

If you’re planning a number of trips throughout the year and will be returning home in between them, you may prefer Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance . This policy will cover you for up to an unlimited number of trips for 12 months. However, your policy will limit the number of days you can travel on one trip to around 31-45 days, or for an additional cost, up to 55 days on AllClear Gold or Gold Plus policies.

Looking for Travel Insurance for 3 months or more?

A long stay policy can provide the same comprehensive cover benefits as shorter trips, but for up to 12 months.

• Up to unlimited medical expenses covered
• Personal belongings covered up to £3,000
• £5,000 cancellation and curtailment cover
• All ages. All conditions.

All figures are per person, per trip.

Read AllClear Trustpilot Reviews

“Great company to deal with. Had to claim twice whilst abroad, both claims handled very well and organised our extended stays and travel home to our door. Fantastic service and took a lot of stress off us in a difficult situation.” – Mr Greene, Trustpilot

Simple 3 step quote process

1. call us or click a quote button on our site, 2. complete our simple medical screening process, 3. get your quotes, travel insurance for a long stay with pre-existing medical conditions.

More than 1 in 5 people need medical attention while travelling. So, when you live with a pre-existing medical condition AND you are travelling on a long trip, it’s important to have comprehensive cover.

If you live with a pre-existing medical condition and are looking for Travel Insurance for a long stay, consider specialist Medical Travel Insurance for peace of mind.

Over 3 million people have trusted AllClear for comprehensive Medical Travel Insurance, with over 1300 different conditions covered .

Are you having an active holiday?

With more time comes more activities! But with Travel Insurance for longer trips, you will want to make sure you are covered for any activities. At AllClear, we can cover surfing, water skiing and windsurfing free of charge on AllClear Gold and Gold Plus policies. We also offer extra cover for Golf and Winter Sports for an additional premium.

Gadget Cover

If it’s a long stay, you may want more of your gadgets with you. We also wouldn’t blame you for wanting to take your fancy camera on holiday as well as your Ipad.

As an optional add on to your Long Trip Travel Insurance, Gadget cover can cover loss or theft of your camera, mobile phone, tablets and laptops . It’s important to remember that standard baggage cover often does not offer a high level of cover for your gadgets.

To give you an idea of what gadget cover can offer, AllClear you can  cover up to 7 gadgets  – with a maximum  claim value of £3000 .

Ready to Quote?

Written by: Russell Wallace | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 13 December 2023

[1] Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 30,000 reviews as of January 2023.

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Long Stay Travel Insurance

 Instant Policy Delivery

 Secure Online Purchase

 Range of Working Activities

 Six Different Policies

 Option to Extend Duration

 Cover for UK Residents

 Wide Range of Sports

 24 Hr Medical Assistance

If you are planning to be out of the country for an extended period of time, you will require insurance for long term travel. Navigator Travel Insurance specialises in this type of cover for travellers participating in a gap year , studying abroad , volunteering overseas , or for those who are working abroad . We also provide cover to those who are taking a career break or who are backpacking to individual destinations or embarking upon around the world itineraries.

What is Long Stay Travel Insurance?

Long stay holiday insurance is used to cover travellers who are planning to travel to one, or numerous, destinations around the world for a long period of time. Whether this is 6 months , 12 months , or even longer, we offer a choice of long stay travel insurance policies that will likely suit your needs.

Why Do You Need Long Stay Travel Insurance?

If you’re planning on being away from home for longer than a 2-month period, long trip travel insurance is a must. This is because, compared to single-trip or multi-trip travel insurance policies, long stay travel insurance can cover you for periods of time extending up to two years, in some cases.

Also, long stay insurance will cover you for more than just one, or a handful of, destinations, meaning that if you’re planning on travelling the world or exploring a continent, it keeps you sufficiently protected throughout your travels.

What Does Insurance for Long Term Travel Cover?

Insurance for long-term travel usually covers the following key components:

• Cancellations 

If you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as an illness or death,  you may be covered.

• Medical Expenses and Repatriation

Should you require medical attention or treatment whilst on your extended trip, you will be covered for any medical expenses this accumulates, up to the limit specified in your particular policy. Equally, should you need to be repatriated, the expenses accumulated from this will be covered up to a maximum amount also. 

• Flight Cancellations 

Should any flights be cancelled during your trip you will likely be compensated up to a specified amount depending on your chosen policy. 

• Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Baggage  

Should your baggage be stolen during your trip, or is lost or damaged which is not a direct result of your actions, your policy will cover you up to a certain amount covering the full, or partial, value of your belongings.

What Are the Age Limits on Long Stay Holiday Insurance?

The Maximum age for our long stay holiday insurance policies are as follows:

•  69 or 75 years for our Longstay and Backpacker Policy
•  59 years for our Gold and Silver Policies

If you’re over 65, we offer a range of over 65s travel insurance policies suitable for all types of trips, whether long or short stay. 

We are able to offer cover for older adults on our Travel Plus Policy for up to 94 days, and with our Adventures Policies, which covers older age groups for up to 6 months. You can contact us now online to receive a quote or further details to find the right long trip travel insurance cover for you.

Do Long Stay Insurance Policies Cover Pre-existing Medical Conditions?

Long-stay insurance policies can cover pre-existing medical conditions, but not always. It is worth discussing with a travel insurance specialist your medical circumstances before purchasing a policy. It is also worth bearing in mind that your travel insurance policy is likely to cost more if you’re needing additional cover because of your condition.

 You can call us at 0161 973 6435 to speak to one of our experts to find the right travel insurance policy to suit your needs.

Do Extended Stay Travel Insurance Policies Cover Sports and Activities?

Not all extended stay travel insurance policies cover sports or activities. However, our Navigator Gold and Silver policies cover a comprehensive range of different types of sports and activities. But, you will find that extreme activities , such as skydiving, high-altitude trekking and sports such as rugby and polo, are not covered by these policies and would require additional insurance to do so.

If you are planning on partaking in any winter sports during your long trip, you are able to purchase additional  winter sports cover, for activities including snowboarding and skiing, for up to 31 days alongside your chosen travel insurance policy.

Can I Extend My Insurance Policy Whilst I’m Away?

Our travel insurance policies are flexible, allowing you to extend the duration of your trip whilst you’re abroad. If you suddenly decide that you want to spend longer in a destination than you originally planned, or that you want to upgrade your policy to cover more extreme sports and activities at a later date, this option is available to you.

What Policy Do I Need?

Our new Longstay & Backpacker policies are some of our best long-term insurance options, covering trips of up to 18 months in duration and they will cover the following long term activities:

• Motorcycling
• Manual work
• Work with wild animals
•  Work with machinery
• Hazardous sports

These policies also have high age limits for long stay cover, with individuals of up to 69 years being eligible for worldwide travel (excluding Australia & New Zealand) and individuals of up to 75 years being eligible for travel to European, Australia & New Zealand.

Alternatively, our Navigator Gold and Silver policies are the best long term travel insurance options if you’re hoping to cover a good range of sports and activities. Although, they do not include cover for more extreme activities , such as skydiving, high-altitude trekking and sports such as rugby and polo. The option is available to add winter sports cover for up to 31 days.

Finally, our long-stay single trip policies are best great for travellers who are planning on taking one extended trip overseas. With a period of time of up to 2 years being able to be covered, this is a great option for any travellers looking to spend a long stay abroad.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can i get 1 year travel insurance.

Here at Navigator Travel, we specialise in long-stay 12-month travel insurance and you can purchase one of our 1 year travel insurance policies with us, which will cover you for up to 12 months. We offer annual multi-trip policies, which allow you to have an unlimited number of short trips (ranging from 31 days to 62 days) within a 12-month period. 

Or, we offer our long-stay single trip policies that are best suited for those taking one extended trip to a destination overseas. These policies can be purchased for durations ranging between 1 month and 2 years, which is ideal if you’re looking to travel abroad for a 12-month period.

How Long Can You Have Travel Insurance For?

Depending on the type of travel insurance policy you purchase, you can be covered for differing periods of time, from short trips to long stays. Our short stay single trip travel insurance , for example, covers trips of up to 62 days duration for travellers up to the age of 75, whereas our aforementioned annual multi trip policies cover periods ranging from 31 to 62 days, and our long-stay can sometimes cover you for up to 2 years.

Can I Visit Several Countries With Long Stay Travel Insurance?

With our long stay and backpacker policies, you can be covered for travelling in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, or worldwide. However, worldwide cover excludes Australia and New Zealand, which would need to be purchased alongside for travellers considering visiting this corner of the world.

Annual Multi-Trip

Cover for multiple trips.

• Up to 45 days each trip
• Option to extend to 62 days
• Special deals for couples and families

Long Stay Single Trip

Cover from 2 to 18 months.

• Extended backpacking
• Career breaks
• Volunteering
• Working holidays abroad

Short Stay Single Trip

Cover for up to 45 days.

• Single holiday
• Business trip
• Special rates for families
• Accompanied kids go free

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Check out our blog below:

When Can You Fly With A Newborn from the UK?

Can you Fly with a Catheter Bag from the UK?

Can you Fly with Heart Arrhythmia from the UK?

Can you Fly with Varicose Eczema from the UK?

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Families, couples or individuals.

Families, couples or individuals on holiday or business trips for shorter durations.

gap years, Backpackers and Career break

Usually couples or individuals requiring cover for longer term overseas trips of 2 months or more.

Sports & Adventures

Skiing, snowboarding, climbing and more.

We offer four policies for people travelling overseas, requiring cover for specific sports and activities.

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Longstay Travel Insurance

As the name implies, our Longstay insurance policy is designed for those travellers aged up to 75 years, who are looking to travel abroad for a long period of time. The cover can run from 1 to 18 months (depending on your age and destination of choice) and will appeal to students, backpackers, gap year travellers, those looking to do voluntary or charity work abroad, and people taking a well-earned sabbatical.

What is Longstay Travel Insurance?

If you’re planning on a trip, from between 1 and 18 months, then you will need travel insurance which covers you from beginning to end. In this case, you would need to take out a Longstay policy. Longstay policies are designed for travellers up to 75 years of age, who are looking to cover their next adventure.

We offer cover for students, backpackers, gap year travellers, those looking to do voluntary or charity work abroad, and people taking a well-earned sabbatical.

What are the Advantages of Longstay Travel Insurance?

Some of the benefits offered are:

• Trips up to 18 months are covered (depending on your age and destination of choice)
• Europe and Worldwide options available
• Two return trips home allowed up to a maximum duration of 21 days per trip§
• Working abroad, such as bar work and teaching, covered as standard§
• Automatically covers a range of sports and hazardous activities as standard
• Basic cover includes emergency medical expenses including repatriation, personal liability, legal expenses and personal accident.
• Discounts are given for couples and families
• Cover for lost or stolen gadgets including smartphones, tablets, cameras and more available
• To find out more benefits of our travel insurance, read our  dedicated travel insurance benefits page

Thinking of staying away longer? You can extend your travel insurance cover whilst away, but your entire trip can only last a maximum of 18 months. Simply contact our friendly Customer Services Team and they will be happy to process this for you.

If you haven’t booked your return ticket home yet, we can still cover you as long as you show intent to return to the UK (e.g. a place on a university course). If you’re unsure, please contact our Customer Services Team .

Get a Quote Activity Packs Countries Covered Policy Wordings

This section of cover begins from the second you pay your premium when buying a Backpacker & Longstay policy, and from the start date you choose when purchasing a Multi-Trip policy. Cancellation cover can step in to cover pre-paid costs, for things like accommodation, transport and car hire, that you cannot recover from any other source (e.g. your tour operator) in the event that you cannot go on your trip. The section will cover cancellation for a number of reasons, but it is important that you read your policy wording for full details.

*(Under our Backpacker & Longstay Platinum policy)

Injury or illness are inconvenient at the best of times, but imagine needing emergency medical attention abroad – you may not be able to communicate with doctors, and will most likely have to pay for your treatment. This is where our medical expenses section can help you, as we will consider medical bills up to £10,000,000 on many policies, including the cost of getting you back to the UK if medically necessary. Furthermore, every Holidaysafe policy comes with access to our doctor managed emergency medical helpline, which is available to help you 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

*(Under our Plus and Platinum Backpacker & Longstay policies)

Some of the most common and annoying holiday disasters involve personal possessions, such as lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage. These policy sections can step in to cover the costs of these disasters, but you must check the cover to ensure the policy limits are enough to cover the items you are taking abroad. If you need cover for gadgets, make sure this is covered as standard on your chosen policy, otherwise, you can add the cover as an extension on the options page of the quote process.

All Holidaysafe Travel Insurance policies are able to include cover for hundreds of medical conditions, and declaring them online is quick and simple thanks to the specialist Protectif medical risk rating service . Some of the most common ones include:

• High blood pressure / hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Underactive thyroid / hypothyroidism
• Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2)
• Food allergies and intolerance
• Heart conditions
• And many more…

Activity Packs

If you wish to partake in any activities whilst on your trip abroad, you need to ensure you have the right cover.

We cover a number of activities as standard. You can view these by simply clicking our ‘view activity packs’ button below, and find your chosen activity. If your sport or activity does not fall into the list we have, you may be signposted to our sister company who will be able to cover you.

View activity Packs

We offer a range of extensions on our Single Trip policies, including;

Cruise Golf Large Scale Events COVID-19 Excess Waiver

To add any of these extensions to your policy, simply select them on the options page of the quote process.

Our Trust pilot reviews

• Featured in the Which? Best Rate tables since 2010 ᶤ
• Award-Winning Travel Insurance
• Save 15% Online!*
• FREE and SECURE Customer Area
• Discounts on Couples & Family Policies
• 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

Award Winning Travel Insurance

• Finalists - 'Best Travel Insurance Provider' in the 2022 Insurance Choice Awards
• Your Money 'Best Online Travel Insurance Provider' in 2018
• The British Travel Awards' Bronze Place in the 'Best Travel Insurance Provider' Category in 2017
• Moneywise 'Most Trusted Travel Insurance Provider' in 2016
• Moneyfacts ‘Travel Insurance Provider of the Year' 2014 & 2016

Our existing customers have used this policy for:

• Volunteering, Studying and Working Abroad
• Adventures and new Experiences Abroad
• Adventurous Activities

Checklist for Longstay travellers

• Make sure you invest in the best travel insurance to suit your needs and budget. For example, if you’re only travelling with a backpack, you may not require high levels of baggage cover.
• If you’re travelling within Europe, from 1st January 2021 rules around travel to Europe have changed, visit the Government website for up to date information on passports, EHIC/GHIC, healthcare and more.
• If you’re travelling to Australia, make sure you enroll in their Medicare programme. After enrolling you will receive a card which should entitle you to free or discounted health care in state Australian hospitals.
• To be safe, make sure you have photocopied all important documents, including your passport and prescriptions – keep the copies in a separate place to the originals. You should also have a list of important phone numbers pre-programmed into your phone and in a safe place.
• Research local laws and customs before you travel, just to make sure you don’t accidentally break the rules or offend anyone.
• Make sure you have the correct visa(s) in plenty of time for your departure, and that your passport has at least six months of validity left. Carry a small guide and phrasebook (whether paper or electronic), just in case you get lost and need to ask for directions.
• Visit your doctor before you travel to find out if you need any vaccinations or preventative medications for your trip.

Can I extend my cover whilst abroad?

If you decide to extend your trip, there is the possibility to extend your cover whilst abroad; however, your entire trip can be no longer than 18 months in duration. For example, if you originally planned to travel for nine months, we could potentially extend your cover for a maximum of nine months more, if you decided to stay. Simply c ontact our customer service centre to arrange the extension of cover.

I haven’t booked a return flight yet, can you still insure me?

Yes we can insure you, however, in the event of a claim you would have to provide written evidence that you intended to return to the UK such as:

• Confirmation of a college or university placement
• Contract of the employment commencement date
• Rental agreement
• Consultant appointments in the UK
• Copy of logbook confirming ownership of the vehicle, with proof of current tax.
• Court summons or appearances
• Mortgage agreement
• Current home or contents insurance (in your name).
• Future travel plans (flight bookings) leaving and returning to the UK.
• Please note that this policy is not intended to offer cover if you are emigrating.

What is ‘proof of intent to return home’ and why do I need it?

At Holidaysafe we understand that backpacker and long-stay travellers very rarely have their flight home booked at the start of their trip. However our policies cannot cover emigration, and so in the event of a claim, our team would need to see some type of written evidence that you intend to return to the UK.  Examples of the types of evidence the claims team will accept are listed in the FAQ above.

Can I return home for a visit during my time away without breaking my cover?

Yes, our Backpacker & Longstay policies automatically include two return trips home, just in case you get homesick or want to spend Christmas with your family. As long as the return trips are no longer than 21 days each, your cover will not be affected.

Am I covered to work abroad?

Cover for working abroad, for example, bar and restaurant work, non-professional musicians/signers and fruit pickers (who do not use machinery) is included automatically. However, we do not provide cover for manual work, which is defined as work that is physical, including construction, installation, assembly and building work. Including working with domestic or wild animals, humanitarian, carer, or work in any medical capacity.

What is the difference between Longstay and Multi-Trip insurance?

Longstay and Backpacker travel insurance are intended for people taking longer than average trips abroad, for 1 – 18 months. Multi-Trip insurance is best for people who are planning to take multiple trips during a 12 month period, but each trip will be limited to 31, 45 or 60 days in total duration.

How do I make sure I’m covered to participate in activities during my trip?

We provide cover for 100 common sports and activities as standard, however, there is also the option to extend your cover to include many more. Simply choose the relevant activity pack at the options stage of the quote process.

Travel Tips & Advice

How to find the best kids club for your family holiday.

Sometimes when you’re on holiday quality time alone is needed. Kids clubs are a good option to keep children entertained and allows them to make new memories, holiday friends, and lets you sit back and enjoy a moments peace.

Holidaysafe Reviews – One Day in Venice

Holidaysafe reviews – honeymooning in mauritius.

¹ Pricing based on a 35-year-old travelling to ‘Europe excluding Spain’ for three months, if the policy is taken out within 93 days of travelling on a Holidaysafe Backpacker Longstay policy. Prices correct as of 01/12/2023

§ When using the return home feature all cover is suspended on clearance of customs in your home country and restarts after the baggage check-in at your international departure point for your return flight, international train or ferry to your overseas destination. This extension will not cover the costs of your return home

§ Excludes manual labour, which is defined as work involving the lifting or carrying of heavy items in excess of 25Kg, work at a higher level than two storeys or any form of work underground

ᶤ The Which? Best Rate feature applies to Holidaysafe’s Premier cover, based on a 24-day Single Trip policy with Worldwide excluding Mexico cover. The table was last updated on Which?’s website on 30/06/2023. 35-year-old travelling around ‘Europe excluding Spain’ for 93 days (three months), on a Backpacker Longstay policy

ƗPlease note, Holidaysafe’s online prices automatically include a 15% discount against our Customer Service Centre prices. This is discounted from our core policy price before you add any additional cost of optional extensions or additional medical premium.

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Holidaysafe is a trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN306537. tifgroup is trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc registered in England No. 3220410. tifgroup; all rights reserved. Registered Office: 1 Tower View, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4UY. All policies offered are on a non-advised basis.

To get a quote please choose one of the following policy types:

Annual Multi Trip

Long-stay Travel Insurance

Compare 90 days cover from as little as £73.24*.

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.

What is long-stay travel insurance?

Whether you’re heading off to warmer climes for the winter months or planning an exciting adventure for a gap year – you can count on us to help you find the perfect insurance policy for your needs.

In minutes, we help you compare policies from over 30 leading providers using our online comparison tool. Simply click the button above to get started. Alternatively, for more information, keep reading.

Specialist Medical Cover

We only work with providers who specialise in covering pre-existing conditions.

No discounts. No pressure. We’ll always show you the best prices from providers.

What does long-stay travel insurance cover?

Long-trip travel insurance covers you for the exact same things as a standard travel insurance policy - only for a longer duration of time.

This includes the basic things, such as: 

• Cancellation  
• Personal Accident
• Medical and Repatriation Expenses  
• Mobility Aids
• Baggage Loss  

Depending on the provider, you might also get a wide range of other areas covered. For example, some of the providers we’ll recommend offer cover for travel documents as standard because the risk of losing or misplacing these when away for a long time is higher.

You’ll also be able to add optional extras to your policy, as you can with our single trip cover and multi-trip policies. These extras include:

• Gadget cover
• Cruise cover
• Winter sports cover

Who can get long-stay holiday insurance?

We work with you to ensure you get the long-term travel insurance policy that suits your needs.

We understand that some people might worry about how their age affects their policy. Although some insurers do have upper age limits, we show you quotes from a range of companies to make sure there will be one that suits you. So, whether you’re 18 or 80, we’ll be able to find a quote that works.

Can I add cruise cover for a long-stay policy?

Yes, you can add cruise cover to any of our insurance policies so long as the duration of your cruise can be covered. To do this, simply add cruise cover and proceed through to our quote comparison tool as normal.

Can I get long-stay insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

We specialise in helping people get medical travel insurance . When you look for a quote, you’ll be given the option to declare your own, or your travelling companion’s conditions and get a quote tailored to your situation. This way, if you have a medical emergency whilst travelling, you don’t need to worry about juggling medical bills with getting better.

As well as declaring current medical conditions, our simple medical screening will ask you about past diagnoses and prescribed medication to ensure you’re getting a quote that’ll leave you fully covered.

There is a chance that your medical condition might affect your premium, especially if you’re travelling to a country with private healthcare (such as the USA) where returning home would cost a lot.

What to consider when going away for a long trip

One of the main things to consider when going away for a long time is whether you might need to amend or upgrade your home insurance policy. If you are leaving your property empty during your trip, you’re existing policy might not cover you and so finding out is essential.

You should also strongly consider value over cost. You might find cheap quotes enticing, but it’s always sensible to favour the policy that has the best cover over the policy that costs less. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Single Trip insurance is for one-off, individual trips and will cover your specified travel dates. This is usually up to 45 days; however, some insurance providers can cover up to 94 days. If you’re not a frequent traveller, single trip cover is a great option and will likely be cheaper than an annual multi-trip cover .

If you travel 2 or more times a year, annual trip cover may very well save you money. The maximum duration of any trip will always be specified and will vary by provider. But don't worry, when you get a quote, we'll ask you what your maximum trip length is and only show you quotes that match!

A pre-existing condition is a diagnosed medical condition that existed before taking out a policy. We'll ask a series of questions about the medical history for you and any travellers on your quote. If you answer yes to any of these, you will need to tell us about the traveller's conditions. This could be a condition that a traveller has now or has had in the past. If you are not sure what conditions you need to declare, we have online support available to help you 24/7!

* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 64, who has no medical conditions and is travelling to France for 90 days. The price is correct as of April 2024. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.

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Don't just take our word for it...

If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition , the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their  website.

Related Products

Annual multi-trip travel insurance.

Taking more than one or two holidays a year? Compare annual multi-trip travel insurance from over 30 specialist insurers and save money whilst having peace of mind whilst you travel.

Medical Travel Insurance

We're specialists in helping people find travel insurance cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions. See how we can offer you peace of mind for when you next travel.

Winter Sports & Ski Cover

When hitting the slopes, it pays to make sure your travel insurance includes cover for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.

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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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• Cover available from 54p¹ per day
• Return home extensions included†
• Cover for trips up to 18 months
• Mobile phone, iPad and gadget cover available

Long Stay Travel Insurance

Are you a jet setter? Backpacker? Or an adventurer? Do you think of nothing more than planning your next big, global adventure ?

Whether you’re looking to backpack across Asia, spend your summer sightseeing by train around Europe or taking a gap year, teaching English abroad, our Alpha policies are super affordable, flexible and offer the right cover for you.

Our cover stretches up to 18 months, this means you have more time ticking places off your bucket list and experiencing the freedom of what travelling is all about – and having the assurance that we’ve got your back if you need us.

Travelling is also all about the once-in-a-lifetime activities, whether that’s bungee jumping over Switzerland’s Verzasca Dam, trekking up Machu Picchu or sky diving over the Palm in Dubai, our activity packs offer the cover you may need.

But the main thing is with our Long Stay policies, you can gallivant across the globe with total relaxation and assurance. Wherever you choose to go in the world, the Alpha Long Stay travel insurance policies provide the essential cover for your extended trips. 

All of our Long Stay policies include:

• A wide range of activities covered as standard
• 24/7 Access to emergency assistance team
• £10 million emergency medical cover which includes cover for medical expenses repatriation
• Discounts for couples
• A 14-day cooling off period
• Free access to our Customer Area, with the ability to view, resend and download your policy documents whenever, wherever!

† When using the return home feature all cover is suspended on clearance of customs in your home country and restarts after the baggage check in at your international departure point for your return flight, international train or ferry to your overseas destination. The extension will not cover the costs of your return home.

What is a Long Stay Travel Insurance Policy?

Long stay insurance policies are a little different from the norm; they offer cover for travel across multiple destinations for extended periods of time. So, where a Multi Trip policy will cover you for multiple trips across a 12-month period, the Long stay policy will cover you for one long trip across multiple countries, or one country, depends what you're up to really! Cover is included for cancellation, curtailment, emergency medical attention and repatriation, personal possessions and activities. For more information and the ins and outs of the long stay policies, check out the policy wordings here .

Who is a Long Stay policy suitable for?

Examples of long stay-qualifying travellers include, but are not limited to those going: backpacking around Asia on a gap year, working in Australia for a year, Inter-railing around Europe all Summer, teaching and volunteering in Africa for 6 months, for a semester in the USA, the possibilities are almost endless. So, if you fall into one of the above categories, or your trip is longer than 31 days in duration, then you're in the right place.

Click here to read further advice on staying well when travelling abroad!

Why Choose Alpha's Long Stay Travel Insurance?

Of course, we're going to sing and dance about our own policies, but we do truly believe they're the best option on the market. At a first glance, you may think we offer a range of long stay travel insurance policies, but when it comes down to it, the only thing that differs is the excess; all of the cover levels are the same, the only choice you have to make is how much you want to pay on the premium, compared to how much you'd be happy to pay if you have to claim. The excess on our long stay policies range from £175 to £0 and the policies are rather aptly named after the excess they come with. It is super simple and the choice is 100% yours. We also work hard to keep our prices as small as possible, so you've got enough to take away with you on your trip, plus our long stay travel insurance policies come with a whole bunch of brilliant benefits. Just to name a few:

• The ability to extend your cover while you're away - as long as you let us know before it expires and the total duration doesn't exceed 18 months
• Flexibility to upgrade your cover to include more destinations and activities - because we know plans are always subject to change
• Those 2 trips home we keep banging on about, included in your policy (provided they don't exceed 21 days each)
• £10 million in medical emergency and repatriation cover, just in case!

Obviously, all of our insurance policies come jam-packed with even more benefits and features, but we didn't want to bore you by listing them all.

Cover Levels

£400 - travel documents.

What would you do if your passport was lost or stolen on your trip? Would you know what to do next? Your passport is pretty much the most important document you need to travel – without it, you’re basically stuck! All Alpha Longstay policies cover the cost of a replacement emergency travel document to help get you back on your way, and even the transport to go and pick it up.

£1,250 - Cancellation

If you’re going on a longer, extended trip, these can usually be a bit more expensive than the standard beach-break – especially if you throw long-haul flights into the mix! The Alpha Long Stay policy comes complete with £1,250 cancellation cover, just in case! So you’re not left trip-less and penny-less all in one go.

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Medical conditions.

All Alpha Travel Insurance policies are able to include cover for hundreds of medical conditions.

Some of the most common ones include:

• High blood pressure / hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Underactive thyroid / hypothyroidism
• Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2)
• Food allergies and intolerance
• Heart conditions
• and many more…

Medical conditions can be declared and screened at the same time as obtaining your quotation.

Our customers use this policy for:

• Gadget extension
• COVID-19 Extension

Long stay Info

Backpacking holidays, gap years, work placements or extended career breaks – the Alpha Long stay policy is the simple choice.

The Alpha Travel Insurance Long stay policy is available for travellers up to 55 years old, has cover for a range of sports and activities available, as well as other extensions so you can tailor your policy to suit your needs.

It includes £10 million emergency medical expenses, repatriation, air ambulance, personal possessions and we even include a free ‘Return Home Extension’. The extension allows you to return home twice for 21 days each time without breaking your insurance cover.

Please note that our policies must be purchased for trips starting and ending within the UK, and will not be valid if you have already begun your trip or are already abroad. Our insurance policies are also currently unable to cover for cruise holidays unless you have purchased the cruise extension (not available on Long stay).

¹ Pricing based on a 30 year old, travelling to Australia and New Zealand , if purchased within the two weeks prior to travelling on an Alpha 175 Longstay policy for 94 days. Prices correct as of 19/12/2023

Single Trip travel insurance is ideal for a wide range of holidays, whether you are heading abroad for a two week sunshine break or an action-packed adventure holiday!

With this policy there is no upper age limit, over 100 activities available to be included and trips can be from as little as 3 days up to 94 giving you plenty of reasons to travel and live your life to the full.

Cover includes cancellation, emergency medical expenses, personal possessions, legal expenses as well as gadget insurance options available.

Please note that our policies must be purchased for trips starting and ending within the UK, and will not be valid if you have already begun your trip or are already abroad. Our insurance policies are also currently unable to cover for cruise holidays on this policy unless you have purchased our cruise extension .

Do you have a question about us, our cover or our policies? You may be able to find the answers in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Do you have a question about us, our cover or our policies? You may be able to find the answer in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

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Travelling Against FCDO Advice:

Longstay & Backpacker cannot cover you when travelling to destinations that the FCDO (previously known as the FCO) have advised against. However, we can still help – learn more, generate quotes and arrange cover,  here .

PROVIDING ESSENTIAL COVER FOR THOSE TAKING EXTENDED TRIPS ABROAD

• Standard provides essential cover for cancellation, curtailment, personal possessions, emergency medical expenses, personal liability and personal accident.
• Longstay provides higher limits and additional cover for gadgets*, departure delay, missed departure, possessions delayed in transit, personal money & loss of travel documents and legal advice & expenses.
• Longstay Plus provides the same benefits as Longstay with enhanced cover limits.

Already Travelled

If you require insurance having already embarked upon your travels, please see our  Worldwide Global Travel Insurance .

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Key features.

• Trips covered up to 18 months

Longstay & Backpacker provide cover for single trip travel for periods from 1 month up to a maximum duration of 18 months.

• Return home at no extra charge!

For those wishing to break their trip midway, Longstay & Backpacker allows you to return home, say, at Christmas or Easter, for up to two trips, each up to a maximum 21 days per trip during the policy period. Cover is suspended during the period at home.

• ‘Stop-over’ cover

Longstay & Backpacker automatically provides for ‘stop-overs’ of up to 7 days maximum in a higher rated area e.g. travelling to New Zealand via the USA.

• ‘Excess Waiver’ Option

The standard excess can be reduced to ‘nil’ by paying an additional premium of £15 per person (£30 for Family cover).

Read more on our  Key Features  page.

*Gadget cover includes:  handheld consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, iPads, kindles, satnavs, cameras, lenses, camcorders, smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted displays, hand held games consoles, portable DVD players, headphones, wireless speakers, MP3 players, iPods and laptop computers (laptops are not covered for accidental loss), purchased as new or, in the case of refurbished items, not purchased directly from the manufacturer or network provider in the UK; that is no more than 48 months old at the start date of the trip.

If we can’t offer you the travel insurance cover you want, or your premium is higher than you expected because you have serious medical conditions, you may be able to get help by accessing the  MoneyHelper travel insurance directory  or by calling 0800 138 7777 (Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).

2) Never buy when you're already abroad -

If you forget to take out cover before embarking on a holiday, most policies are likely to be void and will leave you unable to claim in the instance of an emergency. However, there are some limited options that can be explored if you've left it too late to secure a deal. GoCompare say that people can buy specialist post-departure insurance which provides the same level of cover as a standard travel insurance policy.

This is only available from select smaller companies though, so you'll end up with less choice and may pay more than you would for a standard policy. You may also have to wait 24, 48 or 72 hours before coverage starts too in an anti-fraud measure to stop people taking out policies after a problem has already incurred.

3) Declare your conditions -

Which? say: "It can be tempting not to mention pre-existing medical conditions when buying a new travel insurance policy. That's because they can push up the cost of premiums or mean you can't make any claims that relate to the condition. In March 2023 we surveyed 2,458 policyholders with a medical condition or a history of one, and 36% reported problems buying cover.

"Expensive premiums were the most common complaint. But lying about your health issue could result in your travel policy being invalidated and means you have to cover the cost of any medical expenses needed on your trip yourself. In some cases, costs can quickly escalate to tens of thousands of pounds."

4) Don't exceed policy limits -

While many people will lay on golden beaches for a fortnight while on holiday, others may want to take part in exciting activities. But beware that not all sports are covered by standard travel insurance. While many policies will cover you for cycling, diving, kayaking and water sports, they may not allow you to claim for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

You'll usually have to buy an add-on for this. Which? also warn that hiking may not be covered because long-distance walks in remote areas and reaching high altitudes increase the likelihood of needing urgent medical help or assistance - like an air ambulance.

5) Your trip could be too long -

Annual policies may make people assume that they are covered for any length of trip - but this is not the case for a number of insurers. Many will put a time limit on how long they will cover per trip - usually 31 days - so if you want to travel for more than a month you'll have to take out a long stay policy.

Beware though that this type of policy will not cover multiple trips, just one long getaway.

6) Special cruise cover -

Many tourists won't realise that you need specialist insurance when travelling on a cruise. These are designed to cover problems at sea or missed port departures. The policy is often mandatory, and a cruise operator may refuse boarding without it. Thankfully though, you can often buy an add-on to a normal policy for this, or take out a specialist policy altogether.

On getting the best policy for your needs, Which? say: "As always, the first step is to shop around for the best deal. Price comparison sites allow you to view multiple travel insurance quotes at a glance and also include policies for high-risk countries. The main ones for insurance are Compare the Market, Confused.com, GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket.

"Once you've found a deal that is right for you, check how Which? reviewed the provider and policy . Finally, check the policy wording carefully before you buy, as well as any general exclusions and conditions."

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• Travel Insurance

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Travel Insurance With Covid Cover (2024)

Updated: Apr 25, 2024, 11:53am

Reviewed By

Important Disclosure: The content provided does not consider your particular circumstances and does not constitute personal advice. Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. Read More

If you require any personal advice, please seek such advice from an independently qualified financial advisor. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, this does not include all available products from across the market. Although the information provided is believed to be accurate at the date of publication, you should always check with the product provider to ensure that information provided is the most up to date. Read Less

The Covid pandemic is behind us and the past few years has seen ‘business as usual’ resume for UK holidaymakers. But people still fall ill with the virus which can affect their travel plans, and those of their travelling companions.

The good news is, t ravel insurers have largely adjusted their offerings so that Covid is treated like any other illness. This means you’ll get emergency medical treatment for the virus while away, as well as cover cancellation of the trip if you’re diagnosed with Covid usually up to 14 days before you travel. However, always check the terms of each policy.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor’s ratings

Our top covid travel insurance policies, cover for you, yourtravelcover.com gold.

• Coverwise Select Silver Plus

Cedar Tree Travel Insurance

Explorer travel insurance, what's our methodology, what covid cover is provided with travel insurance, what won't be covered in relation to covid, what are the rules on international travel, which countries can i visit, tips for a covid-proof holiday, what else can travel insurance cover, frequently asked questions (faqs).

• Compare Travel Insurance
• Best Annual Multi-Trip Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance For The USA
• Best Travel Insurance For Europe
• Best Cruise Insurance
• Best Backpacker Travel Insurance

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate product providers, so all companies are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology for the ratings below.

• Market-wide survey of leading travel insurance companies
• Rigorous assessment of policy features and cover options
• Thorough analysis of pros and cons

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes

Compare from our range of over 100 policies

With this in mind, it comes down to picking the best travel cover at the right price. We’ve rounded up our top picks below – along with the answers to the most common Covid-related travel questions. For more details on how our providers are ranked, refer to our methodology section.

Cancellation cover

Cover For You has high levels of cover for a competitive premium. This policy offers £15 million medical and repatriation cover, up to £3,000 for cancellations and £2,000 for baggage. It also has a low excess at £50 per person per section on all claims.

Hospital benefit cover is generous at up to £2,000, legal expenses cover is up to £30,000 and personal liability cover is £1.5 million.

• Up to £3,000 cancellation cover
• Low excess on claims
• Higher premium than some competitors

This policy was the cheapest we found based on our search parameters (see our methodology below).

This family policy offers cover up to £3,000 per person for trip cancellation, plus £1,500 per person for baggage cover. Medical and repatriation cover is £10 million and the excess on claims is £95 (the cancellation and baggage excess is £75 per person). Excesses will be applied per person, per section of each claim.

The cover also offers £500 cover for hospital benefit, £15,000 legal expenses cover and up to £2 million for personal liability cover.

• Low premium for cover levels
• £3,000 cancellation cover
• Relatively low excess (£75 for cancellation and baggage claims)
• No sports or gadget cover (can be included at extra cost)

Coverwise Select Silver

This cover has a competitive price and offers £20 million medical and repatriation cover, £2,000 for cancellation and £1,750 for baggage. There is a low per person excess of £50 per section per claim.

Hospital benefit cover is up to £2,000 and legal expenses cover is £50,000. Personal liability cover is up to £2 million.

• Competitive price
• £2,000 hospital benefit cover
• low £50 excess
• £20 million medical cover
• Relatively higher premium

This policy is competitively priced and includes £15 million medical and repatriation cover, £1,500 cover for baggage and £500 for a missed departure (on either leg of the journey). The £95 excess applies on all types of claim and is per person per section.

There is £200 cover for hospital benefit and £5,000 for legal expenses. Personal liability cover is £2 million.

• Low premium
• £15 million medical cover
• Higher excess than some competitors
• £200 hospital benefit cover (competitors offer more)

This is a great value policy offering £5,000 in cancellation cover, £2 million medical and repatriation cover, and £2,000 for baggage. The excess is reasonable at £75 per person per section for claims, although some policies have a lower excess. The policy premium is slightly more expensive than some competitors.

There is legal expenses cover of £25,000 and personal liability cover up to £2 million, but there is no hospital benefit included. Gadget cover is also included as standard.

• £5,000 cancellation cover
• £2,000 cover for baggage
• Gadget cover included
• No excess waiver
• No hospital benefit

We used data from our quotation journey to review single trip travel insurance policies for a family of four (two adults, both aged in their 40s, and two teenagers) travelling to Spain for seven nights in June 2024.

We identified the least expensive policies that met these credentials. Where premium prices are similar, we’ve factored in coverage limits and excesses. On this basis, we awarded each a Forbes Advisor star rating out of five.

All policies include at least £2 million in medical and repatriation cover, £2,000 in cancellation cover, and £1,500 in baggage and belongings cover. The excess listed applies to each person on the policy and to each accepted claim, unless otherwise stated.

We’ve assumed no members of the family have any pre-existing medical conditions.

While most of the insurers we work with offer cover for Covid-related medical costs, cancellation and curtailment of your trip, check with each provider to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting.

Most travel insurers have retained the cover they began offering for Covid-related issues during the pandemic (although many now refer in more general terms to ‘pandemics’ rather than specifically to ‘Covid’).

A comprehensive travel policy is likely to cover you for some or all of the following Covid scenarios:

• Emergency medical treatment, and repatriation (the cost of getting home to the UK) if you are ill due to Covid
• Cancellation cover, if you or a close relative contracts Covid or you or someone you’re due to travel with needs to isolate due to Covid
• Curtailment , which means cutting your trip short due to specific circumstances relating to Covid, such as government advice to evacuate an area of country and return home.

However, terms and conditions around the cancellation element relating to Covid can vary between insurers so, as with any insurance, check the policy wording carefully to find out what is both included and excluded from cover.

Anna-Marie Duthie, travel insurance expert at financial data company Defaqto, explained: “M edical costs will be covered in relation to Covid, as they would be in any other circumstance or illness.

“However, when it comes to cover for cancellation that is specifically due to Covid, rules will vary by insurer. For example, cancellation may be covered only with a medical note from a medical practitioner advising you not to travel, for example, rather than just a positive Covid test being enough evidence for an insurance claim.

“This is because Covid tests are no longer mandatory and – while there may be a moral argument – there are no legal restrictions regarding travelling with Covid.”

Defaqto data shows that 99% of annual travel insurance policies cover medical expenses in relation to Covid-19, and 95% cover cancellation due to a positive Covid test. 

If you are concerned about the cover you may have in relation to Covid, check with your insurer before you travel.

There are a number of Covid-related scenarios where you’re unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance. These might include:

• Travelling against government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advice
• Cancelling or returning home early to avoid quarantine
• Being unable to travel due to a government lockdown or other restriction
• Being unable to travel due to changes in vaccination or other covid-related requirements in your destination country.

Almost every country in the world has now dropped all Covid-related entry restrictions regardless of whether you are vaccinated against the virus or not.

In terms of returning to the UK, all Covid-related restrictions were dropped in 2022. The latest information and guidance on all aspects of travel can be found at our travel blog, and any official updates via the Government website .

Even unvaccinated travellers can now enter almost every country in the world without the requirement to produce a negative Covid test.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) issues advice on which destinations are safe to visit based on a range of factors, including those related to Covid. So, Covid aside, it’s important to check the FCDO’s advice for changes before purchasing a holiday and travel insurance, and again before departing.

Travelling against FCDO advice can render a travel insurance policy invalid unless it was bought from a specialist insurer which specified that cover would be provided in the chosen destination.

Take out travel insurance when booking the trip

It’s good practice to buy travel insurance at the same time as booking a holiday. This will ensure that cancellation cover starts straight away. In Covid terms, this might include:

• cancellation cover for testing positive within 14 days of  departure date
• cancellation cover if a loved one becomes seriously unwell or dies of Covid ahead of the departure date.

However, the ‘key features’ section of a policy document usually lists cover for specific Covid-related risks.

Check the FCDO’s travel guidelines

A travel insurer is unlikely to cover trip cancellation if the FCDO changes its advice on travel to the holiday destination, if an airline or travel company postpones the trip without offering a refund, or if a local or national lockdown prevents the holiday from going ahead.

And it won’t be possible to claim for cancellation if you simply don’t want to travel (known as ‘disinclination to travel’).

If a flight is cancelled the airline should offer a full refund or an alternative departure date. If it offers vouchers instead of a refund, some travel insurers will not pay out.

In addition to cover for medical treatment and Covid-related risks, there’s also the standard offerings under travel insurance.

• Baggage and possessions: Covers lost, stolen or damaged baggage or any other possessions
• Personal liability: Covers compensation claims made against the policyholder if they are found responsible for causing injury, death or damage
• Personal accident: If the policyholder is permanently disabled or killed in an accident, the policy will make a payment to them or to their estate
• Legal expenses: The insurer will help cover legal costs to pursue compensation or damages following personal injury or other disputed loss while abroad
• Excess: Most insurance policies require a contribution of a certain amount towards any claim made. This is known as the excess. This sum will be deducted from the claim pay-out.

What protection does cover for Covid-related risks offer?

Protection for Covid-related risks covers the cost of medical treatment and repatriation as a minimum.

Some policies also cover cancellation under certain circumstances, such as if you or a close relative are unwell with Covid or you’re required to self-isolate (subject to a positive test result or confirmation from a doctor, for example).

Others extend to cover if you’re denied boarding a flight or ferry, for example, due to displaying Covid symptoms. Or cover if someone you were due to travel with or stay with on your trip needs to self-isolate.

Does my current travel insurance policy cover Covid related risks?

There are no guarantees that an existing insurance policy will cover Covid-related risks. Check the details of the policy or contact the insurer for confirmation of the extent of cover provided.

Do I need to be vaccinated for Covid for my insurance to be valid?

Over all, travel insurance policies do not require policyholders to be vaccinated.

However, according to Defaqto, around 20% of annual multi-trip policies still require proof of vaccination under certain elements of the cover, most notably claiming on emergency Covid-related medical costs.

In insurance terms, ‘vaccination’ means all recommended doses that were offered, which includes any booster jabs. If you’ve refused any doses of the vaccine or any booster jab in the past, then you may not be covered for Covid-related claims, so be sure to read the small print of the policy wording.

You’ll still be covered if you couldn’t have the vaccine due to a medical exemption, however. 

Am I covered if I have to cut short my trip due to Covid?

Some policies cover cutting a trip short because of Covid. This is known as a ‘curtailment’. Terms and conditions around curtailment cover vary, so check the policy wording.

What happens if I contract Covid overseas?

All the insurers available through our travel insurance comparison tool offer emergency medical and repatriation cover for Covid-related claims as standard. However, as outlined above, some may require the policyholder to have the recommended vaccinations. Again, check the policy.

Can I get cover for my pre-existing medical conditions?

Some policies will cover claims related to pre-existing medical conditions , but they tend to come with higher premiums because of the greater risk of a claim being made.

All pre-existing medical conditions must be declared as part of the application process. Not doing so could invalidate any claim made.

How do I claim on my travel insurance?

If the claim is related to cancellation or delay, the first point to note is that insurers will only consider a claim after the policyholder has applied to the holiday provider for a refund.

If the policyholder accepts a refund (or vouchers or a credit note) from the holiday provider they will not also be able to claim from the insurer (known as a ‘double claim’).

If a refund from the holiday provider has been refused, the policyholder can contact the insurer to claim for all non-refundable costs.

This may include flights and accommodation but also transfer and excursion costs, for example. Deadlines for claims should be stated in the policy.

I am passionate about personal finance issues and helping consumers navigate the world of insurance, credit, savings and pensions. I have been a money journalist for almost two decades, including ten years on the award-winning personal finance desk at the Mail on Sunday.

I've been involved in personal finance and property journalism for the past 20 years, editing websites and writing for national newspapers. My objective has always been to offer no-nonsense information to readers that either saves or earns them cash.

Politics latest: Sunak faces 'realistic prospect' of being ousted after local elections

A former Number 10 director of communications thinks Tory MPs could move against the prime minister if the local elections go particularly badly. Jeremy Hunt has admitted the Conservatives are expecting "significant losses".

Wednesday 1 May 2024 21:20, UK

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• First illegal migrants bound for Rwanda detained
• Jon Craig:  Raids were like something from Miami Vice
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• 'Realistic prospect' Tories try to oust PM after local elections
• Local elections:  All you need to know about this week's votes
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler and (earlier)  Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Guto Harri, the former Number 10 director of communications under Boris Johnson, has said it is a "realistic prospect" the Conservatives could move against Rishi Sunak if the results of the local elections are bad.

"I think that would be mad and unfair, but I think it's a realistic prospect now," he tells Sophy Ridge .

"It's clear that one or two mayoral contests could be read as the trigger. It could be that the overall number is so bad that that is the trigger."

'It can be very brutal'

Mr Harri says that, by Sunday, there could be conversations across Westminster on whether Tory MPs could move against Mr Sunak.

"It can happen very, very quickly, and it can be very brutal," noting the speed at which his old boss Mr Johnson was toppled.

Andrew Fisher, former head of policy for Jeremy Corbyn, says that, in contrast, Thursday could be a good night for Labour.

"It's clearly going to be a bad night for Rishi Sunak," he says.

The Tory mayor of the West Midlands is sending voters an endorsement from Boris Johnson which urges people to "forget about the government", Sky News can reveal.

Andy Street's campaign website makes no mention of Rishi Sunak on its homepage and is coloured in green rather than Conservative blue, suggesting the mayor is trying to run on his credentials as an independent campaigner rather than under the unpopular Tory brand.

Other campaign literature - including the front page of a campaign "newspaper" seen by Sky News - makes no mention of the Conservative leader.

You can read more from Sky News below:

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about the different political parties.

With the local election campaign well under way, Labour is still sitting comfortably ahead, with the Tories trailing behind.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

By Sam Coates , deputy political editor

More than 2,600 seats are up for election in 107 English councils on Thursday.

Now, YouGov has made its final calls for some key contests using the MRP polling method after interviewing almost 9,000 people over two weeks.

Here, exclusively on Sky News, are the headlines. 

We'll start with two key battlegrounds...

By Tomos Evans , Wales reporter

Calls for an investigation into a £200,000 donation to Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething have intensified in recent weeks.

A motion calling for an independent probe into the money was debated in the Senedd on Wednesday and defeated by 27 votes to 25.

But former deputy climate change minister Lee Waters said Mr Gething should do "the right thing" and return the donation.

Mr Gething was elected leader of Welsh Labour in March and succeeded Mark Drakeford as Wales's first minister.

Opposition parties launched a bid to appoint an independent advisor to check whether there was any conflict of interest over the donation during the leadership campaign.

That's it for tonight's Politics Hub programme - we'll end with an exclusive report from our political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh .

Tory MPs are threatening to rebel over the government's new housing proposals.

In a letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, more than 30 Tory MPs have stated their dissatisfaction with the current leasehold system and implored the government to scrap ground rent on leasehold properties.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove previously called that "a charge for nothing" and has stated a personal preference to move towards a "peppercorn" system, where ground rent is as close to zero as possible.

Multiple Tory MPs who have signed the letter are also in favour of this proposal - citing that promise made in the Tory 2019 manifesto.

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Former England cricket star Monty Panesar, who's standing at the next election for George Galloway's Worker's Party, is now joining Sophy Ridge .

He is asked about his change in career.

"When I played cricket for England I had fans up and down the country, I had Monty Mania happening, everyone knew who I was.

"Obviously I am a very popular figure in this country so hopefully by me getting involved in politics, I can maybe make a difference to ordinary people."

He adds: "I believe there is a huge divide between the rich and the poor at the moment, and hopefully me being involved with the Worker's Party of Britain I can come together and be that voice for the ordinary person who is walking down the street."

'Hear the voices of working people'

So why the Worker's Party?

Mr Panesar says he was introduced to the party by a friend, and asked if he wanted to run as an MP in the Ealing Southall constituency at the next general election.

Pressed, the former cricketer says he doesn't believe Labour and the Tories are here to "hear the voices of the working people".

He says the party wants to "redistribute the power between the rich and the poor", by introducing wealth tax on large estates.

The would-be MP wants to extend free public transport for children across the UK.

Sophy is now joined by Labour frontbencher Nick Thomas-Symonds, and they begin their conversation on the government's Rwanda scheme.

So will Labour scrap the policy?

"We will replace the Rwanda policy," he says. "And we've seen previously the work of similar schemes. 

"Israel, for example, had an agreement with Rwanda that had to be abandoned in 2018 because it wasn't working. 

"We can see from past experience, what the situation is with a scheme like this. 

"We believe that the money that's been allocated to the Rwanda scheme would be better spent on a new unit in the National Crime Agency that would be able to work internationally to bust the model of the people smuggler gangs. 

"Secondly, we need to really get a grip of the asylum system, the enormous backlog that we have. 

"The amount of money that's being spent on people in hotels, a miserable existence for them, really is not value for money for the taxpayer."

Ahead of the confidence vote in the Scottish government, outgoing first minister Humza Yousaf spoke to our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies about the SNP leadership contest.

He called on colleagues to ensure the race was "civil", having come through a bruising battle with party rivals just over a year ago.

Watch the full interview below:

Next up on tonight's show is some relief for Scotland's outgoing first minister after his government survived a no confidence vote.

Humza Yousaf announced his resignation earlier this week, but it could have been worse for the SNP after Scottish Labour forced a vote at Holyrood this afternoon.

Despite Labour and the Tories uniting to try to bring down the government, it wasn't enough to force the nationalist party out of office.

Read more from our Scotland reporter Jenness Mitchell below:

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