Travelling is one of life’s great joys—a chance to explore, relax, and discover something new. But unexpected events like cancelled flights, lost luggage, or medical emergencies can turn your dream trip into a nightmare. That’s where travel insurance comes in. While it might feel like an unnecessary extra, a good policy offers valuable peace of mind and protection. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of policy that protects you against unexpected costs and emergencies that may arise while travelling—whether in the UK or abroad. It’s designed to provide financial support and practical help when things don’t go to plan, from cancelled trips to lost luggage or medical emergencies overseas.

In general, Travel insurance aims to provide several key benefits:

Financial Protection – Helps you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses for emergencies like medical treatment or trip cancellations.
Peace of Mind – Knowing you're covered means you can enjoy your trip without constantly worrying about “what ifs.”
24/7 Assistance – Many policies include round-the-clock support for medical help, lost documents, or disrupted travel plans.

Think of it as a safety net—it won’t stop things from going wrong, but it can soften the financial blow and provide practical help when you need it most.

What Does Travel Insurance Typically Cover?

Policies vary, so its always worth checking your specific one, but in general they can include cover for:

✈️ Trip Cancellation/Interruption

Reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable costs if your trip is cancelled due to illness, injury, bereavement or severe weather. Make sure your cover limit matches the full cost of your holiday.

🏥 Medical Expenses & Emergency Evacuation

Covers treatment for accidents and illnesses abroad, including repatriation. Aim for at least £2 million in medical cover.

🧳 Lost, Stolen or Delayed Baggage

Helps with the cost of essentials if your luggage is delayed or goes missing. Also includes compensation for permanently lost items.

🕒 Travel Delay

Provides compensation for extra costs such as meals or hotel stays if your travel is delayed due to covered reasons.

⚖️ Personal Liability

Covers legal fees if you accidentally injure someone or cause damage to someone else’s property while abroad.

Types of Travel Insurance Policies

Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are lots of different types of policies available and the best policy for you will depend on how often you travel, who you're travelling with, and where you're going. Here's a breakdown of the main types available to help you choose what suits your plans:

By Trip Type

🧳 Single-Trip Insurance

Best for one-off holidays or business trips. Covers you from the moment you buy until you return home. Cost-effective for infrequent travellers.

🌍 Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

Covers unlimited trips within 12 months (each trip usually limited to 30–60 days). Ideal for regular travellers or multiple getaways.

Tip: More than two holidays this year? This could save you money.

By Who’s Covered

👤 Individual Policy

Simple and best for solo travellers. Covers one named person under a single policy.

👫 Couples Policy

For two named adults (often living together). Usually cheaper than two separate policies, with shared terms and benefits.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Policy

Typically covers 1–2 adults and children (usually under 18 or 21). Often includes kids for free, but check if separate travel is covered.

By Destination

🗺️ European Cover

Generally cheaper than worldwide policies. But insurer definitions of “Europe” vary — always check which countries are included.

🌐 Worldwide Cover

Needed for trips outside Europe. Includes or excludes USA/Canada (more costly due to high medical fees).

Note: If visiting multiple regions, pick cover for the highest-risk area for the full trip.

Policy Excess

💰 Understanding Excess

The amount you pay yourself when making a claim. E.g., if your excess is £100 and your claim is £500, you receive £400.

📉 High or Low Excess?

A higher excess can reduce premiums, but increases your out-of-pocket cost. A lower excess costs more upfront but provides better protection.

Tip: Some insurers offer an “excess waiver” add-on, letting you pay extra to eliminate the excess entirely.

Things to check when choosing a policy

Destination

Different countries pose different risks — from higher medical costs to political instability or natural disasters. Always check the UK Foreign Office or government travel advice for your destination, and make sure your policy provides coverage there. If you’re visiting multiple countries, confirm they’re all included.

Trip Length

Most standard policies cover trips up to 30 or 60 days. If you're going away longer — for example, backpacking or taking a gap year — you'll likely need long-stay or specialist backpacker insurance. Double-check the maximum trip length your policy allows, especially for annual multi-trip policies.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Always disclose any medical conditions, no matter how minor they seem. Insurers have different rules — some are more lenient than others — but not declaring a condition can invalidate your cover completely. You may need to answer a health screening questionnaire or pay a bit more, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Activities & Sports

Basic travel insurance may not cover activities like skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, or trekking above certain altitudes. If you're planning these, look for an “adventure sports” or “winter sports” add-on. Without it, claims from injuries during these activities may be rejected.

Cruise Cover

Cruises often need a dedicated add-on — standard policies may not cover onboard medical treatment, missed port stops, or cabin confinement due to illness. If you're cruising, make sure “cruise cover” is included or added.

Policy Exclusions

Most travel insurance won't cover: injuries caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; high-risk activities not declared or included; or theft of belongings left unattended (e.g. on a beach or in an unlocked hotel room). Always read the exclusions section carefully — it’s where many claims are declined.

Bank Account Travel Cover

If you have a packaged bank account that includes travel insurance, check what’s actually covered. Some only cover you if you're under a certain age or exclude certain countries or activities. You may still need to top it up with additional cover.

Unattended Possessions

Leaving items like phones, cameras, or laptops unattended — even briefly — could void your cover. Always lock valuables in a safe, or keep them with you.

Multi-Trip vs Single-Trip

If you're planning more than one holiday in the year, an annual multi-trip policy might be cheaper and more convenient. But check the maximum number of days per trip allowed (often 30 or 60 days) and whether your destinations are covered.

Keep These Handy When You Travel

To make your life easier in an emergency, keep the following accessible (preferably both digitally and in print):
- Your policy number
- 24/7 emergency assistance phone number
- A digital or printed copy of your full policy wording
Tip: Save the emergency number in your phone under “Travel Insurance – Emergency” and share it with someone travelling with you.

How to Make a Claim

Every insurer is different, so always refer to your specific policy. But generally, follow these steps:

1

Notify your insurer as soon as possible

Many insurers require notification within a specific time window — especially for medical or cancellation claims. Delay can jeopardize your ability to claim.

2

Get pre-authorisation for medical treatment

Unless it’s life-threatening, insurers usually expect you to contact them before getting treatment. They’ll often help arrange care or pay the provider directly.

3

Report theft or loss to local police within 24 hours

A police report is usually required for any theft or loss claims. Get a written statement and reference number at the time to include with your claim.

4

Keep receipts and paperwork

This includes medical bills, police reports, hotel invoices, transport disruption notices, or anything that proves the event and costs. No paperwork often means no payout.

5

Dispute the outcome if needed

If your claim is rejected and you feel it’s unfair, complain to the insurer first. If unresolved, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service – it’s free and impartial.

Finding a Travel Insurance policy

We can’t recommend specific insurance policies, but there are several comparison sites available that let you quickly compare prices, features, and cover levels to find a policy that suits your trip.

Summary

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use—but when you do, you'll be glad you have it. Take a few minutes to find the right policy before you go, and you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday with confidence, knowing you’re covered for the unexpected.

Travel Insurance