Travel Insurance

We protect, you explore


What is it?

Travel Insurance covers you against costs or losses if something goes wrong when you’re on holiday in the UK or abroad. For example, your plans are disrupted, or your accommodation gets cancelled; you injure yourself or your belongings are stolen, lost or damaged while travelling.

The level of cover you need will depend on where you’re going, who you’re going with and the length of your trip. Travel Insurance options generally include:

  • Single trip and annual trip - this type of cover depends on how many trips you’re making. Annual cover, also known as multi-trip Insurance, tends to be cheaper if you’re travelling more than twice in 12 months, while single-trip cover works better if you’re taking one or two holidays. 
  • European and worldwide - this type of cover varies by insurer. For example, some European travel cover includes African countries, such as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. Other insurers offer two types of worldwide cover, one that includes the US and another that excludes it. You will need to check your policy to make sure your destination is included. 
  • Individual, couple or family cover – if you’re travelling with your partner or your family, you can cover everyone under the same policy. An expert broker can discuss this option with you in more detail. 

Why do I need it?

Whether it’s a last-minute family getaway, a year-long solo backpacking journey, or an important business trip, travelling without cover is very risky and could leave you out of pocket if the worst happens. 

Mishaps such as missing luggage, stolen documents, delayed/cancelled flights or having an accident that requires urgent medical treatment could quickly turn a dream holiday into a nightmare.
Travel Insurance will help to make sure you’re not stranded at an airport without your luggage, have access to medical help without delay and, most importantly, you can get home safely if things go wrong.

If you’re going on a business trip, your employer may already have cover in place. If you need to get your own travel Insurance, it’s possible to get this as an add-on to your policy. Business travel Insurance can provide extra protection against the loss or theft of company money and business equipment or cover the cost of alternative travel if your plans are disrupted.

What does it cover?

Depending on your provider, you can tailor your policy to suit your plans. Travel Insurance generally covers:

  • Possessions – cover against loss or theft of luggage, important document or cash
  • Medical treatment – cover for emergency medical treatment (not pre-existing conditions)
  • Disruptions – cover for costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting your trip short 
  • Legal costs – cover against the cost of legal action for something that wasn’t your fault

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Medical costs are the most expensive type of claim made, so premiums tend to be higher for people with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory problems, diabetes or cancer. 

The type of pre-existing condition you have will affect the price of your travel Insurance; you’ll usually be asked to pay more if the illness or disability is severe. This is where speaking to an expert broker could help. They will discuss your concerns and work with you to find the right level of cover to suit your health needs. 

You can also take a look at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) Medical Cover Firm Directory, which lists firms that provide or arrange travel Insurance policies for people with pre-existing medical conditions. You can call the Money Advice Service’s Customer Contact Centre on 0800 138 7777 or email enquiries@maps.org.uk for more information. 

Find a travel insurance broker

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Key cover benefits

  • Complete freedom and peace of mind while you’re away
  • Cover tailored to your trip with add-on options
  • Backed by connected expertise and thinking
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