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Last updated
November 14th, 2023

What is travel insurance?

A travel insurance policy protects you against costs you’d otherwise incur if problems arise when travelling. A good policy will cover you for essentials such as cancellation, lost luggage, delayed flights, stolen property, illness, injury and repatriation.

Sometimes, travel insurance is called “holiday insurance”. You don’t legally need it to travel, but it could prove invaluable if something happens while you were away.


A good policy will cover you for essentials such as cancellation, lost luggage and delayed flights."

Do I need travel insurance?

If you experience problems when travelling, you might have to fork out a lot of money.

For example, if you fall ill overseas, your medical bill can run into tens of thousands of pounds or even more, especially if you must remain in hospital for some time or need to be repatriated. 

Don’t fall into the trap of only getting round to travel insurance when you’re pretty much on your way to the airport. Always search for and buy cover when you book your trip, so you’re protected against cancellations or delays, which could wreck your holiday even before it begins.

The right policy will contain all the elements you need. For example, the personal belongings cover limit should be higher than the cost of replacing any expensive items you’re taking with you.

Worldwide travel insurance 

It’s also worth considering worldwide travel insurance if you are travelling outside of Europe.  Worldwide travel insurance can either include or exclude the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, so read the small print.

Types of travel insurance

Single trip insurance

This covers you for one trip to just one location (or locations - for example, if you’re travelling to a few destinations) for a specific period of time. The cover ends when you return home.

Multi-trip travel insurance

This covers you for every trip you make during a 12-month period. The best policy will depend on what cover you want and how often you travel. If you’re only going on one or two holidays in the next year, it’s usually a good idea to get single-trip travel insurance.

If you travel more often, annual travel insurance could work out much cheaper in the long run. Here’s how to choose between single-trip travel insurance or annual travel insurance.

Types of travel insurance

Single trip insurance

This covers you for one trip to just one location (or locations - for example, if you’re travelling to a few destinations) for a specific period of time. The cover ends when you return home.

Multi-trip travel insurance

This covers you for every trip you make during a 12-month period. The best policy will depend on what cover you want and how often you travel. If you’re only going on one or two holidays in the next year, it’s usually a good idea to get single-trip travel insurance.

If you travel more often, annual travel insurance could work out much cheaper in the long run. Here’s how to choose between single-trip travel insurance or annual travel insurance.

How to choose the best travel insurance

It’s important to get the right cover for your needs, but you’ll want to factor in the price too. Here are a few tips to help you find the best travel insurance.

Shop around

Compare travel insurance deals and choose the travel insurance quote that gives you the right cover at the best price.

Get the right kind of policy

Think carefully about whether annual travel insurance or single-trip travel insurance is best for you. If relevant, consider family travel insurance, too.

Don’t always get the optional extras

Sometimes, you’ll be offered extras like gadget insurance. You might already be covered for your gadgets by other policies, so check carefully before paying for extras you don’t need.

What does travel insurance cover?

Covered

Cancellation and delay, including cutting your trip short
Lost baggage and belongings, including your luggage or belongings being lost, stolen or damaged. Make sure you check the amount you’re covered for
Medical costs, including fees incurred following injury or illness while away
Emergency assistance, including urgent help when overseas, such as finding a hospital or needing to be repatriated to the UK
Personal liability, including injuring someone or damaging their belongings

Not covered with some policies

Extreme sports
Natural disasters
Terrorism
Pre-existing medical conditions
Alcohol or drugs-related accidents

How does pre-existing medical conditions impact travel insurance?

Any pre-existing conditions must be declared when you apply for travel insurance. You’ll need to share information about these when you get your holiday insurance quotes and apply for a policy.

If you don’t declare your medical conditions, you cannot claim on your holiday insurance should you fall ill as a result of your condition. For example, if you don’t tell your insurer about your angina and then suffer a heart attack or stroke while on holiday, your policy probably won’t pay out.

That’s why it’s important to be as open and honest as you can when you sort out travel medical insurance. You might like to find specialist cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you don’t declare your medical conditions, you cannot claim on your holiday insurance."

Explore our travel insurance guides

Find out more about how travel insurance works with our in-depth guides
How to get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions
How to get travel insurance with pre-existing conditions
How to make a travel insurance claim
How to make a travel insurance claim
Should you get single trip or annual travel insurance?
Should you get single trip or annual travel insurance?

About the author

Lucinda O'Brien
Lucinda O'Brien has spent the past 10 years writing and editing content for regional and national titles. She applies her industry knowledge to ensure readers can make confident financial decisions.

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