Cheap travel insurance

Cheap travel insurance
Get annual cover from under £11/year, or less for single-trip cover

If you’ve arranged a vacation but haven’t secured travel insurance yet, ACT NOW—DON’T HESITATE. The real benefit of travel insurance lies not just in covering you while you’re away, but also in protecting you should something arise that prevents you from going on your trip. Discover key aspects to consider, and then use our Affordable Travel Insurance Finder tool to locate the best policy at the lowest price.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance is intended to safeguard against unexpected events such as sickness, injury, or theft of your belongings during your trip. Additionally, it provides coverage if you need to cancel your trip beforehand or cut it short due to an emergency. Nonetheless, it doesn’t cover every possible situation or every type of loss or inconvenience you might encounter while traveling.

While you can generally expect insurance to cover most of the following scenarios, keep in mind that policies differ, and coverage may vary. Always review the specific terms of your policy before purchasing.

Good travel insurance should cover you for… 

What types of travel insurance can I buy?

Insurance comes in various forms, each differing primarily in policy duration, coverage scope, and geographical reach. For instance, you might select from options such as:

• Single-trip travel insurance. This provides coverage from the moment you purchase insurance until the day you return home from the specific trip you’re covered for.
• Annual multi-trip travel insurance. This covers all trips taken during the period the policy covers.

After deciding whether to opt for single-trip or multi-trip insurance, the next step is to determine who will be covered:

• Family travel insurance. Generally covers parents, and children who live with them.
• Couples’ travel insurance. Covers the two named policyholders.
• Individual travel insurance. Just covers the person named on the policy.

And your final decision is where you want the travel insurance to cover:

• European travel insurance. Does as it says, but insurers’ definitions of ‘Europe’ vary, so do check
• Worldwide travel insurance. You’ll often have to choose to include or exclude North America from the policy (medical costs are often high in the USA, so you may pay extra for cover if you’re travelling there).

Travel insurance need-to-knows

As previously mentioned, travel insurance encompasses a wide array of unexpected occurrences. Here are some key points to consider before selecting a policy…

1 – You’re usually not covered if you’ve been drinking or if you do dangerous sports, so always check exclusions

As with any insurance policy, there are various situations that providers typically exclude from coverage. Here are a few of the most frequent exclusions:

• Dangerous sports. Before engaging in activities like ski jumping or snowmobiling, it’s important to review your policy’s terms and conditions. If you find you’re not covered as standard, or via an optional extra,  specialist providers such as BMC and Snowcard may be able to offer you cover.

Alternatively, expert brokers can assist you in locating insurance providers that offer coverage for unconventional trips. To find one, see the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website.

• Alcohol-related injury. While you’re on vacation to relax, if you sustain serious injuries while being significantly intoxicated, there’s a high chance that your insurance claim could be denied. The same principle applies if drugs are involved. Different insurers have various definitions of what constitutes being ‘drunk,’ with some relying on specific blood alcohol thresholds. Therefore, it’s crucial to review your policy thoroughly before making a purchase.
• Medical conditions. Insurance providers frequently offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. However, if you do not disclose these conditions to your insurer and later require treatment for them or related issues, you could find yourself without coverage. Additionally, neglecting to follow recommended medication or vaccinations required for travel could also jeopardize your ability to have a claim approved.
• Refused entry (to visiting country). Nobody wants their vacation to wrap up before it even starts, but many typical insurance policies don’t address this kind of situation. Standard coverage usually includes specific scenarios like theft or medical emergencies, but not the premature end of a trip.

You are responsible for ensuring that your travel documents are valid and that you satisfy the entry requirements. Always check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the entry rules of the countries you’re visiting well before travelling and give yourself plenty of time to get your paperwork in order.

• Unattended possessions. Travel insurance provides coverage for your personal belongings while you’re overseas, but that doesn’t give you free rein to be careless with your things. If you leave your possessions unattended and they get stolen, your insurance provider won’t cover the cost of replacing them.
• Travel to dangerous countries. The FCDO provides a list of countries considered unsafe for travel. If you visit any of these destinations, your insurance coverage may not be valid. Check out the FCDO’s current travel advice for more.
• The excess. This represents the portion you are responsible for paying when you file a claim. For instance, if you cancel a trip and your insurance covers £3,000, but you have a £500 excess, you will end up with £2,500 from your insurer.

Nevertheless, a number of travel insurance policies feature distinct excesses for various components of coverage. For example, certain insurers might require you to pay an excess for both stolen cash and lost luggage. Consequently, if your suitcase were stolen with your wallet inside, you would need to cover an excess for each item separately.

It’s crucial to review all excess charges so you can clearly understand the amount you’ll need to cover if you file a claim.

• Private hospital treatment. Coverage can vary significantly between insurers, so it’s important to review your policy carefully. Whether you’re just curious or need to make a swift choice, ensure you understand which companies will cover you and which won’t.

The responses we received were varied. For instance, if you’re abroad and require a hospital visit for chest pain, LV claims it would provide coverage at a private hospital. However, not every insurer we inquired about offers the same level of coverage.

In an emergency situation, such as a ruptured appendix or a severe accident where you are transported to a private hospital by emergency services without your prior knowledge, your insurance coverage is more likely to apply. However, there remains a possibility that your claim could still be denied.

If you find yourself unhappy with a rejection, you have the option to seek resolution through the Financial Ombudsman Service, which can mediate on your behalf.

2 – Always declare medical conditions or your claim may be rejected

Navigating the process of declaring medical conditions can be intimidating, but failing to inform your insurer about any health issues could lead to the rejection of any future claims.

It’s crucial to inform your insurer about all your medical conditions, regardless of how minor they may seem. Each insurer has its own criteria for what it considers serious.

Provide a comprehensive and honest account of your current and past health issues, including any Covid-19 related problems you’ve experienced, typically over the past five years. If you’re expecting a baby, you should also notify your insurer.

For more detailed advice, including tips, strategies, and finding the most cost-effective options, check out our guide to travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

3 – Check you’re covered for the countries you’re travelling to (you’ll need a specialist policy if not)

Insurance companies categorize your journey as either ‘European’ or ‘worldwide.’ This classification is frequently detailed further to specify whether it includes or excludes the US, Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico. Opting to include these regions generally raises the premium because of the elevated costs associated with medical care, especially in the US, as well as potential expenses for repatriation.

Annual European travel cover isn’t just for Europe

When traveling just beyond Europe, opting for worldwide coverage isn’t always necessary. Many insurance providers offer European coverage that extends to certain non-European destinations as well.

When planning a trip to Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, or Tunisia, it’s a good idea to obtain a quote for European coverage and verify if your destination is covered by the policy. Insurers such as Allianz*, Insure and Go, and Coverwise* categorize Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and Tunisia as part of Europe in their policies.

It’s important to remember that not all insurance policies automatically cover Spain and the Balearic/Canary Islands as part of their European coverage. If you intend to travel to Spain, you might need to pay an additional fee to include it in your coverage.

Check if the Foreign Office is advising against travel to your destination

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) maintains a list of nations deemed unsafe for travel. This typically includes regions experiencing conflict, terrorism, or other hazards like natural disasters or pandemics.

So, when you’re booking, and in the weeks leading up to your trip, check the FCDO website for the latest on whether you’ll be able to travel as things can change quickly. Before traveling, it’s important to check whether the country you’re visiting has any entry restrictions. You can typically find this information on the UK embassy’s website for that country.

If these restrictions affect your plans, consider whether you can reschedule your trip or request a refund from your travel provider.

If you’re determined to travel despite potential issues (though we advise caution), you’ll need to obtain a specialized insurance policy, as standard insurance providers usually won’t cover you if travel restrictions are in place, even if travel was permitted at the time of booking.

Try Battleface*, or, for European trips, Insurefor.com* and Staysure* (with its ‘European Foreign Office travel advice extension’ optional add-on).

4 – Don’t forget your free EHIC/GHIC as it can help with medical costs in Europe

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which was replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for new applicants starting January 1, 2021, allows you to receive medical treatment in state-run hospitals across the EU at the same cost as local residents. This means that if locals don’t pay for treatment, you won’t have to either.

Additionally, even though Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are not EU member states, your EHIC or GHIC will still cover you for treatment in state-run hospitals in these countries.

An EHIC/GHIC should be seen as an extra to travel insurance, not a replacement. Holiday insurance covers a far greater range of scenarios, as well as gives cover for cancellation, possessions, delays, repatriation, personal liability, and more. Plus, even using an EHIC/GHIC you may need to pay, and travel insurance will cover that (and often using the EHIC/GHIC means you don’t pay the excess).

How do I get a GHIC?

The card is free, so if you encounter a fake site claiming there’s a charge (typically around £35), steer clear. For comprehensive details and instructions on obtaining it for free from the official NHS website, consult our guide on Free EHIC/GHIC cards.

5 – How to get travel insurance for a holiday over a year ahead

Certain insurance providers allow you to purchase a single-trip policy for a holiday scheduled up to 18 or 24 months in advance. However, this option is not available for annual or multi-trip policies. For holidays planned within the next 12 months, you’ll have a broader range of insurance options, including those available through our Cheap Travel Insurance Finder.

If you’re interested in an annual or multi-trip travel insurance policy, most insurers typically permit you to start the policy no more than 30 days in advance, though some may allow up to 90 days.

Below is a list of insurers that offer the option to buy coverage well in advance:

Insurers for a holiday more than 12 months away

(i) Many providers will let you buy an annual travel insurance policy up to 30 days ahead. Correct at 16 July 2024.

6 – Heading away twice or more this year? Annual cover may be cheaper

If you plan to travel more than once within a year, it’s worth considering an annual travel insurance policy, also referred to as a multi-trip policy. This type of coverage can often be more cost-effective than purchasing separate insurance for each trip. However, it’s important to calculate the costs to ensure it’s the best option for you.

The specifics can vary based on your travel destinations and the duration of your trips, but an annual policy offers the advantage of already having insurance in place if you decide to take a third trip within the year.

Multi-trip insurance provides coverage for an unlimited number of trips over a 12-month period. Nonetheless, each trip may be subject to a maximum duration limit, which can range from 17 days to as long as 90 days, depending on the policy.

7 – Check if you already have travel insurance with your bank account

You might already possess travel insurance without realizing it. Certain bank accounts that come with a monthly fee often include additional benefits like holiday insurance. If you suspect that your account provides this insurance as a bonus, review the terms to ensure it fits the needs of your trip.

Although travel insurance included with these account packages is a nice bonus, it’s important not to confuse it with travel accident insurance offered by credit cards. Travel accident insurance typically covers incidents occurring on a train, plane, or rental car charged to the card. Always remember, this type of insurance does not equate to comprehensive coverage.

For accounts that offer travel insurance (and other perks), see our Top packaged accounts guide.

8 – Going skiing? Make sure you’ve got winter sports cover

Engaging in cold-weather sports carries its risks, so it’s essential to secure insurance as soon as you book your trip. Beyond the standard travel insurance coverage, make sure your policy includes protection for injuries sustained during these activities and coverage for your equipment.

Typically, your insurance will cover:

• Medical costs if you have an accident. If you suffer an injury while skiing, the medical expenses can be exorbitant, making appropriate insurance coverage crucial. According to the Association of British Insurers, a British skier once needed £90,000 worth of medical care for a fractured rib and a punctured lung. Even a less severe injury, like a knee ligament tear, can result in treatment costs up to £3,800.

Incorporating the potential costs of airlifting from the mountain to a hospital, as well as repatriation expenses if you’re injured and need to be flown back home from the US or Canada, can considerably elevate the claim amount.

• Piste closure. If your ski run is closed—often due to insufficient snow or an avalanche—and you’re unable to ski, your insurance might compensate you with a daily amount. This compensation can vary between £10 and £50 per day, with a maximum limit ranging from £200 to £500.
• Loss of or damage to your ski equipment. Most insurance plans will protect you against accidental damage, theft, or loss of equipment. Since different providers set varying coverage limits, it’s important to assess the value of your belongings and choose a policy that matches your needs.

If you’ve rented ski gear, it’s possible that your insurance might cover it in cases of loss, theft, or damage. Certain insurance policies include rental equipment as part of your baggage coverage up to a specified limit, while others may only reimburse up to 50% of the insured value for rented gear.

Additionally, some ski equipment rental companies offer their own insurance for the equipment, so it’s a good idea to verify this with the resort before purchasing your coverage.

If you’ve purchased a comprehensive ski package that covers ski school, lift passes, and equipment rental, it’s typically included in the coverage. The cost of such packages generally varies between £150 and £500, though it can reach up to £5,000. Be sure to review your policy carefully for any possible exclusions.

• Public liability (if you crash into someone and injure them or damage their property). Travel insurance plans typically include up to £2 million in public liability coverage. If you add winter sports coverage, this insurance will protect you if you cause injury to someone or damage their property while skiing. However, if you don’t inform your insurer that you’ll be engaging in skiing or snowboarding activities, any damage you cause may not be covered.

Typically, insurance policies will provide coverage for skiing or snowboarding on marked trails. Some policies may also extend coverage to off-piste activities, provided you’re accompanied by a qualified instructor during a lesson.

For more unconventional activities like ski jumping or snowmobiling, it’s important to review your policy’s terms and conditions beforehand. If you’re considering more extreme pursuits, such as luging or stunt skiing, specialized insurance providers like BMC and Snowcard might offer appropriate coverage.

I am skiing twice this year. Should I get an annual policy with winter sports cover?

You’re in luck! Opting for an annual policy with a winter sports add-on might be more economical. However, be sure to compare this option with the cost of individual trip coverage to make sure you’re securing the best deal.

What happens if I don’t wear my skiing helmet and have an accident?

Thoroughly review your policy before making a purchase. If you choose to ski despite weather warnings or, with certain providers, if you ski without a helmet, your claim might be denied. Additionally, in some countries, helmet use is mandated by law, so ensure you comply with these regulations to avoid any issues.

9 – Planning a cruise? You’re likely to need an add-on to your policy to be fully covered

Standard travel insurance typically covers losses or theft of belongings and medical expenses during a cruise. However, you might not be protected against other potential issues unless you opt for an upgraded policy. Some of these additional risks include:

• Missed departure
• Unused cruise excursions, for instance, a day trip to a city port
• Cruise itinerary change
• Cabin confinement, for example, onboard virus

To secure coverage for these items, you typically have the option to choose an add-on that provides the necessary protection without being overly expensive.

It’s also worth comparing to see if any of the top-pick policies below let you add cruise cover.

10 – If you need to claim for cancellation, you’ll usually need to prove the tour operator/airline won’t refund you first

Even if you believe you’ve found the perfect policy that seems to address every possible scenario, proceed with caution. Many policies include a clause that excludes coverage for ‘recoverable costs,’ which means you must demonstrate that you can’t claim those costs from another source.

Typically, you’ll need to put in some effort and request a refund from the provider—whether it’s the airline, holiday operator, car rental agency, or even your credit card company—before your insurer will consider processing a claim under your travel insurance. Additionally, keep in mind that some insurers may view a credit note as an acceptable resolution and might not offer compensation if one is provided.

Want extra protection? Book flexibly and pay on plastic

Travel insurance offers essential protection as a final safeguard, yet it’s most effective when combined with other strategies to reduce the risk of financial loss during your journey.

• Book easily cancellable or flexible flights and accommodation. Opt for deals that require minimal or no upfront deposits, or those that provide refunds or allow free rebooking if you find you’re unable to attend.
• Pay on plastic. Credit cards provide robust protection through Section 75 refund regulations. For purchases over £100, the credit card issuer shares liability with the seller. However, it’s important to be aware that bookings made through travel agents might not be covered, as this protection generally applies only to transactions made directly with the travel service provider.

Debit cards offer a degree of protection through ‘chargeback‘ refund policies, though it’s worth noting that these policies aren’t legally mandated and can occasionally be disputed by companies.

In both cases, coverage is only available if the service itself was not delivered—such as if your flight was canceled or the accommodation was closed. These card schemes will not provide coverage if you simply chose not to take your trip or were unable to do so for reasons unrelated to service failure.

• Package holidays can offer greater protection. If an airline or accommodation provider cancels your reservation, you are entitled to a refund. However, if your trip or flight is still scheduled to proceed, but you are unable to travel due to a new travel warning from the Foreign Office that advises against all but essential travel, your rights are limited or nonexistent.

That said, most package holiday companies typically refrain from operating trips to destinations where travel restrictions are imposed, so they are likely to cancel your holiday in such situations.

When should you buy travel insurance?

If you’ve planned a vacation, don’t delay in arranging travel insurance—putting it off could be a risky gamble.

Travel insurance isn’t just for protecting you while you’re traveling; it also offers coverage for cancellations, unforeseen events like job loss or a family emergency, and other issues that might arise before your trip begins. Additionally, many policies will cover you if you contract coronavirus before you depart.

To ensure you’re fully protected, purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. This advice holds true even for trips within the UK, and we offer a guide to assist with securing UK travel insurance.

Use our Cheap Travel Insurance Finder tool

Cheap Travel Insurance Finder, cover from £7/week. This tool provides a selection of the most affordable basic insurance policies that meet or surpass our minimum coverage requirements for travelers aged 65 and younger who have no medical conditions. Additionally, it includes a few premium policy options.

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Still can’t get cover or not happy with the price?

Specialist brokers are adept at locating insurers that cater to unusual travel needs or can assist if pre-existing medical conditions are making it difficult to secure an affordable policy. To find one, see the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website.

Before purchasing a policy, make sure to thoroughly review the extent of coverage it provides, and check the providers’ websites for updates regarding coronavirus. Additionally, your broker can assist with any inquiries you may have.

How to claim on your travel insurance

Filing a travel insurance claim doesn’t have to be intimidating. By familiarizing yourself with your policy’s terms and excesses, you can avoid unpleasant surprises. If you find yourself needing to make a claim, just follow these five simple steps.

• Submit your claim as soon as possible. Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. Certain elements of your policy might have a brief deadline for filing a claim, and the processing could take some time.
• Get your insurer to accept a medical claim before you get treatment. When you need to file a medical claim and it’s not an urgent situation, it’s a good idea to have your insurance provider approve the claim by phone before you seek treatment. For instance, if you’ve twisted your ankle, reach out to your insurer first. If they approve your claim at that point, you’ll reduce the risk of having the claim denied later. However, if you’re dealing with an emergency, prioritize getting treatment immediately without waiting for insurance approval.
• Notify the police if it’s a theft or loss. If you find yourself dealing with a missing or stolen item while traveling overseas, it’s important to obtain a crime reference number or its international equivalent to support your claim. Report the incident to the local police as soon as possible—typically within 24 hours—to ensure that your claim proceeds smoothly.
• Keep receipts. If you’re filing a claim for lost luggage or a delay, be sure to keep receipts for any crucial items you purchase while waiting, like food and beverages. Many insurance providers permit you to include these expenses in your claim and might require receipts as evidence.
• Complain if you feel your claim was unfairly rejected. If your insurance claim is denied and you believe this decision is unjust, don’t just accept it. You have the option to file a complaint with the free Financial Ombudsman. This impartial authority will make the final ruling if you find yourself in a disagreement with your insurer. For guidance on filing a complaint, refer to our Financial Rights guide or check out the section below.

How to complain about your insurance provider

The insurance industry often struggles with its customer-service reputation. What might be a satisfactory experience for some could turn into a nightmare for others.

Frequent issues include delayed or denied claims, unjust charges, and hidden exclusions buried in fine print. It’s generally a good idea to reach out to your provider directly first. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, then…

You can use free complaints tool Resolver. The tool helps you manage your complaint, and if the company doesn’t play ball, it also helps you escalate your complaint to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.

Travel insurance FAQs

Q – What is an excess and how does it work?

A – An excess represents the portion of a claim you are responsible for paying. For instance, if you cancel a trip and are due a £3,000 reimbursement from your insurer, but your excess is £100, you will only get £2,900 back.

The specifics of the excess, including whether it applies per section or per traveller, can differ between insurers.

Typically, most insurers will require an excess to be paid per individual. For example, if a policy covers a couple and a flight is cancelled, you should expect to pay an excess for each person.

Additionally, it’s important to note that an excess might apply to different sections of the policy. For example, if your suitcase is stolen with your wallet inside, you might face an excess for both the suitcase and the wallet.

In the case of a group policy, an excess may be required for each person if a loss affects the entire group, such as a cancellation. Therefore, reviewing the details of excesses in your policy is crucial to understand what you will need to pay when making a claim.

This is why it’s essential to thoroughly examine your policy cover to ensure you know exactly what you’re covered for.

Q – Could ONE drink invalidate my claim?

A – Many people may not realize that having even a single alcoholic drink while on vacation can impact their insurance coverage in case of an accident or loss. Insurers have varying definitions and restrictions, as seen in their terms and conditions, which can range from vague terms like “drinking too much” to more specific thresholds such as “approximately four pints” or “alcohol abuse.”

Generally, insurers focus on whether alcohol has impaired your judgment. Since tolerance levels differ among individuals, one drink might be enough for some people to risk invalidating a claim.

It’s also been noted that certain insurers might test blood alcohol levels, though the practicality of this approach is questionable and varies by policy.

Having a claim denied can be significant, potentially leaving you without medical or property coverage. To avoid this, use common sense to prioritize safety. For instance, having a few glasses of wine at lunch before resuming activities like skiing can increase the risk of accidents, which may not be covered by your insurance.

Q – What are minimum cover levels?

A – When selecting a policy, we consider several essential criteria. Most of the policies featured on our list will satisfy these requirements, even if we do not always specify them.

• Medical expenses: £2 million including repatriation
• Cancellation: £1,500 (it’s designed to cover the cost of your holiday, so make sure your policy matches your holiday style)
• Baggage: £750 – if yours is worth more, go for a higher level
• Cash loss: £200
• Personal liability: £1 million

For yearly policies, we exclusively feature insurers that will honor cancellation claims for vacations occurring after the policy’s expiration date, provided the cancellation claim is filed while the policy is active. For instance, if your annual policy is set to end in June and you have a trip scheduled for August, and you fall ill in May and need to cancel, you’ll still be protected.

Note: If you’re using a comparison website for a trip scheduled more than a year in advance, verify whether the insurer will cover your holiday, as coverage is not guaranteed with all providers.

Q – Annual or single-trip cover, which is right for me?

A – If you have the opportunity to take two or more holidays within a year, an annual travel insurance policy might be more cost-effective than purchasing separate single-trip policies. However, it’s crucial not to take this for granted—make sure to compare options and do your homework.

• Single-trip travel insurance. Covers you from the point you buy to the day you come home – only for the specific trip you’re insured for.
• Annual multi-trip travel insurance. Covers all trips taken during the period the policy covers.

Which option is cheaper? This will depend on:

• How many trips you’ll make in the next 12 months
• Where you’ll be going
• How long you’ll be away for

Q – Is it cheaper to get a group or individual policy?

A – When traveling with a partner or family, you have two choices for insurance coverage: either include everyone under a single policy or opt for individual policies for each person. Generally, a combined policy is more cost-effective, but there are instances where separate policies might be preferable. Always make sure to compare options to find the best fit. Here are some scenarios where separate policies might be advantageous:

• When traveling with a group where one member is over 65, the insurance cost is typically calculated based on the oldest member or the one considered the highest risk. This usually results in a higher premium for everyone in the group. For tips on reducing costs, refer to our guide on travel insurance for those over 65.
• If any traveler in the group has a medical condition, it will likely lead to increased premiums for everyone.
• If just one member of the group plans to travel outside Europe, especially to the US, or is going on a skiing trip (or both), it might be more economical to purchase separate policies. This way, the rest of the family doesn’t end up paying for unnecessary extended coverage.