Cheap Travel Insurance: A Smart Guide for UK Travellers
Getting travel insurance doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With rising holiday expenses, finding cheap travel insurance that still provides reliable cover has become essential for UK holidaymakers.
This guide walks you through the best ways to find affordable travel insurance, what to look out for, and how to avoid hidden costs—without compromising on protection.
Why You Still Need Travel Insurance in 2025
Many UK travellers ask: Do I really need travel insurance? The answer is yes—especially if you’re travelling abroad.
Here’s why even cheap policies can be vital:
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Medical emergencies abroad can cost tens of thousands
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Lost or stolen belongings are common in tourist hotspots
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Cancellations or delays happen frequently, especially post-COVID
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Many countries now require proof of insurance for entry
Even within Europe, the GHIC card (replacing the EHIC) does not cover private healthcare or cancellations, making insurance essential.
What Is Considered “Cheap” Travel Insurance?
“Cheap” doesn’t mean poor-quality—it simply means affordable cover that fits your specific needs. The average cost of a single-trip policy for Europe from the UK can range between £5 to £15, depending on your age, destination, and medical history.
For comparison:
| Type of Cover | Typical Cost (7-Day Trip) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | £5–£8 | Emergency medical, cancellation, limited baggage |
| Mid-Level Cover | £9–£15 | Higher limits, includes theft/delay protection |
| Annual Cover | £25–£40 | Best for frequent travellers |
Top Tips to Find the Cheapest Travel Insurance
1. Use Comparison Sites
Websites like Compare the Market, GoCompare, and MoneySuperMarket make it easy to compare dozens of providers in minutes. Filter by destination, type of trip, and level of cover.
For a reliable price benchmark, try the MoneyHelper Insurance Comparison Tool.
2. Check if Your Bank Already Covers You
Some UK current accounts include travel insurance:
| Bank | Account Name | Travel Cover Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Barclays | Barclays Travel Plus Pack | Yes – Worldwide (monthly fee) |
| NatWest | Reward Silver/Platinum | Yes – family cover included |
| Lloyds Bank | Club Lloyds Platinum | Yes – with medical screening |
| HSBC | Premier Account | Yes – but limited destinations |
If your bank account already offers protection, you may not need a standalone policy. However, always read the policy wording.
3. Don’t Over-Insure
Avoid adding extras you don’t need. Examples:
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Cruise cover when you’re only flying
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Winter sports when visiting a beach resort
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Gadget cover if your phone is already insured
Tailoring your policy avoids paying for unnecessary add-ons.
4. Buy Early
Buying travel insurance as soon as you book your trip means you’re covered for cancellations, missed departures, or medical issues that prevent you from travelling. Many people wait too long and miss out on this benefit.
What to Watch Out For in Cheap Travel Insurance
Cheap doesn’t mean careless. Look out for these hidden issues:
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High excess fees – Some policies charge up to £250 excess per claim
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Exclusions on pre-existing conditions – Always declare your medical history
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Low baggage or cancellation limits – Make sure they match your trip value
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Region exclusions – Some “Europe-only” policies exclude Turkey or Morocco
Always read the key facts document before you buy, even for basic cover.
Should You Buy Annual or Single Trip Cover?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Cover Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Trip | One-off holidays | Cheaper upfront | Not cost-effective long term |
| Annual Multi | 2+ trips in a 12-month period | Saves money for frequent travellers | May limit trip length or regions |
If you plan more than one trip a year—even a weekend break in Europe—annual cover may be more economical.
Are Group or Family Policies Cheaper?
Yes—many insurers offer discounts for couples or families under the same policy. For example, a family of four can often get covered for less than twice the price of one adult.
However, if one member has a serious medical condition, separate cover may still work out cheaper overall.
Examples of Budget-Friendly UK Insurers
Here are some providers often rated for affordability and value:
| Insurer | Highlights |
|---|---|
| CoverForYou | Low prices, wide cover, excellent customer service |
| InsureandGo | Offers basic cover from as little as £5 |
| Avanti Travel | Good for older travellers and medical conditions |
| Staysure | Tailored for over-50s, generous limits |
| Post Office | Trusted name, affordable annual policies |
Always double-check reviews and policy terms before buying.
Is Free Travel Insurance with Credit Cards Reliable?
Some UK credit cards come with built-in travel insurance, especially premium cards:
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American Express Platinum – Strong global cover, but high annual fee
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Barclaycard Rewards – Sometimes includes emergency cover
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HSBC Premier Credit Card – Travel insurance provided via account status
Check if travel insurance is automatically activated when booking trips with the card or if you need to manually opt in.
Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a medical history, cheap travel insurance becomes trickier—but not impossible.
Tips:
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Use specialist providers like Staysure, AllClear, or Saga
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Always declare every condition, even if minor
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You may pay slightly more, but it avoids rejected claims
Some banks (e.g. NatWest or Lloyds) offer extended medical screening if you hold an upgraded account.
Final Tips to Get the Best Deal
✅ Compare multiple providers
✅ Tailor cover to your destination and activities
✅ Buy early to cover cancellations
✅ Use cashback or reward websites to reduce costs further
✅ Re-check if you’re already covered by a bank account or credit card
Travel is expensive enough—insurance doesn’t need to be.
For extra guidance, visit the UK Government Travel Advice Page to understand risks and entry requirements before travelling.