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All medical conditions considered

Includes Medical Assistance Plus 

Kids go free on family policies (1) 

A choice of travel insurance to suit you

We have different types of cover for whatever you have planned. And we consider all medical conditions.

Offering cover for anything from a short UK break to a year of travelling around the world

• Covers you for a one-off trip up to 365 days (2)
• Perfect for short or long trips for anywhere in the UK or abroad 
• No age limit

Travelling more than once this year? An annual multi-trip policy could save you time and money

• Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period
• 31-day trip limit, with extensions available up to 45 and 60 days
• Available for everyone aged up to 75 years

Looking for a gap year, career break or to travel the world? We could have the cover you're after

• Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months
• Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions
• Available for those aged 18 – 60

Medical Assistance Plus: 24/7 holiday health support

Have peace of mind when you travel knowing that health professionals are just one click away.

Medical Assistance Plus (3), powered by Air Doctor, comes free with all our travel insurance policies. It gives you access to outpatient medical support while you’re abroad.

Through the service you can book an in-person or video consultation with a doctor. You can also get prescriptions delivered to your nearest pharmacy.

We’ll send you an SMS reminder about the service the day before you travel (for single-trip and backpacker cover) or the day before your policy begins (for annual multi-trip cover).

Living with a medical condition shouldn’t stop you seeing the world. And, with the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind on your adventures – just in case something unfortunate happens.

At Post Office, we cover most pre-existing conditions. Contact us for a quote to see if we can cover you. It’s important to declare upfront all your medical conditions and any medication you're taking.

If we can’t help and yours is a serious pre-existing medical condition, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory. It lists companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777.

Choose a travel insurance cover level

We can offer you a choice of economy, standard and premier cover levels.

Policy wording

Upgrade your cover with ease

Need cover for your policy that's not included as standard? Just pay a little more to add these upgrades – optional or mandatory depending on the trip type.

This optional extra helps protect you from the impact of airspace disruption, natural catastrophes, terrorist acts or Covid-19 (5)

If you’re happy with the cover offered, but worried about excess fees, you can opt for an excess waiver. For an additional premium, you can add it to any Post Office level of cover for zero excess fees (5)

Insure all your devices with our easy-to-add gadget cover. It’s perfect to protect all your smartphones, tablets, laptops and consoles (5)

Specialist cover is mandatory for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There’s greater risk of emergency costs. Make sure you’re protected on the pistes (5)

If you're going on a cruise, specialist cover is both important and mandatory. It covers missed departure due to breakdown, falling ill on board, being confined to your cabin, lost baggage and more (5)

Trip extensions are available up to 45 or 60 days, increasing from the standard 31 days (5)

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance may be able to protect you against a range of unexpected events. From losing valuables to medical emergencies, and anything else that could spoil your holiday. Take a look at our policy documents to make sure that you’re getting the cover that meets your needs.

Cancellation and cutting short your trip

• Emergency medical expenses
• Missed departure
• Delayed departure

Personal liability and legal costs

We'll repay you for any non-refundable, unused travel and accommodation costs if you have to cancel or cut short a trip due to reasons set out in the policy. This includes pre-booked activities and excursions, car hire, cattery and kennel fees, up to the limits shown

We may be able to help if you need emergency medical treatment, return to the UK (getting you back home) and more while you’re abroad 

Missed departure (6)

We’ll also cover any extra travel and accommodation costs you're charged if you arrive too late to travel on your booked transport. As long as they match the reasons set out in the policy

Delayed departure (6)

You’re covered if your first outbound or final inbound international departure is delayed by 4 or more hours. As long as it matches certain reasons set out in the policy wording

Items that are usually carried or worn during a trip are covered if they get lost, stolen or damaged 

You'll also get protection for any unexpected legal costs you might be charged while you're away 

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

An award-winning provider

Best travel insurance provider.

Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023

Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the British Travel Awards in 2023

Defaqto 5-star rated cover

Our travel insurance policies with premier level cover are Defaqto 5-star rated

Cover you can count on. We’ve paid out over £177 million in travel insurance claims since 2007

Common travel insurance questions, what does travel insurance cover.

Post Office Travel Insurance can cover you for a single trip of up to 365 days(2), or multiple trips in a single year. This applies to trips taken anywhere in the UK and abroad too. We also offer backpacker cover(7) for a single trip of up to 18 months.

The type and level of cover provided depends on the insurance policy type and options you choose. It can include cover for:

• Cancellation
• Cutting your trip short and abandonment of your trip
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
• Lost, stolen or damaged passports
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal money
• Personal accidents and liability
• Legal protection

You can add additional cover to your policy. Options include:

• Gadget cover
• Excess waiver
• Trip disruption
• 45- or 60-day trip extensions (on  annual multi-trip  only)

Winter sports cover  is compulsory for winter sports trips and  cruise cover  is mandatory if you’re going on a cruise. It’s important to check the different travel insurances available, and their various options and add-ons you can buy. This way, you’re sure to be fully covered for your trip and all you’ll do on it.

Why is it important to have travel insurance?

Having travel insurance is a worthwhile purchase for anyone going abroad for their holidays. Even in relatively safe locations such as central Europe, a number of things can go wrong.

Flights can be delayed. Airlines can lose your luggage. Tourist areas may be prone to opportunist thieves who may target your belongings. And you could fall ill anywhere in the world, to the detriment of your holiday plans.

We hope that none of these events happen to you. But, if they do, you could be out of pocket. And with emergency medical problems it could be by tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Holiday insurance may be able to help avoid some of this risk. It’s a way to insure for travel you, those travelling with you and your belongings.

If your luggage is lost, holiday insurance may not be able to replace it, but the payout from a claim can help recover any costs that you have had to pay to get replacements.

In particular, the medical cover outside of the EU offered by insurance is a necessity.

Within the EU, you may think that an  European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) or its replacement, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic), can cover all your medical needs. This isn’t true. Some of the most expensive medical services, such as repatriation, aren’t covered by the Ehic or Ghic. They're limited to health cover and won’t help at all with things like cancellation, loss or theft. And the Ehic no longer provides access to healthcare for UK nationals travelling to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Even if you’re staying in the UK for your break , having holiday insurance will provide cover for lost, damaged or stolen possessions such as baggage, and cancellation, cutting your trip short or delay to your trip in some circumstances.

To qualify for cover on our annual multi-trip policies, UK trips must consist of:

• At least one night's pre-booked and paid-for accommodation, or
• A stay at least 100 miles from your home, or
• At least one sea crossing

Why choose Post Office?

You’re in safe hands with Post Office. We won Best Travel Insurance Provider at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We also won bronze for Best Travel Insurance Provider at the British Travel Awards 2023, voted for by the UK public.

Our premier cover is 5 Star Defaqto Rated. Defaqto is a financial information business, helping financial institutions and consumers make better informed decisions.

We have a range of cover options available to suit lots of different holidays, so you can choose the cover that suits you best. We’re there for our customers when they need us the most; since we launched travel insurance in 2007, we’ve paid out over £177 million in claims.

What cover is there for Covid-19 as standard?

Policies purchased from the 31 March 2022 onwards provide cover if:

• you test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of your trip and are required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, the NHS or any UK government body 
• a medical practitioner certifies you as too ill to travel due to Covid-19 
• you, someone you’re travelling with, or someone you’re staying with is required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, UK government body or health authority 
• you, an immediate relative (8) or someone you plan to travel or stay with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19 

If an insured trip has to be cut short, the unused portion of it can be claimed for if:

• you test positive for Covid-19 after you’ve left the UK and have to self-isolate
• you test positive on arrival in your destination and are not allowed to continue your trip
• you, an immediate relative (8) or someone you’re travelling or staying with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19

There’s also cover for medical and repatriation costs if you fall ill with Covid-19 while away. Call our emergency assistance line and we’ll help you seek treatment or, if needed, arrange to bring you back to the UK.

There’s no other coronavirus cover on our policies, but for extra reassurance you can add our  trip disruption cover upgrade option. This gives you added protection against missed departures and expenses incurred due to change of testing or quarantine requirements. Add it to your preferred policy for an extra premium.

For policies sold on or after the 31 March 2022

Should the FCDO advise against all travel to your destination, there's no cover under any section of the policy if you decide to travel. 

If the FCDO have advised to only undertake essential travel to a destination and your trip's not essential and you choose to travel, we'll only cover a claim if the cause is not linked to the reason for the FCDO advice. This limitation applies even if you've purchased an optional trip disruption cover upgrade. You may be able to travel with full cover if we authorise in writing that your trip's essential before you depart. Should you like to request this, please email  [email protected]

Please make sure you’re clear what’s covered and what’s not. Check the answers to common questions about coronavirus cover and the full policy wording for more details.

Does Post Office Travel Insurance cover medical expenses?

Yes, our travel insurance covers you for unexpected medical expenses. This includes emergency treatment and hospitalisation, plus repatriation if you need it. Cover's provided up to the limit specified in the policy wording for the specific cover level you choose.

Emergency medical assistance

If you need emergency medical assistance, you can call our dedicated team. They're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get you the help you need. Check the correct contact details for your policy on our travel insurance help and support page .

Non-emergency medical support

If it’s not an emergency but you still need to see a medical professional, you can use our Medical Assistance Plus (3) service. This outpatient service is included free with all new Post Office Travel Insurance policies.

Get easy access to medical experts such as doctors, dentists and gastroenterologists. The single online platform can be used wherever you are abroad.

Choose whether you’re seen at a clinic, in your hotel or via an online video consultation. All sessions are in your own language. They even have prescriptions delivered to your nearest pharmacy.

This takes away the stress of finding medical help, so you can kick back and enjoy your holiday to the full.

Do I need travel insurance for UK trips?

We provide cover whether you’re taking a break in the UK or going on holiday overseas. You’re covered if your luggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged while you’re staying away from home in Britain. And if you have to cancel or cut short your trip in some circumstances, we can cover that too. As long as it matches the reasons set out in your policy.

Our annual multi-trip travel insurance can cover you for UK trips too. The minimum requirements are one night’s pre-booked and paid accommodation. Or your stay must be at least 100 miles from your home. Or you must have at least one sea crossing.

Where can I go on holiday in the UK or overseas?

The UK Government provides guidance on travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for the latest travel information. It lists if it's safe to visit your chosen country. This information can change at short notice. So it's a good idea to check the FCDO page regularly.

Remember, your cover won’t be valid if you travel against the FDCO advice of all travel, and local government advice. Check the latest on the FCDO site or read our  where can I go on holiday guide .

Does travel insurance include gadget cover?

Our standard travel insurance policies will only provide limited cover for electronic items such as mobile/smart phones, camcorders and their accessories, all photographic/ digital/ optical/ audio/ video media and equipment, iPods, MP3/4 players or similar and/or accessories, E-book readers, and satellite navigation systems up to the single article limit. The single article limit depends on the cover you’ve taken out. For economy it’s £150, for standard it’s £250, and for premier it’s £400.

Gadget cover  is an optional add on you can buy at any time to add protection for your devices. Check the  policy wording for full terms.

Do you offer a student discount?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Student Beans to offer a discount to students. To claim it, you’ll need to either  register for a Student Beans account (to verify your student status) or  log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

Do you offer a discount for graduates?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Grad Beans to offer a discount to graduates. To claim it, you’ll need to either register for a Grad Beans account (to verify your graduate status) or log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

• Read more travel insurance FAQs

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:

Visit our travel insurance support page

We’re here to help on your travels

Access your travel insurance policy anywhere.

You can buy travel insurance and view your policy all in our free Post Office travel app. Plus you can order and top-up our Travel Money Card wherever you are too

Travel money made easy

Buy your travel money online. You can click and collect from a branch near you or choose next-day delivery to your home

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About our travel insurance

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

These details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

(1) Kids (under 18s) can be covered at no extra cost on our single-trip and annual multi-trip policies provided they have no medical conditions.

(2) For economy, standard and premier policies, the single-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to: 365 days for those aged up to and including 70 years 90 days for those aged between 71 and 75 31 days for those aged 76 years and above.

(3) Medical Assistance Plus is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to 3 separate medical events per person, per policy and for each medical event up to 3 appointments per person listed on the policy. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service.

For any online appointments or where the appointment was held at your accommodation, where a prescription is issued, you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. No excess will be applied for any prescription charges. If your appointment takes place at a clinic and they have a dispensing chemist, you will not need to pay for your prescription and all charges will be covered by your policy at the point of appointment. If there is no dispensing chemist at the clinic, you will either be given a prescription, or the prescription will be sent to a chemist by the treating doctor, and you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home.

If your medical situation needs to be handed over from an outpatient case to an inpatient case and requires hospital admission, you will be handed over to our emergency medical assistance team in the UK. For any inpatient cases, no excess will be applicable.

(4) Increased to £750 if you bought your foreign currency from Post Office.

(5) Terms and conditions apply.

(6) Delayed and missed departure are only available with our standard and premier cover levels.

(7) Backpacker policies only available on the economy level of cover.

(8) Immediate relative: your mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, civil partner, fiancé/e, your children (including adopted and fostered), grandparent, grandchild, parent-in-law, daughter-in-law; sister-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin, nephew, niece, step-parent, step-child, step-brother, step-sister or legal guardian.

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Best travel insurance UK 2024 guide

We all deserve a break now and then. And the last thing you want to think of when booking your holiday is something going wrong. But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. That’s why you should always consider travel insurance when going on a trip.

But how can you find the best travel insurance policy for your needs? Read our guide below to find out more.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance protects you financially if your trip away doesn’t go as planned and you incur unexpected expenses for delays, losses or medical treatment.

All travellers can benefit from travel insurance. But travel insurance is particularly important if you are going on an independent trip without a tour operator, because if something goes wrong, you will have no other help.

There are three main types of travel insurance:

• Single-trip cover: this is the most typical form of travel insurance, covering you for a one-off trip or holiday. There will be a time limit on the cover that can range anywhere between one month and 365 days
• Annual multi-trip cover: this allows you to make multiple trips, or have multiple holidays, in a 12-month period, all under the same travel insurance policy. There may be a cap on how long each individual trip can be
• Long stay, or backpacker, cover: this is normally used for around the world trips, gap years, and longer cruises, and can last for up to 18 months

To find the best UK travel insurance, compare policies before you go to ensure you get the right coverage for you and the specific trip you’re planning.

How to find the best travel insurance policy

When comparing policies to find the best travel insurance for your trip, you should consider: 

• Type of cover you need
• Excess (how much you’ll be expected to pay out yourself before the policy will cover you)
• Amount of medical coverage, and why pre-existing conditions aren’t included
• Limit on baggage claims
• Coverage for specific sports and activities
• Any potential rewards and discounts
• Add-ons, such as gadget insurance

Best travel insurance deals and discounts

Looking for the best travel insurance deals from the best travel insurance companies? In most cases, the easiest way to find the best travel insurance deals is to use a comparison website. Travel insurance comparison websites let you compare costs and coverage side by side to find the best UK travel insurance.

The four main comparison websites – Moneysupermarket, Comparethemarket, Confused.com and GoCompare – also often have certain deals and discounts when you buy travel insurance from them, offering some of the best travel insurance deals on the market.

Moneysupermarket : Find the same deal for less, and it will price match and give you a choice of a £20 gift card. Only on annual travel insurance.

Comparethemarket : Two for one cinema tickets with Meerkat Movies and savings at restaurants when you dine out or order pizza in with Meerkat Meals, as well as 25 per cent off coffee and pastries at Caffè Nero every day of the week through the Meerkat app.

(In November 2023, Confused.com and GoCompare had no deals or discounts for travel insurance).

Price is obviously a big consideration when you are looking for the best travel insurance – you’ve probably already spent a lot on your holiday. But you may be able to get much better coverage for just a few pounds extra, so it’s worth scrolling down the comparison site’s list of providers before buying.

Medical costs abroad will undoubtedly be the biggest expense you face if you fall ill abroad, so don’t scrimp on those.

Then think about your next biggest expense (probably cancellation/interruption of your trip) and make sure that you have high-value coverage for that.

If you find you can get much higher coverage (the maximum amount you can claim per type of claim, such as medical or baggage) for not very much more money, go for the slightly more expensive option.

Going direct

Comparison sites won’t always find you the cheapest deals, however. For example, Direct Line offers some of the best travel insurance with Covid cover and is not on comparison websites.

Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer discounts for buying directly from them, as follows:

Bundled coverage options

When looking for the best travel insurance for your holiday, it can make sense to buy a bundle of coverage under one policy.

Comparison websites will often offer add-on gadget cover, winter sports cover or cruise cover all under the one policy. If you need that extra cover, it is typically cheaper to buy your travel insurance this way rather than as separate policies.

What is covered by travel insurance?

The best travel insurance companies will offer you comprehensive coverage across all types of claims. It’s easy to compare the best travel insurance deals using a comparison website.

Medical coverage

This covers you for medical expenses you incur if you become ill or have an accident while away. The best UK travel insurance will have a high level of medical coverage.

For example, medical coverage will pay for any necessary treatment if you come down with severe food poisoning or you fall through a window and have to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

• Avoid hefty bills or debt for medical assistance outside the UK
• Access better treatment – for example, at private vs public hospitals
• Often, as long as you declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests, you are covered if you fall ill during your trip (check policy exclusions)
• Even the best travel insurance companies will likely charge you more if you have a pre-existing medical condition
• You might have to pay part or all your medical expenses first, then claim on the policy afterwards
• Even the best travel insurance companies do not cover events that happen after you have consumed alcohol excessively or taken recreational drugs or other substances

Trip cancellation/interruption

This insurance pays out the cost of your missed trip if you have to cancel or cut your holiday short due to unforeseen circumstances.

For example, cancellation insurance would normally pay out if you broke your leg just before you were due to travel and had to cancel your trip.

Interruption insurance would cover you if you had to come home early for certain reasons beyond your control – for example, if the area you were staying in was engulfed in wildfires.

• Money you would have lost on pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses is paid to you under the policy
• It can be especially valuable if the trip you are planning is very expensive, as this is money you would lose if you couldn’t go
• You’ll usually only be covered if your trip is cancelled or cut short for specific reasons listed in your policy
• You usually won’t be covered if you miss your flight because you are held by customs or cancel because of a work issue or a pre-existing medical condition that is not covered

Baggage cover

This insurance covers the cost of replacing your luggage if it is lost or stolen.

For example, if an airline loses your luggage in transit or your suitcase is stolen from your hostel while you’re away, you can make a claim for the cost of replacing its contents.

You may also be able to claim for costs related to baggage delay if the airline temporarily misplaced your baggage.

• You can claim for the actual cash value of your belongings or the cost of replacing them (whichever is less)
• High-value items, such as jewellery or sports equipment, can be very expensive to replace without travel insurance
• Standard policies usually place per item and total limits on claims.
• If you are taking very expensive items away, check your policy carefully to ensure that you’re covered (and potentially get a separate policy)
• Some items could be covered by your home insurance policy, so check your policy carefully to see what is any isn’t. It’s also important to note that, should a lost item be covered by both policies, you can only claim once; an attempt to claim twice would be considered fraud

Personal liability

This insurance covers you if you are held responsible for harming another person or damaging their property.

For example, it covers you in situations where you cause serious damage to your holiday accommodation or accidentally stumble into someone else, causing them to need medical treatment.

• The cost of defending yourself in a legal case or repairing/replacing damage could be extremely costly without travel insurance
• Your travel insurance company will take over dealing with a foreign legal system
• You’re covered for the cost of any compensation (up to certain limits)

Limits: 

• Not all travel insurance provides personal liability as standard
• Policies may exclude personal liability while you partake in adventure activities
• Claims related to you committing a crime or damage by wilful negligence won’t be covered
• You likely will not be covered if you admit liability or make an offer to pay before talking to your insurer

Finding the best travel insurance with Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance with Covid cover? Many travel insurance policies now include cancellation cover for reasons related to Covid. This often applies within two weeks of being due to travel, according to the Association of British Insurers, but individual policies can vary.

To make a claim, insurers often require proof in the form of a medically approved positive Covid test. A lateral flow test or self-diagnosis is usually not accepted.

What Covid-related cover to look for

The best travel insurance with Covid cover should include the following:

• Cover if you can’t start your trip because you tested positive for Covid before travelling
• Cover if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for Covid during the holiday
• Cover for additional costs, such as alternative flights, accommodation and Covid tests
• Cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to Covid-19

Travel insurance providers with comprehensive Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance providers with Covid cover? Most travel insurance policies now offer some kind of Covid cover, but Churchill, Direct Line, M&S and Aviva have some of the most comprehensive offerings, with cover for cancellations and expenses related to Covid.

• Covid covered as standard on travel insurance policies
• Cover for trip cancellations if you, a close relative or a travelling companion is diagnosed with Covid-19 or another pandemic disease
• Cover if you or a person you’re planning to stay with must quarantine (abroad or in the UK)
• Cover if you can’t use pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation affected by Covid-19
• Cover for quarantine or where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel within 28 days of departure
• Cover for emergency medical expenses abroad due to Covid-19

Direct Line

• Cover for travel to a destination where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel 
• Cover for medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 while you’re away 
• Cover for additional accommodation and transport if you have to quarantine due to Covid
• Cover for cancellation costs if you or a close relative get Covid-19 before you go
• Cover for quarantine or if the FCDO changes its advice after you book your trip
• Cover if you have to cut your trip short if the FCDO changes its country advice unexpectedly

• Cover for emergency medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 during your trip
• Cover for unrecoverable costs up to £6,000 if you must cancel your trip or return early, including if you have to self-isolate or quarantine before you travel due to Covid-19
• Cover for if you need to cancel your trip due to a positive Covid-19 test or if the FCDO advise against travel to your destination in the 31 days leading up to your trip
• Providing you haven’t travelled against FCDO advice, you’ll also be covered if you catch Covid-19 while abroad

• Coverage of up to £5,000 per person if you must cancel your trip due to getting Covid (you’ll need to provide confirmation and evidence of a positive test result)
• Cover for Covid-related emergency medical treatment and expenses while away
• Cover if you unexpectedly need to quarantine, including extra travel and accommodation costs to get home (provided a return trip was booked) 
• Cover for costs for any accommodation and excursions unused due to getting Covid where the costs can’t be recovered elsewhere
• No cover you if you travel against FCDO advice*
• No cover if you can’t travel because you don’t meet the entry requirements of a country (such as having had Covid vaccinations)*

* It’s worth noting that these clauses are not unusual and the majority of providers will have something similar

Tips for selecting the best UK travel insurance packages

Need some help picking the best UK travel insurance packages to make sure that you get the best travel insurance deals? Here are some tips for picking the best policy features for you.

Coverage limits

When looking for the best travel insurance companies to go with, check coverage limits. These are the maximum amounts your travel insurer will pay if you need to claim. You’ll see when you compare travel insurance policies that coverage limits vary for each type of claim and between policies.

The government-backed MoneyHelper website recommends that the best UK travel insurance should have the following minimum coverage for each type of claim:

• Medical: £1m or more for travel to Europe and £2m or more for the US
• Cancellation/interruption: £2,000 or more
• Missed departure: £500 or more
• Delay: £200 or more
• Baggage cover: £1,500 or more
• Personal liability cover: £2 million or more

Deductibles/excess

Deductibles, also known as the excess, is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your travel insurance will start paying for your claim.

You have to make a trade-off when it comes to choosing the excess and the best travel insurance policy for you.

The lower the excess on a travel insurance policy, the better for you if you have to claim because you will have less to pay from your own pocket (or, more often, deducted from your claim).

But lower excess travel insurance policies are more expensive because the insurer knows it has more to pay out if you claim. Higher excess policies are cheaper, but you’ll have more deducted from your claim.

An exclusion on a travel insurance policy is an event the policy will not cover you for.

Common exclusions on a standard travel insurance policy may not be obvious. According to the ABTA – The Travel Association, these include:

• Incidents that occur after drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
• Theft of unattended possessions
• Sports, extreme sports and activities such as skiing, white water rafting and bungee jumping
• Medical treatment resulting from existing medical conditions you have not declared or conditions preventable by vaccine or advisable medication, such as antimalarials
• Medical costs if you stay abroad after your doctor says you are fit to return to the UK
• Strikes and industrial action if it was known when you booked your trip
• Rescheduled flights where the airline has cancelled and then rescheduled your flight
• Travel to destinations where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel

To get the best travel insurance deals, one way around some of these exclusions is to buy add-ons for adventure activities. In addition, make sure to declare all pre-existing conditions and keep an eye out for any travel disruptions before you book.

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or medical conditions you have and are aware of before you travel.

Travel insurance companies will ask you to disclose any pre-existing conditions. If you use a comparison website, it will be among the first questions you’re asked before it shows you quotes. It’s important to be honest.

Some travel insurance companies, but not all, will offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, while others will offer cover but exclude any claims arising from that medical condition. This will depend on the person being covered and the medical condition.

Most price comparison websites include an option to show insurers who do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, so that would be a good place to start.

The following are likely to be considered pre-existing conditions you should disclose, according to the government-backed MoneyHelper website:

• A condition where you are on a list for an operation
• A condition where you are waiting for test results
• Anything you have been to the doctor about in the last year, including minor things
• Any serious conditions you’ve ever had – for example, cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems or a mental health breakdown

A good tip for everyone, but especially if you have a pre-existing condition, is to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. If your condition gets worse and forces you to cancel your plans, you’ll be covered from the day the policy starts.

On family group policies, the cost will be determined based on the riskiest traveller (according to insurers), which could be someone with a pre-existing condition or an older individual. In this case, it is often cheaper for the group for that person to get a separate policy.

Add-on options

Add-ons are extras you can purchase in addition to a standard travel insurance policy. They cost a bit more, but you may find you’re not covered without them. 

Gadget insurance

This covers things that a standard policy may not, such as your mobile phone or laptop. If these items are covered, you may find the claim limits are far less than the cost of replacing them.

Before you add this option to your travel insurance, check your home insurance policy, because you may already be covered.

Winter sports/adventure activities

Riskier activities, such as skiing or white water rafting, often require extra holiday insurance because insurers think that you are more likely to need to make a claim doing these things.

Winter sports/adventure activities cover is worth getting, or you may find you are not covered for medical expenses if something goes wrong.

Standard travel insurance is generally meant for land-based holidays so you’ll need to opt for a specialist cruise policy if your holiday is a cruise.

European FCDO travel advice extension

Most standard travel insurance policies are invalid if you travel when the FCDO advises against “all but essential travel”.

This add-on allows you to travel to Europe with a valid travel insurance policy, even if the FCDO has advised against it.

This can be an expensive add-on, but if you really must travel to a risky area, you will need this extension in order to make sure you have cover.

Best holiday insurance summary

Choosing the right travel insurance is an essential part of enjoying peace of mind while you are on holiday.

When looking for the best travel insurance deals, don’t just pick the cheapest policy. Instead, look for the cover limits that match your requirements. For example, baggage cover of £5,000 isn’t worth having if your baggage is worth £1,000; cancellation cover up to £10,000 isn’t worth having if your holiday cost you £2,000.

The easiest way to compare the best travel insurance is usually by using a travel insurance comparison website.

Think about the sort of activities you’ll be doing while you’re away. You may need extra holiday insurance for things such as winter sports or scuba diving or if you are going on a cruise.

Be honest about any pre-existing conditions when buying your travel insurance, or you won’t be covered if you have to claim.

The best travel insurance is a safety net for you and your family to enjoy your trip away stress-free, knowing that you’re covered for everything from medical expenses to cancellations if things go wrong.

Frequently asked questions about the best travel insurance UK packages

Is travel insurance necessary for domestic travel within the uk.

Even where medical costs in the UK are covered by the NHS, a sudden illness could lead to other expenses, forcing you to cancel your trip, the costs of which travel insurance would cover.

Lost or stolen luggage and broken gadgets or other claims for damage can just as easily occur in the UK as abroad.

What is annual travel insurance, and is it a good option for frequent travellers?

Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers you for multiple trips away within any 12-month period. It is often cheaper than buying a separate policy for each trip if you are planning to go away multiple times in one year.

Annual travel insurance is also useful if you are planning a long trip visiting several countries, as often insurers require you to buy travel insurance before you leave the UK rather than abroad mid-trip.

Are there any travel insurance companies that specialise in certain types of trips or travellers?

Specialist travel insurers cater to specific groups of people. It can make sense to seek out travel insurers that cover your needs.

Adventures Insurance, Sports Cover Direct and Snowcard tailor their travel insurance to those who enjoy activity holidays and extreme sports, for example.

Senior travellers are the focus of policies from All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance Services, Free Spirit Flex, Good 2 Go Extra, Goodtogo Insurance, Saga, Staysure and Total Travel Protection.

Insurers offering business trip cover include Allianz, Direct Line, Coverwise and Insure & Go.

How do I make a claim with my travel insurance company?

To claim on your travel insurance while you are away, make sure that you take your policy number with you and the emergency number for your insurer. If you are travelling abroad, take any international numbers too.

Call your insurer as soon as you realise you need to make a claim. Keep all receipts and medical expense forms. If you are travelling with other people, make them aware of your policy details and the insurer’s phone number in case they need to call on your behalf.

To make a claim when you return home, check the following:

• You haven’t left it too late to make a claim
• What you’re claiming for is covered
• The excess is not more than the value of your claim (if so, it’s not worth claiming)

Notify your insurer as soon as possible for a claim form, send it back fast and keep a copy of it. You should also include copies of paperwork to support your claim, such as receipts or medical certificates (keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused).

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a freelance journalist, editor, and producer. She has a wealth of consumer finance experience, having written about money matters and business for over 15 years.

During her tenure as a freelance writer, she has worked for ITN, Wired, and The Sunday Times, as well as financial institutions such as Aegon, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Pension Bee, where she’s presenter of the Pension Confident Podcast.

Laura has previously held roles at The Times, where she was the Acting Editor of Times Money Mentor, The Telegraph as a senior finance reporter and was the co-host of the It’s Your Money Podcast, which was renowned for making complex finance issues accessible, and The Financial Times, where she worked as a News Editor. Laura has also worked at CNN, Politics.co.uk, and as a producer at Radio 5 Live.

Connor Campbell

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal and business finance writer who has been producing online content for almost a decade. 

Connor is the personal finance expert for Independent Advisor, guiding readers through everything they need to know about car insurance and home insurance. From how much it costs to the best insurance providers in the UK, he’s here to help you find the right policy for your needs. 

In his capacity as writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet , Connor explored a number of topics close to his heart, such as the impact of our increasingly cashless society, and the hardships and heroics of British entrepreneurs. His commentary was featured in sites such as The Mirror , the Daily Express and Business Insider . 

At financial trading firm Spreadex, meanwhile, his market commentary was featured in outlets such as The Guardian , BBC , Reuters and the Evening Standard . 

Connor is a voracious reader with an MA in English, and is dedicated to making life’s financial decisions a little bit easier by doing away with jargon and needless complexity.

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Travel Insurance

Travel stress-free with our 5 star rated platinum cover, medical expenses cover.

Up to £20m cover for emergency illness or injury

Personal belongings cover

Up to £2.5K cover for loss, theft or damage of your belongings

5 Star rated cover

Our Platinum cover has Defaqto's highest rating

What's travel insurance?

Travel insurance, also known as holiday insurance, protects you and your family against unexpected costs while you're travelling or on holiday.

While it isn't a legal requirement, it covers the cost of things like medical expenses if you get ill or injured abroad, trip cancellation, stolen personal belongings and lost luggage.

What's covered

Here are some key features of our travel insurance. As with any insurance, policy limits and exclusions apply, so always read your policy book.

Emergency medical expenses

We cover reasonable and necessary emergency medical treatment costs if you get ill or injured in an accident abroad.

Delayed or missed departure

If you're delayed or miss your transport due to unforeseen circumstances, we'll cover reasonable costs for accommodation and travel.

Lost or stolen personal belongings

You can claim up to your policy limits if your personal belongings or luggage are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your trip.

Cancelling or cutting your trip short

We'll cover costs up to your policy limit for things like deposits or parking fees if you have to unexpectedly cancel or cut short your trip.

Personal liability and legal assistance

We'll support you with legal costs to help you claim damages or compensation for injury, illness or death during your trip.

Specific COVID-19 related events

Read about how COVID-19 affects your travel insurance on our dedicated FAQ page .

What isn’t covered by travel insurance?

This list isn’t exhaustive and doesn’t include exclusions for our specialist travel insurance like adventurous sport and winter sport.

• flights cancelled or delayed for any reason other than severe weather conditions, strike, or mechanical breakdown
• claims related to flights that don't start or end in the UK (connected flights)
• trip cancellation because you’ve changed your mind
• pre-existing conditions you've not declared
• claims related to death or illness of someone not on the policy linked to pre-existing conditions they had at any time before you bought your policy
• lost or stolen items you've left unattended
• claims where you can't give us evidence, for example, a police report or receipts
• being denied entry because you don't have passports or the correct visas
• extreme sports, winter sports or cruise trips unless you've paid for the additional cover
• circumstances that aren’t specified in your policy

However, check your policy book for all exclusions.

Travel Insurance policy book

Choose from three levels of cover.

We have three cover levels for you to choose from, depending on the level of protection you want for your next trip.

Good to know

The table below shows the standard benefits and “up to” limits of each tier. Individual benefits may have different internal limits depending on what you need to claim for.

Why do I need Travel Insurance?

Choosing a travel insurance policy that suits your needs offers financial protection against travel-related emergencies. In particular, getting ill abroad can be very expensive as most countries don't provide free medical care in the same way as in the UK.

For example, in the US, you're charged for an ambulance call out, meaning a trip to the hospital could cost tens of thousands of pounds.

If you're travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, a GHIC card can reduce the cost of medical expenses or make them free of charge, but it won’t fully cover you for medical treatment or repatriation. Read more about getting a GHIC card here .

What type of travel insurance is best for me?

Whether you're flying solo or travelling with your friends and family, we cover the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Single Trip Insurance

Cover for one trip lasting up to 365 days for travellers aged 18 up to 85 years, depending on the destination.

Annual Travel Insurance

Cover for 12 months on an unlimited number of trips lasting up to 31 days each. This is for travellers aged 18 up to 75, depending on region of cover

If you need cover for trips longer than 31 days, you can select the required trip length when completing your quote (subject to eligibility).

Travelling with pre-existing conditions

If you have a pre-existing condition , you must tell us about it when getting a quote to see if we can offer cover and to avoid invalidating your policy. We can't cover your pre-existing conditions unless you've:

• declared them all on your policy
• had written confirmation that we'll cover your medical condition
• paid any additional premium in full

If you're unsure what to declare or unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please call  0333 234 9913 .

Please note, if you've tested positive for COVID-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this must be declared on your policy.

Unfortunately, we can't offer cover for all medical conditions. If you have a serious health condition, we recommend using MoneyHelper's travel insurance directory or calling 0800 138 7777 (open Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00 excl. bank holidays).

How to get cheaper travel insurance

There are a few things you can do to lower your travel insurance costs:

How to claim on your travel insurance

We may ask for original receipts, invoices or medical records to support your claim.

Read your policy book

Check that we cover the event you want to claim for

Prepare your information

You'll need documents to support your claim

Visit our make a claim page for our contact details or log into  MyAccount

Your questions answered

Is coronavirus covered by my travel insurance.

To find out how Covid-19 affects your travel insurance, take a look at our dedicated FAQ page . 

Is it illegal to travel without holiday insurance?

No, it's not a legal requirement but it gives you cover against things like cancelled holidays, missed transports, missing luggage and injury while abroad.

Does travel insurance cover natural disasters?

Cover for catastrophes including fire, storm, lightning, avalanche, landslide, explosion, hurricane, earthquake, volcanic activity including ash cloud, flood, tidal wave, tsunami, medical epidemic or pandemic are all included as standard on our Gold and Platinum policies. This cover is not included in our Admiral level policy. 

My partner and I live at separate addresses, can we still buy a couple policy?

You have to buy a group policy if you don't live at the same address as your partner.

Our definitions are:

• Individual policy – one adult aged 18 or over.
• Couple policy - two adults aged 18 or over who live at the same address and are in a relationship.
• Family policy – two adults aged 18 or over who live at the same address plus at least one child (maximum 5).
• Family one adult policy – one adult plus at least one child (maximum 5).
• Group policy - between two and ten individuals, who don't need to live at the same address. Each adult is covered to travel individually as well as together.

What is your definition of Europe?

When we refer to Europe , we are referring to the following countries and territories: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (including Faroe Islands, excluding Greenland), Egypt, Estonia, Finland (including Aland), France (including Corsica), Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway (including Svalbard), Poland, Portugal (including Azores and Madeira), Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia (West of Urals), San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (including the Balearic and Canary Islands), Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, The United Kingdom (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man), Vatican City.

Am I covered for private medical treatment?

No, you will need to have any private treatment pre-authorised by the Emergency Assistance Service. If you are travelling in Europe , Australia or New Zealand you can access public health services, free of charge and you won’t be required to pay any excesses on the Medical Expenses section of your policy.

What happens if I'm the victim of a terrorist attack while I'm abroad?

First of all, we hope that this is never the case. But, if you do need emergency assistance, please call +44 (0)29 2010 7777 at any time and we'll do everything we can to help.

Are there any destinations I can't travel to under my policy?

Yes, no matter which destination you select when you buy your policy, you aren't covered if you travel somewhere the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises not to go to. For more information see the FCDO's foreign travel advice page or call  020 7008 1500 .

What cover is there for dental treatment?

With new policies, you’re covered for up to £400 for “emergency dental treatment for the immediate relief of pain to your natural teeth incurred outside of your home area” under the Emergency Medical and Repatriation section of your cover (subject to your excess).

Can I upgrade my travel policy cover level after I’ve taken it out?

No, sorry. Currently, this isn’t possible.

Is terrorism covered?

Terrorism is excluded from all sections of the policy except for the Emergency Medical and Repatriation, Personal Belongings, Personal Accident and Hijack sections (where cover is provided as part of the platinum tier only).

Terrorism is any act or threat of action by a person or group intended to influence a government or to frighten the public or any section of it.

Acts of terrorism can include:

• violence against a person
• damage to property
• putting life in danger
• creating a health risk to the public
• interfering with or seriously disrupting computer systems or transport services including cyber terrorism
• biological, chemical or nuclear force or contamination

Can I get cover in the event of scheduled airline failure?

We will not pay any claim due to the actions or failure of any company providing or organising your transport or accommodation, to provide those services (whether caused by error, insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, omission, default or other reason).

Do I need to declare existing medical conditions to get Admiral cover?

Declaring your medical conditions will ensure you are purchasing a policy which meets your needs. It’s important you supply accurate and complete answers to all questions as failure to do so could mean your policy is invalid and/or your claim is not paid in full or refused.

I have an Annual Multi-Trip policy. What is the longest I can go on holiday for?

You can take as many trips as you want within 365 days (as per the dates shown on your policy schedule), providing each trip lasts no more than 31 days. If you need cover for trips longer than 31 days, let us know when you get a quote (subject to eligibility).

Take a look at our Annual Travel Insurance page to learn more.

Will my holiday insurance cover me if the travel agent/tour operator/airline company goes into administration?

No it doesn't cover this. If the company is an ABTA member, you can submit a claim to them for the cost of your holiday.

Do you cover children under 18?

Cover can’t be bought for a child under the age of 18 alone. A child under 18 can be added to our family policies where at least one adult over the age of 18 is also going on the trip (single trip policies).

A child can be added to annual multi trip family policies where the insured adult will travel later in the policy term. Each insured child under the age of 18 will only be covered if they’re travelling with a responsible adult. This adult doesn’t need to be insured with us.

What happens if I can't return from my trip on my planned date because of illness or injury; am I still covered?

Yes, we extend your policy and continue to provide cover in those circumstances where the delay is completely outside of your control.

I don't live in the UK – can I get travel cover?

Unfortunately not. It's only available to permanent residents of the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man).

What happens if strike/industrial action disrupts my trip?

Provided you weren’t aware of the strike/industrial action at the time you booked your policy, and it wasn’t public knowledge, we’ll pay up to the limits shown in your policy schedule for irrecoverable costs you've paid.

What happens if my baggage is delayed, lost or stolen?

If your baggage is delayed or lost in transit, you should tell the company transporting your baggage within 24 hours of discovery. Ask them to complete a Property Irregularity Report or give you with a baggage loss receipt. If your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours from when you arrive at your destination, your policy provides cover to buy necessary items (up to £50, £100 or £150 depending on your tier of cover).

If your baggage is stolen, you should report this to the local police within 24 hours of discovering the theft and get a written report. You can claim (up to £1,000, £2,000 or £2,500 depending on your tier) for stolen or lost items. There's a single item limit and total valuables limit (up to £200, £300 or £400 depending on your tier).

Are there any charges to change my policy?

No, we don’t charge any admin fees.

What should I do if I or someone travelling with me becomes ill during my holiday?

If you or someone covered by your policy becomes ill or is injured during your trip and needs emergency medical treatment, please go to a public medical facility and contact our 24 hour emergency assistance line on +44 (0)29 2010 7777 as soon as you can.

Please call this number if you're unsure where to get treatment, you think costs may go over £500, or you think you'll need to cut your trip short.

For minor ailments while abroad, pharmacies and public health facilities are often able to give advice and provide treatment. If costs are more than the policy excess and you want to make a claim, please keep all receipts and call our claims line on  0333 234 9914 .

Does my policy allow someone to travel out to be with me if I am ill abroad?

Yes. If you've been given medical advice that someone should stay with you and that requires someone travelling from the UK to be with you, we'll cover the reasonable extra transport and accommodation costs (up to the policy limit) for that person.

How long can I travel for?

The maximum length of a Single Trip policy is 12 months, making it ideal for backpackers and students taking a gap year.

If you choose an Annual Multi-Trip policy you can take as many trips as you want within 365 days (as per the dates shown on your policy schedule), providing each trip lasts no more than 31 days. If you need cover for trips longer than 31 days, let us know when you get a quote (subject to eligibility).

How to extend travel insurance due to illness or injury

If you have to extend your trip for medical reasons our policies will automatically provide cover until you return home.

If you have a single trip policy and need to change your travel dates, you must contact us before you go on your trip.

If you have annual multi-trip cover, the maximum length per trip on the policy is 31 days as standard unless we've agreed to cover you for a longer trip and this is stated in your policy schedule.

If your annual policy is due to end while you're on holiday and your policy is not set up to automatically renew, please contact us before you travel so we can arrange for your policy to continue while you're away.

What should I do if my travel is disrupted by severe weather?

We’ll pay £25 for each 12 hours you are delayed (up to a maximum of £250 or £300 depending on your cover tier) from starting your journey due to severe weather.

If your transport is delayed for more than 24 hours or cancelled and cannot be rearranged for over 24 hours, cover is provided (for costs up to £1,000 on Admiral, £3,000 on Admiral Gold and £5,000 on Admiral Platinum) if you decide to cancel or abandon your trip.

Additional transport and accommodation cover

We can reimburse you for additional transport and accommodation costs if you decide to continue with your trip after:

• your prebooked transport was delayed for more than 24 hours
• your transport was cancelled, and no alternative could be found within 24 hours of your original departure time

We can only reimburse you these costs if they are less than the cost of abandoning the trip. 

We won't make any payments if they aren’t additional to costs you were already expecting to pay - for example if you get a refund and the cost of alternative transport or accommodation is less than the refund. Check your policy book for full details.

Do you cover my car if it breaks down when I'm driving in Europe?

No, your holiday insurance doesn't cover car breakdown. However, if you have Admiral Car Insurance , you can extend this to provide European Breakdown Cover . This covers you and your car in case it breaks down while abroad in Europe.

What does excess mean in travel insurance?

The policy excess is the amount you must pay towards any claim. The excess applies to each insured person and each event that leads to a claim. Multiple excesses may apply for claims under each section.

Can I get one-way travel insurance?

No, Admiral doesn't offer one way travel insurance. To buy our cover, you'll need to be travelling from and returning to the UK.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Annual Multi-Trip policies?

Yes, we can provide worldwide cover for customers up to the age of 75 years for annual multi trip policies – and up to 85 years for single trip policies.

However, the age limit and level of cover we can offer will depend on your personal information and details of your holiday.

Please get a quote or contact us to find out more.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Single Trip policies?

Am i covered if my flights are disrupted because of brexit.

You’ll be covered if there’s any disruption to your flights (in line with current cover and exclusions) if you already have travel cover or have booked a trip on your annual policy.

If there’s an official warning from the Government or airlines that suggests flights are likely to be disrupted, customers buying new policies may not be covered.

I don’t want to travel because of Brexit – can I cancel my trip?

If you decide you don’t want to travel because of Brexit and end up cancelling your trip, you won’t be able to claim. Not wanting to travel isn’t a valid cancellation reason for claiming.

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

In the future, it's possible UK citizens will need a travel permit as part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS). 

If you can’t go on your trip because you don’t have the correct visa or permit, you won’t be able to claim on your cover.

How long will I need on my passport after Brexit?

The Government recommends UK travellers have at least six months left on their passports from the date they arrive in an EU country when travelling after 29 March 2019. Check the validity of your passport online with this handy tool .

If you can’t go on your trip as you don’t have enough time left on your passport (or you didn’t renew it in time), you won’t be able to make a claim.

Can I still use my EHIC card after Brexit?

If your EHIC is still in date, you can use it when you travel. Otherwise you’ll need to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ).

If you have a medical emergency while you're abroad, you're injured, fall ill, or have to cut your trip short please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777.

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How we calculate your travel insurance premium.

We use multiple factors to calculate travel insurance prices. We constantly check the prices we charge to offer you the best travel insurance premium, but prices also fluctuate depending on the market. Here are a few factors:

• Where you’re going — where you’re going heavily influences how much you’ll pay for travel insurance. The destination tells us how expensive medical treatment is and how much it’d cost to fly you home in an emergency.
• How long you’re going for — simply put, the longer you’re away from home, the higher the risk of you having an accident or losing your things.
• Who you’re travelling with — the age and medical history of everyone travelling impacts your premium price.
• Any medical conditions — depending on the severity of the condition (and, therefore, the potential cost and likelihood of treatment), your premium is likely to be higher.
• The cost of medical treatments — on average, the cost of medical treatment is higher outside of Europe. Plus UK citizens can use a GHIC card in the EU to access treatment and, in some cases, reduce the cost.
• What you’ll do on your trip — you increase your risk of injury on winter sports trips, meaning it’ll cost more to insure. But, without specialist cover, any related claims will be rejected.
• What’s going on in the world — currency fluctuations can make it more expensive for us to settle claims with companies or services based abroad. Increased risk of terrorism, airline strikes or natural disasters will also impact your premium.
• Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) — by law, we add a 20% tax to your travel insurance premium. Read more about why we do this.

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We know how important holidays are, and how important Travel Insurance can be if you need it – especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

That’s why we are dedicated to helping you find the right Travel Insurance policy, with the right support – just in case the unexpected happens. So whether it’s a well-deserved week in the sun or a round the world cruise, we’ve got you covered.

We know that every traveller and every holiday is different – that’s why we work with a number of insurers, many with no age limit, to help you find cover that is tailored to your own needs, whether you’re 18 or 80 and wherever you’re going next.

Single Trip

Get insured quickly and easily for a one-off trip up to 365 days, starting any time in the next 18 months – including cover for Coronavirus . Whether you’re planning a staycation, a week in sizzling sunshine or a long stay overseas, our single trip policies have no age limit so make sure you’re protected with the right Travel Insurance .

Annual Multi Trip

If you are planning to travel more than once a year, then taking annual multi trip Travel Insurance could save you money. You can cover yourself or the whole family on an annual policy, so get the flexibility to travel where you want, when you want and as often as you want without worrying about arranging cover every time you go.

We know it’s not nice to think about something going wrong on your cruise, but that’s what Insurance is for. Get peace of mind while you’re at sea with our specialist cruise Travel Insurance , including missed port departure, cabin confinement and cruise interruption cover. All ages and pre-existing medical conditions considered.

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Did you know the majority of Travel Insurance claims are paid to support people in need of emergency medical treatment abroad and that the average claim is more than £1,300? We work with a number of insurers specialising in cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions so you can travel with peace of mind .

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Foreign travel insurance

If you’re travelling abroad, it's important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.

If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go. If you already have a travel insurance policy, check what cover it provides for coronavirus-related events, including medical treatment and travel disruption, and any planned activities such as adventure sports. If you are choosing a new policy, make sure you check how it covers these issues.

If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.

For example:

You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print, and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy.

When you travel, make sure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number. Share your policy details with people you’re travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) represents over 200 insurance companies. Read ABI’s advice on travel insurance , including how COVID-19 can affect it, and their guide on choosing the right travel insurance policy .

In addition to making sure you have appropriate insurance, you should check and sign up to travel advice for your destination.

What to consider when you buy travel insurance for you and your family

• emergency treatment and hospital bills can be expensive. Check whether your policy covers treatment in public or private hospitals
• emergency transport, such as an ambulance, is often charged separately to other medical expenses, and emergency travel home on medical grounds can also be expensive
• pre-existing medical conditions: declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests so that you are covered if anyone gets ill during your trip. Failing to declare something may invalidate your travel insurance
• all activities you may undertake on holiday, such as sports or adventure tourism (you may need specialist insurance for some activities). Also consider all the places you intend to visit, even if you are in transit, in case anyone needs emergency treatment in another country
• cruises generally require an additional level of cover because it is more difficult to get to hospital for treatment. Check the booking conditions of the operator you plan to sail with
• repatriation costs if you or a family member die abroad
• getting home after medical treatment if you cannot use your original ticket
• reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home, if required
• 24-hour assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
• COVID 19 cover for if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for COVID during your travel. Check your insurance covers additional costs such as alternative flights, accommodation and COVID tests. You should also check your insurance provides cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to COVID-19
• within Europe, some insurers may waive any excess on medical treatment if you use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Check the terms of your policy or contact your insurer to see if this is the case. EHIC and GHIC allow you to access state-provided medically necessary healthcare within the EU and Switzerland on the same terms as residents of these countries. Note that EHIC and GHIC are not alternatives to travel insurance as they do not cover any private medical healthcare costs, repatriation or additional costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts. Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC, including how to apply for one free of charge
• ATOL is a consumer protection scheme for air holidays and flights, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) . Some insurance policies do not provide cover for when airlines or suppliers go out of business. Choose an ATOL-protected holiday or a travel insurance policy that includes airline or supplier failure cover

Policy exclusions

Check how an insurance policy covers:

• alcohol and drugs: most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances
• high risk destinations: many travel insurance policies will not cover travel to a high risk destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel or all travel. Check your policy wording and the relevant country travel advice pages before booking your trip and buying insurance
• mental health conditions: some policies may exclude cover for treatment related to a pre-existing mental health condition. For more guidance see foreign travel advice for people with mental health issues
• age restrictions: check whether there are any age-related restrictions if you are buying an annual policy. The Money Advice Service provides guidance on how to choose the right level of cover, get the best deal, and make a travel insurance claim. It also has specific guidance for travellers over the age of 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions
• sports such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies. Use of quad bikes and hire of mopeds is also usually not covered
• driving overseas: check Driving abroad . If you’re hiring a car, check what cover the hire company provides. If you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers
• terrorist acts: most policies offer only limited cover for terrorist acts. As a minimum, make sure your policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and travel home if you are caught up in a terrorist attack. Some travel insurers offer policy add-ons to provide additional cover if there is a terrorist attack in your destination. This may include cancellation cover, if your destination is affected by a terrorist attack before your trip and you decide you no longer wish to travel
• other incidents: some policies only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by a natural disaster (such as an earthquake or tropical cyclone) or civil unrest. You may also not be covered for some claims that arise from an incident (such as strikes or other industrial action) that was known publicly when you booked your trip and/or bought your travel insurance policy

Insurance for extended periods of travel

‘Long-stay’ travel insurance can cover extended periods of continuous travel. Check carefully the maximum duration allowed in any policy you consider buying to ensure that it meets your needs.

Make sure that the entire policy meets your needs, including specific activities and work (paid or unpaid) you may undertake.

Insurance if you live abroad or go for work or study

Travel insurance is not intended for permanent residence abroad. If you live overseas, or you’re planning to move to a different country to live, work or study, you should consider your insurance needs carefully. Local law may require you to have medical insurance, including as part of a visa application.

Read the healthcare guidance in the Living in guide for the country where you live to ensure you have the right healthcare arrangements for your circumstances.

You can buy private medical insurance for UK expatriates. You can also buy insurance from local providers overseas. You should always check policies carefully, including seeing whether you could transfer medical cover if you re-locate to other countries in future.

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Updated COVID-19 section on new rules for international travel from 17 May.

Updated to reflect current COVID-19 travel guidance

New link to the declaration form for international travel (for England), from 8 March.

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Your Health To-Do List When Traveling to the UK

Last Updated on January 6, 2024

Health and fitness holidays in the UK have gained immense popularity in 2023. With The Guardian’s  extensive catalog  of wellness travel featuring everything from invigorating running breaks in Scotland to serene mindful walking weekends in Wales, the spotlight on traveling for your well-being has never been stronger. However, as tourists increasingly seek vacations that align with their health goals, prioritizing well-being beyond simple wellness retreats is equally important.

A proactive approach to health ensures you can enjoy the mainland and different islands of the UK without worrying about getting sick along the way. To maximize your health outcomes, preparation must begin long before the first boarding call. Below, we take a closer look at four health to-dos before traveling to the UK in 2024.

Update your vaccines

Traveling increases your chances of spreading diseases that are rare in your home country. Hence,  updating your vaccines  is not only a preventive measure for your well-being but also a responsible action to protect the communities you visit.

For example, there are routine vaccines that are recommended for anyone going to the UK, such as chickenpox, shingles, or the flu. You can always have additional vaccines for certain conditions if you think you’re more likely to be exposed to them. For instance, hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travelers who plan to visit smaller villages and rural areas. Otherwise, it’s crucial to check for any travel health notice regarding current health issues in your destination. As of September 2023, the UK was placed under Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions for poliovirus, so it would be wise to be up to date on your polio vaccines.

Check your eye health

Vision health can significantly impact your adventures. Yet, the process of safeguarding your eye health can vary across different locations. For one, eyeglass wearers who lost their glasses may struggle to find a new pair in rural areas, leading to blurry and uncomfortable vision for the rest of the trip. In that case, it’s best to have spare eyeglasses on hand.

However, there are various accessible options for vision care. If you need to immediately replace your eyewear, then you can find affordable options for different types of  glasses  at eyewear retailer Glasses Direct, with deals such as 2-for-1 designer frames from £69 (approximately $88). This can be ordered online and delivered directly to your accommodations. If you need a new prescription, then you can easily book an eye test at the multiple branches of Asda Opticians or Vision Express. You might also qualify for a free eye test from the NHS in Scotland as an overseas visitor, so try to register with a general medical practice as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Check your oral health

Maintaining good oral health is vital on international journeys, especially longer trips. Similar to eye health maintenance, however, this process can be a little difficult in a new location. This can be particularly challenging in the UK, which has had a  shortage of dentists  since 2021, with dental tourism at record highs. In fact, UK-based consultancy Medical Travel Market received over 1,500 inquiries in 2023, up more than 450% from 2022.

Thus, consulting with a dentist before any extended trip is crucial, especially for those with ongoing treatments, such as braces or retainers. Your dentist may need to adjust your braces to a safer setting before your travels or equip you with an extra retainer. These will help you avoid the inconvenience of seeking orthodontic treatment during your travels. If it comes down to it, then you may have to find a private clinic in the UK or line up for NHS dental services if eligible.

Secure travel insurance

As you embark on the journey of a lifetime, it’s crucial to have a safety net in place. Factors such as trip duration or destinations should be taken into account when securing  travel insurance . For instance, annual contracts normally cover up to 30 days maximum, whereas backpacking insurance can range from three months to a year. A helpful tip: most travel insurance comes with a deductible that you must pay beforehand. Clarify this policy when making any purchase.

That being said, take your time to compare several insurance companies, then, upon your selection, inform your provider about your travel plans. Understanding your coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected events will provide peace of mind throughout your journey.

By prepping in advance, you lay the foundation for a journey to the UK filled with memorable moments and peace of mind. Remember, taking care of your health is not only a personal responsibility but also a commitment to fostering a healthier global travel community.

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Travel expert says common mistake while booking holiday can end up costing people thousands

Even if you're in the pits of holiday booking hell, you can't let this slip your mind.

Olivia Burke

The idea of booking a break in the sun is much more serene than the reality of it. You're trawling through hundreds of destinations and hotel options, all while having to decide on dates which work for everyone involved.

You end up needing another holiday to recover from the mental exhaustion of simply arranging the first one, as there are that many things swirling around your head that you need to worry about .

But even if you're in the pits of holiday booking hell, there is one extremely important aspect of your trip that should never slip your mind - as travel experts have warned that this common mistake can end up costing people thousands .

Although you might be trying to get away on the cheap and are cutting corners where you can, not purchasing travel insurance is a huge no-no according to mini-break boffins at Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI).

They warned that it could end up costing you a lot more in the long run if you don't get cover before you head abroad and end up running into trouble while your away.

The insurance firm 's CEO, Jo McCauley, explained that there has been an uptick in Gen Z travellers ditching insurance as they head off on an adventure, which she described as a 'concerning trend'.

She told news.com.au that recent research conducted by the company found that 'twice as many Gen Zs are saying they won’t be purchasing travel insurance this year compared to Baby Boomers'.

There's a reason they say we should listen to our elders - they've been there, ended up needing to lean on their travel insurance and are wearing the t-shirt with pride.

"Travelling without travel insurance simply isn’t worth the risk," McCauley added.

The travel expert said young holidaymakers who do take out travel insurance most often claim for lost or stolen baggage, personal belongings, medical or evacuation costs and changes to their travel plans.

Having to potentially seek medical attention abroad is arguably one of the most important reasons for getting insured, as McCauley explained fees can reach ridiculous amounts.

"We’ve seen medical bills in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for simple injuries like a broken bone," she added.

"It’s a cliche but, it’s true - if you can’t afford travel insurance then you can’t afford to travel."

It might seem like an inconvenience and an unnecessary expense to some people, but you can't put a price on the peace of mind of knowing that you're protected while off on your travels.

Topics:  Travel , Health , Money

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@ livburke_

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Best Cruise Insurance Companies of April 2024

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A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best travel insurance coverage that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Companies

• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• AXA Assistance USA : Best for Affordability
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best for Seniors
• HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Locations

Compare the Top Cruise Insurance Offers

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Cruise Insurance Reviews

Best cruise insurance overall: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a preexisting conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience.

Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs.

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

How to Pick The Best Cruise Insurance for You

When buying travel insurance for a cruise, consider the additional risks that are specific to cruising. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, strict cancellation terms, high pre-paid costs of a cruise, and the distance to emergency medical assistance.

To find the policy that's right for you, it's best to compare several different cruise insurance policies based on the pricing and coverage they provide. Remember too that all reputable insurance providers will offer a "free-look period." This allows you to return the policy you've purchased for any reason, within a specific time period, for a full refund.

The most important coverages to look for in cruise insurance are:

• Medical coverage — This coverage will pay for medical bills outside the US. But because treatment can be more expensive while onboard, make sure your policy offers sufficient coverage ($100,000+).
• Medical evacuation coverage — This coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if you become sick or injured during your journey. But an evacuation from sea will be more expensive than one from land. So you'll want to make sure your coverage has sufficiently high limits ($250,000+).
• Missed connection (missed port of call) coverage — This type of coverage will help you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your port of call for a covered reason, like a delayed flight on the way to the airport.
• Coverage for hurricane warnings — With this type of coverage, you don't actually need to be affected by the hurricane. You can cancel and be reimbursed for your trip if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. If you're cruising anywhere during (or on the tail ends) of hurricane season, this can come in handy. Just note: You can't buy travel insurance to cover a weather event once a storm or hurricane has been named.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) — This is the most comprehensive coverage you can get, as it allows cancellations and reimbursement for pre-paid expenses for any reason. This can be a wise add-on for cruise coverage given the often higher prepaid expenses associated with cruising. See our guide to the best CFAR travel insurance options to learn more.
• Preexisting conditions — This coverage ensures that no known health conditions are excluded from coverage. Obtaining a preexisting condition waiver usually requires purchasing your travel insurance soon after booking your trip.
• Personal possessions insurance — Because of the events and fancy dinners cruise ships hold, you might take more valuable clothing or jewelry with you on a cruise. This type of coverage will insure your belongings against loss or theft while cruising.
• Baggage loss and delay — This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount for essentials if your bags are delayed or if your bags get lost en route.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cruise Travel Insurance

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Money blog: Asda sorry as 10,000 employees hit by pay issues; government urged to let some Britons retire earlier

A respected pension expert has called for an end to the triple lock - and for some people to get their pensions earlier. Read this and more in the Money blog - your place for consumer and personal finance news. You can leave a comment on anything we've covered in the form below.

Thursday 28 March 2024 16:25, UK

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• 'Outrageous': Should the youngest British workers really be paid less?
• Government urged to drop triple lock - but let some Britons retire earlier
• Asda apologises after 'disgraceful' payroll issues drag on
• The Taylor Swift Facebook scam - what to look out for
• Eight things that are going up in price next week - and six major boosts to Britons' pockets
• Free childcare about to be extended - here's all the support on offer to parents of young children
• ISA deadline approaching - here's what you need to know
• Tap here to follow the Ian King Business Podcast wherever you get your podcasts

Ask a question or make a comment

Elon Musk has announced further changes to social media platform X that will see certain accounts get premium features for free.

The tech billionaire, writing on the platform formerly known as Twitter, said all accounts with more than 2,500 verified subscriber followers would be able to access features that usually cost $8 (£6.30) a month.

Premium features include the ability to edit and write longer posts, as well as reducing the number of adverts seen by the user. It also gives the account holder a blue tick next to their display name.

Read more on that story here ...

Disgraced crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of stealing billions of dollars from his customers.

He was the chief executive of FTX, which suddenly went bankrupt in November 2022 - leaving millions of users frozen out of their accounts and unable to make withdrawals.

Read the full story here ...

Cambridge is considering introducing a tourist tax at its hotels, charging £2 per night.

The city could introduce a local charge on visitors staying in hotels, something that is common in Europe, according to a new report from Cambridge City Council.

It follows the launch of a similar scheme in Manchester last April.

Read more on that here ... 

Supermarket giant Asda has apologised as its employees continue to face payroll issues.

Staff said that despite the issue being identified last week, they were still out-of-pocket, with some unable to pay their bills or even rent.

Nearly 10,000 Asda workers received incorrect payslips due to an "IT glitch", with union bosses suggesting some had been underpaid.

One employee told Retail Gazette: "Six days in and my pay has still not be sorted it's a disgrace!"

Another said: "Missing £827 from my wages. Rent direct debit has been declined. Management haven't got a clue what to do. Surely this is illegal. Cannot contact HR directly as have to go through store managers. 

"I'm just going round in circles. Angry, upset and ashamed at having to tell my landlord that I can't pay my rent due to Asda not paying me!"

A spokesperson for Asda told Retail Gazette: "While the majority of Asda's 150,000 colleagues were paid correctly this month, we know there have been discrepancies for some hourly paid colleagues."

"We sincerely apologise to those affected and want to reassure them we are proactively resolving this issue by making additional payments as soon as possible."

Sky News has approached Asda for comment. 

Thousands of you have left a comment in the form at the top of this page in the past two weeks.

And they fall broadly into three categories: anger, questions and people saying their bosses also swindle them out of annual holiday after this week's Money Problem...

We're going to tackle a few of the employment disputes in our Money Problem series (this runs every Monday) over the coming months and your correspondence has prompted us to write a Basically... feature on employment rights that will be published this coming Tuesday.

Turning to some of your questions , we had this...

What is Labour's position on compensation for Waspi women? Because, hand-on-heart I think if Labour won power they would play the "we haven't got the money card". Worried of Shropshire

As has been widely reported, the government has refused to commit to compensation for women born in the 1950s and affected by how changes to their pension age were brought forward.

Labour, too, has been vague, with shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds telling the BBC on Sunday: "Those women deserve respect, that's the most important [thing].

"If I was to sit in your studio and I was to say, plucking out of the air, this is exactly how, for example, compensation should work or other elements of the response to the Waspi women… I don't think they would believe me, frankly, and nor should they."

Another question that landed in our inbox related to our Friday feature about making your supermarket shop healthier for less.

Last Friday focused on bread and concluded that sourdough may be your best option...

Interested in how to buy healthier bread as it can be confusing. I get why sourdough might be healthier because of how it's made. But the question of salt content has not been addressed here. Bread has a significant amount of salt. Does sourdough have less salt? Mrs Helene Shorter

We asked Dr Laura Brown, senior lecturer in nutrition, food and health sciences at Teesside University. She says (as the feature explained) that sourdough isn't the absolute healthiest bread - those would be breads made with whole grains.

And sourdough does have a higher salt content, she says - especially bakery bread, so reading the label and picking wholemeal sourdough are good tips. A high salt content is classed as being more than 1.5g salt per 100g.

All this said, sourdough does have a "great nutritional profile"...

"With sourdough being rich in vitamins and minerals and lower on the glycaemic index, it is a healthier alternative to regular white or whole wheat bread," she says.

Now to anger - which had a broad range of causes...

After  our post about the owner of Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, London Eye and Legoland introducing surge pricing, which makes tickets more or less expensive depending on how busy it is...

Surge pricing on everything from trains, hotels, holidays, flights and now attractions should be banned. These companies should be ashamed of themselves. 1963 stu

We also heard from dozens of pensioners pointing out that the national insurance cut wouldn't benefit them...

Pensioners are much worse off! Council tax, food shopping, house insurance & car insurance almost doubled… Tax threshold never gone up & pension increase puts pensioners into income tax bracket... Lose-lose for pensioners, win-win for this government. Julia choo

We're regularly reporting on house prices - and this week we brought you news about a new £5,000 deposit mortgage aimed at helping first-time buyers.

But will it make a big difference?

As a 23-year-old, it feels like the possibility of owning a home in the UK grows increasingly unlikely every year. Will there ever be a time period where owning your first home will be somewhat more affordable? Abbie

How am I ever going to afford to buy a house when I finish university? Islander

By Brad Young, Money team

On Summer Scholes's 16th birthday, two days after her mum died, the first thing on her mind was getting a job to keep a roof over her head.

It was 2021, and alongside her studies in Margate, Summer said she worked for £4.62 an hour (the minimum wage for under-18s at the time) just so she and her aunt could pay rent and put food in the fridge.

By the time she was 18, last September, she was spending the summer working 50 hours a week in hospitality for £375, while her colleagues aged 21 were legally entitled to at least £134 more for the same job.

There are three different adult minimum wages in the UK, determined by age. On Monday, the government will reduce this to two, but inequality between those aged 18-20 and those aged 21 and over will remain.

"I strongly disagree with it. As someone who is 19, I see the work that I do and the work that my friends do, and I believe that we work just as hard, if not harder, than some of the people who are older than us," Summer told the Money blog.

She said she had felt undervalued, adding: "I think it should be based on someone's work ethic and their ability to do a job.

"I was unable to save for any of my future studies, which is why I'm now at college for an extra couple of years."

Sky News understands from sources at the Department for Business and Trade that the government believes the pay disparity will encourage businesses to keep younger employees and avoid them being exposed to prolonged unemployment.

But GMB Union officer Ross Holden said the cost of living crisis did not discriminate based on age and the government was denying young workers the "equal earnings they should be entitled to".

"It's an outrage that those under 21 working average hours on the minimum wage could be left up to £159 a week out of pocket than older colleagues doing the same job. There is no excuse for wage rates based on age - ending them is long overdue."

Last year, about 34% of employees aged 18-20 were paid between £7.49, the hourly minimum wage for their age bracket, and £10.18, the minimum for the next age bracket, according to the Low Pay Commission, which advises the government on setting wage rates.

UK at 'extreme end' of pay disparity

The UK is not alone in having age-based minimum wage legislation, but it is "on the relatively extreme end of penalising the over-18-year-olds", Ken Mayhew, economist and Oxford University professor, said.

In France, under-17s with fewer than six months' experience can be paid 80% of the minimum wage, he said. In the Netherlands, the minimum tapers upwards to age 21, while in the US, there is a small variation for those aged below 20 in their first 90 days of employment.

Professor Mayhew said employers could justify lower wages during a training period - when young workers are less productive - "but I think for national legislation to assume that's true for all 18 to 20-year-olds is dodgy, quite frankly".

Some employer groups have previously said they wouldn't hire less experienced adults if they had to pay them an equal wage, Professor Mayhew said.

But, he added, those groups also argued employees of all ages would be priced out of jobs when the minimum wage was first introduced in 1998 - yet "the employment effects have been minor to non-existent".

Small businesses saw their wage bills increase by 14% at the end of last year, according to the Sage small business tracker.

The British Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses declined to comment on the upcoming minimum wage changes.

The Association of Convenience Stores did not respond to a request for comment.

The British Retail Consortium said: "The retail industry recognises the value of its employees and that's why the overwhelming majority of our members continue to pay above the minimum wage rate regardless of age."

Real living wage?

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers called the government's policy "deeply disappointing", saying all adults should be paid at least £12 an hour.

Businesses that pay all their employees £12 - rising to £13.15 in London - are accredited by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF) as paying the so-called real living wage.

Head of communications John Hood said: "An 18-year-old, a lot of the time, they're not a dependent. They're paying for their housing, they're paying rent, they're paying transport bills, council tax – all the same costs that a 21-year-old is paying."

He said the difference between the minimum wage and the real living wage was "the difference between being able to live with dignity, with security, with stability, to be able to plan for your future".

Summer recently joined those on the real living wage after being hired by Newington Fish Bar, in Margate.

"It makes me feel a lot more equal and more valued," she said, "like my work is being appreciated."

A government spokesperson said: "There have been different rates for younger age groups since the introduction of the minimum wage in 1998, but this government is giving young people a pay rise to put more money in their pockets.

"From 1 April, we will increase the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds by over 14%, giving someone in full-time employment a gross annual pay rise of over £2,000."

 By Sarah Taffee-Maguire , business reporter 

Nearly a tenth of Papa John's pizza outlets in the UK are to close in an effort to boost company profits.

A total of 43 of its 450 locations across the country have been found to be "low-performing" or "underperforming" and are said to no longer be financially viable.

The sites will be closed by mid-May, Papa John's said - after it informs impacted staff.

The company would not say how many jobs are to be lost; how many people work at the locations; nor the number of staff it employs across the UK.

The company aims to close branches in the following locations:

• Cricklewood
• East Dulwich
• East Grinstead
• Leeds - Meanwood
• Liverpool - West
• Middlesbrough
• Mottingham (London)
• Northwood Hills
• Sittingbourne
• Stoke Newington
• Tunbridge Wells
• Watford St Albans

The chief executive of Thames Water has refused to rule out bill increases of up to 40% for customers as the troubled company tries to secure its future.

Chris Weston told Sky News' Ian King he did not think the firm had been "at all secretive" about the possibility of prices rises.

It comes after shareholders blamed Ofwat for not giving the "regulatory support" needed to help the company's turnaround plan.

The nine shareholders said they had been in talks with Thames Water and the regulator to try to find a way through the "complex challenges" facing the company.

But in a statement, they said: "After more than a year of negotiations, Ofwat has not been prepared to provide the necessary regulatory support for a business plan which ultimately addresses the issues that Thames Water faces.

"As a result, shareholders are not in a position to provide further funding to Thames Water."

One of the UK's most respected pensions experts has called for an end to the triple lock as we know it - and for some people to get their pensions earlier in life.

The government has re-committed to its triple lock on pensions, which promises to raise state pensions every year by the level of average earnings, inflation or 2.5% - whichever is the highest.

This means that from April, state pensions will rise by 8.5% to £221.20 a week.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies says the cost of maintaining the triple lock is difficult to forecast because it depends on a number of factors including inflation and wage growth - but it could be up to £45bn a year by 2050.

To help pay for the pensions bill, the government plans to raise the pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 between 2044 to 2046.

An independent review by Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe, published last March, says the latter should be brought forward to between 2041 and 2043 - resulting in a further increase to 69 between 2046 and 2048.

Sky News has spoken with pensions expert Baroness Altmann to get her thoughts. 

"The current thinking - which is if you want to save money on pensions, jack up the pension age - is absolutely the wrong way to think about policy. It's too simplistic," she said.

"Some people can manage to wait longer to age 68, but many are not well in their late 50s and into their 60s."

Baroness Altman said "forcing" people to wait longer means "more and more people [will] get less and less from their state pension, and the people who get less will be the ones in the poorest health, usually the ones who are lower income".

She thinks the starting age for the state pension could be earlier.

"Even at a reduced rate - if you really need it and have little else to live on. 

"The system at the moment is very much geared towards the better off and the higher end."

She said the triple lock was outdated and needed urgent reform.

"It's outlived its purpose and it has become a kind of political symbol," she said. "Why not have a bit more flexibility?

"It's a very odd policy and I think it's time for a proper review of the money we spend on pensions."

By Sharon Marris , business reporter

The FTSE 100 edged higher in the first hour of trading, up almost 0.4%, bolstered by commodity linked stocks, while the domestically oriented FTSE 250 was down 0.7%.

JD Sports was among the FTSE 100's climbers, up about 6.4% after it said pre-tax profit for the year to 4 February will meet guidance it downgraded in January - in the range of £915-935m.

After two days of declines, the oil price is on the way up again, with international benchmark Brent crude up almost 0.3% to $86.32 per barrel.

Earlier this morning, the Office for National Statistics confirmed that the UK did indeed enter a recession late last year but this came as no surprise to currency markets, with the pound down only marginally against the euro and down around 0.4% against the US dollar ($1.26).

Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that).  This week we're talking about the best easy access accounts. Here's what  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  has to say...

Rather than leaving excess cash languishing in your current account earning nothing, you could be accruing more than 5% and still have the access you need. 

With some £256bn sitting in current accounts earning no interest at all, it's likely to be an easy way to add valuable pounds to your pocket. 

If you have £10,000 sitting in your current account, you could be missing out on over £500 a year.

It does feel as though the savings market is peaking and in fact the top easy access rates have fallen slightly over the last few weeks, although there are still accounts paying 5% or more.

It's important to remember to keep an eye on the rate you are earning, as easy access accounts have variable rates - but switching is easy.

It's also important to keep an eye out for the terms and conditions as not all easy access accounts are the same. Fall foul of the rules and you could earn much less than you expected, or you might not have the access to your money that you thought.

Restricted access accounts

These accounts do still allow easy access, but you are restricted on the number of penalty free withdrawals that can be made. This will vary but it usually ranges between one to six or even 12 withdrawals a year. 

Most of these accounts will allow you to make additional withdrawals but a penalty will apply, usually in the form of a reduced interest rate – but occasionally there will simply be no further access once you have made the allowed number of withdrawals.

Bonus savings accounts

Bonus is probably a bit of a misleading term in the case of these accounts. What it actually means is that the rate paid is enhanced for a particular period of time, such as 12 months, after which the rate will drop to an underlying rate that is often much lower.

For engaged savers, a bonus account was a way to earn more interest – but all of the benefit can be eroded if the cash is not moved at the end of the bonus period to an another competitive account. Of course, the provider is hoping that you'll forget and will leave your cash to languish, earning a poor rate of interest.

Tiered Accounts

Tiered accounts are those that pay different rates depending on how much you have deposited in the account. The most common type of tiering is that the more you hold, the more interest you will earn, and that rate will apply to the whole balance. But this isn't always the case. Sometimes there might be a blended rate.

Aldi is to open 35 stores this year in its bid to reach 1,500 outlets across the UK, with six locations now confirmed to be opening in the coming months.

The supermarket, currently the fourth biggest supermarket in the country, says it is investing £550m in expanding its UK operations this year.

Six stores will open in the following locations...

• Portway, Preston - April 
• Meteor Retail Park, Derby - April 
• Castle Gresley, Derbyshire - May
• Swinfen Vale, Bardon - May 
• High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - April 
• Stoke Gifford, Bristol - June

Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: "After attracting more new customers than any other supermarket in the last 12 months, we are more determined than ever to expand our presence across the country."

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