Travel insurance is one of those purchases that feels optional until the moment you need it. A cancelled flight, a stolen phone, a medical emergency abroad or a missed connection can each cost far more than the price of a policy. This guide explains what travel insurance usually covers, what to look for in the small print, how to choose between policy types and how to make a claim, so you can buy with confidence before your next trip.
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Important: this page is general information only. It is not insurance, financial or legal advice, and it does not recommend a particular policy. Always read the full policy wording and key facts document from the insurer before you buy.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that helps cover costs and losses linked to a trip. Depending on the policy, it can include medical treatment abroad, cancelling or cutting short a trip, delayed or lost luggage, stolen belongings and personal liability if you accidentally cause injury or damage to someone else. It does not cover everything, and each policy has limits, exclusions and an excess, so the details matter more than the headline price.
Why it matters
Healthcare abroad can be expensive and, outside some countries, is not free for visitors. A UK Global Health Insurance Card, usually called a GHIC, can help with state healthcare in some countries, but it does not cover everything, including repatriation, private treatment or cancellation costs. It is not a replacement for travel insurance. Many people also forget that trip costs add up: flights, accommodation, transfers, excursions and car hire can all be non refundable once booked.
What travel insurance usually covers
Emergency medical expenses
This is the core of most policies. It helps pay for treatment, hospital stays, medication and sometimes emergency transport home. The medical limit matters, so check how much cover is offered and whether it is suitable for the country you are visiting.
Cancellation and curtailment
Cancellation cover can reimburse non refundable costs if you cannot travel for a covered reason, such as serious illness or injury, or the death of a close relative. Curtailment cover applies if you have to cut a trip short for a covered reason. The list of covered reasons is specific, so read it carefully. Changing your mind or not feeling like going is not normally covered.
Delayed, lost or stolen baggage and belongings
Most policies cover loss or theft of luggage and personal belongings up to a limit, with a lower single item limit. High value items such as jewellery, cameras and laptops may need extra cover or may be excluded when left unattended.
Travel delay and missed departure
Some policies pay a small amount if your departure is delayed by a set number of hours, or help with costs if you miss a departure for a covered reason. Check the time threshold before you rely on it.
Personal liability
Liability cover helps if you are legally responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property while on holiday.
Other common extras
- Legal expenses
- Passport and travel document replacement
- Cover for hire car excess
- Winter sports and adventure activities
- Cruise cover
- Gadget cover
What is usually not covered
- Pre existing medical conditions that you have not declared.
- Claims where you were not following official travel advice or took unnecessary risks.
- Losses linked to alcohol or drug use in some circumstances.
- Items left unattended or not kept secure.
- Change of mind or financial failure of a company, unless the policy specifically covers it.
- Some adventure activities unless you add cover.
Types of policy
Single trip
A single trip policy covers one journey with set dates. It is often the simplest and best value choice if you travel once or twice a year.
Annual multi trip
An annual policy covers multiple trips in a 12 month period, usually with a limit on the length of each trip. If you take several holidays or short breaks each year, such as a city break and a cheap holiday, an annual policy can work out cheaper and means you are covered for last minute trips too. Check the maximum trip length and any restrictions on activities.
Backpacker and long stay
If you are travelling for several months, look for policies designed for longer trips, as standard policies often have a maximum duration.
Worldwide and Europe only
Policies are often priced by region. A Europe policy usually costs less than a worldwide policy. Check which countries are included, and note that cover for the United States, Canada and some other regions is often priced higher because of medical costs.
When to buy travel insurance
The best time to buy is when you book your trip. Cancellation cover usually starts on the day you buy the policy, so if you wait until just before you go, you could miss out on cover for events that happen in between. This matters especially for trips with large non refundable costs, or for last minute holidays, where you should arrange cover before you travel.
Declaring medical conditions
Insurers will ask about existing medical conditions, and you must answer honestly. Failing to declare a condition can mean a claim is refused. Many insurers can cover pre existing conditions, sometimes with extra premium, and some specialist providers focus on this area. Take the time to complete the medical screening accurately and keep a copy of the answers.
How to choose a policy
- Check the medical limit. Make sure it suits your destination.
- Look at the excess. A low premium often comes with a higher excess per claim.
- Check cancellation limits. Make sure the limit covers the total cost of your trip.
- Check single item limits. These apply to phones, cameras and jewellery.
- Check activity cover. Skiing, scuba diving and similar activities often need an add on.
- Check for car hire excess cover. It can be handy if you plan to hire a vehicle.
- Read the exclusions. They tell you more than the marketing page.
- Check emergency assistance. A 24 hour helpline is valuable when something goes wrong abroad.
Comparing quotes
Comparison sites can help you see a range of policies side by side, but the cheapest result is not always the best fit. Compare like with like by checking the cover levels and excess on each quote. It is also worth checking whether you already have some cover elsewhere, for example through a packaged bank account or a credit card. These can include travel cover, but they often have conditions, such as how the trip was paid for, age limits and exclusions for pre existing conditions, so check the details before relying on them.
Insurance for different types of trip
Package and all inclusive holidays
A package holiday that includes flights and accommodation may offer some financial protection if the organiser fails, but this does not replace insurance for medical costs or lost belongings. For all inclusive holidays, think about excursions and activities that may not be covered by the resort.
UK holidays
You may not feel you need travel insurance for UK holidays, but cancellation, belongings and accommodation costs can still be at risk. Some policies are designed for UK trips and cost less than overseas cover.
Family holidays
Many policies cover children at no extra cost when travelling with parents, but check the age limits and whether the cover is automatic.
Trips from Gatwick
If you are flying from Gatwick, check whether your policy covers missed departure due to transport delays, and allow plenty of time for the journey to the airport.
Making a claim
- Contact the insurer or assistance line as soon as possible, especially for medical emergencies. Many policies require you to call before treatment unless it is a real emergency.
- Keep receipts, medical reports, police reports for theft, and written confirmation from airlines for delays or lost baggage.
- Take photos of damage and keep damaged items if asked.
- Report theft to the local police and get a reference number.
- Submit the claim form with your evidence within the time limit stated in the policy.
Practical tips before you travel
- Save the insurer’s emergency number in your phone and keep a printed copy of the policy with your travel documents.
- Take a photo of your passport, tickets and booking confirmations and store them somewhere secure.
- Check the rules on carrying prescription medication into your destination country and keep it in its original packaging.
- Tell your insurer if your plans change, for example if you add activities such as hiring a scooter or going hiking.
- Check how the policy treats mobile phones and tablets, since they are among the most commonly stolen items on holiday.
- Read the policy again if your trip includes extra countries or a stopover, because the cover area may differ.
Spending twenty minutes reading a policy before you buy is far better than discovering a gap at a hospital reception or an airport desk.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need travel insurance for a holiday in Europe?
It is not a legal requirement in most cases, but it is strongly advisable. A GHIC may reduce the cost of state healthcare in some countries, but it does not cover private treatment, repatriation or cancellation.
Is a GHIC the same as travel insurance?
No. A GHIC may help with state healthcare costs in some countries, while travel insurance can cover medical costs, repatriation, cancellation, baggage and more.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Ideally when you book your trip, because cancellation cover usually starts from the day you buy the policy.
Is single trip or annual cover better?
Single trip cover is usually better if you only travel once. If you take several trips in a year, annual cover can be better value. Compare the cost with the trips you realistically expect to take.
Do I have to declare pre existing medical conditions?
Yes. You should answer all medical questions honestly, as an undeclared condition can lead to a claim being refused.
Does travel insurance cover hire car excess?
Some policies include it or offer it as an extra. See our car hire guide for how excess works.
What is not covered by travel insurance?
Typical exclusions include undeclared medical conditions, unattended belongings, certain activities and changes of mind. Always check the policy wording.
Can I get cover if I have already booked?
Yes, you can usually buy a policy after booking, but cancellation cover will only apply to events that happen after the policy start date.
Final thoughts
Good travel insurance is about matching the cover to your trip rather than buying the cheapest policy. Take a few minutes to read the key facts, check the limits and exclusions, and buy it when you book. For help planning the rest of your trip, explore our guides to city breaks, UK holidays and Brighton and Sussex breaks, or get in touch.
This page is general information, not insurance or financial advice.