Travel Insurance
Compare Travel Insurance Quotes
Stay protected against medical emergencies and lost luggage.
Partnered with Quotezone
We’re partnered with Quotezone. As an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd (FCA FRN: 313860), we receive a commission if you purchase insurance products via SimplyQuote.co.uk.
We do not provide advice or make recommendations. Your choice of provider is entirely your own.
Compare affordable quotes from up to 15 travel insurers, including;
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that covers you financially if something goes wrong before or during a trip, including medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
It pays for costs you would otherwise have to cover yourself, from emergency hospital treatment abroad to rebooking flights after a cancellation. Without it, a single medical incident overseas could cost thousands of pounds.
You should buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This way, you are covered for cancellation from the moment you commit your money.
According to the ABI, UK insurers paid out over £500 million in travel insurance claims in 2023 across 574,000 claims. Having a policy in place means you are protected from day one of booking your trip.
How To Compare Travel Insurance Quotes
You can compare travel insurance quotes in under five minutes using an online comparison tool that checks prices from multiple UK insurers at once.
Enter your trip details
Provide your destination, travel dates, and the number of travellers. You will also need to confirm whether anyone in your group has a pre-existing medical condition.
Choose your cover level
Select the type of policy you need, such as single trip or annual multi-trip. You can also pick your preferred level of medical and cancellation cover.
Compare your quotes
Results appear side by side so you can compare price, excess, cover limits, and insurer ratings. Do not just pick the cheapest option without checking what is included.
Buy online
Once you have found a policy that fits your trip, you can buy it directly through the insurer's website. Check the FCDO travel advice for your destination before you finalise your booking.
If you are travelling as a family or group, enter everyone's details together. A family policy is usually cheaper than buying individual cover for each person.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
A standard travel insurance policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, personal liability, and repatriation back to the UK.
Medical emergencies abroad
If you fall ill or get injured while travelling, your policy pays for emergency treatment, hospital stays, and medication. In the US, a broken leg requiring surgery can cost over £27,000 without insurance.
Most policies provide at least £2 million of medical cover for European trips and £5 million or more for worldwide travel. Always check the limit before you buy.
Cancellation and curtailment
If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as illness, bereavement, or jury service, the policy reimburses your non-refundable costs. Curtailment cover applies if you need to cut your trip short and return home early.
Cancellation limits typically range from £1,000 to £5,000 per person. For expensive holidays, check that the limit is high enough to cover your total booking costs.
Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
Your policy covers the cost of replacing clothes, toiletries, and personal belongings if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed beyond a set number of hours. Cover limits typically range from £1,000 to £3,000.
Personal liability
If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while abroad, personal liability cover pays for legal costs and compensation claims against you. Most policies include £1 million to £2 million of liability cover.
Repatriation
If you need emergency medical transport back to the UK, repatriation cover pays for the air ambulance, medical escort, and any additional travel costs. This can cost tens of thousands of pounds without insurance.
Travel delay and missed departure
If your flight is delayed beyond a set number of hours, typically 12 to 24, your policy pays for meals, accommodation, and alternative transport. Missed departure cover also applies if you cannot reach the airport due to a breakdown, accident, or public transport failure.
What Types Of Travel Insurance Can You Get?
The main types are single trip, annual multi-trip, backpacker, family, and specialist cover for older travellers or those with pre-existing conditions.
| Policy type | Best for | Typical duration | Key feature |
| Single trip | One-off holidays | Up to 31 days | Covers one return trip |
| Annual multi-trip | Frequent travellers | 12 months (trips up to 31-45 days each) | Unlimited trips in one year |
| Backpacker | Gap year or extended travel | Up to 18 months | Covers multiple countries in one trip |
| Family | Parents travelling with children | Single or annual | One policy covers the whole family |
| Senior (65+) | Older travellers | Single or annual | Higher medical cover limits |
| Pre-existing conditions | Travellers with declared medical conditions | Single or annual | Medical screening included |
Single trip or annual multi-trip?
If you only travel once a year, single trip cover is usually cheaper. If you take two or more trips, annual multi-trip cover almost always works out better value.
European or worldwide cover?
European cover is cheaper because healthcare costs are lower across much of Europe. Worldwide cover is necessary for trips to the US, Canada, or Asia, where medical bills can run into six figures.
Can you combine policy types?
If you take one long trip and several short ones in the same year, you may need both a backpacker policy and an annual multi-trip policy. Some insurers offer flexible annual policies with extended single-trip durations of 60 or 90 days.
Specialist cover for older travellers
Travellers over 65 often face higher premiums and lower cover limits because insurers see them as higher medical risk. Specialist senior travel insurance policies offer the same cover levels as standard policies, but with medical screening built in.
Some mainstream insurers stop covering travellers at 75 or 80. If you fall into this age bracket, a specialist provider is often the only option.
What Is Not Covered By Travel Insurance?
Standard policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, dangerous activities, alcohol-related incidents, or travel to destinations under FCDO warnings.
Pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a condition that existed before you bought the policy, it will not be covered unless you declare it and pay for specialist cover. Failing to declare a condition can void your entire policy.
Conditions include anything you have seen a doctor about, take medication for, or are on a waiting list for treatment. If in doubt, always declare it and let the insurer decide.
Extreme sports and dangerous activities
Activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, and scuba diving below 30 metres are excluded from standard policies. You can add extreme sports cover as an optional extra.
Even activities that feel low-risk, such as jet skiing or horse riding, may need an add-on. Check the full list of excluded activities in your policy wording before you travel.
Alcohol and drug-related claims
If your claim is linked to excessive alcohol or drug use, the insurer will reject it. Medical records may be checked to confirm whether intoxication was a factor.
Travel against FCDO advice
If the FCDO advises against travel to your destination and you go anyway, your insurer will not pay out. Always check the latest travel advice before booking.
Changing your mind
Deciding you no longer want to go on holiday is not a covered reason for cancellation. The same applies if you miss your flight because you arrived at the airport late.
Cancellation cover only applies to events beyond your control, such as illness, redundancy, or a death in the family. Fear of travelling or a change of plans does not qualify.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Single trip travel insurance costs from around £6 for a basic European policy to over £40 for worldwide cover, with the price depending on your age, destination, and medical history.
| Age group | Single trip (Europe) | Single trip (worldwide) | Annual multi-trip (Europe) | Annual multi-trip (worldwide) |
| Under 50 | £6-£12 | £15-£30 | £18-£40 | £40-£80 |
| 50-59 | £10-£20 | £25-£50 | £30-£60 | £60-£120 |
| 60-69 | £15-£35 | £40-£80 | £50-£100 | £90-£180 |
| 70-79 | £25-£60 | £60-£130 | £80-£160 | £140-£280 |
| 80+ | £40-£100+ | £90-£200+ | £120-£250+ | £200-£400+ |
Prices are based on industry averages and comparison site data. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances.
What affects the price?
Five main factors drive the cost: your age, destination, trip length, cover level, and whether you have pre-existing medical conditions. Older travellers and those visiting the US or Caribbean pay the most.
The type of policy also matters. Annual multi-trip cover costs more upfront than a single trip policy, but it works out cheaper per trip if you travel more than once a year.
How much do claims cost without insurance?
Medical treatment abroad is expensive. A broken leg in the US can cost over £27,000, while air ambulance repatriation runs from £15,000 to £50,000 or more.
The ABI reports that the average travel insurance claim is around £890, with medical claims averaging £1,700. Against a policy costing under £50, the numbers speak for themselves.
What Extra Cover Can You Add To Travel Insurance?
Most insurers let you add winter sports, extreme activities, gadget cover, cruise cover, and golf cover to a standard policy for an additional premium.
Winter sports cover
Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are excluded from standard policies because of the injury risk. Winter sports cover pays for mountain rescue, piste closure, and lost ski equipment.
A mountain rescue in the Alps can cost £5,000 to £10,000 depending on the terrain and weather. The add-on typically costs £15 to £40 on top of your base policy.
Gadget and electronics cover
Standard policies cap personal belongings cover at £1,000 to £3,000, with individual item limits of £200 to £500. If you are travelling with expensive cameras, laptops, or drones, a dedicated gadget add-on is worth it.
Check whether your home contents insurance already covers personal items abroad. Some policies include this as standard, which could save you buying a separate gadget add-on.
Cruise cover
Cruise insurance covers missed port departures, cabin confinement due to illness, and itinerary changes. Standard policies do not account for the unique risks of cruise travel.
If you are confined to your cabin due to illness, cruise cover reimburses you for the excursions and onboard activities you miss. It also covers emergency medical evacuation from a ship at sea.
Golf cover
This covers lost or damaged golf clubs, green fees if you cannot play due to injury, and even hole-in-one celebrations. Replacing a full set of clubs can cost £1,000 or more.
Passport cover
If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, passport cover pays for a replacement and any additional accommodation while you wait for it. It also covers the cost of emergency travel documents if you need to get home urgently.
Travel disruption cover
If your flight is cancelled, delayed beyond a set number of hours, or your transport provider goes bust, disruption cover pays for rebooking and additional accommodation. Some standard policies include basic disruption cover, but the limits may be low.
How To Save Money On Travel Insurance
The easiest way to cut the cost of travel insurance is to compare quotes from multiple insurers, choose the right policy type, and avoid paying for cover you do not need.
Compare quotes online
Prices for the same level of cover can vary by 50% or more between insurers. A comparison tool checks multiple providers in one search, so you can see the cheapest options without visiting each insurer's website individually.
Choose annual multi-trip if you travel twice or more
Annual policies often cost less than two single trip policies combined. If there is any chance you will take a second trip in the year, annual cover is usually the better deal.
Avoid over-insuring
Do not pay for add-ons you will not use. If you are spending a week on a beach, you do not need winter sports or extreme activities cover.
Check if you are already covered
Some bank accounts and credit cards include travel insurance as a perk. If you hold a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), it covers state-provided medical treatment in Europe, but it is not a substitute for full travel insurance.
Increase your voluntary excess
Agreeing to pay a higher excess, the amount you contribute towards any claim, lowers your premium. Just make sure you can afford the excess if you need to claim.
Buy early
Buying travel insurance as soon as you book your trip means you are covered for cancellation from day one. Waiting until closer to departure means you miss out on weeks or months of cancellation cover.
Remember that annual policies have a per-trip duration limit, typically 31 or 45 days. If any of your trips are longer, check that the policy covers the full duration.
A typical excess ranges from £50 to £200. Increasing it from £50 to £150 can noticeably reduce your premium, though the saving varies between insurers.
If you booked a £3,000 holiday in January for a July departure, buying insurance straight away protects that £3,000 for six full months. Buying it the week before you fly only covers the trip itself.
How Does A Travel Insurance Claim Work?
Most travel insurance claims can be submitted online or by phone, and insurers typically aim to settle valid claims within 30 days of receiving all supporting documents.
What to do at the time of the incident
Report the incident as soon as possible and keep records of everything. For medical emergencies, contact your insurer's 24-hour helpline before seeking treatment so they can direct you to an approved facility.
Take photos of any damage, keep receipts for any costs you incur, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses. The more evidence you have, the faster your claim will be processed.
For theft or loss, file a police report within 24 hours and keep the reference number. For flight cancellations, get written confirmation from the airline.
How to submit your claim
Gather all evidence: receipts, medical reports, police reports, booking confirmations, and proof of costs. Submit your claim through the insurer's online portal or by post.
Most insurers set a deadline of 30 to 90 days after your return to submit a claim. Missing this window can mean your claim is rejected, even if it would otherwise be valid.
How long does a claim take?
Simple claims like delayed luggage are often settled within two weeks. Complex medical claims can take longer, especially if the insurer needs to verify treatment records.
The MoneyHelper website has guidance on what to do if your claim is rejected or you want to complain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you must declare it when you buy the policy and the insurer will run a medical screening. If you do not declare a condition, your entire policy could be voided.
Yes, a GHIC or EHIC covers state-provided medical treatment in Europe, but it does not cover repatriation, cancellations, lost luggage, or private hospital treatment. Use it alongside travel insurance, not instead of it.
Buy it as soon as you book your trip. This gives you cancellation cover from day one, protecting you if something goes wrong before you travel.
Some insurers offer policies you can buy after departure, but they are less common and usually more expensive. Most policies need to be purchased before you leave the UK.
Many policies now include COVID-19 cover for medical treatment and cancellation, but the terms vary between insurers. Check whether your policy covers testing, quarantine accommodation, and trip cancellation due to a positive test.
The excess is the amount you pay towards each claim before the insurer covers the rest, so a policy with a £100 excess means you pay the first £100. Choosing a higher excess lowers your premium.
It can be, especially for expensive bookings. Domestic travel insurance covers cancellations, stolen belongings, and personal liability, but you will not need medical cover since NHS treatment is free.
You will have to pay the full cost yourself. Hospital treatment in the US can exceed £27,000 for a broken leg, and air ambulance repatriation costs £15,000 to £50,000 or more.
Most policies cover trip disruption caused by natural disasters, including rebooking flights and accommodation. They do not cover losses if you chose to travel to an area with an active FCDO warning.
Some insurers allow extensions if you contact them before your policy expires, but others require you to buy a new policy. Check your insurer's terms before relying on this.
Only if the reason is covered by your policy, such as illness, an accident on the way to the airport, or public transport failure. Missing your flight because you overslept or arrived late is not covered.
For Europe, at least £2 million is recommended, and for the US or worldwide trips, aim for £5 million or more. Medical costs in the US are the highest in the world, so skimping on cover is a false economy.
