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The best travel insurance providers.

Updated May 9, 2024

In this guide

If you’re looking to escape the UK winter, or if you’re saving your holiday for the height of summer, you may wish to consider travel insurance. We explain what travel insurance is and some of the best policies on the market for your holiday.

In 2022, UK residents made 71 million visits abroad. This was over three times the amount made in 2021, when COVID restrictions kept many people at home. 

So if you’re part of a growing number of people spending time abroad, have you considered travel insurance? By taking out one of these policies you could be protected for lost baggage, delayed flights, and medical emergencies abroad among other unforeseen events.  

In this article we explain:

• What is travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

The best travel insurance.

• Travel insurance and medical conditions

Read more: Passport renewal costs and waiting times

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers the cost of unforeseen events and mishaps that either stop you from going on holiday or affect you while you’re away.

Depending on the policy, travel insurance might cover you for:

• Medical bills if you suffer illness or have an accident while you’re away
• Cancellation of your trip for reasons outside of your control
• Lost or stolen baggage

Policies are usually relatively inexpensive and can give you the peace of mind that your costs will be covered if something bad happens while you are on holiday.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, the average claim on travel insurance in 2022 was a little over £970. So while travel insurance won’t stop bad things from happening, but it can prevent you from having to find the money to pay for unexpected costs even after you return from your holiday.

Read more: Ten budget travel tips

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Many people opt to take out travel insurance to cover potential medical care while away.

Every week, 3,000 Brits need emergency medical treatment while abroad, according to the ABI. But travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical costs. It can protect you against a range of unplanned events:

• Cancellation or trip interruption for reasons outside your control
• Missed transport or delayed departure for reasons outside your control
• Personal injury and death, including medical evacuation
• Lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money – check if your home contents insurance covers you
• Accidental damage or injury caused by you

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

Most travel insurers provide a basic level of cover for cancelled flights. Aviva’s travel insurance, for example, will pay out if your flight is cancelled due to an airport shutdown.

If your airline cancels your flight then you should claim a refund directly with them, so your travel insurance could cover other costs such as hotel bookings, vehicle rentals, and other possible excursions.

What are my rights during strike action?

If your flights are cancelled because air staff are striking, which they have over last summer, you might be entitled to compensation from the airline. But for this to apply, customers must have been given less than 14 days’ notice.

It also depends on whether the airline was at fault or not: so if it’s the airline’s staff who are striking, you should be entitled to compensation.

If you’re worried that your flights might be delayed or cancelled, you should also check your travel insurance policy.

Some policies cover you for a cancelled or delayed flight, provided you took out the policy before the strikes were announced.

But if you haven’t yet bought your insurance, you may be out of luck. This is because most insurers won’t cover you for strikes which were already known about.

Read how travel insurance could catch you out.

Below we’ve listed some of the best travel insurance providers on the market, all of which were nominated in Times Money Mentor awards 2023.

Times Money Mentor award winning cover

Best for over-50s

Post Office

Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions

Best for those wanting substantial medical cover  

Best for a range of unique add-ons

Looking for a new holiday destination?

Make sure to visit Times Travel for your holiday inspiration this year. From palm beaches in Fiji to the beautiful Italian coastline, Times Travel caters to all different tastes. Unlike other parts of the site, you also don’t need a subscription to enjoy their high-quality content.

Another notable provider

Despite not winning a nomination at the Times Money Mentor awards, this provider also offers a decent level of cover:

Switched On

The best travel insurance for cruises.

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, it’s important to take out special additional cover such as a cruise insurance to protect you.

Cruise insurance is normally offered as an add-on to travel policies, and protects you if you:

• Miss connections to reach the departure
• Fail to get back on board after planned stops
• End up being confined to your cabin

Though if you want a dedicated travel insurance policy for a cruise, here’s an option to consider:

Just Travel Cover*

Best for cruise holidays

The best winter sports cover

If you’re planning a skiing and snowboarding trip then it’s important you have insurance that will cover you if you’re involved in an accident on the slopes.

Most travel insurers will offer winter sports cover as an optional add-on to their regular cover and will protect you if you:

• Need to be airlifted off the slopes or rescued and need medical treatment
• Turn up and there’s no snow
• Can’t start skiing and snowboarding because of avalanche risk
• Find out your equipment – such as skis, snowboard and boots – has been stolen

It’s difficult to predict what the next ski season will look like. But if you’re booking now and want cover for the essentials, here’s a policy to factor into your calculations.

InsureandGo*

Best for winter sports

What should a basic travel policy cover?

When shopping for travel insurance, you should ensure your policy comes with the following seven things as standard:

1. Medical expenses

This covers the costs of any emergency medical and surgical treatment while you’re away.

It usually costs more for cover in the US as medical bills can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Any treatment that can wait until you get home is not usually included.

Most policies offer cover of £1 million for medical costs in Europe. This is usually £2 million in the US.

2. Repatriation

This is where you might need to be evacuated from the country you’re visiting.

Repatriation usually happens when you need to get back home to the UK in the event of a medical emergency and is usually covered as standard in most travel insurance policies.

3. Cancellation/curtailment

This covers any travel and accommodation costs you have paid for and can’t use or claim back.

You need a good reason to cancel your trip, so make sure you double check the terms and conditions of your policy.

4. Missed departure

This covers your extra accommodation costs and travel expenses should you miss your departure due to situations outside your control.

It usually includes your car breaking down or being involved in an accident. Leaving home at the last minute won’t count.

This covers you for delays to your travel plans, such as severe weather conditions.

Delays known about before (such as strikes) won’t be covered.

6. Baggage cover

This should cover you if your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

You might need extra cover for gadgets or valuable possessions as there are usually limits on separate items.

Losses need to be reported within a certain time frame and you must have a written report from your airline if it loses your baggage.

7. Personal liability cover

This should cover you if you are liable to pay damages due to:

• Accidental bodily injury to someone
• Or for loss or damage to someone else’s property
• Claims made by family members or employees won’t be covered

Choose a smooth private healthcare journey with Saga Insurance

• Easy access to a specialist

• Fast tests, scans and treatment

• Comfortable hospital stay

Get a Saga Health Insurance quote

For people over 50. Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers, and it’s only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high standards of quality and service. 

What extra cover can you buy?

To provide a peace of mind you might be able to add the following onto your policy too:

• Wedding cover – If you’re travelling abroad for a wedding, some providers might include an add-on which covers damage to your possessions. If you think you need something more comprehensive, then consider a separate wedding insurance policy
• Gadget insurance – While you’re abroad you may wish to cover your laptop, phone, or tablet from theft or damage
• Golf equipment cover – Planning to tee off abroad? Then consider cover for moving your clubs overseas. This type of add on includes cover for your equipment if it is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged

Read more: Is credit card travel insurance any good?

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance won’t cover you for a risk that is known about.

For example, if you have a long-standing medical condition that means you can’t go on holiday, your insurer might not cover you for the cancellation costs.

Insurers also won’t cover you if you have to cancel your trip for reasons within your control. For example, if you miss your flight because you woke up late, your claim is likely to be rejected.

Travel insurance is also unlikely to cover you if you have been irresponsible. For example, if you leave your valuables in your hold luggage then your policy won’t cover you if these items are damaged.

Each travel insurance policy will have specific things it won’t cover and this will vary depending on the provider. So it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully.

What types of travel insurance can you buy?

There are two main options to choose from when taking out a travel insurance policy:

• Single trip — covers you for one trip of a specified length only
• Annual multi-trip — covers you for all your trips for one year (if you travel a lot this can work out cheaper than lots of single policies)

You need to make sure that either option of travel insurance covers you for where you are going, such as:

• Europe only
• Or the more expensive, worldwide policies (these either include or exclude the US)

But check first which exact countries providers include in their policies. For example, some policies include Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in their Europe insurance.

There is also specific travel insurance for backpackers, which offers extra cover for those who are likely to be away for an extended period of time or travelling to multiple destinations.

Also bear in mind that if you are doing any extreme sports like skiing or going on a cruise then you might need to buy an add-on.

When should I take out travel insurance?

It’s usually best to take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.

While many people think of travel insurance as something that covers problems while they are away, some policies cover you for issues, accidents and illnesses that stop you from being able to travel.

Cancellation is one of the main reasons that people claim on a travel insurance policy. If the cancellation happens before you have bought insurance then you wouldn’t be able to claim.

How much should I pay for travel insurance?

Your travel insurance premium will depend on a range of factors such as your age, health, type of policy, and destination. This is why an average travel insurance premium will likely be meaningless, so make sure to do your research and get a quote from several different providers before deciding on a policy.

Do I need travel insurance?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, it does come with a host of benefits such as cover for medical expenses.

We’ve already listed the benefits of having protection for unexpected medical costs above, and it remains pertinent if you’re travelling abroad and won’t have access to the NHS. According to the ABI, there is one recorded case in 2022 when a traveller in Thailand contracted a serious blood infection which needed intensive medical treatment. The bill eventually came up to £250,000 which was paid in full by their travel insurance provider.

Also consider that some visa applications require you to have a suitable travel insurance policy in place before you apply. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to travel Europe you’ll need a policy in place which covers medical expenses up to €30,000 during your trip.

FAQs: Travel insurance and medical conditions

Many people solely take out travel insurance to protect themselves from medical expenses. According to the ABI, the average medical claim on travel cover is more than £1,300. Notoriously in the US, these figures run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

So below we’ve answered some of the most common medical related questions on travel insurance:

Q. Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some insurers do provide cover for pre-existing conditions. However, it is vital that youflag these conditions during the application stage. If you don’t it could invalidate your policy.  

Q. Do you need to tell your travel insurance provider if you have a new medical condition?

If there is a significant change to your personal health then you’ll need to inform your travel insurance provider. This includes being diagnosed with a new long-term illness.

Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

Q. Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 75 with medical conditions?

Yes. In fact, there are some providers on the market which tailor their policies towards an older demographic. For example, Saga has dedicated policies for over 50s and 70s.

* All products, brands or properties mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback, and are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. This article contains links from which we can earn revenue. This revenue helps us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. For more, see  How we make our money  and  Editorial promise

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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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Best Travel Insurance

Here's our pick of the UK's best travel insurance policies, based on independent research 🏆

Top 10 Travel Insurance 2024

• Cedartree, Platinum 🥇
• Avanti, Deluxe – up to 16.8% cashback 🥈
• Tesco Bank, Premier 🥉
• Columbus Direct,Gold – up to 20.8% cashback
• LV=, Premier – up to £12.80 cashback
• Covered2Go, Platinum
• AA Travel Insurance, Gold
• Direct Line, Single Trip & Annual
• FreeSpirit, Gold
• Puffin Insurance, Platinum

We also have specific Top 10s for Backpacker / Long Stay Travel Insurance and Pre-existing Medical Conditions Travel Insurance .

How did we come up with this list?

We used an algorithm to combine independent ratings from Which? and Fairer Finance with Mr. Travel's summaries of customer feedback from reviews websites 🤓  

Top 10 Travel Insurance Reviews

Read on for insights into the policy features of 2023's best travel insurance policies, as well as a summary of what the experts make of them.

Cedartree Travel Insurance: Platinum Policy

Tailored for Specific Needs

Cedartree's Platinum policy offers a range of specialized coverages to address specific requirements. With a 75% Which? policy score and a ranking of 16, Cedartree stands as a reputable provider. The policy includes medical expenses cover (£15,000,000), baggage cover (£3,000), and cancellation cover (£7,500). Cedartree specializes in cover for cruises, but not for medical conditions, travellers over 65, or winter sports activities.

Read the full Cedartree review or get a quote .

Avanti: Deluxe Policy

Unlimited Medical Expenses Cover

Avanti's Deluxe policy boasts unlimited medical expenses cover, setting it apart from other providers. With a Which? policy score of 70% and a ranking of 41, Avanti provides superior Covid Cover and caters to those with medical conditions. The policy also includes baggage cover (£3,000), cancellation cover (£10,000), and no excess payable on medical claims.

Get up to 16.8% cashback on Avanti travel insurance at Quidco, or read the full review .

Tesco: Premier Policy

Cover for Every Occasion

Known for their vast range of products, Tesco offers a comprehensive Premier policy that ranks impressively at number 3 with an 80% Which? policy score. With superior Covid Cover, Tesco's policy delivers an extensive range of coverage. Notably, the policy provides a high medical expenses cover of £20,000,000, baggage cover (£3,000), and cancellation cover (£10,000). Tesco also offers cover for cruises, winter sports activities, and backpackers .

Get notified about cashback on Tesco travel insurance by Quidco, or read the full review .

Columbus Direct: Gold Policy

Competitive Benefits for Explorers

Columbus Direct's Gold policy secures a 67% Which? policy score and ranks 47th, highlighting its competitive benefits. The policy provides medical expenses cover up to £15,000,000 and includes baggage cover (£2,500) and cancellation cover (£50,000). You can also avail specialized coverage for medical conditions, cruises, and winter sports activities.

Read the full review of Columbus Direct Travel Insurance , or head over to Quidco for up to 20.8% cash back .  

LV: Premier Policy

Trusted Protection for All

With a Which? policy score of 77% and ranking at number 11, LV's Premier policy offers comprehensive coverage. The policy includes medical expenses cover (£10,000,000), baggage cover (£3,000), and cancellation cover (£10,000). LV specializes in providing coverage for medical conditions, cruises, and travellers over 65.

You can get up to £8.50 cashback on LV= travel insurance at Quidco – or you can read our full review of LV= Premier here .

Covered2Go: Platinum Policy

A Comprehensive Cover for Everyone

Covered2Go's Platinum policy stands out as a top choice due to its multitude of features. With a policy score of 79% from Which?, it secures a prestigious fifth position among 71 providers, ensuring high-quality coverage. Notably, Covered2Go excels in Covid Cover with its superior rating. Moreover, the policy offers extensive medical expenses cover (£10,000,000), baggage cover (£5,000), and cancellation cover (£7,500). They also specialize in providing coverage for medical conditions, cruises, travellers over 65 , and winter sports enthusiasts.

Check out our complete review of Covered2Go here .

AA: Gold Policy

Trusted and Reliable Assistance

The AA, a renowned name in the UK, brings forth their Gold policy with a solid Which? policy score of 74% and ranks at number 21. Similar to Covered2Go, the AA offers superior Covid Cover . The policy features medical expenses cover up to an impressive £15,000,000, along with comprehensive cover for airline failure and cancellation (£5,000). While they don't specialize in certain areas such as medical conditions and cruises, the AA does provide winter sports coverage.

Looking for an in-depth review of AA Travel Insurance ? We've got you covered!

Free Spirit: Gold Policy

The Saviours for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

Free Spirit's Gold policy resonates with those who have pre-existing medical conditions, earning a Which? policy score of 72% and ranking 32nd. With specialized coverage for medical conditions and cruises, Free Spirit has tailored its policy to meet the unique needs of these travellers. The policy offers up to £10,000,000 in medical expenses cover, baggage cover (£2,500), and cancellation cover (£5,000).

Read our full review of Free Spirit here .

Direct Line: Direct Line Single Trip & Annual

Simplicity and Convenience in One

Direct Line makes travel insurance simple and convenient with their Single Trip and Annual policies. With a solid Which? policy score of 76% and ranking at number 17, Direct Line ensures complete coverage. The policies provide a medical expenses cover of £10,000,000, and include baggage cover (£1,500) and cancellation cover (£5,000). Direct Line also caters to winter sports enthusiasts.

Read our longer review of Direct Line travel insurance , including customer reviews.

Puffin Insurance: Platinum Policy

An Adventure Awaits

Puffin Insurance's Platinum policy completes our list, with a Which? policy score of 75% and ranking at number 19. The policy offers medical expenses cover of £10,000,000, baggage cover (£2,500), and cancellation cover (£5,000). Puffin Insurance stands out by providing specialized cover for winter sports activities but does not specialize in medical conditions, cruises, or travellers over 65 .

Read the complete review of Puffin Travel Insurance here.

Looking for reviews on the best of the rest?

Did you know, Mr. Travel has reviewed more than 100 travel insurance companies? 🤯

See all the travel insurance reviews here .

Or, read our guides to the hottest topics in travel insurance.

Reviewed: 100+ UK travel insurance providers

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The UK’s leading travel insurance providers reviewed

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy, the experiences of others can be an excellent indicator of what to expect. So what are people like you saying about some of the UK's leading travel insurance providers?

• Online reviews can provide helpful information on the strengths and weaknesses of travel insurance providers.
• Customers praise the leading UK travel insurers for customer service, ease of buying insurance and affordability of the policies for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
• Some customers have been let down by claims processes, especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
• You can look at online reviews to get an idea of the UK’s best travel insurance providers before comparing different policies.

Travel insurance for UK holidaymakers: FAQs

What is the highest-rated travel insurance in the uk.

The UK’s leading travel insurance providers include Staysure , Avanti , Travel Insurance 4 Medical, Cover Cloud Travel Insurance, Globelink , Saga and Direct Line. These providers all have at least a four-star rating on TrustPilot.

Can you trust online travel insurance reviews?

You can find a lot of great information from online reviews. Websites like TrustPilot provide trustworthy reviews of the UK's leading travel insurance providers . You can get a great overall view of an insurer when looking at reviews. However, you always want to take the reviews with a pinch of salt. You can't know the individual circumstances behind the complaints.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for older people?

The most affordable travel insurance always depends on your personal circumstances. Many great insurers provide affordable travel insurance for over-50s , from Saga to Avanti . You should compare different options to find the best travel insurance for your needs.

Does travel insurance cover Covid-19 related illness and cancellations?

Many travel insurance providers didn't cover cancellations due to the coronavirus at the start of the pandemic. You can read a lot of online reviews complaining about this. However, insurance companies have since updated their policies. With most insurers, you can also buy extra cover against Covid-19 related travel disruption .

Having the right travel insurance can give you the peace of mind to enjoy your next trip.

Thankfully, finding travel insurance doesn't have to be tricky, even as you get older. Sure, premiums may be more expensive than what you would have once paid. However, many UK travel insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions and offer other elements tailored to older holidaymakers.

While all insurers will talk about the positives of their policies, what matters most are the opinions of those who buy them and potentially have to make a claim.

Let’s look at what people say about some of the UK’s leading travel insurance providers.

Whether you're looking for single-trip, multi-trip, or specialist cover, or need assurance about pre-existing medical conditions, our panel of travel insurance providers has you covered. Click on your chosen provider below to get started.

• Some restrictions based on age

All TrustPilot figures correct as of 1st November 2023.

Allianz Travel Insurance

TrustPilot Rating: 4.3 from 49,907 reviews

Allianz Assistance , which takes in Allianz Travel Insurance , was incorporated back in 2014.

• Upper age limit of 80.
• Up to 180 days cover available with single trip insurance.
• Request a personalised quote for your specific requirements.

As the TrustPilot rating shows, on the whole feedback has been relatively positive. In these unprecedented times, there has been huge demand for telephone assistance. As you might expect, this has placed short-term pressure on the service, with some reviewers highlighting difficult experiences.

It is important not to let short-term challenges for the industry overshadow the overall rating for Allianz Travel Insurance . Of the 49,907 reviews received, 76% were excellent, and 6% were great, which gives a clearer picture.

TrustPilot Rating: 4.7 from 315,371 reviews

Staysure has been around since 2005 and has served over 8 million customers. 

• Cover for pre-existing conditions.
• Single or annual multi-trip cover available.
• No upper age limit.

Generally, Staysure customers love how easy it is to buy a travel insurance policy. Many reviews mention how straightforward the process is and how easy it is to use the Staysure website . In addition, several positive reviews from people who contacted Staysure reported having an excellent experience with its customer service team. Fantastic customer service is usually a pretty safe sign of a reliable company! On top of this, Staysure customers love the different discounts and offers available from the site.

In terms of negative feedback, much of it focuses on difficulty renewing or cancelling policies.

Read our comprehensive review of Staysure travel insurance .

AllClear Travel Insurance

TrustPilot Rating: 4.8 from 116,918 reviews

Incorporated in 2000, AllClear Travel Insurance has a deep-seated knowledge of the specialist medical travel insurance market. Consequently, the company offers a range of services for all age groups.

• Upper age limit of 90.
• Up to 94 days cover available with single trip insurance.

As the TrustPilot rating shows, AllClear Travel Insurance has achieved fantastic feedback, with 84% rating their experience as excellent. While the 94-day cover available with single trip insurance is significantly less than some competitors, remember AllClear Travel Insurance is focused on over 50s market. Some of the other figures quoted, often up to 180 days, are often restricted for older age groups. Many customers have returned to AllClear Travel Insurance, having had a positive experience with previous policies.

In an exceptionally competitive market, AllClear Travel Insurance has attracted more than 116,000 reviews. Less than 1% rated the experience as poor or bad, 2% rated the service average, 13% great, and 84% excellent. Need we say more?

Medical Travel Compared

TrustPilot Rating:  4.8 from 22,440 reviews

Since inception in 2013, Medical Travel Compared has been providing specialist medical travel insurance for a growing customer base. Direct access to a panel of specialist insurers allows the company to offer a range of travel insurance products:

• Upper age limit of 90+.
• Comprehensive cover for a range of medical conditions.
• Personalised quotes available for specific requirements.

Medical Travel Compared offers an impressive mix of travel insurance deals with specific emphasis on medical cover. While cover details will vary from insurer to insurer, they will match or improve on the industry standard. Whether looking at single, annual multi-trip or long stay travel insurance, there are options from 50 up to 90+ years of age. It is important to remember that once you have chosen your insurance policy, communication should be directly with the insurance provider, not Medical Travel Compared. However, Medical Travel Compared will intervene on your behalf where the insurance company has failed to address your concerns.

Out of over 22,000 reviews, 17% rated the service provided as great with a staggering 80% leaving excellent feedback. Less than 1% rated Medical Travel Compared as poor or bad, with a further 1% posting an average review. In the event of negative reviews, the company has shown a willingness to address any issues both online and directly. What more can we say?

TrustPilot Rating: 4.8 from 70,115 reviews

Avanti has offered a range of travel insurance products since launching in 2009.

• No upper age limits.
• Personalised policies based on your specific needs.

Overall, it would appear that Avanti's customers are delighted with the services offered. The company received particular praise for the ease with which the website can be accessed via different devices. Elsewhere, Avanti quotes were seen as very competitive, the purchase and renewal process simple, and occasional discounts well received. The fact that the claims process is rarely mentioned suggests that the system works well!

Some reviews mentioned trouble accessing account information and Avanti emails falling into spam folders. However, these issues seem to be sporadic and by no means widespread.

Travel Insurance 4 Medical

TrustPilot rating: 4.8 from 19,423 reviews

Founded back in 1973, Travel Insurance 4 Medical has a long and successful history in the travel insurance industry. 

• Huge range of pre-existing conditions covered.

Travel Insurance 4 Medical has a relatively long history going back to 1973 and, according to reviews, an in-depth understanding of the market. Not only does the company cover a vast array of pre-existing medical conditions, but quotes are competitive and affordable. In addition, the online quote system allows you to tailor policies to your specific needs and budget, receiving a lot of positive feedback. An understanding approach to policy cancellations was also appreciated by reviewers, with refunds settled quickly.

Some concerns were expressed about the cumbersome renewal process, which didn't compare well to other providers. While there was some negative feedback about coronavirus-related claims in the early days of the pandemic, these now appear to have been resolved.

TrustPilot rating: 3.9 from 1,011 reviews

Globelink has a 20-year track record in the industry and reports an impressive 70% return rate for its customers.

• Insurance services tailored for senior citizens.
• Cover for the existing conditions.

Even though reviews for Globelink are relatively limited, a high number of those who posted feedback rated the company as excellent. There are positive references to cover for those in older age groups, with travel insurance cover for over 80s attracting significant praise. Most reviews expressed high satisfaction rates with Globelink's customer service, resolving policy issues relatively quickly with minimal fuss. With 90% of reviews rating the company as great or excellent, Globelink seems to be hitting the spot with consumers.

There was mixed feedback regarding terms of cover and frustration at rejected claims.

TrustPilot rating: 4.4 from 37,961 reviews

Founded in the 1950s, Saga has branched into other insurance services since then. Still, its core travel insurance remains one of the top such products in the UK.

• All pre-existing medical conditions considered.

Saga is, for many, the leading name in over 50s travel insurance and online reviews support this view. Feedback suggests the Saga website is easy to use, quotes are quick and competitive and buying insurance online is trouble-free. In addition, the company doesn't exclude any pre-existing medical conditions, which is a massive attraction for many. While there is specific reference to over 50s travel insurance products, reviews also cover other over 50s insurance services, which are, on the whole, very positive.

The only real drawback mentioned in these reviews was the waiting times to speak with customer services. Unfortunately, peak-time phone queues are often unavoidable. Still, there is the option to chat online with a representative or email your queries.

Read Pension Times’ comprehensive review of Saga travel insurance here .

Direct Line

TrustPilot rating: 3.7 from 15,886 reviews

Direct Line is well-known for offering a range of highly competitive insurance services.

• Purchase online for savings of up to 25%.
• Single, annual multi-trip and backpacker cover available.

In a sector often dominated by jargon and small print, customer feedback has highlighted the easy to understand nature of Direct Line travel insurance policies. Amongst the many travel insurance reviews, there is specific mention of the clearly defined level of cover with each policy. Customers have also been waxing lyrical about processing times, with Direct Line's customer service receiving praise.

The negative feedback is a little misleading as much of this relates to other insurance services offered by Direct Line. However, some customers expressed concern about travel insurance renewal prices and individual issues with claims.

Read Pension Times’ comprehensive review of Direct Line travel insurance here .

Free Spirit Travel Insurance

TrustPilot rating: 4.7 from 3,639 reviews

Free Spirit Travel Insurance was the first specifically designed for those refused coverage elsewhere due to their health, disability or age.

• Specific cover for medical aids and prescribed medications.

The number of people returning to Free Spirit Travel Insurance to renew travel insurance and enhance future travel cover says everything about the company. Customers obviously like what the insurer offers; they are satisfied with the cover and the straightforward approach to buying holiday insurance. There is also specific mention of the affordability and ease of finding customised travel insurance considering pre-existing medical conditions.

On the downside, some people mentioned issues with customer services and extended waiting times. There were also some negative comments about the claims process, with a small number experiencing difficulties.

UK travel insurance providers reviewed

The best travel insurance for you always depends on your individual needs and situation. What works for you might not work for someone else. Travel insurance prices also depend on personal circumstances. As such, different providers can provide widely varying quotes. But it can still be a good idea to check online reviews.

The above reviews indicate what different travel insurers are good at and the areas where they could improve. With reviews, it's essential to keep an eye out for the most recent feedback. If this is mainly negative, you might want to consider your choices. While much of it can be genuine and warranted, you also want to take some negative feedback with a grain of salt. Complaints regarding specific policies can be challenging to understand without knowing the full details. 

The companies listed in the article have high ratings and are generally a good pick. Overall, these UK travel insurance providers have a good selection of products. Comparing your travel insurance options is often the best way to find a policy that works for you.

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Travel insurance covers you for costs that could occur when you are travelling, find the best travel product for your needs, what is travel insurance.

A travel insurance policy protects you against costs you’d otherwise incur if problems arise when travelling. A good policy will cover you for essentials such as cancellation, lost luggage, delayed flights, stolen property, illness, injury and repatriation.

Sometimes, travel insurance is called “holiday insurance”. You don’t legally need it to travel, but it could prove invaluable if something happens while you were away.

A good policy will cover you for essentials such as cancellation, lost luggage and delayed flights."

Do I need travel insurance?

If you experience problems when travelling, you might have to fork out a lot of money.

For example, if you fall ill overseas, your medical bill can run into tens of thousands of pounds or even more, especially if you must remain in hospital for some time or need to be repatriated. 

Don’t fall into the trap of only getting round to travel insurance when you’re pretty much on your way to the airport. Always search for and buy cover when you book your trip, so you’re protected against cancellations or delays, which could wreck your holiday even before it begins.

The right policy will contain all the elements you need. For example, the personal belongings cover limit should be higher than the cost of replacing any expensive items you’re taking with you.

Worldwide travel insurance 

It’s also worth considering worldwide travel insurance if you are travelling outside of Europe.  Worldwide travel insurance can either include or exclude the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, so read the small print.

Types of travel insurance

Single trip insurance.

This covers you for one trip to just one location (or locations - for example, if you’re travelling to a few destinations) for a specific period of time. The cover ends when you return home.

Multi-trip travel insurance

This covers you for every trip you make during a 12-month period. The best policy will depend on what cover you want and how often you travel. If you’re only going on one or two holidays in the next year, it’s usually a good idea to get single-trip travel insurance.

If you travel more often, annual travel insurance could work out much cheaper in the long run. Here’s how to choose between single-trip travel insurance or annual travel insurance.

How to choose the best travel insurance

Shop around, get the right kind of policy, don’t always get the optional extras, what does travel insurance cover, not covered with some policies, how does pre-existing medical conditions impact travel insurance.

Any pre-existing conditions must be declared when you apply for travel insurance. You’ll need to share information about these when you get your holiday insurance quotes and apply for a policy.

If you don’t declare your medical conditions, you cannot claim on your holiday insurance should you fall ill as a result of your condition. For example, if you don’t tell your insurer about your angina and then suffer a heart attack or stroke while on holiday, your policy probably won’t pay out.

That’s why it’s important to be as open and honest as you can when you sort out travel medical insurance. You might like to find specialist cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you don’t declare your medical conditions, you cannot claim on your holiday insurance."

How can I get cheap travel insurance?

It’s important to find the best travel insurance for your needs rather than just searching for cheap travel insurance. That’s because cheap holiday insurance might not cover what you need.

If you just need standard travel insurance, searching on a comparison site will provide you with an ample selection of policies to consider. 

If you have more specific needs, such as a pre-existing medical condition, you may need to speak to a specialist. The Money and Pensions Service and the British Insurance Brokers’ Association should be able to help you find affordable cover.

Do I need extra protection or a specialist policy?

Not all activities are covered on every holiday insurance policy. Depending on what you’ll be doing while you’re away, you might need extra cover for activities that aren’t included as standard.

You can tailor your policy with extras such as:

Extreme and winter sports cover: This is for accidents that happen while you take part in sports such as skiing or snowboarding. You might see this being called ski travel insurance

Business cover: This provides cover if you’re travelling for work purposes

Golf cover: This covers your golfing equipment and other associated costs

You can also get specialist policies, including:

Travel insurance for seniors: This is for older people, who are statistically more likely to make a medical claim

Pre-existing medical conditions: This travel insurance element is for people with diagnosed health conditions

Cruise travel insurance: Cruise insurance covers incidents such as cabin confinement or a missed port

Backpacker travel insurance: If you’re going away for longer than usual periods, such as a gap-year trip, you may wish to consider backpacker insurance policies

Family travel insurance: If you’re travelling as a family, this can be a good way to save on the costs as it covers you all

Do I legally need to have travel insurance?

No, but you should never travel without it because medical treatment abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds or more.

When should I buy travel insurance?

It’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. That way, you’ll be covered if something happens that means you can’t go or you’re delayed. This could include illness or weather disruptions – but check your policy carefully to see what you’re covered for. If you’re not insured, you won’t be able to claim.

Remember that with travel insurance, you’ll usually have to pay for any costs yourself, and your insurer will pay you back later when you claim. So don’t forget to keep receipts and bills to prove what you paid for.

When might I not need to buy travel insurance?

While you should always travel with insurance, you might not need to buy a policy if you already have it through another source, such as through work or as part of a packaged bank account .

Can I get travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, but it can be more expensive, and not all insurers will cover you. This guide explains how to find travel insurance with pre-existing conditions .

Will my destination be covered?

Most popular destinations will be, but check your policy and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) because some countries may not be insured if they are deemed dangerous.

How long can I go away for?

It depends on your policy, but most insurers offer maximum single-trip lengths of between 30 and 90 days. 

Some insurers will offer longer lengths of cover, such as up to 120 days, although there may be upper age limit restrictions.

Can I claim for cancellation before my holiday starts?

Yes, you’re covered from the moment you take out your policy. For this reason, it’s best to buy travel insurance when you book your trip.

Do I need travel insurance in Europe if I have a EHIC?

Yes, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only gives you access to basic state-provided healthcare when in European Union countries and Switzerland. It doesn’t cover ongoing care, medicines or repatriation costs.

Despite Brexit, the cards remain valid until their expiration dates. When your EHIC expires, you can replace it with a EHIC UK or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Will travel insurance cover me if I travel for business?

Yes, and some policies will offer business cover as an extra to cover gadgets and other devices, including laptops and mobile phones as well as business equipment.

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The COVID-19 cover doesn't protect you against any cancellation or travel disruption costs related to COVID-19 if you travel against FCO advice . You must have a positive COVID-19 NHS test certificate. To check latest FCO updates on travel destination exempt from 'all but essential' mention, check our map .

You're about to leave UK for a super exciting trip in Europe or worldwide and travel insurance is the least interesting thing about your coming holidays?

But did you know that 1 Brit out of 5 has, at some point, needed medical care abroad?

Take as granted that we absolutely never know what may happen and that bad things do not only happen to others...

Travel insurance is nothing but one of the highest insurance product in terms of value for money. For as cheap as £1/day, you could travel with complete peace of mind and get some deserved rest. Stay tuned!

Consult our trusted travel insurance providers

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers you in case something unexpected happens while you are travelling abroad.

That could be anything: medical or repatriation expenses, trip cancellation expenses, baggage loss, personal liability problem etc. while you are travelling abroad.

You will need to carefully choose your travel insurance depending on:

• the destination of your trip;
• the duration of it;
• the nature of your stay abroad (vacation, professional, WHV, etc.).

Insurance coverage must be valid for the entire duration of your stay abroad.

Why do I need travel insurance?

You are not protected from any accident or illness that could go so far as your repatriation to the UK. There are many examples: infections, transport accidents, loss or theft of luggage. Bad things not only happen to others and can represent significant expenses if you are not properly covered.

Travel insurance is a combination of two components:

• The insurance component: compensation part, for example the advance or reimbursement of fees caused by an accident, illness, damage caused to third parties, etc.
• The assistance component : assistance or support when you find yourself in a complicated situation (repatriation, loss or theft of your luggage, legal fees).

In addition, you must know that you will not, abroad, have your usual landmarks and won't necessarily know where to go and who to contact in case something goes wrong. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for travel insurance whatever the kind of trip you are planning.

Abroad, medical and hospital costs are often much more expensive than in UK, especially in the USA, Canada and in some asian countries. In USA, hospital treatment and stay for a stomach illness may cost you around £100,000.

What does travel insurance cover?

Each travel insurance policy is different, since it is the insurer who determines the contract's content: guarantees, compensation limits, deductibles, travel insurance prices, etc.

However, all contracts on the market must include at least the following guarantees:

• Medical expenses: compensation by the insurer for your health expenses during your stay (consultation, analysis, emergency treatment, longer hospital stay, etc.).
• Repatriation assistance to the UK : financial and logistical support by a dedicated 24/7 team for your early return to your country of residence if it proves necessary.
• Trip cancellation and cover for delayed or missed departure: compensation if you need to cancel your trip for whatever reason or if you missed your departure.
• Personal liability: compensation for any damage or injury made to a third-party (consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover).
• Baggage: compensation for any lost or theft of baggage while travelling (consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover).

Good to know

Most of the time, travel insurers offer different formulas from the most basic to the most premium ones (check out our reviews by providers). Cover types involved are usually the same, but the compensation limits and deductibles vary.

Our advices on travel insurance limits you should get

You may additionally have other features included such as:

• money and cash protection
• loss of passport or official documents
• dental emergency.

You can also apply to upgrades depending on the kind of trip you're doing such as:

• cruise cover
• gadget cover
• winter or any extreme sport protection etc.

Is holiday insurance compulsory?

Most of the time, travel insurance is not a legal requirement.

However, you will need to show proof of travel insurance to get your visa for some countries. You'll find out whether you need a visa or not, as a british resident, in our review per country.

Check out our advices per destination

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner or family, whether you are planning a short trip or 6 months holidays, you will need to choose the right travel. Let's find out what travel insurances types of cover are available.

Single trip insurance

These travel insurance policies are for one-off holidays. You will be covered from the start of the journey until the end. You can decide the number of days you want to be covered for.

Annual multi-trip cover

These policies are made for frequent travelers going away for holidays, business trips or for any other reason several times a year.

Backpackers insurance

These plans are made for students or any british resident who wants to explore the world, including for backpacking, gap year trips or for any other long stay reason.

You would need to check whether it is more competitive to buy two or three single trip insurance policies or an annual multi-trip policy.

Family travel insurance

Family travel insurances aim to cover members of a family travelling together abroad. Family travel insurance is particularly important as family trips represent, in most of the cases, significant budgets.

Couple travel insurance

Couple travel insurance (also joint travel insurance) covers you and your partner for any unexpected costs you may have to face abroad. Protect your beloved partner and find out which are the best insurers.

Group travel insurances

A comprehensive group travel insurance covers you and any member of the group instead of buying individual policy, often more expensive.

As a group or a family, you can often benefit from very interesting discounts while purchasing travel insurance online.

Can I get sports travel insurances?

Of course, and you must!

You must get covered in case you get injured while doing sports.

Most insurers cover some sport practices as standard. But in most of the cases, winter sports and golf have to be added on top of your basic contract at an extra charge (you will get the exact cover details for each insurers in our reviews by providers ).

Winter sports insurance

You are crazy about ski and you are about to plan ski holidays to practice your favorite sport? You would like to find travel insurance that is tailored for your activity in case something goes wrong? Check out our guide.

You are going on a golf break in France? You should definitely get golf travel insurance. Golf holiday insurance is not exactly the same as standard travel insurance as it is tailored for your needs as a recurrent golfer.

However, for extreme and hazardous sports such as rock climbing , scuba diving etc. you will, in most of the cases, need to purchase specific travel insurance or you will not be covered in case something happens.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on a range of factors. It is now possible to tailor your travel insurance and avoid paying for guarantees that you do not need.

*Single trip quotes are for a single traveler of 30 years old and for a 7 days trip / Family trip quotes are for 2 young parents of around 35 and 2 children of 6 and 4 .

The insurance provider determines the cost of travel policies based on the following criteria:

• The type of trip : the nature and purpose of your stay will have a significant impact on the final premium you'll have to pay (single or annual trip, gap year, backpackers).
• The duration of your trip : depending on whether you are leaving for 3 days or whether you need travel insurance for a trip around the world, the insurer will apply different price grids.
• The destination of your stay : medical expenses are for instance much more expensive in the USA and will therefore lead to an increase of your insurance premium.
• Your age and medical record : health risks increase with age. This affects the price of the contract.
• Insured persons: as a general rule, your spouse and your dependent children are also fiscally insured, but make sure to read the small prints of your travel insurance policy.

How do I get quote for travel insurance online?

Nothing simpler. Just use the comparison platform above and click on the offer you'd like to purchase. You will be redirected to the insurer's website and be able to purchase your policy online.

A travel insurance contract can now be fully subscribed online in a few clicks, after filling out a questionnaire and providing the requested documents. Administrative formalities are considerably reduced compared to a "traditional" subscription with an insurer and the cost is very often much lower. You pay the premium online.

Coverage is therefore almost immediate. You will obtain your provisional certificate by email immediately after subscription as well as in some cases, a paper version at the address indicated, as well as the contract. The certificate will be the proof of your coverage and may be attached to your request for a quote, especially when it is mandatory if you are traveling to China, Russia, Algeria or Cuba.

You can also purchase travel insurance at your travel agency, the airline you're travelling with or the tour operator, and even banking establishments.

Don't forget to get your certificate while travelling in case any unexpected event occurs (fingers crossed)!

What should you pay attention to while comparing travel insurances?

Depending on your stay abroad and your profile, our holiday insurance comparison will guide you through the most suitable contracts.

It also gives you all the information you may need to make the right choice. It is then up to you to compare the proposed policies according to your real needs abroad and the criteria that matter to you. Here are 4 points to be particularly attentive to:

• Price : everyone is looking for cheap travel insurance. That said, taking out a policy with the price for consideration alone is a bad idea. The question of the premium is central, but should not be the only criteria involved.
• Additional guarantees : the same offers are often offered, namely compensation for medical and hospital expenses, repatriation assistance and civil liability abroad. But you should also look into the issue of additional guarantees, useful in the event of an unexpected event: luggage guarantee, travel cancellation insurance.
• Compensation limits : each insurer sets its own compensation limits and these maximum amounts are to be considered, especially if you leave the Schengen area and go to the USA or Canada where health costs are very expensive.
• Exclusions : again, remember to consult the exclusions provided for in the contract in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Note that legally, any exclusion must necessarily be entered in the general conditions of the insurance policy.

Do I have travel insurance with my credit card?

Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit card holders usually have overseas coverage included, often mistakenly associated with travel insurance.

In order to benefit from this, the bearer must have paid for the entire trip with his card.

Also note that the coverage provided by these credit card agreements is much less extensive than that of a dedicated contract taken out with an insurer, and it only concerns stays abroad of less than 3 months.

Holders of a high-end bank card (prime visa, for example) are better off with higher compensation limits. In general, repatriation assistance, civil liability abroad, death / disability insurance and medical care are included (with compensation ceilings generally lower than those of travel insurance contracts).

Can I get travel insurance if I have pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes you can. But your health record will have an impact on your insurance premium. This is not a reason not to tell your insurer about your pre-existing medical condition. Not declaring it will invalidate any claim you could make and could even invalidate your entire travel policy.

Check out our advices per medical condition .

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications. In this sense, his role leads him to carry out steering and support work with all HelloSafe editors and contributors so that the editorial line defined by the company is fully respected. and declined through the texts published daily on our platforms. As such, Alexandre is responsible for implementing and maintaining the strictest journalistic standards within the HelloSafe editorial staff, in order to guarantee the most accurate, up-to-date information on our platforms. and expert as possible. Alexandre has in particular undertaken for two years now the implementation of a system of systematic double-checking of all the articles published within the HelloSafe ecosystem, able to guarantee the highest quality of information.

Best in Travel Insurance Company

Compare the best companies in this category

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What does sorting by relevance mean? Read more

Sorting by relevance shows all companies that are best in a category, ordered by TrustScore and review count. To be eligible, they must actively ask for reviews and have received 25+ in the last 12 months.

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TrustScore 4.8 | 11,604 reviews

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TrustScore 4.7 | 20,133 reviews

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Compare Best Travel Insurance Companies 2024

• Rated 4.92 / 5 by 3776  client reviews

What is the Best Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance companies offer so many different types of cover under their various policies and each has their own unique limits, which can make it difficult to figure out which is the best Travel Insurance policy for you.

How long do you need to be covered?

Most providers also offer different variations of cover. At the very beginning of looking for your policy, you will need to decide how many trips you want to take while covered by your policy.

• Single-Trip – covers you for a single holiday
• Multi-trip policy –  often taken out where there are likely to be multiple holidays or trips abroad over a set time period.

Where do you need to be covered?

After this, you will likely need to choose where you want to be covered. Standard coverage areas include:

• Worldwide (excluding North America)
• Worldwide (including North America)

The differentiation between including and excluding North America reflects higher medical expenses in this region.

You’ll also need to decide how comprehensive you want your policy to be and if you want to add any optional add-ons you would like to your policy, such as Winter Sports Cover.

All these different options mean it’s so important to seriously consider which types of cover you need how much you need before you shop around. The best Travel Insurance policy isn’t necessarily one that covers more or costs the least; it’s the one that ticks all your boxes for the best price.

Compare Top UK Travel Insurance Companies

For ease of comparison, the below policies are all the best Travel Insurance policies offered by each of the insurers. Some providers have tiers of cover available ranging from basic to fully comprehensive – check the insurer review pages for more on this.

Drewberry’s Best Travel Insurance Tips

• Don’t ignore pre-existing health conditions If you are suffering from any health problems, it is vital that you declare them to your insurer when you take out your policy. If you do not inform your insurer of a health problem you can jeopardise your coverage. This also includes health problems that you are still waiting for a diagnosis for if you have yet to get your results from investigations.
• Double check that your holiday activities are covered Insurers have a set list of activities and sports that they are willing to cover you for while you are abroad, with winter sports and activities typically offered as an optional add-on. Before you make great plans on your holiday, it pays to double check that all of the fun activities that you have planned are covered by your policy.
• Take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of your belongings A common exclusion for most policies is the loss or damage of possessions that are improperly cared for. If you don’t take the necessary steps to protect your valuables – such as leaving them unattended while you take a dip in the sea – then your insurer is likely to reject your claim if something unfortunate were to happen.
• Consider your choice between a Single-Trip or Multi-Trip Policy Multi-trip policies can be great value if you travel abroad frequently, but it may be cheaper to buy Single-Trip policies for each trip if you don’t travel as frequently.
• Buy your policy early and leave enough time before your trip One of the most useful types of cover offered by Travel Insurance is Cancellation Cover. Buying your policy far ahead of going on your trip means that your insurance protection will be in place if anything happens that causes you to cancel or delay your trip. In fact, the best time to buy your policy is when you book your trip.
• Don’t ignore the excess If you are looking for cheap Holiday Cover then there are plenty of basic policies to choose from that still offer valid cover for things that matter. However, it is important that you look out for your policy’s excess before shopping around. Some of the cheaper policies available may be so because the excess is a lot higher than normal.

How Much Does the Best Travel Insurance Cost?

When comparing Travel Insurance policies, it is important that you look at more than just the cost. While it can be tempting to opt for a cheaper policy, some of the low-cost Travel Insurance options may have a high excess or may not offer enough cover to fulfil your needs while you’re abroad.

• Level of Cover The extent of cover that you get from your policy will be depend on the insurer you choose and the available options they offer you. Many of the best Travel Insurance companies offer a range of policies that give different levels of cover. More expensive policies may offer more types of cover while you’re abroad or more compensation for your claims.
• Excess Most policies – apart from some of the most comprehensive – will have a mandatory excess that will apply to certain types of claims.
• Health and Medical History If you aren’t in a good state of health or if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may face the difficult choice of having to pay more for your cover to ensure you are covered or having your health problems excluded from your cover. Fortunately, there are certain providers on the market who will consider cover for those with pre-existing conditions.
• Destination European trips will typically cost less compared to trips elsewhere around the world. The level of risk that comes with travelling to your country of choice will contribute to the cost of your policy. Worldwide policies that cover you anywhere in the world will cost the most.
• Multi-trip or Single Trip Multi-trip Travel Insurance can sometimes cost as much as double a Single-trip policy. If you travel frequently throughout the year, however, a Multi-trip can save you money in the long run provided you travel frequently enough to get the most out of your policy.

By choosing a policy and the appropriate options that apply specifically to your needs, you can avoid overpaying for cover you don’t need or settling for insufficient, cheaper cover.

Common Travel Insurance Definitions...

What is medical cover and what does it include.

This will cover the cost of some or all of your medical bills while you are abroad if you suffer from a serious accident or illness during your trip. This does not cover the cost of medical tourism or any procedures arranged prior to your trip.

What to look for:  If you have any pre-existing health conditions that you require cover for, it is important that you find a policy with the right type of underwriting that will not exclude the health problem(s) from your cover.

You’ll typically pay more for Travel Insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, but when thinking about premiums consider just how much your medical costs could be while you’re abroad if a pre-existing condition flared up while you were on your trip.

What does delay cover include?

This cover will pay out a daily benefit if your flight is delayed for more than 12 hours, although usually up to a limit.

What to look for:  When you choose this type of cover, it’s worth it to consider policies that cover the delay of your luggage as well. It’s one thing to be forced to hang around for your flight, but the situation can be just as dire if you are stuck in a different country without any of your luggage. Compensation for your luggage will ensure that you can at least afford a change of clothes and toiletries if your luggage is delayed for more than 12 hours.

What does Accidental Death and Disability cover?

Accidental Death & Disability Cover will pay out a lump sum if a person covered by your policy dies or is made severely or permanently disabled while you’re travelling.

What to look for:  Most insurance providers will offer this or a variation of this benefit to provide you with general compensation and support. Cover can reach up to £50,000, which can provide valuable financial support, but should not be relied upon if you return home from your holiday with a severe disability and unable to work.

What is cancellation and curtailment cover?

If you find that you need to cancel your holiday plans at the last minute or if you need to cut your holiday short due to an emergency, this cover could allow you to reclaim some or all of the cost of your trip.

What to look for:  This type of cover is usually included as standard with the best Travel Insurance policies, although some providers can offer extended cover for any derailments of your trip. Some even offer cover if you need to cancel your trip because a pet is taken ill, so it’s important you look at just what’s covered by this element of your insurance policy.

Other Travel Insurance Cover Definitions

Baggage and personal belongings cover.

Definition:  This cover will pay out to cover the loss or damage of any of your baggage or personal belongings up to a certain amount.

What to look for:  If you plan to take any particularly valuable items with you while you are abroad, you will need to look carefully for your policy’s ‘per item’ cover limit. Some policies offer quite a low cover limit per item for your valuables but instead offer optional Gadget Cover or Tech Cover that will cover your expensive electronics for an extra fee. You will need to work out for yourself the value of your luggage and decide how much cover is the appropriate amount.

Money and Travel Documents Cover

Definition:  This cover will provide you with compensation if your travel money, travel documents or passport are stolen or lost while you are abroad.

What to look for:  This type of cover often has strict terms that ensure that you are not responsible for losing your money. Cover for these types of items can also be split up in some policies, with different cover limits applying to travel money, tickets, passports etc. Check the cover limits carefully and avoid carrying around an excess of travel money that may exceed your policy’s cover limit, otherwise you will not be fully compensated.

Personal Liability and Legal Expenses Cover

Definition: Personal Liability and cover for Legal Expenses are usually offered at the same time, but not always. Personal Liability Cover will cover you if you are guilty of accidentally injuring someone or damaging property while you’re abroad. Legal Expenses Cover will pay out if the opposite occurs and if someone is responsible for harming you or your personal property and you wish to take legal action.

What to look for:  Some of the best Travel Insurance companies will appoint a lawyer on your behalf if you need one, which is a great benefit to have in addition to cover for the other legal expenses. Other providers will typically give you access to a legal helpline or remote service where you can make your claim and get basic advice about your case. These can be valuable benefits to look out for while you shop for your policy.

Sports / Winter Sports and Hazardous Activities Cover

Definition:  You will usually find most insurance companies exclude ‘risky’ activities such as winter sports cover when you take out your policy. However, most insurers have an optional extra Ski Travel Insurance that will allow cover for winter sports if you add it to the policy. This usually even covers mountain rescue if you’re injured on the slopes.

Some providers are willing to cover – either as an option or automatically – dangerous activities such as skydiving and even base jumping, depending on the provider and the policy.

What to look for:  Cover for dangerous activities can be expensive when you are given the choice to add it to your policy. If you tend to take part in a lot of sporting activities while you are abroad, then this cover can be very valuable as you don’t want to risk being injured in the pursuit of such activities and not being able to claim.

Major Incident / Catastrophe / Force Majeure Cover

Definition:  If a major incident ruins your holiday plans, like an earthquake, flood or fire, this cover will pay for the cost of alternative accommodation and your travel expenses.

What to look for:  This cover is vital if you prefer to organise your own holidays rather than booking package holidays. While resorts and agencies may offer some compensation if these incidents happen, booking your holiday alone means that you may need to pay out of your own pocket to resolve the problem if, say, a hurricane destroys your hotel. However, look carefully at exactly the types of incidents that your provider will cover because some will not cover all serious natural disasters.

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Top Travel Insurances for the UK You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

The United Kingdom is a world-renowned travel destination, known for its history, culture, and iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the British Museum. Although travelling to the UK can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, and although healthcare costs in the country aren't outrageously expensive, it's still a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance anway, as you'll want the highest-quality healthcare you can find.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to the UK and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

UK Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for the UK:

Best Travel Insurances for the UK

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for the UK? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to the UK scroll down

Heading to the UK soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for the UK?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through the UK.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to the United Kingdom or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for the UK:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to the UK. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to the UK, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for the UK:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to the UK? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to the United Kingdom

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for the UK. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in the UK can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Largest UK Insurance Companies

The UK insurance industry is the largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the world, with over 330 long-term savings providers, 920 general insurers, more than 300,000 employees, and total premium volume of approximately $400 billion. Following is a list of the largest and best insurance companies in the United Kingdom.

Legal & General

Legal & General Group , headquartered in London, is the largest life insurer in the UK based on new individual life insurance sales. The company provides life, home and landlord insurance, business and income protection, critical illness, accident, sickness and unemployment cover, retirement planning, later life care, investment management, and other related services.

Aviva plc is the leading life and general insurance company in the UK and Ireland. With around 22,000 employees, the company serves 19 million customers across its core markets. Aviva is the largest British general insurer and number one in the UK based on individual annuities. It offers term and whole life insurance, car, home, health, travel and accidental death insurance, prepaid funeral plans, investments, stocks & shares ISA, pensions and more.

RSA Insurance

RSA Insurance Group is one of the biggest general insurance companies in the UK. It provides a wide array of personal, commercial and specialty insurance products direct and through brokers and affinity partners. Today, RSA employs over 8,500 people and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of  Canada's Intact Financial Corporation . In 2021, the Group reported profit before tax of £4.3 billion. RSA is one of the oldest general insurers in the world.

Direct Line

Direct Line Insurance Group , headquartered in Bromley, England, is one of the leading private motor, home, pet and commercial insurers in the United Kingdom. The company’s main brands are Direct Line, Churchill, Privilege, Darwin and Green Flag. Currently, Direct Line has approximately 14 million policies in-force.

Allianz Insurance plc , part of German Allianz Group, is one of the top three general insurers in the United Kingdom. The company provides car and home insurance, musical instrument insurance, pet and equine insurance, and commercial insurance. Petplan, a subsidiary of Allianz, is the largest pet insurer in the UK. It is also the largest horse and rider insurer in the country.

Phoenix Group

Phoenix Group Holdings plc, with about 14 million customers, is one of the biggest providers of insurance products and services in the United Kingdom. The Group's companies include Phoenix Life and Phoenix Life Assurance, Phoenix Wealth, Standard Life Assurance, ReAssure and SunLife. As of December 1, 2022, the Group had a market capitalization of £6 billion.

Liverpool Victoria

Liverpool Victoria (LV=) is one of the top 10 UK insurance companies with more than seven million customers and 4,000 employees. It offers car, home, pet, travel and small business insurance, term and whole life insurance, investments, pensions and retirement services, annuities, and other services. The company is the UK's number one insurer for customer service according to UKCSI survey 2021.

Bupa (British United Provident Association) is the leading health insurance company in the UK. It offers individual, family and business health insurance, travel and dental insurance, and other services. Bupa operates over 120 care homes, 52 health clinics and around 500 dental centres in the United Kingdom. In the first half of 2022, the company achieved a total revenue of £6.7 billion.

Royal London

Royal London Mutual Insurance Society , founded in 1861, is the UK's largest mutual insurer with nearly 9 million life and protection insurance policies in force. The company offers life insurance, critical illness and income protection, business insurance, pensions, retirement plans and other services.

Admiral Group

Admiral Group plc , headquartered in Cardiff, South Wales, is one of the largest car insurance providers in the UK. The company's brands are Admiral, Bell, Diamond, Gladiator, Elephant and Veygo. The Group offers cheap car insurance, home and landlord insurance, travel insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, car finance as well as comparison and loan products.

AXA UK has a strong presence in the United Kingdom with a network of branches throughout the country. It provides a diverse range of insurance services to individuals, SMEs, mid-market and corporate sector. The company’s products include car, home, travel, landlord, van and health insurance, among others. AXA UK is a subsidiary of French company AXA S.A.

Ageas, a Belgian international group, is one of the leading car and home insurance companies in the United Kingdom. It is the UK's fifth largest car insurer with more 5 million customers. The company paid out more than 99% of customers' claims in the last year. Ageas has five star rating from Defaqto. Website: www.ageas.co.uk

Aegon UK, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, is one of the major providers of pension, investment and life insurance products in the United Kingdom. The company serves about 4 million customers and employs more than 2,000 people through offices in London, Edinburgh, Lytham St Annes, Witham, Manchester and Peterborough. Website: www.aegon.co.uk

American International Group UK Ltd is one of the largest insurance companies in the UK with gross premiums written of over £2.1 billion, net premiums written of £1.1 billion and total assets of £8.3 billion. Website: www.aig.co.uk

NFU Mutual, headquartered in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, is the UK's leading rural insurer with more than 900,000 members. NFU Mutual is a trading name for National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Ltd. The company has been named Insurance Brand of the Year by Which.co.uk

Zurich Insurance UK

Zurich UK provides a wide suite of general and life insurance products and services to retail and business customers in the United Kingdom. With about 5,000 employees, the company operates through offices in London, Birmingham, Farnborough, Glasgow, Swindon and Whiteley, among others.

Top 10 Car Insurance Companies

Here is a list of the largest UK auto insurance companies in terms of gross written premiums.

Admiral Group Aviva Direct Line Hastings AXA Liverpool Victoria (LV=) Ageas Esure Group RSA Insurance NFU Mutual

See also: Top 50 Car Insurance Companies

Top UK Insurance Companies by Market Cap

Following are the largest UK insurance companies according to their market capitalization.

• North America
• Latin America
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Money blog: Tourist taxes being imposed across Europe (and in UK) - here's how much they all are

An increasing number of cities are either imposing or increasing the cost of tourist taxes on visitors. Read this and our other Weekend Money content below, and let us know your thoughts. We'll be back with live updates on Monday.

Saturday 18 May 2024 17:03, UK

Weekend Money

• How to sell your home without an estate agent
• Tourist taxes to watch out for in popular holiday destinations
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Ask a question or make a comment

As we've been reporting in the Money blog over the last few months, an increasing number of cities are either imposing or increasing the cost of tourist taxes on visitors. 

Many say they are preventing damages from overtourism, as well as funding local infrastructure and businesses. 

Here are the latest tourist fees for the most popular spots in Europe...

Tourists visiting Venice for the day will have to pay a €5 entry fee to enter the city between the hours of 8.30am and 4pm.

Meanwhile, those staying overnight in Venice are charged a fee between €1 to €5 within the accommodation price for the first five consecutive nights.

People visiting the Spanish city now have to pay €3.25 if they're staying in official accommodation, up from €2.75.

Manchester 

Visitors must pay £1 per room, per night across 73 hotels. 

The scheme, which has raised more than £2m within a year, is for improvements to attract more tourists.

Tourists must pay €2 per person for every night they stay, although this is only applied for a maximum of seven nights.

The Greek government has introduced a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee to charge tourists anywhere from €0.50 to €10 per room, per night.

The amount depends on the hotel category and the time of year.

Visitors to the Croatian city must pay €2.65 per person, per night throughout April to September. 

However, the fee has been temporarily reduced to €1.86 for the rest of this year.

Different amounts are charged depending on the type of accommodation.

The most expensive charge is €14.95 for a stay in palaces, and €0.65 at one or two-star campsites, per person, per night. 

Those staying in a typical four-star hotel are charged around €8.

Those staying in the Hungarian capital are charged an additional 4% each night, which is calculated based on the price of the room.

Tourists in Berlin must pay 5% of the room price, excluding VAT and service fees.

The tourist tax here has increased from €0.82 to €1.97 per day. 

Prices researched by travel insurance site Quotezone.co.uk

By Ollie Cooper , Money team

Estate agent fees are one of the big expenses in selling a house - but rule changes and the rise of private sale websites have made it more common for people to go it alone.

But how easy is it - and what do you need to know? We spoke to industry experts to find out.

Firstly, what do estate agents do for their money?

An estate agent will typically charge in the range of 1%-3.5% of the sale price. 

That means for the average house price (£284,691 from December) you could pay anywhere from £2,846 to £9,964 in commission fees.

"When you use an estate agent, their fee includes taking professional photographs, advertising your home, conducting property viewings, and negotiating a price on your behalf," says Jack Smithson  from the home ownership site  Better.co.uk .

In addition, an estate agent will compile comprehensive details of your house, including room sizes and descriptions of fixtures and fittings. 

"They will also provide a concise write-up about the local area, highlighting amenities, schools, and transportation links," Jack adds. 

And they'll conduct checks on buyers for you (more on this later).

It sounds like a lot, but...

"Selling your home yourself can be a manageable process with a few key steps," Jack says.

Preparation 

You should begin by thoroughly researching house prices in your area, using websites like Rightmove and Zoopla - but seek free valuations from local estate agents to ensure you have a realistic asking price in mind.

Next, you want to take high-quality photos of your house.

Jack advises using tutorials on YouTube to learn new shooting and editing techniques that can take you to the next level.

You then want to write down what makes your home unique.

"While browsing other listings for inspiration, take it a step further by emphasising what you love about living in your home and the surrounding area," Jack suggests.

"Whether it's the refreshing scent of the coastline or the tranquil sounds of village life, incorporating these details can help potential buyers visualise living there," he advises. 

Like using YouTube for photography tips, you can use free tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly if you need help with your writing, Jack says. 

Advertising

This is probably the biggest perk of going through an established estate agent - your home is much more likely to be viewed because they will have an established audience and a market. But it's very possible to do it alone. 

"When it comes to advertising your home, explore a variety of avenues including local newspapers and social media," Jack says.

"Consider using websites like Strike, which allow individuals to list their properties for free on platforms like Rightmove," he suggests.

Viewings 

Once you've secured some viewings, you've got the opportunity to make it a bit more personal than estate agents ever could - a real advantage. 

"Explain the reasons behind your decision to purchase the property, highlight its unique features, and share the aspects of your neighbourhood that make it a desirable place to live," Jack says. 

The small things matter when showing people round - so try to take an objective look around before you bring anyone in.

Do the things you'd do normally - make sure it smells nice and it's clean and tidy.

"Lastly, it's worth knowing that you must legally provide potential buyers with a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)."

The sale itself

Perhaps the most daunting aspect is the physical exchange of contracts and money. 

An estate agent would typically oversee the process of the initial offer acceptance to the transfer of keys to the new owner.

However, if you go it alone, you'll need to become the central point of contact - bridging the gap between your solicitor or conveyancer and the buyer and their legal representative.

"Once you've accepted an offer on your property, your first task is to draft what's called a memorandum of sale," Jack says.  

This document is a written confirmation of your acceptance of the offer and details the agreed price along with any specific conditions you've both agreed to.

"It's then recommended to engage the services of a solicitor or conveyancer to ensure all legal obligations are met," Jack says (of course, you'll need to do this even if you have an estate agent).

The cost of hiring one typically ranges from a few hundred to over £1,000, depending on factors such as fixed fees, hourly rates, the complexity of the sale and additional costs like property searches or land registry fees.

"In the absence of an estate agent, you'll be responsible for keeping your buyer informed about the progress of the sale. This involves regular updates on the status of legal procedures and any relevant developments," Jack says, before adding that this can actually be a good thing.

"By taking on these responsibilities independently, you'll have greater control over the sale process. However, it will require you to be exceptionally organised, and you'll need to be very good at communicating too."  

Any risks to be aware of?

Rita Patel, legal director at law firm  Browne Jacobson , tells us the biggest risk for people selling their properties without an estate agent is the lack of a vetting and verification process of the potential buyer.

Estate agents will verify the buyer's identity and check the buyer's proof and source of funds - without this, there's no way to assess the buyer is legitimate and can afford to buy.

"Whilst this process is something lawyers can help with, this is often at an additional cost, and you'll need to start from square one if there is an issue with a potential buyer's identification and/or financial eligibility," Rita says. 

More generally, selling without an agent can extend the time it takes to sell. 

"Zoopla suggests this timeframe is normally around 17-34 weeks, but with no one on hand to consistently promote and drive the property sale at all stages, going solo drags this process out," Rita says. 

"Agents can also help mediate any potential breakdowns in communication between the buyer and seller - reducing the likelihood of having to go back to market and start again."

The advantages

Laura Owen-Brown, a PR manager from Gloucestershire, tells us she is set to sell her house without an estate agent in the near future.

"My disappointment with estate agents stems from their lack of familiarity with the properties they attempted to sell me when I was buying my current house," she says. 

"They couldn't tell me about the details that truly matter, like the optimal times for sunlight in the garden, how much council tax I'd pay, what the roof was made of, the places I could walk my dog off lead or the impact of post-football match traffic on Sundays.

"These types of details can shape the experience of living in a house for years and are just as important as the square footage, EPC rating or how many bedrooms a property has," she adds. 

She says the current "transactional" approach to selling houses feels "impersonal and outdated" to her. 

"Yes, I'll have to handle more admin, but the savings in both money and time will make it worthwhile. Liaising with buyers and solicitors directly without a third party slowing everything down will mean I can be in control and have transparency throughout the process, especially during negotiations," she says.

All in all...

As Laura says, it's very much a case of whether you can stomach the admin and are happy to take the risks on background financial checks. 

If you are aware of all the above and willing to take on the organisational burden, you could save yourself a serious chunk of cash. 

The main topics from the Money blog that got you commenting this week were...

Government-funded childcare

• Michel Roux Jr's comments about the future of the restaurant industry 

Nearly 600 new skyscrapers for London

From last Sunday, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old in England have been able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

Those hours can be claimed from September. 

Some readers pointed out the T&Cs... 

This 15 hrs a week is for term time ONLY. So full-time working parents will have to either tell their employer they can't work in school holidays or pro-rata it across the year which is 10 hours a week. Yvonne grandma

Others said it spoke to issues in the wider childcare sector...

Is the government going to give pay rises to nursery staff? They are very low paid staff, and can't get enough staff as it is!! Nurseries may have to close if they don't get staff, so parents won't be able to take up the offer!! What is the government going to do about it? Carol

Chefs or delivery drivers?

Celebrity chef Michel Roux Jr has suggested that restaurants may only open three days per week because young people prefer other jobs - like delivering parcels. 

"Just because I worked 80 hours a week or more doesn't mean the next generation should," he said. 

"Quite the contrary. That is something that we have to address in our industry."

Readers said...

That's because one [job] is on the verge of slave labour and one definitely is slave labour. And the latter I'm referring to is working in a kitchen for a chef.  Realist2024

Spent 35 years working as a chef. Young people nowadays are not willing to do the extra hours (usually unpaid) and work every weekend. Godsends like my generation of chefs did and do.  Bucks

There's been considerable backlash in our comments section after a thinktank said a total of 583 skyscrapers are "queuing up in the pipeline" to be built across central London.

That is more than double the 270 built in the past decade...

"600 new skyscrapers on way for London" while the majority are struggling. When will something serious be done about growing wealth inequality in the UK? A growing economy is useless while the gap between the ultra rich and everyone else increases. Qwerty1

How many unnecessary skyscrapers for London? It's fine, as long as they are not made using steel, glass, concrete or bricks - don't people know there's a climate emergency? Shanghaiwan

Who's paying for it? What about the North? treelectrical

The energy price cap is set to fall by about 7% in July, a respected energy markets researcher has said.

Ahead of next Friday's announcement by Ofgem for the July-September period, Cornwall Insights said: "For a typical dual fuel household, we predict the July price cap to be £1,574 per annum" - a drop from £1,690.

Looking further ahead, it forecasted the cap will rise again slightly in October, before falling in January next year. 

"A predicted 7% drop in energy prices in July is clearly good news, with the price cap looking likely to hit its lowest level in over two years," a spokesperson for Uswitch said. 

Around 100 more prosecutions of sub-postmasters unrelated to the Horizon scandal could be "tainted" , a Sky News investigation has found, as officials worked with now discredited Post Office investigators to secure convictions.

The prosecutions of Post Office staff were led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 2001 and 2006.

It is understood these usually involved the cashing in of stolen order books.

The Post Office itself wrongly prosecuted hundreds of sub-postmasters between 1999 and 2015 - based on evidence from the faulty Horizon accounting system.

Read more from our business correspondent Adele Robinson  by clicking  here ...

The UK's mega rich are dwindling in a sign Britain's "billionaire boom has come to an end" , according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.

The list reveals the largest fall in billionaires in the guide's history - from a peak of 177 in 2022 to 165 this year.

While the combined wealth of the list's 350 wealthiest individuals amounts to more than £795bn - larger than the GDP of Poland - the guide's compiler says time will tell what impact a drop in billionaires could have.

"This year's Sunday Times Rich List suggests Britain's billionaire boom has come to an end," Robert Watts said.

Read on here ...

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

The Body Shop’s administrators are to launch an auction of the chain after concluding that an alternative restructuring of one of Britain’s best-known high street retailers was not viable.

Sky News has learnt that FRP Advisory, which has been overseeing the collapsed business since January, is to begin formally sounding out potential buyers in the coming weeks.

The move raises the prospect of new owners taking control of The Body Shop, which was founded nearly half a century ago.

Read more here ...

The UK's mega rich are dwindling - in a sign Britain's "billionaire boom has come to an end", according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.

Published today, the list reveals the largest fall in billionaires in the guide's history - from a peak of 177 in 2022 to 165 this year.

"Many of our home-grown entrepreneurs have seen their fortunes fall and some of the global super rich who came here are moving away."

Top of the list is British-Indian businessman Gopi Hinduja and his family, whose wealth of £37.2bn is the largest fortune in the ranking's history.

But other familiar names in the list saw their riches fall, with Sir Richard Branson's total dropping by £2.4bn, which is back to his 2000 level.

Last year's top climber Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who bought a stake in Manchester United this year, fell two positions with a decline of £6.1bn.

Euan Blair, Tony Blair's eldest son, made the list for the first time, as did Sir Lewis Hamilton.

It comes as the UK continues to deal with a cost-of-living crisis, with new figures this week revealing a record 3.1 million food bank parcels were distributed over the course of a year.

The top 10:

• Gopi Hinduja - £37.2bn
• Sir Leonard Blavtanik - £29.2bn
• David and Simon Reuben and family - £24.9bn
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe - £23.5bn
• Sir James Dyson and family - £20.8bn
• Barnaby and Merlin Swire and family - £17.2bn
• Idan Ofer - £14.9bn
• Lakshmi Mittal and family - £14.9bn
• Guy, George, Alannah and Galen Weston and family - £14.4bn
• John Fredriksen and family - £12.8bn

A group of social media influencers have been charged in relation to promoting an unauthorised investment scheme.

The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) original cast member Lauren Goodger, 37, former Love Island star Biggs Chris, 32, and Celebrity Big Brother winner Scott Timlin, 36, also known as Scotty T, are among seven TV personalities alleged to have been paid to promote the scheme to their combined 4.5 million Instagram followers.

The others charged by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) include former Love Islanders Rebecca Gormley, 26, Jamie Clayton, 32, and Eva Zapico, 25 and TOWIE member Yazmin Oukhellou, 30.

The UK's financial watchdog brought the charges in a crackdown on "finfluencers" who use their online platforms to offer advice and information on various financial topics.

It alleges that between 19 May 2018 and 13 April 2021 Emmanuel Nwanze, 30, and Holly Thompson, 33, used an Instagram account to provide advice on buying and selling investments known as contracts for difference (CFDs) when they were not authorised to do so.

The watchdog said CFDs were high-risk investments used to bet on the price of an asset, in this case the price of foreign currencies.

It previously warned that 80% of customers lost money when investing in CDFs.

Mr Nwanze has been charged with running the scheme. He faces one count of breaching the general prohibition of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and one count of unauthorised communications of financial promotions.

Ms Thompson, Mr Chris, Mr Clayton, Ms Goodger, Ms Gormley, Ms Oukhellou, Mr Timlin and Ms Zapico each face one count of unauthorised communications of financial promotions.

All nine will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 13 June.

The FCA asked anyone who believed they had sustained a loss due to the scheme to contact its consumer contact centre.

A hotel part-owned by Gary Neville and other ex-Manchester United legends has been named one of the best places to work in hospitality. 

Each year, The Caterer releases its top 30 best places for employees in the sector, with the top six featuring some familiar names.

The list is compiled via anonymous employee survey - with no input from managers or owners. 

Hotel Football, the only hotel with a rooftop five-a-side pitch, was among the top six venues selected by employees across the UK. 

The hotel's benefits package was particularly well-praised by those who work there - given that it "prioritises the financial wellbeing of employees during the cost of living challenge".

Management at the hotel, which is situated next to Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, was also praised for enhanced maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave policies and a strong belief in diversity and inclusion. 

The other five to make up the top six are The Biltmore in Mayfair, Cycas Hospitality (which has 18 locations across the UK), Dalata (which boasts some 1,000 employees), Gleneagles Hotel in Edinburgh and Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch, London. 

The energy price cap is set to fall by about 7% in July, a leading thinktank has said. 

Cornwall Insights said: "For a typical dual fuel household, we predict the July price cap to be £1,574 per annum" - a drop from £1,690.

Looking further ahead, it forecasted the cap to rise again slightly in October, before falling again in January next year. 

Reacting to the news, Uswitch said the predicted drop was "clearly good news". 

"The future still remains uncertain, and with the price cap changing every three months – currently expected to rise in October before falling slightly in January –  it's crucial not to be complacent," Richard Neudegg, director of regulation, said. 

However, "a predicted 7% drop in energy prices in July is clearly good news, with the price cap looking likely to hit its lowest level in over two years", he said. 

He also urged  households who want to lock in rates for price certainty to run a comparison to see what energy tariffs are available to them.

"There are many 12-month fixed tariffs available at rates cheaper than the current price cap, and even some that are 2% below these new predicted July rates," he said. 

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Which is the best business travel insurance for employees?

Work trips can be risky for employees, like getting sick or losing luggage. While a strong company travel policy can help mitigate these risks, it's not always enough. That's where business travel insurance comes in!

But with so many options available, choosing the best business travel insurance for your employees can be overwhelming. This guide will help you select the best features and coverage for your team during business trips. It will ensure that they stay safe, comfortable, and productive .

Why is travel insurance important for business travellers?

Travel insurance is important for business travellers because it can protect them from unexpected events that could disrupt their trip. Travelling for business often involves a significant investment in terms of both time and resources. So unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, flight delays or medical emergencies, can cause serious problems.

Having travel insurance in place protects you financially by covering the costs associated with these unexpected events. If your employees travel for business, this can help offset any potential financial losses. What’s more, comprehensive travel insurance can also include benefits like emergency medical coverage, repatriation assistance and coverage for lost or delayed baggage.

This provides an extra safeguard for business professionals against the uncertainties they face when travelling. Get travel insurance for your employees so they can focus on work without worrying about unexpected problems. This will give them peace of mind knowing they have support if something goes wrong during their trip.

Group business travel insurance: benefits and coverage

Group business travel insurance policies are not too different to the ones we take out for our personal trips. Of course, they can offer a range of benefits and coverage tailored to companies whose employees travel for business. You will usually be able to customise your cover to make sure you provide comprehensive protection that is relevant to your employees on their business trips.

Here are some of the benefits and coverage you can choose:

Trip Cancellation and Interruption : reimbursement in case of trip cancellation or interruption, such as illness, injury or unforeseen business emergencies.

Emergency Medical Expenses : coverage for medical expenses due to illness or injury during the business trip, including hospital stays, medication and emergency medical evacuation.

Travel Delay and Missed Connections : compensation for any additional expenses caused by travel delays or missed connections.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage : reimbursement for the loss, damage or theft of personal belongings and business equipment during the trip, including laptops, smartphones and other essential items.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) : financial benefits in the event of accidental death or serious injury while travelling for business purposes.

Legal Assistance : coverage for legal expenses arising from certain situations, such as liability issues or legal troubles in a foreign country.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions Coverage : some policies may provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, ensuring that employees with existing health issues are protected during their trip.

Emergency Assistance Services : access to 24/7 emergency assistance services, including medical consultations, travel assistance and coordination of emergency services.

Business Equipment Protection : coverage for damage, loss or theft of business equipment like laptops or other electronic devices, making sure that employees can continue their work.

Repatriation Assistance : assistance in repatriating employees in the event of a medical emergency or other incidents requiring their return home.

Personal Liability Coverage : protection against legal liability for bodily injury or property damage caused by the insured during the business trip.

Group Discounts : insurance providers often offer group discounts for companies purchasing coverage for a large number of employees, making it a cost-effective option for businesses with frequent travel requirements.

How does travel insurance work?

Travel policies are there to make sure that any unexpected problems we might face when travelling will not leave us seriously out-of-pocket. They will usually also provide us with expert assistance in dealing with the logistics of dealing with unforeseen events.

In the event of an eligible claim, travellers can file a claim with the insurance provider, along with documentation and details of the incurred expenses. The insurer then assesses the claim based on the policy terms and conditions and, if approved, provides financial reimbursement or assistance to cover the costs incurred.

Each policy will have its own specified limits and conditions, so it’s important to be aware of these and read the policy details carefully. Many policies work on a reimbursement basis, meaning that you will need to pay out from your own pocket and claim back the money later.

Most travel insurance companies will have a FAQ page on their website and, of course, you can also speak directly to their agents and resolve any queries you may have. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few common questions.

Can I cancel travel insurance? Exploring your options

You can usually cancel travel insurance policies, but the process and any refund you may get will depend on the terms and conditions in your specific policy. These will obviously also be different if your policy provides annual multi-trip coverage or is only for one particular trip. It’s important, then, to carefully check the terms and conditions of any policy you decide to take out.

Does personal travel insurance cover business travel?

Personal travel insurance primarily covers private individuals during leisure trips and holidays. While personal travel insurance may cover some basic things during a business trip, it generally does not provide the comprehensive protection needed during business travel. Standard personal travel insurance may not adequately address the unique risks and requirements involved in business trips.

Choosing the right coverage: which credit cards offer travel insurance

A number of credit cards offer business travel insurance as part of their benefits package. This can be an attractive option, particularly if your company also provides company credit cards for your employees. Combining these two provisions can save costs and also allows for unexpected expenses to be charged to the card and reimbursed before payment is due.

Here's a list of banks that offer this service:

American Express

Barclaycard

Expert recommendations: selecting the best travel insurance for your needs

As with anything business travel-related, it’s best to enlist the help of experts in the field. If your company travels frequently for business, using FREENOW for business travel services can be beneficial.

FREENOW can assist with both frequent and occasional business trips. Their services can help streamline the process of booking and managing business travel. This can save your company time and resources. Offering things like business taxi booking services, expense management and, of course, help choosing the best travel policy , make sure you turn to FREENOW first when you need support with your business travel.

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