Travel Insurance: Essential Protection for Your Next Trip.
Travel insurance helps protect you from unexpected costs if something goes wrong before or during your trip.
Whether you’re travelling in the UK or going abroad, you could face issues like cancelled flights, lost luggage, or sudden illnesses.
Without proper cover, these problems can become expensive and stressful.
You can choose from different types of travel insurance, like single trip, annual multi-trip, or cover designed for families and backpackers.
With so many options, it’s not that hard to find a policy that actually fits your plans and needs.
Understanding your cover—and knowing what to look for—can honestly save you time, money, and a fair bit of worry when you’re off on your holiday.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance protects you from costs caused by unexpected events during your trip.
It can help with problems like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, so you’re not left footing a massive bill.
How Travel Insurance Works
Travel insurance is a policy you buy before your trip. You pay a premium, and in exchange, the insurer promises to cover certain risks.
The cover usually starts right when you buy the policy and sticks with you until you get back home.
If something goes wrong—like you need emergency medical treatment or have to cancel because you’re sick—you submit a claim to your insurance provider.
You’ll probably need to show receipts or a doctor’s note. The insurer checks your claim, and if they accept it, they’ll help pay for the costs, up to the limits in your policy.
Policies can really differ, so it’s worth reading what’s included and what’s not.
Key Benefits of Travel Insurance
Travel insurance comes with a bunch of benefits. The big one is cover for emergency medical expenses abroad, which can get shockingly pricey if you don’t have insurance.
If you fall ill or have an accident, your policy can help with hospital bills, medicine, or even getting you home for treatment. You might also get protection if your trip is cancelled, shortened, or delayed because of things like illness or bad weather.
Many policies pay for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Some even cover personal liability if you accidentally hurt someone or damage their stuff.
Types of Travel Insurance
Travel insurance comes in several forms. Each type is tailored for different kinds of trips and travellers.
Choosing the right one depends on how often you travel, who’s coming with you, and what you’ll be doing.
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Single trip travel insurance covers you for one specific journey. It’s great if you’re only planning one trip this year, whether it’s a holiday, business trip, cruise, or backpacking adventure.
This kind of policy starts when you leave home and ends when you get back.
You’re protected against unexpected medical costs, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other emergencies. Some policies let you add extra cover for things like winter sports or cruises if that’s your thing.
If you’re travelling in Europe, look for European travel insurance. For anywhere else, you’ll probably need worldwide cover, which tends to be pricier.
Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Annual multi-trip travel insurance is for people who travel a lot. It covers you for multiple journeys—often to different places—across a 12-month period.
You just buy one policy and you’re set for the whole year, which is way easier (and sometimes cheaper) than buying separate single trip policies.
There’s usually a max number of days allowed per trip, so check that detail before you go. You’re covered for most things you’d get with single trip insurance, like medical care and cancellations.
Some insurers offer options for European or worldwide cover, and that’ll change the price. Folks who travel for work or just love holidays will probably find this type the most convenient.
Family Travel Insurance
Family travel insurance covers the whole family under one policy—usually two adults and their kids at the same address. These can be for single trips or annual multi-trips, with flexible terms.
Family policies are usually cheaper than buying separate cover for everyone. Sometimes kids are included for free, which is a nice bonus.
Family cover usually protects against medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings. If you’re planning things like skiing, check if you need winter sports cover—some policies let you add it.
Always read the details to make sure everyone’s protected before you set off.
Medical Cover and Emergencies
Travel insurance is pretty much essential for covering medical costs when you’re abroad. It protects you from sudden illnesses, accidents, and emergencies.
Without it, you could be facing some eye-watering bills—and let’s be honest, nobody wants that when they’re far from home.
Emergency Medical Costs
If you get sick or hurt while travelling, travel insurance can pay for your emergency care. This usually covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription meds.
Some policies even help with ambulance services or emergency dental treatment. Medical bills can be sky-high in some countries, especially if you don’t have local health cover.
Without insurance, you’re on the hook for everything, which can be thousands. Most policies offer 24/7 assistance, so you can get help whenever you need it.
Insurers set a cap for how much they’ll pay out. Check your policy for those limits and any exclusions.
Keep your insurance contact details handy, just in case you need help fast.
Repatriation and Medical Evacuation
Repatriation is when you need to be brought back home because of a medical emergency. Travel insurance often pays for emergency flights, medical escort services, or special transport if you need care while moving.
This is especially important if the local hospitals can’t treat your condition. Medical evacuation might mean getting you to another hospital or even all the way back home.
These services aren’t cheap—sometimes they run into tens of thousands. Insurance can handle all the details, from ambulance helicopters to flights with medical gear onboard.
Always check if emergency evacuation and repatriation are included, especially if you’re heading somewhere with limited medical facilities. Look for clear limits and rules about what’s covered.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
If you’ve got a pre-existing medical condition, like asthma or diabetes, it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Many insurers offer policies that cover your health issues if you declare them when you buy cover.
You’ll probably have to answer medical questions during the screening. If you don’t tell your insurer about your conditions, you could have claims refused or even lose your policy.
Some conditions might bump up the cost, but it’s better to be honest and get the right cover. Sometimes you’ll need a letter from your doctor or proof your condition’s stable.
Check what counts as a pre-existing condition and make sure you list all chronic illnesses, recent surgeries, or regular meds. It’ll save you a headache if you need to make a claim later.
Medical Expenses Cover for COVID-19
These days, many travel insurance plans include cover for medical expenses if you get COVID-19 while abroad. This can pay for hospital treatment, quarantine costs, and sometimes even extra accommodation if you can’t travel home as planned.
It’s important to check if your policy covers both treatment and cancellation due to COVID-19. Look for policies that spell out exactly what’s covered, because not all Covid-related claims are included.
For instance, some insurers won’t pay if you travel against government advice, or if you just have minor symptoms. It’s also smart to see if emergency repatriation for COVID-19 is in your policy, since rules can really vary.
Having Covid-19 medical cover means you can travel with a bit more peace of mind, knowing you’re not likely to face huge bills for care or sudden changes to your plans. Read the terms carefully and watch for exclusions before you go.
Trip Cancellation and Disruption
Travel plans can get thrown off by sudden events—illness, cancelled flights, or delayed baggage are just a few.
Travel insurance offers different types of cover to help you manage these headaches and take the sting out of the cost.
Cancellation Cover
Cancellation cover helps you get your money back if you have to cancel for an approved reason. Common reasons include a medical emergency, family illness, injury, jury service, or other unexpected events.
You can usually claim for non-refundable costs like flights, hotels, or tours—as long as you booked them before you knew about the reason for cancelling.
Some policies also cover cancellation if your home is damaged or you lose your job. Policy limits and exclusions always apply, so check your terms.
Events like cancelling because you just changed your mind, or known medical conditions, are usually not covered. Providers might ask for proof, like a doctor’s note or official documents.
Lost and Delayed Baggage
If your luggage gets delayed or lost by the airline, travel insurance can help. Lost baggage cover lets you replace essentials like clothes and toiletries while you wait for your bags.
For delayed baggage, your policy might pay for basic supplies after a certain number of hours. If your bags never show up, you may be reimbursed for the lost contents, up to a set limit.
Always report lost or delayed luggage to the airline right away and keep all the paperwork. Insurers need these reports and receipts to process claims.
High-value items usually have separate limits or might need receipts to claim the full value.
Cancelled or Delayed Flights
Flight cancellations and long delays can really throw a wrench in your plans—and your wallet. Travel insurance can step in by reimbursing extra costs, like meals, transport, or last-minute accommodation if your flight is cancelled or delayed for a set period (usually 12 hours or more).
You’ll need written confirmation from your airline to claim. Cover amounts depend on your policy, and not every situation is included.
Missed departures because of public transport delays or accidents on the way to the airport might be covered too. Some policies offer travel disruption cover, which helps if your trip is hit by strikes, natural disasters, or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) suddenly advising against travel.
Quarantine and COVID-19 Disruption
COVID-19 and other infectious diseases can force you into quarantine or stop you from travelling altogether. Some travel insurance policies now include specific COVID-19 disruption cover.
This often pays out if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 before travel and have to cancel, or if local authorities order you to quarantine during your trip. It may also cover extra living costs during quarantine or if travel rules suddenly change.
It’s worth reading your policy carefully to see which COVID-19 or quarantine incidents are included. Not all insurers cover everything, so keep an eye out for exclusions related to government restrictions, travel advisories, or pre-existing conditions.
Always keep proof of test results or quarantine orders for your claim—insurers can be picky about paperwork.
Personal Belongings and Money
Travel insurance can help protect you from losses and costs if your belongings or money are lost or stolen while you’re abroad. It usually covers a range of possessions, documents, and sometimes even legal costs.
Lost Passport and Travel Documents
If your passport or travel documents are lost or stolen, travel insurance can cover the cost of replacing them. This might include your passport, driving licence, travel tickets, or visas.
You’ll usually need to get a police report within 24 hours and contact your insurer ASAP. Many policies will pay for extra travel and accommodation costs if you have to visit an embassy or consulate to get replacements.
Keep all receipts and paperwork—insurers love proof. Some plans have a special limit for passports and documents, so check your policy details before you go.
Personal Money Cover
Personal money cover protects you if your cash, travellers cheques, or bank cards go missing on your trip. Most policies set a maximum claim amount for money, and a lower limit for cash—for example, £500 for money, but only £250 for cash.
To claim, you’ll usually have to report the loss to local police within 24 hours and provide evidence, like withdrawal slips or receipts. This cover often excludes unattended money, so keep an eye on your stuff.
Check whether your policy also covers prepaid cards or other types of travel money before you travel. It’s a detail that’s easy to overlook.
Personal Liability Cover
Personal liability cover can pay for legal costs and claims if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while travelling. This might include damage to your accommodation or causing an accident.
Cover amounts are usually high—sometimes up to £1 million or more. It doesn’t cover damage to your own stuff or injury to yourself, and some policies exclude liability when you’re using vehicles or doing risky activities.
Always read the exclusions section and contact your insurer if you need advice about making a claim. It never hurts to double-check.
Specialist Travel Insurance Cover
Specialist travel insurance policies are designed for trips that include higher risks or unusual activities. These plans offer extra protection that standard travel policies just don’t include.
Winter Sports Cover
If you’re planning to ski, snowboard, or do anything else on the snow, winter sports cover is a must. Standard travel insurance usually doesn’t cover injuries or accidents on the slopes.
With this cover, you get protection for medical treatment, lost or stolen equipment, and even piste closures. You might also be covered for avalanche delays or unused ski passes if the weather turns nasty.
Personal liability cover is often included in case you injure someone else on the mountain. Policies usually have age limits or activity restrictions, so check the details before you buy.
Some insurers offer perks like hiring replacement equipment or refunding lessons you miss due to injury. Always declare your experience level and any pre-existing medical conditions—otherwise, you could find yourself out of luck when you need help most.
Cruise Cover
Cruise travel insurance covers you for issues specific to cruises, like missed port departures or being confined to your cabin by illness. Medical care at sea can be seriously expensive, so specialist policies provide cover for on-board emergencies and getting you to hospital on land if needed.
If you need to cancel your cruise because of an emergency or miss planned excursions, cruise cover can reimburse you. You may also be protected for lost luggage, missed excursions, or itinerary changes due to bad weather.
Policies often include cabin confinement cover, which pays if the ship’s doctor orders you to stay in your cabin. Not all travel insurance plans cover cruises automatically, so check what’s included before you set sail.
Who Needs Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is essential for a lot of people, but not everyone will be eligible or need the same type of cover. The rules vary by age, residency, and who you’re travelling with.
UK Residents and Eligibility
To buy most travel insurance, you usually need to be a UK resident and registered with a GP. Insurers might check your address or ask for proof, like a utility bill or NHS number.
Your trip must usually start and end in the UK. Travel insurance isn’t for people moving abroad permanently—just for trips where you come back home afterwards.
You might not be eligible if you’ve already left the country or don’t plan to return soon. If you have a serious medical condition, you’ll need to declare it and may face higher premiums or exclusions.
Travel Insurance for Over 70s
If you’re over 70, finding travel insurance can be trickier, and premiums are often higher. Older travellers are more likely to have existing medical conditions, which can affect both price and cover.
Some providers offer specific “over 70s” or “senior” travel insurance packages. These might include wider medical cover or extra support if you have mobility issues.
Always read the policy details and declare any medical conditions you have. Missing information can make your policy invalid if you need to claim.
Watch out for age limits—some insurers set maximum ages, others don’t. Comparing a few providers can help you find a good fit.
Dependent Children Cover
Many standard family travel insurance policies include dependent children for free or at a reduced cost. “Dependent children” generally means anyone under 18, or under 21 if they’re in full-time education and living at home.
Some policies only cover your kids if they travel with you, while others allow solo trips, like school holidays. Always check the details to avoid surprises.
For group trips with more than one family, make sure each child is covered. Double-check age limits and what counts as a dependent on your policy.
Travel Insurance and Healthcare Abroad
If you’re heading abroad, it’s important to know how healthcare access works in different places. Special cards like the EHIC and GHIC can let you get state healthcare in some countries, but they’re not the same as full travel insurance.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you receive state-provided healthcare for medically necessary treatment while travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. You need to be a citizen or resident of an eligible country to use it.
It covers treatments that can’t wait until you get home, and you’ll get care on the same terms as locals. Sometimes this means free or reduced-cost care, though you might still have to pay some fees depending on where you are.
Important notes:
- The EHIC does not cover private healthcare or planned medical treatment.
- It won’t pay for private mountain rescues, flights home after accidents, or lost belongings.
- It really isn’t a substitute for full travel insurance.
Take your EHIC with you and check if it’s still valid before each trip. There are some new rules post-Brexit, so check government websites for updates.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaces the EHIC for UK residents travelling to most EEA countries. It works in a similar way, letting you access state healthcare in participating European countries.
With the GHIC, you can get treatment for illnesses or accidents that happen during your visit. You’ll receive care under the same rules as locals, which might include free or reduced-cost services.
The GHIC does not cover:
- Non-urgent treatments you could wait for at home
- Private healthcare or medical flights back to the UK
- Countries outside the EEA, except those with specific agreements
Apply for the GHIC free through the official NHS website, and always carry it when you travel in Europe. It’s one less thing to worry about.
Medical Cover Differences
It’s tempting to think an EHIC or GHIC is enough, but these cards don’t replace travel insurance. Travel insurance offers extra protection that state healthcare cards just don’t provide.
What travel insurance usually covers:
- Private medical costs
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Cancelling or cutting your trip short
- Lost or stolen belongings
- Accidents not covered by public health systems
Here’s a simple comparison table:
Feature |
EHIC/GHIC |
Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
State healthcare |
Yes |
Sometimes |
Private healthcare |
No |
Yes |
Emergency repatriation |
No |
Yes |
Lost belongings |
No |
Yes |
Pre-existing issues |
Limited |
May be included |
Always make sure you have valid travel insurance, even if you’ve got an EHIC or GHIC. It gives you access to a wider range of medical cover in emergencies—and can save you from some scary bills.
Providers and Regulation
When you’re picking travel insurance, it’s good to know who actually sells these policies—and how the whole industry is kept in check. The companies and the rules they follow really do shape your coverage and what happens if you need to make a claim.
Major Travel Insurance Providers
You can get travel insurance from big insurance brands, banks, supermarkets, online brokers, or specialist travel insurers. Allianz Assistance is a familiar name, offering policies for single trips, annual cover, and medical needs. They’re known for their global reach and customer support when you need to claim.
Plenty of UK customers buy cover from brands tied to banks or travel shops—think Post Office, Aviva, or Staysure. Independent brokers can compare deals for you. Every provider sets their own terms, limits, and exclusions, so it’s worth reading the policy wording closely (even if it’s dull).
Customer service can really make or break your experience. Some insurers have 24/7 helplines and online claims, which is a lifesaver in a crisis abroad.
Regulation and Consumer Protection
All UK travel insurance providers have to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA sets rules to make sure firms treat you decently and keep their products understandable and safe. This means insurers should handle your claims and complaints properly, at least in theory.
Providers are supposed to give clear info about what’s covered, excesses, and any exclusions. If you hit a wall with your insurer, you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. In some countries, you might even be legally required to have medical insurance for a visa. That’s one way to make sure you’re protected if things go sideways while travelling.
Making a Claim
When you need to claim on your travel insurance, knowing the steps, what might trip you up, and the paperwork you’ll need can save you a lot of hassle. Paying attention to the details helps you dodge delays and denials.
Claims Process Overview
First step: contact your insurer as soon as you can after something goes wrong. Have your policy number and personal details handy. Some insurers let you claim online, others want a phone call—there’s no universal process.
Explain what happened as clearly and honestly as you can. They’ll ask for details like when, where, and exactly what went wrong. You’ll usually get a claims form by email or post—fill it in carefully.
Send back the form with all the documents they ask for, like receipts or police reports. Processing times vary, so don’t expect miracles. The insurer might contact you for more info. Always keep copies of everything you send.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Lots of claims get shot down because of missing info or not sticking to the policy rules. If you don’t report an incident within the deadline—often 24-48 hours for theft or loss—you could be out of luck.
Claims are also refused if the event isn’t covered, like pre-existing medical issues or losses from leaving your stuff unattended. If you book travel after official advice against it, don’t expect a payout for cancellations.
Giving false or incomplete info will almost always kill your claim. It’s worth double-checking your policy’s terms before you bother to claim.
Supporting Documentation
Having the right paperwork is crucial for a successful claim. You’ll probably need:
Document Type |
Purpose |
|---|---|
Policy documents |
Prove you have the right cover |
Receipts/invoices |
Show proof of purchase or payment |
Medical reports |
Evidence for illness or injury claims |
Police reports |
Needed for theft, loss, or crime-related issues |
Proof of travel |
Tickets or booking confirmations |
Scan or take photos of originals before sending them off. If you can’t get a document (say, a police report abroad), tell your insurer why and provide whatever alternative proof you’ve got. Staying organised can speed things up and boost your chances of getting paid.
Packaged Bank Accounts and Travel Insurance
Packaged bank accounts often come with travel insurance as a headline feature. Many high street banks offer these, but the cover details, eligibility, and how you activate the insurance can vary a lot more than you’d expect.
Reward Black and Silver Account Cover
The Reward Black Account and Reward Silver Account are two popular packaged accounts from major UK banks. They usually include worldwide family travel insurance* as part of your monthly fee. So, if you have one of these accounts, you might get cover for holidays and trips abroad without buying a separate policy.
These policies typically cover lost luggage, emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, and travel delays. The Black Account tends to have higher limits and extra features (like winter sports cover), while Silver is a bit more basic.
If you’re thinking about using this cover, check if it actually fits your needs. Look over the policy docs for age limits, exclusions (like pre-existing conditions), and what kinds of trips are included. Not everything is covered, so don’t assume.
*Features can change depending on your bank and their current deals.
Eligibility and Activation
To use the travel insurance from your packaged account, you’ve got to meet some requirements. Eligibility usually depends on your age, residency, and whether your account is active and up to date. Lots of banks set an upper age limit for their included travel cover—often 70 or 75.
Activation isn’t always automatic:
- For some accounts, cover kicks in as soon as your account opens and stays active as long as you pay the monthly fee.
- Others might ask you to register online, fill in a form, or call to activate—especially for extras like winter sports or family members.
If you travel a lot, save the insurer’s emergency contact details on your phone. Double-check how to activate your cover before you go. If you’re unsure, ask your bank for confirmation before you head abroad.
Travel Insurance for Different Activities
Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cover you need changes depending on your trip plans and the risks you’re willing to take.
Business Travel
Business travel insurance is for professionals heading out for work. It covers things like business equipment—laptops, tablets—that get lost, damaged, or stolen. Some policies even reimburse you for missing essential business documents.
If your meetings or work events are cancelled, you might get help with extra costs like rebooking flights or hotels. Medical emergencies and personal accident cover are usually part of the deal too.
Certain policies will also cover missed or delayed meetings, replacement colleagues, or hiring equipment if yours disappears. Declare the value of your gear and check what types of work are included—manual labour or risky jobs might not be covered.
Always check the policy limits for electronics and documents, and see if there’s 24-hour emergency assistance.
Adventure and Backpacker Travel
Adventure and backpacker insurance is built for longer trips and riskier activities. If you’re planning to ski, snowboard, surf, or try adventure sports, standard policies might not cut it.
Find policies that list the sports and activities they cover. Stuff like abseiling, zip lining, snorkelling, hiking, and water-skiing are usually included, but double-check for restrictions or extra charges for things like bungee jumping.
Backpacker policies often cover more countries and activities, expecting you’ll be on the move and trying new things. They usually last longer, sometimes up to 18-24 months.
Check if your policy covers medical emergencies in remote places, lost belongings, trip cancellation, and interruption if you need to go home suddenly. Always read the activities exclusions—it’s easy to get caught out.
Managing Travel Insurance Costs
Travel insurance prices jump around depending on your cover, age, trip length, and a bunch of other things. Keeping an eye on costs and possible fees can help you avoid nasty surprises and get more value for your money.
Ways to Reduce Premiums
You can cut your travel insurance premium with a few smart moves. Start by comparing policies from different providers. Use comparison sites to see features and prices side by side. Make sure the policy actually fits your needs—don’t pay for stuff you won’t use.
If you travel more than twice a year, look at annual multi-trip policies. They’re often cheaper than buying single-trip cover every time.
You could raise your excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) to lower your premium, but only if you’re sure you could afford it. Skip add-ons for sports or gadgets unless you really need them. And hey, always check for special offers or discount codes before you buy.
Non-Sterling Transaction Fees
Using your card abroad usually means paying non-sterling transaction fees. Your bank or card provider adds these when you pay in a foreign currency. The fee is typically 2-3% of each transaction’s value.
Spend £100 abroad, and you could pay an extra £2 or £3 in fees. Over a holiday, that adds up fast if you’re using your card for hotels, meals, shopping—pretty much everything.
Most travel insurance doesn’t cover these fees, so check with your bank before you go. Some banks have travel cards with no foreign transaction fees—worth considering.
Debit Card Purchases Abroad
Paying by debit card overseas is handy, but there are catches. Banks usually charge extra for transactions in another currency, on top of any ATM withdrawal fees.
Ask your bank about their overseas charges. Some offer cards made for travel, with lower or no fees.
When you’re paying in shops or restaurants, pick the local currency—“pay in pounds” usually means a bad exchange rate. Hang on to receipts and keep an eye on your spending. If there’s fraud, you’ll need proof to make a claim.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Travel insurance is there to help when things go sideways away from home. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or even lost bags and stolen stuff.
Policies can be wildly different, so always double-check what’s actually included. Some plans are generous, while others leave you hanging—so yes, those details matter.
Main Areas Covered:
Area Covered |
Example Situations |
|---|---|
Medical Emergencies |
Becoming ill or injured abroad |
Trip Cancellation |
Needing to cancel or cut a trip |
Lost Luggage |
Bags lost during transport |
Theft or Loss |
Stolen money or belongings |
It won’t cover every possible disaster, though. Routine doctor visits or certain risky adventures might be left out.
Key tips for choosing a policy:
- Shop around—don’t just grab the first insurer you see.
- Make sure your destinations and planned activities are actually covered.
- If you’ve got health conditions, see if those are included.
- Figure out how you’d make a claim, just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel insurance is basically a safety net for those “what if” moments—medical issues, cancellations, or missing luggage. The right policy depends on your health, travel plans, and what kind of trip you’re planning.
What does travel insurance typically cover?
Usually, you’ll get coverage for emergency medical bills, trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, and sometimes personal liability. Some plans toss in extras like missed departures, delays, or even winter sports—if you’re into that.
Honestly, reading the fine print isn’t fun, but it’s the only way to know what’s really covered.
How do I determine the best travel insurance plan for my needs?
Think about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll be gone. If you’re planning on skiing or scuba diving, you’ll probably need an add-on.
Look at what’s included, what’s not, and those benefit limits. Reviews and comparison sites can help, but trust your gut, too.
Is it possible to get travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions?
Yeah, a lot of insurers will cover you even if you’ve got pre-existing conditions, but you do have to declare them upfront.
It might cost more or come with extra rules. Skip the declaration, and you’re risking denied claims down the line.
Can I purchase travel insurance after I’ve started my trip?
Some companies let you buy insurance after you’ve already left, but the options aren’t great and coverage might not start right away.
Honestly, it’s way better to sort your insurance before you go—less hassle, more peace of mind.
How should I compare different travel insurance policies?
Check out the benefits, the exclusions, and those sneaky limits. The excess—the bit you pay if you claim—matters, too.
Think about single-trip versus annual policies, and whether you need extra cover for gadgets or certain sports. It’s a lot, but better safe than sorry, right?
What steps should I take if I need to make a claim on my travel insurance?
Contact your insurer as soon as you can. You’ll probably have to dig up documents—think receipts, proof of travel, or medical reports.
Stick to your insurer’s instructions, but don’t forget to keep copies of whatever you send in. It’s smart to jot down reference numbers and the names of anyone you talk to on the phone.
