Travel insurance is a policy that covers unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or delays while you’re travelling.
It offers peace of mind by providing financial protection if things don’t go as planned. Policies can include cover for emergency medical care, repatriation, missed departures, or even stolen belongings.
Many insurers also offer 24/7 emergency assistance, helping you get the support you need abroad.
Making a claim is usually straightforward. Just keep all receipts and documents. Whether you’re going on a holiday, business trip, or backpacking adventure, having travel insurance is a smart way to stay protected.
Why do you need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is vital; it covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and unexpected costs, giving peace of mind during your journey.
It protects you from financial loss if your plans change unexpectedly or you need urgent medical care abroad. This is especially important for UK travellers, as NHS cover doesn’t extend overseas.
What Travel Insurance Covers?
- Emergency medical treatment abroad
- Trip cancellation or curtailment
- Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage
- Travel delays and missed departures
- Personal liability and legal expenses
- Repatriation (returning you home in a medical emergency)
What Travel Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover?
- Pre-existing conditions (unless declared and accepted)
- High-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving (unless added)
- Travelling against Foreign Office advice
- Alcohol- or drug-related incidents
- Ignoring airline rules or travel regulations
Why It Matters?
Without travel insurance, a simple mishap abroad could cost thousands. A hospital stay, lost passport, or cancelled flight can turn into a costly nightmare.
Having the right policy helps you travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
Types of Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is available as single-trip, multi-trip, medical, cancellation, baggage, and adventure cover if the travel was high-risk or remote.
1. Single-Trip and Multi-Trip Insurance
Single-trip insurance covers one specific journey and is ideal for short holidays or one-off travel. It includes essentials like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Annual multi-trip insurance (also known as multi-trip cover) is perfect for frequent travellers. It allows multiple trips within a year and is often more cost-effective than buying separate policies each time.
2. Medical and Emergency Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance is crucial when visiting countries where healthcare isn’t free or easily accessible. It covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, and even medical evacuation if needed.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to choose a policy that includes medical screening. This ensures your condition is covered and avoids issues with claims later on.
3. Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance
Sometimes, unexpected events like illness, family emergencies, or travel restrictions force you to cancel or cut a trip short. Cancellation insurance helps you recover the non-refundable costs.
Curtailment cover is also useful if your holiday is interrupted after it’s started. It can reimburse you for missed hotel nights, activities, or return travel expenses.
4. Baggage, Money, and Personal Belongings Cover
Losing your luggage or valuables while travelling can be stressful. This type of cover protects you if your bags are lost, delayed, or if items like passports or electronics are stolen.
Most policies have limits on valuable items, so check what’s included. You may need extra cover for expensive gear like cameras, laptops, or jewellery.
5. Adventure and Sports Travel Insurance
If your holiday involves risky activities like skiing, scuba diving, or mountain biking, standard travel insurance likely won’t cover you. Adventure insurance is designed for these higher-risk trips.
It includes cover for injuries, lost or damaged sports equipment, and emergency rescue services. This type of insurance is essential for active holidays or remote destinations.
6. Specialist Cover Types
Some trips require unique cover based on purpose or destination. These include:
- Cruise travel insurance – covers missed port stops, onboard medical treatment, and cabin confinement.
- Backpacker insurance – long-term cover for multiple countries, often used by gap year students or digital nomads.
- Business travel insurance – includes laptop or work equipment cover, missed meetings, and delayed flights.
- Family or group insurance – one policy for several travellers, often more affordable for families or friends travelling together
Top Best & Cheap Travel Insurance Providers in the UK
Admiral, Staysure, Aviva, AXA, and Post Office are top UK travel insurers; each offers budget-friendly cover that is trusted for trips and emergencies.
1. Admiral Travel Insurance
Admiral is a trusted UK insurer offering cheap travel insurance with medical cover, trip protection, and flexible holiday policy options.
Admiral stands out for balancing affordability with comprehensive coverage. Whether you need a single-trip or multi-trip plan, Admiral provides essential cover like cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency medical care—ideal for solo travellers or families.
It’s especially great if you want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing reliability. Their online quote system is simple, and they have a solid reputation for fast claims support and UK-based customer service.
2. Staysure Travel Insurance
Staysure offers travel insurance in the UK tailored for over-50s, with great medical cover, pre-existing condition support, and flexible add-ons.
Known for its focus on older travellers, Staysure specialises in policies that include pre-existing conditions, making it ideal for those needing extra medical cover. With high limits on emergency expenses and optional extras like cruise or winter sports cover, it provides strong protection for all kinds of trips.
It’s a go-to provider for peace of mind, especially if you’re planning a longer or more specialised holiday. Their tailored policies and 24/7 medical assistance are what set them apart.
3. Aviva Travel Insurance
Aviva is a major UK insurer offering quality travel insurance with medical support, trip delay cover, and annual or single-trip policy options.
Aviva is known for its dependable, flexible plans that work well for families and frequent travellers. Cover includes emergency medical care, cancellation, personal liability, and even cover for missed departures.
Their policies are well-suited for people who want comprehensive, stress-free protection from a recognised brand. You also get access to a 24/7 helpline, making Aviva a reliable choice whether you’re on a weekend city break or a long-haul adventure.
4. AXA Travel Insurance
AXA travel insurance provides reliable global cover for UK travellers, with medical support, trip cancellation, and emergency assistance abroad.
AXA is ideal for those travelling internationally or over longer periods. Their travel insurance includes protection for emergency healthcare, trip cancellations, travel delays, and even lost baggage, which is handy for multi-stop or high-risk destinations.
With strong customer service and a reputation for global support, AXA suits frequent travellers and those going further afield. It’s also a good choice for business travellers or families taking international holidays.
5. Post Office Travel Insurance
Post Office offers budget travel insurance in the UK with easy online quotes, medical cover, trip delay protection, and trusted customer service.
Post Office travel insurance is perfect for quick, straightforward holiday cover. Their policies cover everything from medical emergencies and cancellations to baggage loss and delays—ideal for short breaks or last-minute getaways.
It’s a familiar and trusted brand across the UK, with easy-to-customise options for activities like skiing or backpacking. If you’re looking for no-fuss, reliable travel insurance on a budget, the Post Office is a solid option.
What is the Cheapest Travel Insurance?
The cheapest travel insurance is usually basic single-trip cover, but prices vary. Compare UK providers for deals based on age, trip type, and cover limits.
Budget travel insurance covers basics like medical emergencies and cancellations but may skip extras.
For EU trips, choose policies compatible with your GHIC card. Annual cover is often cheaper if you travel regularly.
Check terms—cheap plans may not suit pre-existing conditions or high-value baggage. Use UK comparison sites to find affordable, reliable travel insurance.
Travel Insurance based on Age
Travel insurance is age-based—older travellers often pay more due to higher medical risks, trip cancellations, and limits that vary with age brackets.
Under 18s
Children are usually covered under a parent’s or guardian’s travel insurance. It’s important to have medical cover, emergency support abroad, and cancellation protection in case of family illness or travel disruptions.
Young Adults (18–30)
This group often travels on a budget, for gap years, backpacking, or working holidays. Look for affordable travel insurance that includes medical cover, gadget protection, and cancellation cover for flights or accommodation changes.
Adults (30–50)
At this stage, travel may involve families, business, or longer holidays. Choose a policy with comprehensive medical coverage, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and coverage for delays or missed connections. Annual multi-trip policies may offer better value.
Older Adults (50–65)
Travel insurance needs become more complex with age, especially if managing mild health conditions. Prioritise policies with higher medical cover, cancellation protection, and options that don’t sharply increase premiums post-60.
Seniors (65–75)
As medical risks increase, it’s crucial to declare any pre-existing conditions. Look for specialist senior travel insurance with emergency medical care, repatriation, and support for cruise or longer holidays, which may have specific requirements.
Over 75s
Fewer insurers offer standard cover at this age, but specialist providers do. Focus on high medical limits, 24/7 emergency assistance, and coverage for complex health conditions. Be honest about your medical history to avoid claim issues.
Martin Lewis Travel Insurance Advice
Martin Lewis says compare policies, check for medical cover, cancellation, delays, and excess. Annual cover is best if you travel more than twice a year.
He warns, “Travel insurance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Get it ASAB – As Soon As You Book – not the day before you fly.”
Always declare pre-existing conditions, or your policy could be void. He also advises checking if gadgets, baggage, and COVID-related issues are covered.
Using comparison sites is a great start, but don’t just go for the cheapest—look at what’s included. Lewis says, “The devil’s in the details with insurance.”
For frequent travellers, multi-trip policies can save money and hassle, but always read the terms. Don’t assume EHIC/GHIC covers everything abroad.
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is vital, it covers medical costs, cancellations, and lost items, and is made to suit the trip you are planning and the places you will visit.
- Check What’s Covered: Make sure medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage are included.
- Look for Policy Exclusions: See if pre-existing conditions or adventure sports like skiing are covered or excluded.
- Decide on Single or Annual Cover: If you travel often, annual insurance is usually cheaper than buying single-trip policies.
- Verify Emergency Cover: Ensure the policy covers hospital treatment and emergency evacuation abroad.
- Confirm the Insurer’s Credentials: Choose an FCA-regulated UK insurer for peace of mind and reliable support.
- Match the Policy to Your Needs: Check it fits your age, trip length, destination, and any valuable items you’re taking.
Money-Saving Tips for Travel Insurance
Compare policies online, choose only needed coverage, increase excess, book early, check for discounts, and use credit card benefits to save on travel insurance.
Tips:
- Buy annual cover if taking 2+ trips a year – It’s usually cheaper than buying single-trip policies.
- Check if your home insurance covers gadgets abroad – Some policies already protect phones or laptops overseas, so you may not need extra cover.
- Use promo codes or cashback sites – A quick search can save you money instantly.
- Skip extras you don’t need – Only pay for cover that fits your trip, like medical or cancellation.
- Compare quotes before you buy – Shop around to get the best deal and value for money.
How to Apply and Claim Travel Insurance?
To claim travel insurance, contact your provider, fill the claim form, attach documents like receipts or reports, and submit it within the required time.
Step 1: Choose the Right Travel Insurance Policy
Compare travel insurance plans online. Select one that fits your trip—whether it’s single trip, annual multi-trip, or specialised cover for medical needs.
Step 2: Check What’s Covered and What’s Not
Read the policy details carefully. Make sure it includes essentials like medical cover, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and emergency repatriation.
Step 3: Apply with Accurate Information
Apply online or by phone. Provide correct travel dates, destinations, and disclose any pre-existing health conditions to avoid rejected claims later.
Step 4: Pay and Save Your Policy Documents
Once payment is made, you’ll receive your certificate and full policy terms—keep these handy for emergencies or when making a claim.
Step 5: If Something Goes Wrong, Notify Your Insurer
Contact your insurer immediately if your trip is disrupted, you fall ill, or your belongings are lost or stolen. Many have 24/7 emergency helplines.
Step 6: Gather All Required Documents for Your Claim
Collect receipts, medical reports, police statements, or flight cancellation notices—whatever supports your claim and shows proof of loss or cost.
Step 7: Fill the Claim Form and Submit Promptly
Complete the claims form accurately and submit it along with all documents within the deadline (usually 30 days). Once reviewed, your payout is processed.
Travel insurance protects you from unexpected costs like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost baggage while travelling. Choosing the right, affordable policy ensures peace of mind and financial safety for all age groups and trip types.
FAQs
What is the cheapest travel insurance in the UK?
The cheapest options usually come from comparison sites like Compare the Market or budget providers like InsureandGo and Coverwise.
Can I get travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, insurers like Staysure, Avanti, and AllClear specialise in medical travel insurance for conditions like diabetes, heart issues, and more.
Is annual travel insurance cheaper than single-trip?
Yes — if you travel more than twice a year, annual multi-trip insurance often works out cheaper and more convenient.
Does Martin Lewis recommend buying travel insurance early?
Absolutely. He stresses buying it as soon as you book your trip to ensure cancellation cover kicks in.
What is included in basic, cheap travel insurance?
Typically includes emergency medical care, trip cancellation, personal liability, and baggage cover. Read the fine print for exclusions.
