Travel insurance
COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTES FROM JUST £1.10^
- Find cover for pre-existing medical conditions
- Plus, enjoy fantastic rewards, on us*
^ Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in UK for 2 nights. Prices correct as of April 2025.
We work with 43 trusted travel insurance brands[2], including:
[2] Correct as of June 2025.
Buy travel insurance to suit your trip
Picking the right travel insurance policy for you depends on the level of cover you need. The different policies you could choose from include:
Annual multi trip
If you’re taking two or more holidays or work trips a year, this is likely to be the most cost-effective way to get travel insurance cover.
Cruise travel insurance
Whether your ship misses a port stop because of bad weather or you’re taken ill at sea, cruise travel insurance could cover you.
Single trip
If you’re only planning one trip within the next year, a single-trip travel insurance policy could be the cheapest way of getting the cover you need.
Backpacker insurance
Backpacker insurance is a type of travel cover. It’s aimed at people who travel for longer periods, often visiting multiple countries in one trip.
Winter sports cover
Cover for skiing, snowboarding or other winter activities. This type of policy can also cover equipment like skis and snowboards.
Business travel insurance
Get insurance designed around your needs as a business traveller, from protecting your laptop to covering extra unforeseen travel expenses.
Is travel insurance worth it?
If you want cover for unexpected bills arising from accidents, illness, cancellation or lost baggage, travel insurance makes sense.
Only 55% of people polled by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) think travel insurance is essential. But events beyond your control can cause havoc with your holiday plans. And they could leave you seriously out of pocket.
At least 574,000 claims were made in 2023 totalling £511 million, according to Association of British Insurers (ABI) figures published in 2024.
Medical costs alone could run into the thousands when you’re abroad. For example, one travel insurance provider covered £25,000 in repatriation and medical costs for a customer who sustained injuries in a forest fire.
Without travel insurance, they would have had to pay those costs themselves.
While our forest fire example is an extreme case, the average emergency medical treatment claim was £1,724 in 2023, according to the ABI.
What does travel insurance cover?
What’s typically covered by travel insurance?
- Lost baggage – allows you to claim the full or partial value of your baggage or belongings if they are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.
- Cancellation cover – typically offers at least £3,000 of cover if you need to cancel your travel plans at the last minute. This could be due to an unforeseen illness or injury, or perhaps a bereavement.
- Medical expenses – if you’re injured or fall ill while you’re away.
- Emergency repatriation – if you or a family member need to be brought home after an injury, serious illness or death abroad.
- Travel disruption – if bad weather, strikes or a breakdown disrupt your flight or ferry, you could claim for delays that have affected your trip.
What’s typically not covered by travel insurance?
- Changing your mind – you won’t be compensated if you decide to cancel simply because you no longer want to go on holiday. Holiday cancellation insurance will only cover specified situations that are beyond your control, such as injury, illness or bereavement.
- Missed flight – you won’t be covered if it’s your fault you’ve missed the flight. For example, if you oversleep or don’t leave enough time to get through security.
- Undeclared medical conditions – you must tell your provider if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. If you don’t, you won’t be covered for any claim you make related to that condition. If you have a serious health issue, you might need a specialist policy.
- Airline strikes – your airline or travel agent can refund you or make alternative arrangements. But you might be able to claim for related costs such as accommodation through your travel insurance.
- Accidents under the influence – most travel insurance policies won’t pay out if you have an accident while you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol and you're at fault.
- Losses caused by your own negligence – if you leave your belongings unattended, for example, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to claim on your travel insurance.
- Extreme sports – check which sporting activities your holiday insurance covers, as you may need a specialist policy for riskier sports.
- Natural disasters – your policy might cover you if there’s an unexpected natural disaster. But if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel and you still choose to book a holiday, you won’t be covered by your policy.
- Acts of terrorism – if your holiday is impacted by a terrorist attack, you may only have limited cover. But you may be able to add extra cover for an additional fee.
When do I need holiday insurance?
Whenever you book a trip away it’s recommended you have travel insurance. Whether you’re planning a short break to Paris or are backpacking around the world, travel insurance is vital. It will help protect you financially from any unexpected mishaps while you’re travelling.
Ideally, you should buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way, you may be covered if you need to cancel any time before your holiday starts.
This is especially important if you’ve already paid for flights, accommodation and any pre-booked activities.
How to get cheap travel insurance
Here are some of the factors to think about when you’re looking for the cheapest travel insurance deals:
Compare holiday insurance quotes
Shopping around is one of the easiest ways to see how different policies and prices compare. You can check out which features are important to you, what’s included as standard and what you may need to pay extra for.
Here at Compare the Market, we look at travel insurance policies from 43[2] of the UK’s most trusted insurance providers. We’ll then show you suitable options, arranged in price order.
[2] Correct as of June 2025.
Choose the right policy type
Finding the right policy for your needs could get you cheaper premiums.
If you’re only taking one holiday, a single-trip travel insurance policy could be cheaper, for example. If you travel often during the year, a multi-trip annual travel insurance policy could offer better value.
For those travelling with friends or family, group or family travel insurance could work out cheaper than individual policies.
Get the right cover for your trip
Make sure you have the right cover for the type and cost of trip you’re taking, your destination and the activities you’ll be doing.
The cheapest travel insurance isn’t always best, especially if you need extra cover for winter sports or tailored insurance for a cruise.
Only pay for what you need
There’s no point buying add-ons you don’t need. For example, if you’re not taking expensive gadgets with you, you won’t need extra cover for them.
Be realistic about the value of what’s in your suitcase and the cancellation costs when you are getting quotes.
How much is travel insurance?
When comparing travel insurance with Compare the Market, you could get cheap travel insurance for a week away in Europe from £6.89[1].
The price you pay depends on:
- How old you are
- Your medical history
- The level of cover you choose
- How long you’re away
- Where you’re travelling to
The best-value travel insurance isn’t necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive – what matters is that the policy suits your needs.
[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of April 2025.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
It’s vital to have medical cover if you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes or cancer. You may need healthcare while you’re away and the costs of paying for it could be enormous without travel insurance.
Not all providers will offer cover for pre-existing conditions as standard, so you may need a specialist policy.
We can help make your search easier. When you declare medical conditions, we’ll only show quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.
It’s vital that you give your insurance provider honest, accurate information about any medical conditions you have. If you don’t, you risk invalidating your travel insurance policy and not getting a pay-out if you claim.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
Can I upgrade my holiday insurance?
Yes, you can usually upgrade a standard travel insurance policy. Depending on your needs and the type of trip you’re planning, you might want to add these extras to your quote:
- Travel gadget insurance – covers loss, theft or damage to devices such as phones, tablets, headphones and gaming handhelds. Check exactly what’s covered before you buy.
- Terrorism cover – offers cover if you have to cancel or cut short your trip because of a terrorist attack within a set distance of where you’re staying.
- Travel connection delays – covers you if you miss a connecting flight or ferry – for example, because your original transport was delayed.
- Travel disruption – can offer extended cover if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) changes its travel advice, or if strikes or industrial action mean your transport is cancelled.
- Extreme sports – covers high-risk sports that aren’t usually included in a standard travel policy, such as paragliding, ballooning, skiing and water sports.
- Wedding cover – cover for your wedding dress, rings and gifts, for example.
- Extended stay – most annual policies have a maximum trip length of 31 days, but you can pay extra for longer trips.
What our expert says...
“While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest policy to cut your travel costs, you need to look at what levels of protection the policy offers. Cheaper plans may have lower levels of cover and you might be expected to pay more towards a claim too.
“It’s also worth knowing that the average claim value rises with age, so it’s important to weigh up how your cover limits may need to change as you get older.”
- Anna McEntee, Home, pet and travel insurance expert
How to get travel insurance
Give us a few details
Tell us where and when you’re travelling, what type of cover you need and whether you have any medical conditions.
We’ll search for quotes
We’ll show you a list of quotes, so you can choose the right travel insurance for your needs.
Buy your policy
Read the policy carefully before you buy to make sure it provides all the cover you need. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your trip.
What specialist travel insurance policies are there?
At Compare the Market, we’ve made it easy to compare a range of travel insurance policies that cater specifically to your needs.
Solo traveller insurance
This type of travel insurance specifically covers those travelling alone. You can choose from a single-trip policy or annual cover for multiple holidays.
Couples travel insurance
Couples travel insurance offers cover for both you and your partner under one policy. This can often work out cheaper than taking out two separate travel insurance policies.
Family travel insurance
Family travel insurance typically covers parents and children under 18 living at the same address. A family policy can often be cheaper than separate policies. Some providers might even throw in free cover for the kids, but conditions could apply.
Group travel insurance
Group travel insurance can generally cover up to 10 people on one policy. This could include family, friends, those in social clubs or anyone else you’re travelling with.
Over-70s travel insurance
Over-70s travel insurance cover is tailored towards older people’s health and medical needs. Over-70s travel insurance is also more likely to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Under-18s travel insurance
Under-18s travel insurance offers cover for your child if they’re heading overseas without you. For example, if they’re meeting a family member abroad or going on a post-exams getaway.
How can I make a claim on my travel insurance?
- Make sure you have key information to hand such as your insurance policy, travel documents and emergency contact details.
- Contact the police or relevant authority as soon as possible. You'll need to get an official report if your claim arises from theft or other criminal activity.
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can. If possible, ask it to agree to any medical treatment before you go ahead. In some cases, you may need to pay upfront, then claim back the money when you get home.
- Keep or request any evidence to support your claim. Make sure you keep the necessary receipts to back up your claim. You’ll also need relevant police or medical reports if needed.
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Expert tools, tips and guides
With excellent customer reviews, huge market coverage and useful practical tips, our travel insurance comparison service can help you find the right travel insurance for your needs.
- Your ultimate holiday checklist – keep track of what you need for your break with our handy checklist.
- Over-50s travel insurance – the world’s your oyster; compare quotes and find a policy that suits you.
- How to make a travel insurance claim – read our top tips for making a successful travel insurance claim.
- A guide to ATOL protection – learn how ATOL can help protect your travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
How does travel insurance work?
Travel insurance provides financial protection for certain problems that could occur while you’re away.
If you need to make a claim, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as you can. You’ll usually be able to claim online or phone a dedicated claims line.
Note that you may need to pay for any costs upfront before claiming them back. It’s vital to keep any receipts and hospital bills you’ll need to support your claim.
What does excess mean in travel insurance?
Excess in travel insurance is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim you make.
So, for example, if you have a policy with a £100 excess and successfully claim £1,000 for a cancellation, you’d pay the £100 towards the claim. Your insurance provider would reimburse you the remaining £900.
Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
Brexit introduced several changes for people travelling between the UK and EU, including:
- You now need to have at least three months left on your passport
- Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before your arrival date
- Tourists can stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
- If you’re planning on taking your car abroad or hiring a vehicle, you’ll need the right driving documents
- When your current EHIC card expires, you’ll need to get a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).
Find out more about post-Brexit changes for UK nationals visiting the EU at GOV.UK.
Do I need travel insurance if I have an GHIC or EHIC?
Yes, because these cards won’t offer cover for other emergencies such as cancellation, theft or loss of baggage.
The GHIC card or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) only provides help with necessary medical care.
So if, for example, you need to claim for emergency repatriation, you’ll need travel insurance to cover the cost of returning you to the UK.
However, it’s still important to have a GHIC or EHIC when you go away. Some insurance providers won’t cover medical claims unless you do.
Do I need holiday insurance for the UK?
If you're holidaying in the UK, although the NHS will cover your medical needs, you might still want cover for:
- An internal flight or train being cancelled
- Your hotel being closed or going out of business
- Baggage getting lost, damaged or stolen
- Cancelling your trip due to ill health or bereavement.
Travel insurance could potentially cover you for all these. But be aware that some travel insurance policies for the UK will require you have a minimum three-night pre-booked stay to be covered.
Will travel insurance cover lost passports?
Yes, while you should always check your policy beforehand, most travel insurance will cover you for lost or stolen passports.
If your passport is lost or stolen, it’s important that you report this quickly. You’ll need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to help minimise the disruption to your holiday.
Keep any reference numbers when you report your missing passport – you’ll need these when claiming on your insurance.
Can I get travel insurance if I’m pregnant?
Yes. Pregnancy isn’t considered a pre-existing condition, so travel insurance when pregnant shouldn’t cost you any more than usual.
But you won’t be covered if you fly against medical advice. And you might not be covered if you give birth abroad.
Check your policy to see if it covers holiday cancellation or curtailment due to pregnancy complications. Also, see what medical cover you have in case your baby arrives sooner than expected.
Can I get travel insurance when I am already abroad?
You might be able to buy specialist travel insurance after you’ve departed. However, you should ideally arrange cover before you set off.
Your circumstances and whether you intend to make a claim will be considered. Also, be aware that there may be a waiting period to prevent you from making an immediate claim.
Can travel insurance be extended?
Many providers will let you extend your cover if you decide to make your holiday last a little longer.
You should let your travel insurance provider know as soon as possible and avoid letting your cover expire. If you do, it might be harder to get an extension.
What does 'doubling up' on travel insurance mean?
Doubling up on insurance means that you’ve taken out more than one type of cover.
This might be because you’ve taken out a travel insurance policy but also have cover from another source, such as a bank or credit card provider.
Having two forms of cover doesn’t mean you’ll get twice the payout, and is not usually considered a plus. In fact, it could delay your claim being processed, while the providers work out which should cover the cost.
