At a glance:
Many travel insurance policies include limited COVID-19 cover as standard.
Cover can include COVID-related cancellations, repatriation and extended stays.
If you have long COVID-19, you should declare it as a pre-existing condition.
COVID-19 cover can vary between providers, so check the policy details carefully before you buy.
What does coronavirus travel insurance cover?
COVID-19 travel insurance cover can provide:
Cancellation cover before you set off
Travel insurance that covers COVID-19 can protect you for forced cancellation. For example, if:
You have coronavirus within 14 days of setting off (you’ll need medical evidence to be able to claim)
You’re denied boarding a plane because you show symptoms
One of your travelling companions or close relatives falls ill with COVID.
Cover while you’re away
With COVID-19 travel insurance, you may be able to claim:
If you become ill or have a medical emergency
For being brought back home – with a medical escort, if this is considered necessary
For accommodation or travel expenses if you have to extend your stay because of illness or a positive test
If you have to cut short your holiday – for example, if a close family member is hospitalised or dies from coronavirus while you’re away
For unused, non-refundable, pre-booked excursion costs where you have to self-isolate due to contracting COVID-19.
If you compare travel insurance with us, you can filter your results by ticking boxes to see policies that offer cover for:
Forced cancellation
Medical expenses and repatriation
Forced extended stay
Then check the policy documents to see exactly what COVID-19 cover is offered. Just select the ‘More details’ button, then the ‘More details’ link next to ‘COVID-19 cover included’. Take a close look at the policy to make sure it offers you the cover you want. Not all policies offer the same level of cover.
What isn’t covered?
Like all travel insurance, you won’t be covered if you travel to a destination against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice.
You can check FCDO advice on a country-by-country basis at GOV.UK. You can easily sign up to get email alerts about any changes.
Other things that won’t be covered include:
Changing your mind about travelling because of levels of COVID-19 at your destination
Being turned back at the border because you haven’t followed rules correctly
Making a claim having bought a policy after testing positive for COVID-19
The cost of any tests you’re required to take
Travel or accommodation costs where a credit or voucher has been provided instead of a cash refund
Where you’re legally entitled to a refund in the form of cash or a voucher from your airline and/or travel provider.
Please be aware that some policies state that if you’ve chosen not to have the recommended vaccinations, then you won’t be covered for any COVID-related claims. This includes cancellation, curtailment or emergency medical and repatriation expenses.
What else can travel insurance cover you for?
Pre-existing conditions
Even if you have pre-existing conditions, travel insurance should still cover you for COVID-19, as long as you declared the conditions when you took out your policy.
Travel insurance for UK breaks
Coronavirus travel insurance should cover you for cancellation or having to cut short your holiday due to COVID-19 if you’re staying in the UK. Typically, you’ll need to have pre-booked and paid for at least two consecutive nights of accommodation.
Travel insurance will also cover you for:
Emergency medical treatment
But travel insurance won’t cover you as standard for natural disasters, terrorism or accidents that happen under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Check your policy for any exclusions so you know exactly what isn’t covered.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
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.
FAQs
Can I cancel my holiday due to COVID-19?
If you become ill with COVID-19 and have to cancel then you should be covered, provided you’ve opted for a policy with coronavirus cover.
Will I be covered if I’m put in quarantine while abroad?
This varies among insurance providers. Some policies will cover you if your travel home is delayed for reasons out of your control, such as testing positive for COVID-19. Some, but not all, will cover you for being refused boarding on a plane. Others might not cover any additional costs at all. You’ll also need to check with your provider to see whether your policy will be automatically extended if you need to stay longer.
When you compare policies with us, tick the box for “forced extended stay” and check the details from the providers you’re considering.
What are the benefits of getting annual travel insurance with COVID-19 cover?
Having annual travel insurance can work out cheaper if you take more than one trip a year. It also saves you from having to buy a new policy each time you go away. If you choose an annual policy that includes COVID-19 cover, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’ll be covered for COVID-related disruption for all your trips.
Can I extend travel insurance if I’m already on holiday?
If you’ve been forced to stay for longer, for example because you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, ask your insurance provider what you need to do. Some policies will automatically extend if you’re unwell but check what applies to you.
Can I get travel insurance if I have long COVID?
Yes, you should be able to get travel insurance if you have long COVID. However, you’ll need to declare it as a pre-existing condition. This will ensure you’re fully covered if you need to make a claim.
Looking for something else?
With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
An experienced commercial leader with nearly 20 years’ experience in digital comparison and consumer services, Tom Lyon is a trusted voice in industries that affect millions of households. Tom’s made appearances on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky News, as well as programmes such as Watchdog, The One Show and Good Morning Britain.
Tom’s areas of expertise include travel insurance, as well as utilities and digital products such as energy, broadband and mobile.
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What our expert says...
“Many travel insurance policies offer cover for COVID-19-related disruption, but exactly what that includes varies. For example, some policies cover you if you’re denied boarding on a plane or cruise ship because of COVID, while some won’t. When buying a travel insurance policy, it’s crucial to read the details carefully to make sure you know exactly what you’re covered for.”