Does family travel insurance still cover us after separation?

If your family no longer lives under the same roof, your family travel insurance policy might not be valid. We take a look at whether family travel insurance still covers you after a separation.

Written by

Anna McEntee

Home, pet and travel insurance expert

Last Updated

6 JANUARY 2023

4 min read

Does family travel insurance still cover a family after they’ve separated?

Whether or not your family travel insurance still covers you after a separation will depend on the terms set out in your travel policy. If your family has separated, you should know that:

Travel insurance won’t pay out if you’re a couple who have split up and you no longer want to go on a trip
If you’ve separated or divorced and a travel policy’s in your name, any children that no longer live with you might not be covered for future holidays
Step-children, if they don’t live with you permanently, may also not be covered.

Each travel policy is different and it’s worth doing a full comparison to find the one that suits your specific needs. There are policies aimed specifically at single-parent families. It’s also worth being aware that some providers set a minimum time period a couple needs to live together (typically around six months) before they can get cover.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, you should always declare any medical conditions and tell your insurance provider the truth, because if you give false information your claim could be rejected. When you declare 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 that may be able to offer quotes.

How do I know if my separation affects my family travel insurance?

Before you travel, check the terms and conditions of your policy carefully. If you’re concerned that you or your children may not be covered, contact your insurance provider.

Once you’ve explained the situation, they’ll be able to amend your policy or offer advice on what to do next. You may need to cancel your policy and buy a new one, which reflects your change in circumstances.

What should I look for in a family travel insurance policy?

When you’re looking at what travel insurance policy to buy for you and your family, it’s always worth considering:

Medical expenses – to cover you for any treatment, or the cost of repatriation to fly you home if necessary.
Cancellation and curtailment – in case you have to cancel or cut your holiday short.
Missed departures and delays – if you miss your flight for reasons out of your control or there are flight delays.
Lost or stolen luggage – to help you recoup any losses if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged.
Personal liability – covers the cost of damage or injury you unwittingly cause to someone else or their property during your holiday.

What’s not covered by family travel insurance?

A standard family travel insurance policy won’t typically cover:

Accidents or injuries as a result of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Pre-existing medical conditions that haven’t been declared to your insurance provider.
Extreme sports and activities – these can usually be added at an extra cost.
Acts of terrorism – some policies offer limited cover for terrorist acts, but you should at least have cover for emergency treatment following a terrorist attack. Check the policy wording to be sure.
Travel to countries against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice.

What else should I consider when buying family travel insurance?

Before you buy family travel insurance, think about the activities you’ve got planned for your holiday. You may need extra cover for:

Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and even sleigh rides
Water sports such as rafting, kayaking, and jet-skiing
Adventure activities such as rock climbing, horse riding and trekking.

You’ll also need to decide between a single trip policy (valid for one holiday) or an annual policy that covers you for the whole year. If you travel a lot, an annual policy might work out cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

Can we get family travel insurance if we live at separate addresses?

If you’re divorced or separated and no longer live at the same address, you and your ex-spouse or partner will need to take out separate policies. Your children who live with you can then be added to the policy.

Can my children be included on my family policy, even if they live with my ex?

You should be able to add your children to a family policy, even if their legal address is different to yours. Check with your insurance provider to be sure.

Some providers also offer single-parent policies which might be better suited to cover your particular situation.

Can we get a family GHIC card?

No. If you’re travelling to Europe, each member of your family, including babies, will need their own GHIC card. The Global Health Insurance Card, which replaces the EHIC, gives you access to state-funded healthcare within the EU and Switzerland.

Remember, even with a GHIC card, you’ll still need to have proper travel insurance in place.