Want a snapshot of worldwide travel insurance? Here’s what you need to know in under a minute:
Worldwide travel insurance offers cover for both short and long-haul trips
Policies will either include or exclude the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean
Worldwide travel insurance policies typically cap the number of days you’re covered to travel for any one trip – anywhere between 30 and 120 days
What you’ll pay for your worldwide holiday cover depends on factors including your age, the activities you’re planning to do and whether you have a pre-existing medical condition
One of the best ways to find a great deal on your worldwide travel cover is to shop around.
What is worldwide travel insurance?
A worldwide travel insurance policy covers you when you holiday in destinations from short-haul trips to Europe to long-haul holidays around the world. It also typically offers higher levels of cover for medical costs.
Worldwide or “rest of the world” policies usually fall into two categories. Some include the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, and others don’t.
That’s because healthcare in these countries can be far more expensive than anywhere else in the world.
What does worldwide travel insurance cover?
Worldwide holiday insurance can cover many of the things that could go wrong on a big trip.
Here are some of the typical inclusions.
Medical cover
If you have an accident or unexpectedly fall ill while abroad, worldwide travel insurance will cover your hospital expenses. It can also cover repatriation to get you home to the UK if needed.
Stolen, lost or damaged luggage
This can cover the cost of replacing personal possessions that are lost or stolen. But most travel insurance providers have a maximum single-item limit for valuables such as jewellery and gadgets. So, you might want to consider additional cover if you carry a lot of expensive items.
Travel disruption
You may be covered if you miss a flight or connection due to circumstances out of your control. These could include severe weather or public transport delays. Check how much you can claim for related expenses, such as accommodation costs.
Flight delays
Policies have different terms and limits around flight delays. So, check yours carefully, especially if you have connecting flights or onward travel arrangements.
Cancellations and curtailment
Cancellation and curtailment insurance can cover prepaid holiday costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to reasons listed in the policy.
This could compensate you for things such as accommodation, flights and pre-booked excursions. Check your policy details for any exclusions.
Personal liability cover
Every country has different laws. So, accident, liability and legal cover could come in handy. Check your worldwide travel insurance policy to see if you’re covered for these.
Cover levels and limits will vary between providers. So, if liability cover is important for you, read the terms and conditions carefully before committing to a policy.
What isn’t covered by worldwide travel insurance?
While global travel insurance offers protection in worldwide destinations, it won’t cover you for every circumstance. Here are some common exclusions.
Travelling to destinations against UK government advice.
If you choose to visit high-risk destinations that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against, you won’t usually be covered by your worldwide travel insurance.
Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions
It's important to be honest when it comes to pre-existing medical conditions – even if that means paying more for your insurance. If you don’t declare something that then requires medical treatment, you’re unlikely to be covered.
High-risk activities and sports
If you’re planning to take part in activities such as skydiving, white-water rafting or rock climbing, you should arrange specific cover.
Acts of terrorism
Acts of terrorism aren't usually covered, but you may be able to pay extra for an add-on policy if you want this kind of cover.
Reckless behaviour
Behaving in a way that puts you at risk, such as drunkenness or drug use, could invalidate any related claims.
Claims related to you breaking the law
Laws vary greatly between countries. For example, littering could get you a first-time fine of more than £1,000 in Singapore. So, always check local laws and customs before you travel. You won’t be able to claim on your worldwide travel insurance if you break the law.
Natural disasters
For travel disruption related to natural catastrophes, including volcanic ash, earthquakes, wildfires and floods, you may not always be covered. Check your policy carefully for any exclusions. If your policy includes trip disruption or natural disaster cover, you should be covered if you have to cut short or cancel your holiday.
Changing your mind
You won’t be covered for holiday cancellation if you simply decide you don’t want to go on holiday after all. Similarly, you won’t be covered if you cancel for a reason that was known to you when you booked your trip.
Do I need worldwide travel insurance?
The FCDO strongly advises that travellers to any destination take out travel insurance.
And more and more countries have made travel insurance compulsory as part of their entry requirements. These include Cuba, Turkey and Thailand.
Check the rules for your destination(s) on the FCDO website before you travel. But even where it isn’t compulsory, world traveller insurance is well worth having.
For example, treatment for a stomach bug in the USA and repatriation back to the UK could cost you more than £150,000. Without the right travel insurance, you’d be liable to cover those costs yourself.
A worldwide travel insurance policy could offer a financial lifeline if:
You have an accident or fall ill and need medical treatment
Your baggage gets lost or stolen
Your flight is delayed
You need to cancel your trip at the last minute.
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.
How much is worldwide travel insurance?
A single-trip worldwide travel insurance policy for one week could cost as little as £21.37[1]. But the final cost of your premium will depend on factors including your age, the activities you’re planning to do and whether you have a pre-existing medical condition.
[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a worldwide travel insurance policy for a 20-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling for 1 week. Prices correct as of July 2025.
What else should I consider with worldwide travel insurance?
If you’ll be taking part in more adventurous sports or have specific needs, you should make sure you’re covered for these when taking out a worldwide travel insurance policy. This includes:
Extreme sports – cover yourself for mountain biking, climbing, paragliding and more.
Water sports – if you’re going diving, jet skiing, water skiing or planning other aquatic adventures.
Golf travel insurance – typically includes cover for your clubs and lost green fees.
Winter sports travel insurance – this will cover you if you hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding.
Cruise travel insurance – if you’re going on a cruise, you’ll need specialist insurance.
Pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance – you must tell your insurance provider of any health issues you have when you apply.
What if I'm travelling for more than 30 days?
Most standard travel insurance policies will cover you for up to 30 days. Depending on your insurance provider, you may be able to extend this for an extra fee.
If you're heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime round-the-world trip or gap year adventure in some far-flung corner of the world, you could alternatively take out one of the following:
Top tip: check your home insurance if you’re going to be away for a long period of time. Most standard policies only cover an unoccupied home for up to 30 days. Check with your insurance provider, as you may need to update your policy to cover the time you’re away.
Any other tips before travelling?
Make sure you’re well prepared for your overseas adventure:
Check your passport is valid
Many countries now require you to have at least six months' outstanding on your passport.
For EU travel, UK passport holders must now have a passport that was issued within the past 10 years. It must also have at least three months left to run before renewal.
So, check your passport’s expiry date and renew it in time, if necessary. If you don’t, you could be turned away at the border.
It typically takes up to three weeks to receive a new passport, so make sure you apply in plenty of time and keep an eye on the current passport processing times.
Check for up-to-date FCDO advice
Check out the FCDO travel advice for the country or countries you’re visiting – the FCDO can give you the latest information and updates on travel warnings and entry requirements.
Check your visa requirements
Give yourself plenty of time to get visas arranged – if you’re planning on any stopovers for a few days, you might also need visas for countries you’re passing through.
Also, from late 2026, UK passport holders taking short trips within the Schengen Zone will need to pay €20 (around £17.50 as of July 2025) for a visa waiver (Etias). The waiver is expected to be valid for three years, or until your passport expires.
Book vaccinations
Check whether you need any vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever or typhoid well in advance of your trip.
Some travel vaccinations need to be given over several weeks or months to allow your body to build up immunity, while others may need a booster. Talk to your GP and aim to get vaccinated at least eight weeks before you travel.
Respect local laws and customs
A bit of research about the countries you’re visiting can go a long way. Be aware of local etiquette around things such as tipping, appropriate clothing and drinking alcohol. For country-specific tips, check out our travel destination guides.
Local currency
If you’re given the choice, always pay with your card in the local currency - that way you’ll avoid hefty conversion fees. If you want to get favourable exchange rates and save money on cross-border transaction fees, it might be worth getting a travel credit card.
Use a holiday checklist
Our handy holiday checklist will help you keep track of your holiday packing essentials. Simply download and use it as a guide for your next trip away.
Download the holiday checklist
Where can I compare worldwide travel insurance?
We make it quick and easy to compare worldwide travel insurance quotes, and to find the right policy to protect you on your travels.
We compare policies from a wide range of trusted insurance providers. All you have to do is choose the cover that suits you, then sit back and dream about your upcoming adventure.
Looking for a quote?
Get a new travel insurance quote in minutes to see if you can save.
FAQs
Should I get annual or single trip worldwide travel insurance?
It depends on how often you plan to travel.
A single-trip policy is fine if, for example, you're only going on one two-week holiday in the sun.
But if you’re planning on taking regular trips overseas, an annual policy (also known as multi-trip cover) could be better. And it could offer cheaper travel in the long run.
When should I take out worldwide travel insurance?
We recommend taking out your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way if anything happens before you set off – like illness, injury or bereavement – which prevents you from travelling, you may be able to claim back the costs.
Does worldwide travel insurance cover Europe?
Yes, worldwide travel insurance also covers you in Europe.
The only exceptions would be countries the FCDO advises against travelling to.
It’s always a good idea to double-check GOV.UK’s Foreign travel advice page for the latest updates on the country or countries you’re planning to visit.
Will the GHIC cover me worldwide?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not valid outside Europe.
You can use a UK GHIC when you're visiting:
a country in the European Economic Area (EEA)
Montenegro
Australia
Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
It also won’t cover you for non-medical mishaps such as lost or stolen baggage, delays or cancellations. Nor will it pay for you to be flown back to the UK for medical repatriation. So, it’s not a replacement for travel insurance.
The GHIC provides emergency and necessary medical for UK visitors in EU countries and Switzerland on the same basis that local people get it.
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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.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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