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Best travel insurance UK 2024 guide

We all deserve a break now and then. And the last thing you want to think of when booking your holiday is something going wrong. But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. That’s why you should always consider travel insurance when going on a trip.

But how can you find the best travel insurance policy for your needs? Read our guide below to find out more.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance protects you financially if your trip away doesn’t go as planned and you incur unexpected expenses for delays, losses or medical treatment.

All travellers can benefit from travel insurance. But travel insurance is particularly important if you are going on an independent trip without a tour operator, because if something goes wrong, you will have no other help.

There are three main types of travel insurance:

• Single-trip cover: this is the most typical form of travel insurance, covering you for a one-off trip or holiday. There will be a time limit on the cover that can range anywhere between one month and 365 days
• Annual multi-trip cover: this allows you to make multiple trips, or have multiple holidays, in a 12-month period, all under the same travel insurance policy. There may be a cap on how long each individual trip can be
• Long stay, or backpacker, cover: this is normally used for around the world trips, gap years, and longer cruises, and can last for up to 18 months

To find the best UK travel insurance, compare policies before you go to ensure you get the right coverage for you and the specific trip you’re planning.

How to find the best travel insurance policy

When comparing policies to find the best travel insurance for your trip, you should consider: 

• Type of cover you need
• Excess (how much you’ll be expected to pay out yourself before the policy will cover you)
• Amount of medical coverage, and why pre-existing conditions aren’t included
• Limit on baggage claims
• Coverage for specific sports and activities
• Any potential rewards and discounts
• Add-ons, such as gadget insurance

Best travel insurance deals and discounts

Looking for the best travel insurance deals from the best travel insurance companies? In most cases, the easiest way to find the best travel insurance deals is to use a comparison website. Travel insurance comparison websites let you compare costs and coverage side by side to find the best UK travel insurance.

The four main comparison websites – Moneysupermarket, Comparethemarket, Confused.com and GoCompare – also often have certain deals and discounts when you buy travel insurance from them, offering some of the best travel insurance deals on the market.

Moneysupermarket : Find the same deal for less, and it will price match and give you a choice of a £20 gift card. Only on annual travel insurance.

Comparethemarket : Two for one cinema tickets with Meerkat Movies and savings at restaurants when you dine out or order pizza in with Meerkat Meals, as well as 25 per cent off coffee and pastries at Caffè Nero every day of the week through the Meerkat app.

(In November 2023, Confused.com and GoCompare had no deals or discounts for travel insurance).

Price is obviously a big consideration when you are looking for the best travel insurance – you’ve probably already spent a lot on your holiday. But you may be able to get much better coverage for just a few pounds extra, so it’s worth scrolling down the comparison site’s list of providers before buying.

Medical costs abroad will undoubtedly be the biggest expense you face if you fall ill abroad, so don’t scrimp on those.

Then think about your next biggest expense (probably cancellation/interruption of your trip) and make sure that you have high-value coverage for that.

If you find you can get much higher coverage (the maximum amount you can claim per type of claim, such as medical or baggage) for not very much more money, go for the slightly more expensive option.

Going direct

Comparison sites won’t always find you the cheapest deals, however. For example, Direct Line offers some of the best travel insurance with Covid cover and is not on comparison websites.

Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer discounts for buying directly from them, as follows:

Bundled coverage options

When looking for the best travel insurance for your holiday, it can make sense to buy a bundle of coverage under one policy.

Comparison websites will often offer add-on gadget cover, winter sports cover or cruise cover all under the one policy. If you need that extra cover, it is typically cheaper to buy your travel insurance this way rather than as separate policies.

What is covered by travel insurance?

The best travel insurance companies will offer you comprehensive coverage across all types of claims. It’s easy to compare the best travel insurance deals using a comparison website.

Medical coverage

This covers you for medical expenses you incur if you become ill or have an accident while away. The best UK travel insurance will have a high level of medical coverage.

For example, medical coverage will pay for any necessary treatment if you come down with severe food poisoning or you fall through a window and have to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

• Avoid hefty bills or debt for medical assistance outside the UK
• Access better treatment – for example, at private vs public hospitals
• Often, as long as you declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests, you are covered if you fall ill during your trip (check policy exclusions)
• Even the best travel insurance companies will likely charge you more if you have a pre-existing medical condition
• You might have to pay part or all your medical expenses first, then claim on the policy afterwards
• Even the best travel insurance companies do not cover events that happen after you have consumed alcohol excessively or taken recreational drugs or other substances

Trip cancellation/interruption

This insurance pays out the cost of your missed trip if you have to cancel or cut your holiday short due to unforeseen circumstances.

For example, cancellation insurance would normally pay out if you broke your leg just before you were due to travel and had to cancel your trip.

Interruption insurance would cover you if you had to come home early for certain reasons beyond your control – for example, if the area you were staying in was engulfed in wildfires.

• Money you would have lost on pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses is paid to you under the policy
• It can be especially valuable if the trip you are planning is very expensive, as this is money you would lose if you couldn’t go
• You’ll usually only be covered if your trip is cancelled or cut short for specific reasons listed in your policy
• You usually won’t be covered if you miss your flight because you are held by customs or cancel because of a work issue or a pre-existing medical condition that is not covered

Baggage cover

This insurance covers the cost of replacing your luggage if it is lost or stolen.

For example, if an airline loses your luggage in transit or your suitcase is stolen from your hostel while you’re away, you can make a claim for the cost of replacing its contents.

You may also be able to claim for costs related to baggage delay if the airline temporarily misplaced your baggage.

• You can claim for the actual cash value of your belongings or the cost of replacing them (whichever is less)
• High-value items, such as jewellery or sports equipment, can be very expensive to replace without travel insurance
• Standard policies usually place per item and total limits on claims.
• If you are taking very expensive items away, check your policy carefully to ensure that you’re covered (and potentially get a separate policy)
• Some items could be covered by your home insurance policy, so check your policy carefully to see what is any isn’t. It’s also important to note that, should a lost item be covered by both policies, you can only claim once; an attempt to claim twice would be considered fraud

Personal liability

This insurance covers you if you are held responsible for harming another person or damaging their property.

For example, it covers you in situations where you cause serious damage to your holiday accommodation or accidentally stumble into someone else, causing them to need medical treatment.

• The cost of defending yourself in a legal case or repairing/replacing damage could be extremely costly without travel insurance
• Your travel insurance company will take over dealing with a foreign legal system
• You’re covered for the cost of any compensation (up to certain limits)

Limits: 

• Not all travel insurance provides personal liability as standard
• Policies may exclude personal liability while you partake in adventure activities
• Claims related to you committing a crime or damage by wilful negligence won’t be covered
• You likely will not be covered if you admit liability or make an offer to pay before talking to your insurer

Finding the best travel insurance with Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance with Covid cover? Many travel insurance policies now include cancellation cover for reasons related to Covid. This often applies within two weeks of being due to travel, according to the Association of British Insurers, but individual policies can vary.

To make a claim, insurers often require proof in the form of a medically approved positive Covid test. A lateral flow test or self-diagnosis is usually not accepted.

What Covid-related cover to look for

The best travel insurance with Covid cover should include the following:

• Cover if you can’t start your trip because you tested positive for Covid before travelling
• Cover if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for Covid during the holiday
• Cover for additional costs, such as alternative flights, accommodation and Covid tests
• Cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to Covid-19

Travel insurance providers with comprehensive Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance providers with Covid cover? Most travel insurance policies now offer some kind of Covid cover, but Churchill, Direct Line, M&S and Aviva have some of the most comprehensive offerings, with cover for cancellations and expenses related to Covid.

• Covid covered as standard on travel insurance policies
• Cover for trip cancellations if you, a close relative or a travelling companion is diagnosed with Covid-19 or another pandemic disease
• Cover if you or a person you’re planning to stay with must quarantine (abroad or in the UK)
• Cover if you can’t use pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation affected by Covid-19
• Cover for quarantine or where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel within 28 days of departure
• Cover for emergency medical expenses abroad due to Covid-19

Direct Line

• Cover for travel to a destination where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel 
• Cover for medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 while you’re away 
• Cover for additional accommodation and transport if you have to quarantine due to Covid
• Cover for cancellation costs if you or a close relative get Covid-19 before you go
• Cover for quarantine or if the FCDO changes its advice after you book your trip
• Cover if you have to cut your trip short if the FCDO changes its country advice unexpectedly

• Cover for emergency medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 during your trip
• Cover for unrecoverable costs up to £6,000 if you must cancel your trip or return early, including if you have to self-isolate or quarantine before you travel due to Covid-19
• Cover for if you need to cancel your trip due to a positive Covid-19 test or if the FCDO advise against travel to your destination in the 31 days leading up to your trip
• Providing you haven’t travelled against FCDO advice, you’ll also be covered if you catch Covid-19 while abroad

• Coverage of up to £5,000 per person if you must cancel your trip due to getting Covid (you’ll need to provide confirmation and evidence of a positive test result)
• Cover for Covid-related emergency medical treatment and expenses while away
• Cover if you unexpectedly need to quarantine, including extra travel and accommodation costs to get home (provided a return trip was booked) 
• Cover for costs for any accommodation and excursions unused due to getting Covid where the costs can’t be recovered elsewhere
• No cover you if you travel against FCDO advice*
• No cover if you can’t travel because you don’t meet the entry requirements of a country (such as having had Covid vaccinations)*

* It’s worth noting that these clauses are not unusual and the majority of providers will have something similar

Tips for selecting the best UK travel insurance packages

Need some help picking the best UK travel insurance packages to make sure that you get the best travel insurance deals? Here are some tips for picking the best policy features for you.

Coverage limits

When looking for the best travel insurance companies to go with, check coverage limits. These are the maximum amounts your travel insurer will pay if you need to claim. You’ll see when you compare travel insurance policies that coverage limits vary for each type of claim and between policies.

The government-backed MoneyHelper website recommends that the best UK travel insurance should have the following minimum coverage for each type of claim:

• Medical: £1m or more for travel to Europe and £2m or more for the US
• Cancellation/interruption: £2,000 or more
• Missed departure: £500 or more
• Delay: £200 or more
• Baggage cover: £1,500 or more
• Personal liability cover: £2 million or more

Deductibles/excess

Deductibles, also known as the excess, is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your travel insurance will start paying for your claim.

You have to make a trade-off when it comes to choosing the excess and the best travel insurance policy for you.

The lower the excess on a travel insurance policy, the better for you if you have to claim because you will have less to pay from your own pocket (or, more often, deducted from your claim).

But lower excess travel insurance policies are more expensive because the insurer knows it has more to pay out if you claim. Higher excess policies are cheaper, but you’ll have more deducted from your claim.

An exclusion on a travel insurance policy is an event the policy will not cover you for.

Common exclusions on a standard travel insurance policy may not be obvious. According to the ABTA – The Travel Association, these include:

• Incidents that occur after drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
• Theft of unattended possessions
• Sports, extreme sports and activities such as skiing, white water rafting and bungee jumping
• Medical treatment resulting from existing medical conditions you have not declared or conditions preventable by vaccine or advisable medication, such as antimalarials
• Medical costs if you stay abroad after your doctor says you are fit to return to the UK
• Strikes and industrial action if it was known when you booked your trip
• Rescheduled flights where the airline has cancelled and then rescheduled your flight
• Travel to destinations where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel

To get the best travel insurance deals, one way around some of these exclusions is to buy add-ons for adventure activities. In addition, make sure to declare all pre-existing conditions and keep an eye out for any travel disruptions before you book.

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or medical conditions you have and are aware of before you travel.

Travel insurance companies will ask you to disclose any pre-existing conditions. If you use a comparison website, it will be among the first questions you’re asked before it shows you quotes. It’s important to be honest.

Some travel insurance companies, but not all, will offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, while others will offer cover but exclude any claims arising from that medical condition. This will depend on the person being covered and the medical condition.

Most price comparison websites include an option to show insurers who do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, so that would be a good place to start.

The following are likely to be considered pre-existing conditions you should disclose, according to the government-backed MoneyHelper website:

• A condition where you are on a list for an operation
• A condition where you are waiting for test results
• Anything you have been to the doctor about in the last year, including minor things
• Any serious conditions you’ve ever had – for example, cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems or a mental health breakdown

A good tip for everyone, but especially if you have a pre-existing condition, is to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. If your condition gets worse and forces you to cancel your plans, you’ll be covered from the day the policy starts.

On family group policies, the cost will be determined based on the riskiest traveller (according to insurers), which could be someone with a pre-existing condition or an older individual. In this case, it is often cheaper for the group for that person to get a separate policy.

Add-on options

Add-ons are extras you can purchase in addition to a standard travel insurance policy. They cost a bit more, but you may find you’re not covered without them. 

Gadget insurance

This covers things that a standard policy may not, such as your mobile phone or laptop. If these items are covered, you may find the claim limits are far less than the cost of replacing them.

Before you add this option to your travel insurance, check your home insurance policy, because you may already be covered.

Winter sports/adventure activities

Riskier activities, such as skiing or white water rafting, often require extra holiday insurance because insurers think that you are more likely to need to make a claim doing these things.

Winter sports/adventure activities cover is worth getting, or you may find you are not covered for medical expenses if something goes wrong.

Standard travel insurance is generally meant for land-based holidays so you’ll need to opt for a specialist cruise policy if your holiday is a cruise.

European FCDO travel advice extension

Most standard travel insurance policies are invalid if you travel when the FCDO advises against “all but essential travel”.

This add-on allows you to travel to Europe with a valid travel insurance policy, even if the FCDO has advised against it.

This can be an expensive add-on, but if you really must travel to a risky area, you will need this extension in order to make sure you have cover.

Best holiday insurance summary

Choosing the right travel insurance is an essential part of enjoying peace of mind while you are on holiday.

When looking for the best travel insurance deals, don’t just pick the cheapest policy. Instead, look for the cover limits that match your requirements. For example, baggage cover of £5,000 isn’t worth having if your baggage is worth £1,000; cancellation cover up to £10,000 isn’t worth having if your holiday cost you £2,000.

The easiest way to compare the best travel insurance is usually by using a travel insurance comparison website.

Think about the sort of activities you’ll be doing while you’re away. You may need extra holiday insurance for things such as winter sports or scuba diving or if you are going on a cruise.

Be honest about any pre-existing conditions when buying your travel insurance, or you won’t be covered if you have to claim.

The best travel insurance is a safety net for you and your family to enjoy your trip away stress-free, knowing that you’re covered for everything from medical expenses to cancellations if things go wrong.

Frequently asked questions about the best travel insurance UK packages

Is travel insurance necessary for domestic travel within the uk.

Even where medical costs in the UK are covered by the NHS, a sudden illness could lead to other expenses, forcing you to cancel your trip, the costs of which travel insurance would cover.

Lost or stolen luggage and broken gadgets or other claims for damage can just as easily occur in the UK as abroad.

What is annual travel insurance, and is it a good option for frequent travellers?

Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers you for multiple trips away within any 12-month period. It is often cheaper than buying a separate policy for each trip if you are planning to go away multiple times in one year.

Annual travel insurance is also useful if you are planning a long trip visiting several countries, as often insurers require you to buy travel insurance before you leave the UK rather than abroad mid-trip.

Are there any travel insurance companies that specialise in certain types of trips or travellers?

Specialist travel insurers cater to specific groups of people. It can make sense to seek out travel insurers that cover your needs.

Adventures Insurance, Sports Cover Direct and Snowcard tailor their travel insurance to those who enjoy activity holidays and extreme sports, for example.

Senior travellers are the focus of policies from All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance Services, Free Spirit Flex, Good 2 Go Extra, Goodtogo Insurance, Saga, Staysure and Total Travel Protection.

Insurers offering business trip cover include Allianz, Direct Line, Coverwise and Insure & Go.

How do I make a claim with my travel insurance company?

To claim on your travel insurance while you are away, make sure that you take your policy number with you and the emergency number for your insurer. If you are travelling abroad, take any international numbers too.

Call your insurer as soon as you realise you need to make a claim. Keep all receipts and medical expense forms. If you are travelling with other people, make them aware of your policy details and the insurer’s phone number in case they need to call on your behalf.

To make a claim when you return home, check the following:

• You haven’t left it too late to make a claim
• What you’re claiming for is covered
• The excess is not more than the value of your claim (if so, it’s not worth claiming)

Notify your insurer as soon as possible for a claim form, send it back fast and keep a copy of it. You should also include copies of paperwork to support your claim, such as receipts or medical certificates (keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused).

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a freelance journalist, editor, and producer. She has a wealth of consumer finance experience, having written about money matters and business for over 15 years.

During her tenure as a freelance writer, she has worked for ITN, Wired, and The Sunday Times, as well as financial institutions such as Aegon, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Pension Bee, where she’s presenter of the Pension Confident Podcast.

Laura has previously held roles at The Times, where she was the Acting Editor of Times Money Mentor, The Telegraph as a senior finance reporter and was the co-host of the It’s Your Money Podcast, which was renowned for making complex finance issues accessible, and The Financial Times, where she worked as a News Editor. Laura has also worked at CNN, Politics.co.uk, and as a producer at Radio 5 Live.

Connor Campbell

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal and business finance writer who has been producing online content for almost a decade. 

Connor is the personal finance expert for Independent Advisor, guiding readers through everything they need to know about car insurance and home insurance. From how much it costs to the best insurance providers in the UK, he’s here to help you find the right policy for your needs. 

In his capacity as writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet , Connor explored a number of topics close to his heart, such as the impact of our increasingly cashless society, and the hardships and heroics of British entrepreneurs. His commentary was featured in sites such as The Mirror , the Daily Express and Business Insider . 

At financial trading firm Spreadex, meanwhile, his market commentary was featured in outlets such as The Guardian , BBC , Reuters and the Evening Standard . 

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We know how important holidays are, and how important Travel Insurance can be if you need it – especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

That’s why we are dedicated to helping you find the right Travel Insurance policy, with the right support – just in case the unexpected happens. So whether it’s a well-deserved week in the sun or a round the world cruise, we’ve got you covered.

We know that every traveller and every holiday is different – that’s why we work with a number of insurers, many with no age limit, to help you find cover that is tailored to your own needs, whether you’re 18 or 80 and wherever you’re going next.

Single Trip

Get insured quickly and easily for a one-off trip up to 365 days, starting any time in the next 18 months – including cover for Coronavirus . Whether you’re planning a staycation, a week in sizzling sunshine or a long stay overseas, our single trip policies have no age limit so make sure you’re protected with the right Travel Insurance .

Annual Multi Trip

If you are planning to travel more than once a year, then taking annual multi trip Travel Insurance could save you money. You can cover yourself or the whole family on an annual policy, so get the flexibility to travel where you want, when you want and as often as you want without worrying about arranging cover every time you go.

We know it’s not nice to think about something going wrong on your cruise, but that’s what Insurance is for. Get peace of mind while you’re at sea with our specialist cruise Travel Insurance , including missed port departure, cabin confinement and cruise interruption cover. All ages and pre-existing medical conditions considered.

Pre-existing

Did you know the majority of Travel Insurance claims are paid to support people in need of emergency medical treatment abroad and that the average claim is more than £1,300? We work with a number of insurers specialising in cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions so you can travel with peace of mind .

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Foreign travel insurance

If you’re travelling abroad, you should take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.

If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away.

If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds. For example:

You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) represents over 300 insurance and long-term savings firms. Read the ABI’s advice on travel insurance , and their  guide on choosing the right travel insurance policy . In addition, see the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory for further information.

In addition to making sure you have appropriate insurance, you should also check Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and sign up to alerts for your destination. If you travel to a destination where FCDO advises against all but essential travel or all travel, your insurance may be invalidated.

When you travel, make sure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number. Share your policy details with people you’re travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.

What your travel insurance should cover

Check whether your policy covers:

• the full length of your trip (many policies have a maximum trip length and/or an annual limit on how much time in total you can spend outside the UK)
• treatment in state or private hospitals (emergency treatment and hospital bills can be enormously expensive)
• emergency transport, such as an ambulance: this is often charged separately to other medical expenses and emergency travel home on medical grounds can be very expensive
• pre-existing medical conditions: declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests so that you are covered if there are related complications during your trip; failing to declare something may invalidate your travel insurance
• all activities you may undertake on holiday, such as sports or adventure tourism (you may need specialist insurance or an add-on for some activities)
• all the places you intend to visit, even if only in transit, in case anyone needs emergency treatment in a transit country
• repatriation costs if you or a family member die abroad
• getting home after medical treatment if you cannot use your original ticket
• reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home if required

Check also whether:

• the insurance provider has 24-hour assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
• the insurance policy provides cover if an airline or travel agent goes out of business – typically this is not covered. ATOL is a consumer protection scheme for air holidays and flights, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) . Choose an ATOL-protected holiday or a travel insurance policy that includes airline or supplier failure cover

If you are going on a cruise, check the booking conditions of the operator you plan to sail with as cruises generally require an additional level of cover because it is more difficult to get to hospital for treatment.

Specialist health and medical insurance

If you have a serious medical condition, you may need a specialist insurance provider or policy. The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has a Travel Medical Directory which has a list of specialist providers who cover serious medical conditions. 

A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access state-provided medically necessary healthcare within the EU, Switzerland and some other countries on the same terms as residents of these countries.

EHIC and GHIC are not alternatives to travel insurance as they do not cover any private medical healthcare costs, repatriation or additional costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts.  

Some insurers may waive any excess on medical treatment if you use an EHIC or GHIC. Check the terms of your policy or contact your insurer to see if this is the case.

Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC, including how to apply for one free of charge .

Policy exclusions to look out for

Check how or whether an insurance policy covers:

• alcohol and drugs: most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances
• high risk destinations: many travel insurance policies will not cover travel to a high risk destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel or all travel. Check your policy wording and the relevant country travel advice pages before booking your trip and buying insurance
• mental health conditions: you must declare mental health conditions or risk invalidating your policy. Be aware that some may exclude cover for treatment related to a pre-existing mental health condition. See foreign travel advice for people with mental health issues  for more guidance
• age restrictions, particularly if you are buying an annual policy: read the Money Advice Service and the ABI guidance on insurance for older people (PDF, 411 KB) for advice on how to choose the right level of cover, get the best deal, make a travel insurance claim and guidance for travellers over the age of 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions
• sports such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies
• use/hire of quad bikes or mopeds: they are not usually covered
• driving overseas: if you’re hiring a car, check what you’re covered for with the hire company; if you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers; check our advice on driving abroad
• terrorist acts: most travel insurers offer only limited cover for terrorist acts but some offer policy add-ons to provide additional cover if there is a terrorist attack in your destination; this may include cancellation cover, if your destination is affected by a terrorist attack before your trip and you no longer wish to travel; as a minimum, make sure your policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and travel home if you are caught up in an attack
• natural disasters (such as an earthquake or tropical cyclone): some policies only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by a natural disaster
• civil unrest, strikes or other industrial action: you may not be covered for some claims that arise from these kinds of incidents, especially if they were known publicly when you booked your trip and/or bought your travel insurance policy

Insurance for extended periods of travel

‘Long-stay’ travel insurance can cover extended periods of continuous travel. Check carefully the maximum duration allowed in any policy you consider buying to ensure that it meets your needs.

Make sure that the entire policy meets your needs, including specific activities and work (paid or unpaid) you may undertake.

Insurance if you live abroad or go for work or study

Travel insurance is not intended for permanent residence abroad. If you live overseas, or you’re planning to move to a different country to live, work or study, you should consider your insurance needs carefully.

Read the healthcare guidance in the Living in country guides for the country where you live to ensure you have the right healthcare arrangements for your circumstances.

You can buy private medical insurance for UK expatriates. Local law may require you to have medical insurance, including as part of a visa application.

You can buy insurance from local providers abroad. You should always check policies carefully, including seeing whether you could transfer medical cover if you re-locate to other countries in the future.

Support for British nationals abroad

Support for British nationals abroad explains how the FCDO can provide support to British nationals if things go wrong abroad.

Updates to this page

Guidance fully reviewed and updated, including updated costs of emergency treatment. New 'Specialist health and medical insurance' section added.

Reviewed and updated guidance in full.

Updated guidance on using an EHIC or GHIC to access healthcare in Switzerland.

Updated to reflect new rules for travelling to amber list countries.

Updated COVID-19 section on new rules for international travel from 17 May.

Updated to reflect current COVID-19 travel guidance

New link to the declaration form for international travel (for England), from 8 March.

Edited grey box at top of page to provide further information on requirements coming into affect from 15 February

From 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.

Updated with new requirements coming into effect from 4am on 18 January 2021.

Updated with information on pre-departure testing for everyone travelling into England and Scotland.

Updated to reflect latest UK COVID-19 restrictions.

Updated the section on travel to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, to reflect changes from 1 January 2021.

Updated ‘Travel to the EU’ section to reflect that UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will still be accepted in EU countries, with different guidance for people travelling to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from 1 January 2021.

Updated COVID-19 travel guidance

Updated to reflect the latest Tier-based COVID-19 rules for England

Updated to reflect the 5 November national restrictions for England relating to travel

Updated EU travel section with information on EHIC validity

New information on making sure your travel insurance covers you for coronavirus-related events

Update to contents including addition of new segments; travel insurance after starting travel or changing your plans, making a travel insurance claim, other financial protection and if you’re not covered.

Added information on financial protection of package holidays.

Information on the use of European Health Insurance cards (EHIC) in the event of a no deal added to the EU Exit update section

EU Exit update with advice on checking insurance coverage when travelling to Europe after the UK leaves the EU.

Content and format changes

Inclusion of Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries (ATII) information.

Updated information on travel insurance

First published.

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No Health Questions Travel Insurance

Whilst our policies generally exclude pre-existing medical conditions, we have developed a list of medical conditions we are happy to cover as standard. Please see the complete list of accepted medical conditions below for full details. Travel Insurance with no health questions can be an attractive option for travellers with certain pre-existing medical conditions.…

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Whilst our policies generally exclude pre-existing medical conditions, we have developed a list of medical conditions we are happy to cover as standard. Please see the complete list of accepted medical conditions below for full details.

Travel Insurance with no health questions can be an attractive option for travellers with certain pre-existing medical conditions. However, it is essential to understand that these policies come with limitations and exclusions, so it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions before purchasing.

To contact us by telephone,  0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757 

The below conditions are covered provided that, in the last 12 months, you have not been referred to a specialist due to worsening or destabilization of the condition; you have never had any hospital admissions with the condition; you are not on a waiting list for treatment or surgery for the conditions; you are not awaiting the results of any tests or investigations about the condition; and you have not received a terminal prognosis.

• Acid Reflux
• ADHD  (providing you have not cancelled or curtailed a trip in the last five years)
• Allergies (limited to rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, eczema, food intolerance and hay fever)
• Asthma (providing it was diagnosed before the age of 50, and the insured person is taking/using no more than two medications/inhalers)
• Bell's Palsy
• Benign Positional Vertigo
• Coeliac Disease
• Corneal Graft
• Cystitis (provided it has not resulted in any kidney infections and you have had less than three infections in the last 12 months)
• Diabetes (providing there have been no complications such as impaired kidney function, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, leg or foot ulcer, retinal damage, nerve damage, leg or foot amputation or liver damage)
• Dry Eyes Syndrome
• Eczema (provided no hospital visits in the last 12 months)
• Enlarged Prostate (benign only and provided it has not resulted in any bladder, kidney or urinary tract infection/problems)
• Essential Tremor
• Folate Deficiency
• Fungal Nail Infection
• Gallbladder Removal (provided there were no complications and no ongoing treatment)
• Gastric Reflux
• Hiatus Hernia
• High Blood Pressure/Hypertension (provided it was diagnosed more than six months ago, there have been no changes to medication in the last six months, you take less than two medications, and you do not have high Cholesterol)
• High Cholesterol (provided you do not also have high blood pressure)
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Hypotension / Low Blood Pressure (provided it is not associated with any underlying condition)
• Learning Disability  (providing the condition you have has not caused you to cancel or curtail a trip in the last five years)
• Macular Degeneration
• Meniere's Disease
• Migraine (provided you have been prescribed medication for the condition and have had no change in medication in the last six months)
• Pernicious Anemia (provided any nerve damage does not interfere with daily activities and you can walk without aids)
• Raynaud's Disease
• RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

Accepted Medical Conditions FAQs

1. If I have purchased a policy, will I be covered for emergency medical expenses and repatriation?

Yes, as long as you have adhered to the restrictions, you will be covered for medical expenses and repatriation. 

2. Can I purchase a policy online if I have one of these pre-existing medical conditions and another that is not on the list?

No, you will need to contact us, and we can provide you with a quote to cover all your medical conditions.

3. Can I purchase a policy if I have one of these medical conditions but do not adhere to the restrictions listed in brackets?

Again, you would need to contact us, as we would need to do a medical screening through another provider.

4. If I participate in sports or activities, can I still purchase a policy with one of the accepted medical conditions listed above?

Yes, you can add sports and activities to the quote, and the policy will cover one of these accepted medical conditions.

5. If my pre-existing medical condition changes before any trip, for example, if I need to be seen by a specialist consultant, do I need to inform you?

Yes, you will need to contact us, and we can discuss the change in circumstances and whether we need to refer the change to the underwriter.

Related Pages

• Pre Existing Medical Conditions Travel Insurance | JS Insurance

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JS Travel Insurance is the trading name of Jade Stanley Limited, 5 Chapel Mews, Waterloo Street,Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1AR, Telephone: 0800 043 0020 . Jade Stanley Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Registration number is 306205

staycationplan.co.uk

UK Holiday Insurance with No Medical Screening

We want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the anticipation of their UK holiday without the worry that, should they be unable to travel, they will lose everything they have paid.

That is why we do not set an age limit on our policies and why we do not ask customers to declare medical conditions.

All we ask is that customers:

• read and accept the short health warranty, as presented below,
• agree to the method we use to calculate your excess below (for an excess waiver premium, the standard excess is reduced to nil, in the event of a claim.)

Health Warranty

Cancellationplan  does not  cover claims where at the time of booking your journey, taking out this insurance or paying any further balance or instalments:

1. The insured person:

• is aware of any set of circumstances which could reasonably have been expected to give rise to a claim; or
• has suffered from a chronic or recurring medical condition during the previous 12 months UNLESS permission is obtained from the treating doctor of fitness to travel at the time of booking; or
• is travelling against the advice of a doctor or a medical professional such as your dentist or where they would have been if they had sought their advice before beginning the journey; or
• knows that they will need treatment or consultation at any medical facility during the journey; or
• is travelling for the purpose of obtaining and/or receiving any elective surgery, procedure or hospital treatment.

2. The person whose condition gives rise to a claim:

• is receiving, or on a waiting list for treatment in a hospital or nursing home; or
• is awaiting the results of any tests or investigations; or
• has been given a terminal prognosis.

If the insured person has an existing medical condition for which consultation or treatment has been received during the 6 months prior to the date of issue of the policy, the excesses under Cancellation/Curtailment and Medical repatriation & other expenses are £80.

In all other circumstances, the excesses are £40

For a small additional premium of £8.80 you can delete the excess.

Travel Insurance with Medical Travel Compared

Find the right travel medical protection, for your condition., compare up to 214 prices from trusted travel insurance companies to find the best policy for pre-existing medical conditions, single trip travel insurance.

Compare travel insurance for a specific trip, covering medical conditions and expenses. We'll search our specialist panel and show you prices from over 30 of the UK’s best travel insurance providers.

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Taking more than one or two holidays a year? Compare annual multi-trip travel insurance from over 30 specialist insurers and save money whilst having peace of mind whilst you travel.

Pre-existing Conditions

Save time and money on travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. Use our comparison tool to compare medical travel insurance cover.

Travel Insurance for Cruises

If you're taking to the high seas for an adventure, make sure your policy includes specialist cover for cruises. Start your travel insurance comparison today.

Winter Sports & Ski Cover

When hitting the slopes, it pays to make sure your travel insurance includes cover for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.

Senior Travel Insurance

Whatever your age, we're here to ensure you enjoy your future holidays - with the right travel insurance cover! Compare holiday insurance from specialists now.

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Specialist Medical Cover

We work with 30+ providers who specialise in covering pre-existing conditions.

We’ll always show you the best prices from providers. No discounts. No pressure.

No phone calls or paperwork. Join millions who've sorted cover online in minutes.

Just what the doctor ordered.

Dr Sarah Jarvis joins us to provide useful information and guidance on travelling with a pre-existing medical condition.

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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition , the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their  website.

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