INSURANCE GUIDE Travel Insurance UK - what it covers and how to choose the right policy |
TL;DR
- Travel insurance covers medical emergencies abroad (the most important section), trip cancellation and curtailment, baggage and personal possessions, travel delays, and personal liability.
- Medical cover is the most critical section - emergency medical treatment abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds; repatriation to the UK can cost GBP 10,000 to GBP 50,000+.
- Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared - failing to declare can invalidate the medical section of the policy.
- GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) provides access to state healthcare in EU countries but does not replace travel insurance for emergency repatriation, cancellation, or baggage.
- Annual multi-trip travel insurance is cost-effective for anyone taking more than two trips per year, typically costing GBP 30 to GBP 100 for standard European cover.
Last reviewed: June 2026
KEY FACTS | |
| Most important section | Emergency medical cover and repatriation - medical emergencies abroad can cost GBP 10,000 to GBP 500,000 |
| GHIC vs travel insurance | GHIC gives access to state healthcare in EU at local rates - does NOT cover repatriation, cancellation, or baggage |
| Pre-existing conditions | Must be declared - non-disclosure invalidates the medical section; declare all conditions before purchasing |
| Annual vs single trip | Annual multi-trip typically cost-effective for 2+ trips per year; single-trip for occasional travellers |
| Standard minimum medical cover | ABI recommends minimum GBP 2 million medical cover for European travel; GBP 5 million for USA/Canada |
| Annual premium range | GBP 10 to GBP 30 single trip Europe; GBP 30 to GBP 100 annual European; GBP 50 to GBP 200 annual worldwide |
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a financial protection product for travellers covering a range of risks that can arise before or during a trip. The five main sections of a standard travel insurance policy are: medical emergency and repatriation; trip cancellation and curtailment; baggage, personal possessions, and travel documents; travel delay and abandonment; and personal liability. Additional cover is available for specific activities including winter sports, adventure activities, and business travel.
Of these sections, emergency medical cover is the most critical. Emergency medical treatment in the USA, Canada, and many other destinations can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds for a serious illness or injury. Emergency repatriation (being flown home medically) typically costs GBP 10,000 to GBP 50,000 depending on the distance and medical circumstances. Without travel insurance, these costs fall entirely on the traveller.
KEY FACTS
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Medical Cover: The Most Important Section
Emergency medical treatment costs abroad vary enormously by destination:
- USA: A week in a US hospital can cost GBP 50,000 to GBP 500,000. Medical costs in the USA are the highest in the world. A minimum of GBP 5 million medical cover is essential for US travel.
- Europe (non-EU): Medical costs in Switzerland, Norway, and similar destinations are high. GBP 2 million cover is a reasonable minimum.
- EU countries: GHIC provides access to state healthcare. But private treatment and repatriation costs require travel insurance in addition to GHIC.
- Developing countries: Emergency repatriation can be very expensive when medical facilities are limited and complex air ambulance arrangements are required.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
All pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when purchasing travel insurance. A pre-existing condition is any medical condition for which the traveller has received diagnosis, medication, treatment, or medical advice before the policy start date. Failure to declare a pre-existing condition can invalidate the entire medical section of the policy - meaning that even if a claim arises from an entirely different cause, the insurer may avoid the policy entirely if non-disclosure is found to be deliberate or reckless.
Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions should use comparison tools and specialist brokers who can find policies that include their specific conditions. The FCA Medical Conditions Directory is a resource pointing to insurers who will cover travellers with specific medical conditions.
Related Guides |
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Always verify details with an FCA-authorised insurer or broker before purchasing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel insurance if I have a GHIC?
Yes. The GHIC entitles you to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries at local rates. It does not cover emergency repatriation to the UK, treatment in private hospitals, trip cancellation, baggage loss, or any travel outside the EU. Travel insurance covers all of these and works alongside the GHIC.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance should be purchased as soon as you book a trip, not just before departure. The cancellation section of the policy (covering the cost of the trip if you have to cancel before departure) only applies from the date the policy is purchased. If you book a holiday 6 months in advance and then fall ill 4 months before departure, cancellation cover only applies if the policy was in force at the time of booking.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most travel insurance policies now include COVID-19-related cover to some extent, though the scope varies significantly. Common inclusions are: cancellation if you test positive before departure; medical costs if you contract COVID-19 abroad. Common exclusions are: cancellation due to border closures or entry requirement changes; travel against FCDO advice. Check the COVID-19 section of any policy carefully as it varies more than other sections.
Does travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude adventure and hazardous sports. Specific activities that are commonly excluded include skiing and snowboarding (require winter sports extension), bungee jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, rock climbing, and similar. If you plan any adventure activities, check the policy activity list and add a sports extension where required.
What is the excess on travel insurance?
Most travel insurance policies have an excess - the amount the policyholder pays towards each claim before the insurer pays the balance. Common excess levels are GBP 50 to GBP 250 per claim. A nil excess policy is available but at a higher premium. Per-section excesses may apply - a different excess for medical claims versus baggage claims. Check the excess for each section when comparing policies.
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