Medical cover
Check the level of emergency medical cover, repatriation support and any exclusions for existing health conditions.
Travel Services
Travel insurance for greater peace of mind.
Protect yourself against medical emergencies, cancellations, lost belongings and other unexpected problems while travelling.
Why buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance can help protect you financially if something goes wrong before or during your trip. Depending on the policy, it may cover emergency medical treatment, cancellations, delays, lost luggage and other unexpected travel problems.
What to look for
A few important things to compare before choosing travel insurance for your trip.
Cancellation cover
Make sure the cancellation limit is high enough to cover the full cost of your flights, accommodation and other bookings.
Belongings and excess
Compare baggage limits, individual item limits and the excess you would need to pay when making a claim.
Choose the right type of cover
Start by selecting the type of travel insurance that best matches the way you travel.
Best for most travellers
Single-trip insurance
Ideal if you are only taking one holiday or city break this year.
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Best for frequent travellers
Annual multi-trip insurance
Usually better value if you take several holidays throughout the year.
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Best for specialist cover
Medical & activity cover
Designed for travellers with medical conditions or trips requiring additional protection.
Compare policiesWhy use a comparison service?
A comparison service lets you compare policies from multiple insurers in one place. Rather than recommending a single insurer, we recommend comparing cover levels, excesses and prices to find the policy that best matches your trip.
Best for most travellers
Single-trip insurance
Best for: One holiday or city break
Why we recommend it
Single-trip policies are usually the most cost-effective choice if you only plan to travel once during the year.
Pros
- Usually the cheapest option
- Easy to compare
- Wide choice of insurers
- Suitable for most holidays
Cons
- Not ideal if you travel several times each year
Price guide: £
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Best value
Annual multi-trip insurance
Best for: Two or more trips each year
Why we recommend it
Annual cover can save money and removes the need to arrange insurance every time you travel.
Pros
- One policy for multiple trips
- Can work out cheaper
- More convenient
- Ideal for regular travellers
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
Price guide: ££
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Best specialist cover
Medical & activity insurance
Best for: Higher-risk or specialist trips
Why we recommend it
Comparison sites make it easier to find insurers offering cover for pre-existing medical conditions, winter sports, cruises and other specialist travel.
Pros
- Compare specialist insurers
- Suitable for more complex trips
- Wide range of policy options
- Can tailor cover to your needs
Cons
- Premiums are often higher
Price guide: £££
Compare policiesWhat should your policy cover?
The cheapest policy is not always the best value. Before buying, check that the level of cover is suitable for your destination, the activities you plan to do and the value of your trip.
Essential
Emergency medical expenses
Best for: Every trip
Why we recommend it
Medical treatment abroad can be extremely expensive, particularly outside Europe. This should be the first thing you compare when choosing a policy.
Pros
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital expenses
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation to the UK
Cons
- Pre-existing conditions may need declaring
Price guide: Essential
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Highly recommended
Cancellation & disruption
Best for: Protecting expensive bookings
Why we recommend it
Cancellation cover can reimburse prepaid costs if illness, emergencies or other insured events prevent you from travelling.
Pros
- Trip cancellation
- Trip curtailment
- Travel delays
- Missed departures
Cons
- Not every reason for cancellation is covered
Price guide: Essential
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Worth checking
Baggage & personal belongings
Best for: Protecting valuables
Why we recommend it
Check both the overall baggage limit and the maximum payout for individual items such as cameras, phones or laptops.
Pros
- Lost baggage
- Delayed baggage
- Stolen belongings
- Personal possessions cover
Cons
- Individual item limits may be lower than expected
Price guide: Varies
Compare policiesOptional extras worth considering
Not every traveller needs additional cover, but depending on your destination and activities, a few optional extras could be worth the extra cost.
Adventure travel
Winter sports & activity cover
Best for: Skiing, snowboarding and adventure holidays
Why we recommend it
Standard travel insurance often excludes activities such as skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving or mountain trekking. If you plan to take part, make sure your policy specifically includes them.
Pros
- Covers adventure activities
- Can include ski equipment
- May cover piste closure and avalanche delays
- Provides greater peace of mind
Cons
- Usually increases the premium
Price guide: Optional
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Road trips
Car hire excess insurance
Best for: Hiring a car abroad
Why we recommend it
Rental companies often charge high prices for excess cover at the desk. Buying excess insurance before you travel can be significantly cheaper.
Pros
- Can save money
- Protects against large excess charges
- Suitable for most road trips
- Available as single-trip or annual cover
Cons
- Must meet the policy conditions
Price guide: Optional
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Valuable equipment
Gadget & valuables cover
Best for: Travelling with expensive electronics
Why we recommend it
If you're carrying cameras, laptops, drones or other valuable equipment, check whether they're fully covered or whether additional protection is required.
Pros
- Higher limits for expensive items
- Better protection for electronics
- Useful for photographers and digital nomads
- Can reduce financial risk
Cons
- May require additional premium
Price guide: Optional
Compare policiesTravel insurance FAQs
Common questions about choosing travel insurance.
Do I really need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend it. Even a short trip can become expensive if you need emergency medical treatment, cancel your holiday or lose valuable belongings.
Should I buy single-trip or annual insurance?
If you only travel once each year, single-trip cover is usually the better value. If you take two or more holidays annually, an annual multi-trip policy can often save money.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many insurers will provide cover, but you must usually declare any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for the policy.
Am I covered for winter sports?
Not always. Many standard policies exclude skiing, snowboarding and other adventure activities unless you add optional cover.
Should I buy travel insurance as soon as I book?
Yes. Buying insurance soon after booking means cancellation cover can begin before you travel, subject to the terms of your policy.
How should I choose a travel insurance policy?
Rather than picking the cheapest option, compare policies carefully to make sure the medical cover, cancellation limits, baggage cover and any optional extras are suitable for your trip.
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Compare travel insurance before you book and choose cover that matches your destination, activities and budget.
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