Travel insurance
Anyone buying travel cover wants to know that a claim will be paid without a fight when a trip goes wrong abroad. This is the worry that matters most when choosing a provider.
Companies in Travel insurance
41 companies
About Travel insurance
Travel insurance covers the costs and losses that can arise when a trip is cancelled, cut short or disrupted, including medical emergencies, lost baggage and delayed departures. Policies are sold for single journeys, annual multi-trip cover and specialist trips such as winter sports or long stays abroad. Cover varies widely, and the level of protection depends on the destination, the traveller's age and any pre-existing medical conditions.
The companies in this market include specialist travel insurers, large general insurance groups, banks and credit card issuers, and comparison-led brands that place cover underwritten by others. Many customers buy cover at the same time as booking flights, holidays or car hire, through travel agents, tour operators and airline websites, while others arrange it directly online or through brokers.
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates how travel insurance is sold and handled in the United Kingdom, setting rules on fair value and the treatment of customers. The British Insurance Brokers' Association and the Association of British Insurers act as industry bodies, representing firms and setting standards for their members.
Questions about Travel insurance
How do I choose the right travel insurance provider in the UK?
Start by checking that the provider is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which you can confirm on the FCA Register. Then compare the policy wording, cover limits and excess against the trips you actually plan to take rather than the headline price alone.
What should I compare when looking at travel insurance policies?
Look at medical expenses cover, cancellation and curtailment limits, baggage and personal belongings cover, and whether a pre-existing medical condition is covered or must be declared. Check the excess, the list of exclusions and whether the policy covers the countries and activities you intend to pursue.
Do I have to declare pre-existing medical conditions when buying travel insurance?
Yes, you must declare any pre-existing medical condition to your insurer, and failing to do so can allow the insurer to refuse a claim or cancel the policy. UK guidance on the Automatic Travel Insurance Scheme explains the options for people with serious conditions.
Is travel insurance a legal requirement in the UK?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for trips within the UK or to most countries, but it is compulsory for many visitors to the United States and some other destinations depending on their visa conditions. UK before you travel.
Can I cancel my travel insurance policy and get a refund?
Under the Insurance Act 2015 and the terms of most policies, you can cancel within 14 days of buying the policy or receiving the documents, provided you have not travelled and made no claim, and receive a full refund. After that period the refund depends on the policy terms, so read the cancellation section carefully before you pay.
How quickly will my travel insurance documents arrive after I buy?
Most providers send policy documents by email immediately after purchase, and you should check your spam folder if they do not appear in your inbox. Keep a copy of the policy schedule and the emergency assistance number with you when you travel, because you may need them during a claim.
How do I make a claim on travel insurance?
Contact the insurer as soon as possible using the claims line or online portal listed in your policy, and gather receipts, medical reports and any police or airline reports that relate to the loss. Insurers must handle claims fairly and promptly under the Consumer Duty and the FCA's rules on claims handling, and they must explain any decision to decline a claim in writing.
What do I do if I am unhappy with how my travel insurer handled a claim?
Make a formal complaint to the insurer first, and the firm must acknowledge it and send a final response within eight weeks under the FCA's dispute resolution rules. If you remain dissatisfied, you can refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which handles disputes with authorised firms free of charge for consumers.
Am I protected if my travel insurance company goes bust?
Authorised travel insurers are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which can pay compensation if the insurer fails and is unable to meet valid claims. The FSCS protects general insurance claims without limit for compulsory cover such as motor insurance, and for other cover it pays a percentage of the claim, so check the scheme details on the FSCS website.
Does the Consumer Duty apply to travel insurance sold in the UK?
Yes, the FCA's Consumer Duty applies to travel insurance firms and requires them to deliver good outcomes for retail customers, including clear communication and fair value. The Duty also requires firms to avoid causing foreseeable harm, so providers must not sell policies that do not meet a customer's reasonable needs.
Should I trust reviews of travel insurance companies I find online?
Read a range of reviews and focus on detailed accounts of how claims were handled, particularly where a claim was declined, since these reveal how the insurer behaves under pressure. Be cautious of reviews that appear in large batches within a short period or that use near identical wording, as these can indicate that the reviews are not genuine.
What happens if I need medical treatment abroad on my travel insurance?
Contact the insurer's emergency assistance line before receiving treatment where possible, as they can arrange direct payment to hospitals and confirm the care is covered. Carry your European Health Insurance Card or Global Health Insurance Card alongside your travel policy, since these provide access to state healthcare in many countries and reduce what the insurer needs to cover.
Latest reviews in Travel insurance
claim took longer than I hoped
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I needed public liability cover for my small consultancy before a client meeting. Took a while to work out which cover level I needed, and…
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needed it for a rental
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I have borrowed from them a few times now over the years. Each time the process has been the same, quick and no fuss. Money arrives when…
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