Compare Travel Insurance from UK Providers

Use our quote tool to explore travel insurance options from up to 15 UK insurers via a regulated comparison service.

  • View quotes from a panel of up to 15 UK travel insurance providers
  • Options may include cover for medical expenses, cancellations, and more
  • Single trip, annual multi-trip, and specialist policies available

The quote service is provided by Seopa Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 313860).

Travel insurance comparison
Up to 15 UK Providers

Quotes sourced from up to 15 UK travel insurance providers

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What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides financial protection for unexpected events that may occur while you are abroad. This can include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, travel delays, and personal liability claims. The level and type of cover varies depending on the policy and provider.

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for UK travellers, but it is strongly recommended. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises all UK nationals to have adequate travel insurance before travelling abroad, regardless of destination.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), UK travellers make thousands of medical claims each year, with the average medical claim costing several thousand pounds. A single hospital stay in the USA can exceed £50,000 without insurance.

Types of travel insurance

Different types of travel insurance suit different trips and travellers. Here are the main options available:

Single trip cover

Covers one specific journey with defined travel dates. Ideal for occasional travellers who want protection for a single holiday. Compare single trip travel insurance.

Annual multi-trip cover

One policy covers all your trips within a 12-month period. Typically better value if you travel two or more times per year.

Family travel insurance

Covers the whole family under one policy, usually two adults and their dependent children. Can be significantly cheaper than buying individual policies. Compare family travel insurance.

Backpacker and gap year cover

Long-term cover designed for extended travel, often including multi-country trips and work abroad provisions. Compare gap year travel insurance.

Cruise travel insurance

Specialist cover for cruise holidays, including cabin confinement, missed ports, and medical evacuation from a ship. Compare cruise travel insurance.

European travel insurance

Cover specifically for trips within Europe, often at a lower cost than worldwide policies. Compare European travel insurance.

Couples travel insurance

Joint policies for two adults travelling together, often cheaper than two individual policies. Compare couples travel insurance.

What does travel insurance cover?

Most travel insurance policies include the following types of cover. The exact limits and terms vary by provider and policy level.

Medical Emergency and Repatriation

Covers the cost of emergency medical treatment abroad and transportation back home if needed.

Trip Cancellation or Curtailment

Compensation if you need to cancel or cut short your trip for covered reasons.

Baggage Loss or Theft

Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings during your trip.

Delay or Missed Departure

Compensation for significant travel delays or missed connections beyond your control.

Personal Liability Cover

Protection if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while abroad.

Passport and Document Cover

Help with replacement costs if your passport or important documents are lost or stolen.

What is typically NOT covered

Always check your policy wording carefully, as exclusions and limits vary by provider.

Travelling Against Medical Advice

Claims may be declined if you travel after being advised not to by a medical professional.

Undeclared Pre-existing Conditions

Medical conditions you had before purchasing cover may not be covered unless declared when applying.

High-Risk Activities Without Add-ons

Adventure sports like skiing or scuba diving often require additional cover. Without it, related claims may be excluded.

Incidents Linked to Alcohol or Drugs

Policies often exclude claims resulting from excessive alcohol use or non-prescribed drugs.

Travelling Against FCDO Advice

If the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, most policies will not cover claims arising from that trip.

Valuables Left Unattended

Items left unattended in a public place are typically not covered, even with baggage cover in place.

Ready to compare travel insurance?

Compare quotes from a panel of UK travel insurers. The service is fast, secure, and shows options based on your travel details.

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How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, including your age, destination, trip length, cover level, and whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Below are indicative price ranges for UK travellers in 2026.

Policy TypeIndicative Cost
Single trip (Europe)£5 to £30
Single trip (worldwide)£15 to £60
Annual multi-trip£30 to £120
Family (Europe, single trip)£15 to £60

These are approximate ranges for illustration purposes only. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances. Get a personalised quote to see the exact cost for your trip.

Travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare it when getting a travel insurance quote. Failure to declare a condition can void your entire policy, meaning any claim you make could be rejected, even if the claim is unrelated to the condition.

Many providers offer specialist screening services that can find cover for a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health conditions. You may pay a higher premium, but the protection is essential.

For more detailed information, see our dedicated guides:

Travel insurance for specific groups

Some travellers have specific needs that require tailored cover. We have dedicated pages for the following groups:

Over 65s

Specialist cover for older travellers, including higher medical limits and pre-existing condition screening.

Students

Cover for studying abroad, year abroad placements, and student travel.

Pregnant travellers

Cover for complications of pregnancy while abroad, with specific gestational week limits.

Digital nomads

Long-term, multi-country cover for remote workers travelling and working abroad.

Credit card travel insurance

Understanding what cover your credit card provides and where the gaps may be.

What is ABTA?

How ABTA protection works alongside travel insurance to protect your holiday.

GHIC and travel insurance

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitles you to state-provided medical treatment in EU countries on the same terms as local residents. It is free to apply for and is a useful complement to travel insurance.

However, the GHIC has significant limitations. It does not cover:

  • Repatriation (getting you home in a medical emergency)
  • Trip cancellation or curtailment
  • Lost or stolen baggage
  • Private medical care
  • Treatment in non-EU countries (including the USA, Australia, and most of Asia)
  • Mountain rescue or emergency evacuation

The GHIC should be used alongside travel insurance, not as a replacement. Having both gives you the best combination of state healthcare access and comprehensive financial protection.

How to compare travel insurance

When comparing travel insurance, do not focus on price alone. The cheapest policy may have lower cover limits, higher excess amounts, or more exclusions. Here is what to check:

  1. Medical cover limits: Look for at least £2 million for Europe and £5 million for worldwide trips
  2. Cancellation cover: Check the maximum amount and what reasons are covered
  3. Excess amounts: The amount you pay towards each claim. Lower excess means higher premiums but less out-of-pocket cost
  4. Baggage limits: Check both the total limit and the single item limit
  5. Exclusions: Read the policy documents to understand what is not covered
  6. Pre-existing conditions: Make sure any declared conditions are covered in writing

For a more detailed breakdown, read our complete guide to comparing travel insurance in the UK. The MoneyHelper travel insurance guide is another useful independent resource.

What you'll need to get a quote

To receive accurate quotes, you will be asked to provide the following information:

1

Travel Dates

Start and end dates of your planned trip

2

Destination(s)

UK, Europe, or Worldwide, depending on your travel plans

3

Traveller Information

Age(s) of those travelling and any relevant pre-existing medical conditions

4

Trip Type

Choose between single trip, annual multi-trip, winter sports, or backpacking

5

Add-ons

Additional cover options such as baggage, gadget, cruise, or activity cover

Get Quotes

The quote service is provided by Seopa Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 313860).

Travel Insurance Guides

Compare Travel Insurance UK -What to Look For & How to Get the Best Deal (2026)
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Compare Travel Insurance UK -What to Look For & How to Get the Best Deal (2026)

Compare travel insurance UK policies with confidence. Learn what's covered, how much it costs, and how to find the right cover for your trip -backed by ABI data.

Read full guide →

Travel insurance: frequently asked questions

Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended by the FCDO for all UK travellers going abroad. Without it, you could face significant costs for medical treatment, trip cancellation, or lost belongings. A single hospital stay abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
What does travel insurance typically cover?
Most travel insurance policies cover emergency medical treatment and repatriation, trip cancellation and curtailment, lost or stolen baggage, travel delays and missed departures, and personal liability. Some policies also include legal expenses and passport replacement. The exact cover depends on the policy and provider.
How much does travel insurance cost?
Costs vary depending on your age, destination, trip length, and medical history. As a rough guide, single trip European cover typically costs between £5 and £30, worldwide cover between £15 and £60, and annual multi-trip policies between £30 and £120. These are indicative ranges only; your actual quote may differ.
Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes. You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions when getting a travel insurance quote. Failure to declare a condition can void your entire policy, meaning any claim you make could be rejected. Many providers offer specialist screening to find cover for a wide range of conditions.
Does my GHIC replace travel insurance?
No. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you access to state-provided medical treatment in EU countries on the same terms as local residents. However, it does not cover repatriation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, private medical care, or treatment in non-EU countries. It should be used alongside travel insurance, not instead of it.
Is single trip or annual multi-trip cover cheaper?
If you only take one trip per year, a single trip policy is usually cheaper. If you travel two or more times per year, annual multi-trip cover is typically better value. Compare the total cost of individual single trip policies against one annual policy to see which works out cheaper for you.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation?
Many policies include cancellation cover for events such as illness, injury, bereavement, or jury service, provided these were not known when you booked. The amount of cancellation cover varies by policy, so check the limits and exclusions. Buying insurance as soon as you book your trip gives you the longest period of cancellation protection.
Am I covered if the FCDO advises against travel?
Most standard travel insurance policies will not cover you if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination. Some specialist providers offer cover for travel against FCDO advice, but this is rare and usually more expensive. Always check the FCDO advice for your destination before travelling.
What is ABTA and how does it protect me?
ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) is a trade body that protects customers who book with ABTA members. If an ABTA member fails, ABTA can help with refunds or repatriation. However, ABTA protection does not replace travel insurance, which covers a much wider range of risks.
When should I buy travel insurance?
The best time to buy travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip. This gives you the longest period of cancellation cover, protecting you if something happens between booking and departure. You can buy insurance up to the day of travel, but you will miss out on cancellation protection for the period before purchase.

How we created this page

This guide was written by Adam Taylor, founder of MySupermarketCompare, and reviewed by our editorial team. We referenced publicly available information from the FCDO, the Association of British Insurers, the NHS, and MoneyHelper to ensure accuracy. This page is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in travel insurance products, regulations, and industry guidance.

Mysupermarketcompare.com is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of Seopa Ltd (FRN: 313860). Seopa Ltd owns and operates the travel insurance comparison service.

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