The bags are packed, the itinerary is set, and you’re ready to soak up the sun or hit the slopes. But then, out of nowhere, things take a turn for the worst — a flight gets cancelled, your luggage goes missing, or worse, you need medical attention in a foreign country. 

This is where you’d need travel insurance.

40% of Brits buy travel insurance when they’re heading abroad, but what exactly does it protect you from? Find out everything there is to know about travel insurance and whether it’s worth it with this Trtl guide.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect you financially if something goes wrong before — such as your flights being cancelled — or during your trip — like if you slip and break your arm, needing medical assistance. 

Essentially, you want to think of travel insurance as a safety net for your holiday, covering you against any unexpected events that could send your holiday into chaos. No matter what happens, travel insurance can provide peace of mind so you can focus on the most important part: enjoying your holiday!

How does travel insurance work?

Travel insurance works by providing financial protection against the risks outlined in your insurance policy. If something happens when you’re abroad that’s covered by your insurance, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurer. 

This usually involves providing evidence – such as medical reports, receipts, or proof of delays, to support your claim.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance can cover a wide range of incidents, depending on the level of cover you choose. Here are some of the most common things it can protect you against:

Medical emergencies

One of the most crucial aspects of travel insurance is making sure you’re covered for medical emergencies. If you fall ill or get injured abroad, the cost of medical treatment can be astronomical — especially if this happens in a country like the United States. 

Travel insurance can cover these costs, which can include hospital stays, medication, surgeries, and even emergency dental work – depending on the plan.

Trip cancellations or interruptions

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes your trip might need to be cancelled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, injury, or even a family emergency. 

Travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses, such as flights and accommodations, so you don’t lose out financially.

Lost or delayed baggage

There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your destination ready to start your holiday, only to find your luggage has been lost or delayed. In fact, 26 million pieces of luggage were lost, delayed, or damaged in 2022 — that’s nearly eight bags in every 1,000. 

Travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing essential items until your baggage is returned or compensate you if your luggage is, unfortunately, never found.

Emergency evacuations

If you’re in a remote location and need to be evacuated due to a natural disaster — like a volcanic eruption or earthquake — or a medical emergency, travel insurance can cover the cost of getting you to a safe place or even back home.

What doesn't travel insurance cover?

While travel insurance provides valuable protection in a wide range of scenarios, it’s important to know that not everything is covered. Here’s some of the most common exclusions:

Pre-existing medical conditions

Most insurance policies won’t cover you for any medical emergencies related to pre-existing conditions. However, you may be able to get some form of cover if you declare these when taking out your insurance and pay an additional premium. 

It’s important to always be upfront about your medical history to avoid complications later on down the line.

High-risk activities

If you’re planning on bungee jumping, skydiving or any other form of extreme sport, be aware that these activities are often excluded from standard insurance policies.

You might need to purchase additional cover if you plan on taking part in any high-risk activities — such as dedicated skiing insurance if you’re hitting the slopes.

Travelling against advice

If you decide to travel to an unsafe destination against government advice or during a known risk, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, your travel insurance may not cover you if anything happens during your trip. To find out more information about the safety of your chosen destination, you can check the Foreign Office’s travel advice list, which is regularly updated with any recent events to be aware of.

Routine medical care

Travel insurance is designed for emergencies, so it won’t cover routine medical care like check-ups, vaccinations or prescription renewals. You’ll have to make sure this is all sorted before you travel.

Pandemics and epidemics

While some insurers now offer cover for pandemics like COVID-19, it’s not typically a standard inclusion. It’s important to check the fine print to see if your policy can or will include this cover.

Illegal activities

Engaging in illegal activities during your trip will automatically void your travel insurance. This includes anything from drug use to breaking local laws, so it’s vital to do your research ahead of time to avoid accidentally writing off your coverage.

What types of travel insurance are there?

When it comes to travel insurance, one size definitely doesn't fit all. The type of policy you choose should match your travel habits, the kind of trips you take, and the activities you plan to do while abroad. 

There are four main types of travel insurance:

Single trip

A single trip policy is exactly what it sounds like; it covers you for one specific trip. This type of insurance is perfect if you’re someone who only travels occasionally, maybe for a summer holiday or a weekend city break. With single-trip insurance, you’re covered for the duration of that trip – from the moment you leave home until you step foot back into the country. It’s simple, straightforward, and usually quite affordable. Plus, you can tailor your policy to your specific needs, such as extra cover for expensive jewellery or electronics cover.

Annual and multi-trip

If you’re a frequent traveller, whether it’s for work, pleasure, or a mix of both, an annual or multi-trip policy could save you time and money. Instead of buying a new policy every time you book a trip, an annual policy covers you for multiple trips throughout the year. This type of insurance is super convenient because you don’t have to keep thinking about sorting insurance every time you pack your bags. Just remember to check the details of your cover, as some policies might limit the number of days you’re covered per trip — usually around 30 or 45 days at a time or half a year in total.

Backpacker

For those planning to take the road less travelled, a backpacker insurance policy might be your best bet. This type of insurance is designed for long-term sightseers, like gap year students, people going on workcations, solo travellers, or just someone taking a break from their day-to-day life. Backpacker insurance typically covers you for an extended period of time — usually around 18 months — and across multiple countries. It’s more flexible than a standard policy, which is great if you’re planning to hop from one country to another. Plus, it often includes cover for activities like trekking and volunteering.

Winter sports

If your idea of a perfect holiday involves snow-capped mountains and the thrill of speeding down the slopes, then winter sports insurance is essential. This type of cover goes beyond the usual travel insurance by protecting you against the risks of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing. Winter sports insurance usually includes cover for your equipment (whether it’s rented or your own), avalanche closures, and even unused ski passes if you’re injured or fall ill.

Is travel insurance a legal requirement?

Travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement for most trips, but it is highly recommended.

However, some countries do require proof of travel insurance for entry or if you’re looking to get a visa. You’ll legally need travel insurance if you plan on visiting:

• Belize
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Georgia
• Iran
• Israel
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Qatar
• Rwanda
• Seychelles
• The UAE

Even if you’re travelling to a country where travel insurance isn’t mandatory, it can protect you from hefty medical bills or financial loss if something goes wrong.

Where can you buy travel insurance?

You can buy travel insurance from a wide range of places, even in some you might not expect!

• Banks — Some banks offer travel insurance as part of their premium accounts. While convenient, these policies may not always provide the level of cover you need, so it’s essential to read the terms carefully.
  
  
• Travel agents — If you’re booking a holiday with a travel agent, they might offer you travel insurance as part of the package. This can be extremely convenient as it means you have one less thing to worry about. However, it’s still worth comparing prices and cover levels against other providers if possible.
  
  
• Holiday companies — Some holiday companies offer travel insurance specifically designed for their package deals. Similarly to travel agents, make sure to compare this with other options so you know you’re getting the best deal.
  
  
• Online comparison websites — Online comparison websites allow you to quickly compare different travel insurance policies based on your needs and budget. This can be a great way to find a deal and personalise your policy exactly to your needs, but make sure you’re comparing like-for-like cover.

How much does travel insurance cost?

 The cost of travel insurance varies depending on several factors, including:

• Age
• Whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions
• The length of your trip
• The destination you’re travelling to
• The level of cover you choose
• How many people are on the policy
• Whether you add any optional extras

According to data from Go.Compare, the average cost of travel insurance for a single trip to Europe is £16, or £37 if you’re travelling outside of Europe (correct as of August 2024). 

Essentially, the more comprehensive the cover, the higher the cost, but it’s often worth paying a little extra for peace of mind.

Do you need travel insurance for a UK holiday?

While travel insurance is usually associated with trips abroad, it can also be a good idea for holidays within the UK. 

35% of us opt for a ‘staycation’ in the UK, and while the NHS is a free healthcare service, one in five people don’t buy travel insurance when it comes to holidaying in their own country. But this could be a serious blunder.

If you’re travelling to another part of the UK by plane, you can still be hit with delayed or cancelled flights and lost luggage. That’s why it’s still a good idea to purchase travel insurance, even if you’re staying within the country.

What medical conditions do you need to declare on travel insurance?

You have to declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have before you take out an insurance policy. While you can’t be expected to list every ailment you’ve ever had, in general, insurers need to know about:

• Chronic conditions — Such as diabetes, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, cancer, or IBS.
• Heart conditions — Like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 
• Ongoing treatments — Including any medication you’re taking, apart from the contraceptive pill OR anything you’ve been to the hospital about in the past two years.
• Past serious health events — Such as strokes or heart attacks. 
• Anything yet to be diagnosed — For example, if you’re waiting for test results.

Get set with Trtl Travel

At the end of the day, travel insurance is one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but if you do, you’ll be glad to have it. From covering unexpected medical bills to compensation for cancelled flights, it’s a small investment that can make a big difference. 

And our Trtl Travel pillow can also make a big difference when it comes to your comfort levels on a flight. Or, find out more about everything there is to know about travel, from the 10 things you need to do before a holiday to tips for staying safe when you’re abroad, with the Trtl Blog.