Group travel insurance

Travelling together - how group cover helps

Group travel insurance protects a set number of travellers on the same policy for the same trip. It is designed for families, friends, clubs, wedding parties and work teams who plan to travel together and want simpler administration, a single set of documents and, often, lower per-person pricing than separate policies.

In the UK, group policies typically reduce the per-person cost compared with buying individually. A single traveller might pay around £24.62, while groups of six or more can be close to £10 per person. That saving reflects economies of scale and the fact that some risks are shared within one policy. For families or friends, this can free up budget for essentials like higher medical limits or cancellation cover.

Insurance should be about protection, not guesswork. Average medical claims have recently been over £1,700, and serious cases can exceed £25,000 when repatriation is involved. A well-chosen group policy can help manage those risks by providing a consistent level of cover for everyone travelling, with one process for claims if something goes wrong.

Demand for travel insurance in the UK is rising as more people travel and awareness improves. Single-trip remains the most popular format, and providers continue to compete on price and features. This guide explains what group cover includes, the limits and exclusions to watch, and the practical steps to buy with confidence.

Insurance can offer real financial protection - but only when you understand what is covered, and where the gaps are.

What is covered - and how it fits together

Most UK group travel policies bundle core protections you would expect on a single-trip plan. That usually includes emergency medical treatment and repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, lost or stolen baggage, and personal liability. Some policies also include trip delay or missed departure, money and documents, and supplier failure. Cover limits vary widely between providers and levels of cover. Medical limits can range from modest caps to effectively unlimited cover on select policies. Cancellation limits are typically set per person rather than for the whole group, which helps each traveller claim up to their share if plans change.

Exclusions are essential to understand. Pre-existing medical conditions may be excluded or require medical screening with an additional premium. Alcohol or drug-related incidents are usually excluded. High-risk activities, unlicensed driving, ignoring FCDO advice, and undisclosed health issues commonly lead to declined claims. Items left unattended or without proper proof of ownership may not be covered. Excesses apply per claim and sometimes per person.

Claims usually follow a straightforward process. If someone needs emergency treatment abroad, contact the insurer’s medical assistance line as soon as it is safe to do so. They can guide you to appropriate care and confirm cover. For cancellations, keep evidence such as booking confirmations, medical notes and receipts. With group policies, each traveller may need to submit details, but the policy number and lead traveller information simplify administration.

A simple example: a family of five is due to travel. Two days before departure, one child becomes ill and a GP advises against travel. If the policy covers cancellation for illness and you meet the terms, each traveller can typically claim up to their individual limit for non-refundable costs.

Who will benefit most

Group cover suits families with children, friends travelling together, school or university trips, sports clubs and multi-generational holidays where everyone shares the same itinerary. It is also useful for small business teams on a single overseas assignment, especially if you add business equipment or trip-disruption extensions.

Millennial travellers and seniors are strong users of travel insurance in the UK. Mixed-age groups benefit from policies that accept a broad age range and include robust medical cover. If you travel more than a few times a year, an annual multi-trip plan can be cost-effective, particularly for under-40s who have recently seen lower average premiums. However, if travellers have very different activities, destinations or health profiles, separate policies may be clearer. Solo travellers or those joining a trip at different times might also find individual cover more practical.

Choosing your cover level and add-ons

1. Basic

   • Core protection for medical emergencies and repatriation, with modest limits for cancellation and baggage.
   • Best for short, low-cost trips where you mainly want medical cover and are comfortable with higher excesses and fewer extras.

2. Standard

   • Higher medical limits, mid-range cancellation per person, and better baggage and delay cover.
   • A balanced option for most families and friend groups looking for value without sacrificing key protections.

3. Premium

   • High or unlimited medical coverage, stronger cancellation limits, enhanced baggage, supplier failure, and wider activity cover.
   • Suitable for longer or higher-value trips, older travellers, or groups visiting destinations with higher medical costs.

4. Optional add-ons

   • Winter sports: covers ski equipment, piste closure and on-slope incidents that are excluded from standard policies.
   • Cruise cover: addresses medical care at sea, missed ports and cabin confinement.
   • Gadget cover: raises device limits for smartphones, tablets and laptops.
   • Business cover: protects equipment, samples and trip disruption for work - often the most expensive add-on, averaging around £73.
   • Adventure sports: extends to higher-risk activities not included as standard.
   • Pre-existing medical conditions: may require a specialist add-on or referral to a medical screening partner.

Tip: Compare per-person limits on cancellation and medical cover - not just the total policy headline.

Costs and what shapes your premium

Group policies often reduce the per-person cost. As a guide, individual single-trip cover might average around £24.62, while groups of six or more may be close to £10 per person. Prices vary by provider, age mix, destination, trip length and extras. Annual multi-trip pricing for under-40s has fallen recently, which can be attractive for frequent travellers who value convenience.

Prices are examples, not guarantees. Always check insurer assumptions and policy wording before you buy.

Can you apply - common eligibility points

Most UK insurers accept groups where all travellers start and end the trip together and are UK residents for tax and healthcare purposes. Minimum group sizes vary, though two or more is common. There is usually a maximum group size for online purchase, with larger parties handled by phone.

Age limits typically apply per traveller and can differ by cover level. Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared during screening. You may be asked about medications, recent diagnoses or hospital stays. For student or school trips, the organiser may need to confirm supervision arrangements. For business travel, details of equipment and activities may be required.

Common reasons for decline include non-UK residency, travelling against the FCDO’s advice, undisclosed medical conditions, planned high-risk activities not covered by the policy, or trips that exceed maximum durations. Check your passport validity and visas, as invalid travel documents can affect claims.

From quote to claim - the simple route

1. Gather trip details, traveller ages and medical information for screening.
2. Get multiple quotes and compare per-person medical and cancellation limits.
3. Choose a cover level and add-ons that match your itinerary and risks.
4. Review exclusions, excesses and activity lists before purchasing the policy.
5. Buy online or by phone, then store documents and emergency numbers securely.
6. If plans change, contact the insurer promptly to adjust dates or travellers.
7. In an emergency, call the assistance line first and follow their guidance.
8. Submit claims with receipts, reports and medical notes as soon as possible.

Balanced view - benefits and drawbacks

Key checks before you press buy

Verify that medical and cancellation limits are high enough per person for your trip’s real costs. Read the exclusions that apply to alcohol, unattended belongings and activities like off-piste skiing without a guide. Look closely at excesses - these are deducted from claims and can apply per person and per section. Check whether supplier failure is included or needs an upgrade. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, complete screening truthfully and keep copies of the outcomes.

For annual plans, review trip-length caps, geographical areas and renewal pricing, as premiums can change each year. Confirm whether gadgets are covered up to the replacement value you need, and whether proof of purchase is required. Save the emergency assistance number in your phone and share policy details across the group so everyone knows how to act if something goes wrong.

Alternatives and related options

1. Single-trip policies per person - useful when travellers have very different destinations, activities or health profiles.
2. Annual multi-trip per person - good for individuals who travel frequently and want simplicity without tying coverage to a group.
3. Backpacker or extended-stay cover - designed for long trips with flexible itineraries and multiple countries.
4. Winter sports or cruise-specific policies - tailored protection if your trip centres on those activities.
5. Health-specific travel cover - for travellers with complex medical needs who may require specialist underwriting.

Common questions, answered clearly

Q: Is group travel insurance cheaper than buying individually? A: Often yes. Per-person pricing can fall as group size grows. For example, groups of six or more can pay close to £10 per person, though actual prices vary by age, destination and cover level.

Q: Does one claim affect everyone on the policy? A: No. Claims are assessed per person and per section. A cancellation claim by one traveller does not automatically reduce another’s entitlement, but policy limits and terms still apply to each claim.

Q: Can we add travellers after purchase? A: Many insurers allow changes before departure, subject to underwriting and any price difference. Adding someone late may require medical screening and could alter the premium for the whole policy.

Q: What if someone has a pre-existing condition? A: Declare it during screening. The insurer may charge more, apply specific terms or decline cover. Non-disclosure is a common reason for rejected claims, so provide full and accurate information.

Q: Are gadgets automatically covered? A: Not always. Standard limits can be low and may not cover the full value of phones or laptops. Consider a gadget add-on if device value exceeds the base policy limits and check proof-of-ownership requirements.

Q: Is annual multi-trip better for groups? A: It depends on frequency. For one-off holidays, a single-trip group policy is usually simpler. Frequent travellers may prefer annual cover, especially younger travellers who have seen lower average prices recently.

Q: Which providers are best? A: Reputable UK brands offer varying limits and service levels. Some policies advertise very high medical limits, while others cap benefits. Compare cover carefully and consider customer experience ratings alongside price.

What to do next

If group cover makes sense for your trip, compare quotes side by side. Focus on per-person medical and cancellation limits, activity lists and excesses. Check add-ons only where they genuinely reduce risk for your itinerary. Take your time, read the documents, and choose the option that fits your group’s needs and budget.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, cover limits and exclusions vary by insurer and change over time. Always read the policy wording, complete medical screening accurately and confirm details with the provider before you buy.