Single trip travel insurance

Your one‑off trip, properly protected

Single trip travel insurance is designed for a single holiday or business journey. You choose the destination and dates, then the policy covers that specific trip. For many UK travellers, this is the simplest and most cost-effective route to protect against medical emergencies abroad, cancellation costs, and lost possessions. In 2024, single-trip policies accounted for roughly 60.49% of the UK market, and demand remains strong as travel patterns evolve.

Why consider it? Medical bills overseas can be substantial. UK insurers paid hundreds of millions for medical claims recently, with average claim values well into four figures. Some situations, like emergency repatriation, can exceed £25,000. For a modest premium, single trip cover can help shield your savings if the unexpected happens.

Pricing is predictable for many travellers. In 2025, single trip premiums stayed broadly flat for under-40s and families, though costs rise with age and higher cover levels. For frequent travellers, falling annual multi‑trip prices may represent better value, but for a one‑off journey, single trip remains the go-to.

This guide explains what is covered, where the gaps are, and how to compare policies intelligently. Our aim is simple: give you the clarity to choose a policy that fits your trip and budget, without surprises.

Buy your insurance when you book. Leaving it late risks losing cancellation cover.

What is covered in practice - and what is not

A typical single trip policy includes emergency medical treatment abroad, repatriation to the UK, cancellation and curtailment, personal belongings and baggage, and personal liability. Many policies also include travel delay benefits and limited cover for missed departures where specific conditions are met. Medical cover limits often range from £2 million up to £10 million, with some providers offering higher tiers.

Claims are usually straightforward: you contact the 24/7 assistance line, follow their guidance for approved hospitals or documentation, and submit receipts, medical reports, and proof of travel. For cancellation, insurers normally ask for booking confirmations and evidence of the reason, such as a medical note or airline notification.

There are important limitations. Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared and accepted in writing, or claims may be declined. Alcohol or drug-related incidents are commonly excluded. Leaving valuables unattended often voids theft cover. High-risk activities may require a sports or adventure add-on. Buying insurance after a known event - like a strike announcement affecting your flight - typically removes cover for that event. Likewise, purchasing after you have booked your trip can leave you without cancellation protection for events that occur before you buy.

Simple example: if you break an ankle abroad, approved medical costs and medically necessary repatriation are usually covered, subject to limits and excesses. If you lose a bag left unattended in a café, that is likely excluded.

Who benefits most from this cover

Single trip insurance suits occasional travellers - couples on a summer holiday, families heading abroad during school breaks, or a one‑off city break. It is also a good fit if your travel plans are fixed and you prefer paying only for the days you are away.

Older travellers and those with existing conditions benefit from tailored medical cover, though premiums are higher. Families and groups increasingly choose single trip cover for multi‑generational holidays, reflecting current UK travel trends.

If you travel three or more times a year, compare annual multi‑trip policies. Prices have fallen recently, especially for under‑40s, and could work out cheaper overall. If you are not leaving the UK, you may not need travel insurance at all, though separate product types may be relevant for events or gadgets.

Picking a level of protection

1. Basic
   • Lower medical and cancellation limits, higher excesses. Suitable for short, low-cost trips with minimal luggage. Often excludes gadgets and winter sports. Good for budget travellers who accept more risk.
2. Standard
   • Balanced cover limits for medical, cancellation, and baggage. Excesses are moderate. Works for most holidays where you want reliable protection without paying for premium extras.
3. Premium
   • Higher medical limits, enhanced cancellation, higher baggage limits, and lower excesses. May include scheduled airline failure or missed connection cover. Best for complex or expensive trips.
4. Optional add‑ons
   • Winter sports: covers piste closure, equipment, and ski-related incidents.
   • Gadget cover: protects phones, tablets, and cameras beyond standard baggage limits.
   • Cruise cover: tailored benefits for missed ports and medical care at sea.
   • Business cover: laptops, samples, and trip disruption related to work.
   • Adventure sports: for activities considered higher risk by standard policies.
   • Excess waiver: reduces or removes the standard excess on approved claims.

Tip: check if your bank account or credit card includes any travel insurance. If it does, confirm the limits, exclusions, and whether it matches your trip.

What it costs - and why prices vary

Prices are indicative and vary by insurer, medical history, and trip details. Always compare like‑for‑like limits, exclusions, and excesses.

Can you get it - and what insurers check

Most UK residents can buy single trip insurance if the trip starts and ends in the UK and you have not started travelling. Insurers will ask for your travel dates, destination, age, and any pre‑existing medical conditions. You must answer questions honestly and completely. Undeclared conditions are a common reason claims are declined.

Restrictions may apply for very long trips, travel to countries with FCDO advice against all but essential travel, or participation in activities outside the standard policy. Some providers cap cover ages or require medical screening for certain age bands or conditions. Evidence you may need includes booking confirmations, receipts, medical certificates, police reports for theft, and proof of ownership for valuables.

From quote to claim - the simple path

1. Get quotes using your dates, destination, ages, and medical details accurately.
2. Compare limits, exclusions, excesses, and assistance services side by side.
3. Choose the policy that fits your trip value and health circumstances.
4. Buy as soon as you book to activate cancellation cover immediately.
5. Save documents and the emergency assistance number on your phone.
6. If something happens, call the assistance line before committing to costs.
7. Collect evidence - receipts, reports, medical notes, travel confirmations.
8. Submit your claim promptly and respond quickly to any follow‑up requests.

The upsides - and where to be cautious

Key checks before you buy

Start with the medical emergency and repatriation limits - are they sufficient for your destination and trip length. Then read the cancellation limit and the reasons covered. Confirm the baggage limit, single‑item and valuables sub‑limits, and whether gadgets are included or need an add‑on. Review excesses across sections, as these reduce any payout. Check how pre‑existing conditions are defined, what needs declaring, and whether screening is required. Look for exclusions related to alcohol, unattended belongings, or known events affecting your trip. Finally, confirm documentation requirements for claims and keep evidence from the start of your trip.

Other paths that might suit better

1. Annual multi‑trip travel insurance - better if you travel three or more times a year, with 2025 prices notably lower for many age groups.
2. Backpacker or long‑stay cover - designed for extended trips or multi‑country itineraries where single trip limits may not fit.
3. Winter sports policies - for skiing or snowboarding holidays with dedicated mountain benefits and equipment cover.
4. Cruise travel insurance - tailored to medical care at sea, missed ports, and cabin confinement.
5. Gadget insurance - standalone protection if your main concern is devices rather than wider travel risks.

Frequently asked questions

Q: When should I buy single trip insurance? A: As soon as you book. Buying early activates cancellation cover immediately. If you wait and something happens before purchase, you generally will not be covered for that event.

Q: How much medical cover do I need? A: Many UK policies offer £2 million to £10 million. For long‑haul destinations, higher limits provide a safety margin, especially given rising medical claim costs with age.

Q: Are pre‑existing conditions covered? A: Often yes, but only if declared and accepted by the insurer. You may need medical screening and a premium adjustment. Undeclared conditions frequently void related claims.

Q: Is annual multi‑trip cheaper than single trip? A: It can be if you travel several times a year. In 2025, annual policies fell in price for many travellers, while single trip prices stayed largely steady.

Q: Which provider is best? A: Focus on fit rather than a name. Compare limits, exclusions, excesses, and assistance quality. The UK market offers many five‑star rated single trip policies, so you can choose confidently.

What to do next

List your trip value, destinations, and any medical conditions. Get a few like‑for‑like quotes, paying attention to medical and cancellation limits first. Buy when you book to lock in cancellation cover. If you expect multiple trips this year, compare annual multi‑trip policies alongside single trip options.

Important information

This guide provides general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the policy wording, declare medical conditions accurately, and ask the insurer for clarification before you buy.