Standard travel insurance

Getting the measure of standard travel insurance

Standard travel insurance protects you against common problems that can derail a trip, like unexpected medical bills abroad, cancellations, delays, or lost belongings. It is a policy you buy before you travel to cover specific risks during your journey. The aim is simple - to prevent a single mishap from becoming a long-term financial issue.

The UK market is active and growing, with more products tailored to different travellers. Average prices in 2025 start around £23.35 for a single trip and £61.47 for an annual multi-trip policy. Costs vary by age and destination, and optional extras like gadget or winter sports cover can be added for specific needs. For many UK travellers, clarity on medical cover is crucial. Over half of recent UK claims relate to medical expenses, and insurers paid £472 million on travel claims in 2024, with medical costs making up a significant share. This reflects the real cost of overseas treatment and repatriation if something serious happens.

Insurance can offer real financial protection, but only when you understand what is covered - and what is not.

In this guide, we will walk through how standard policies work in plain English. You will see what is typically covered, the limits and exclusions that matter, who might benefit most, and what affects the price you pay. We will also outline practical steps for buying and claiming, so you know what to expect at each stage. The goal is to help you choose cover that fits your plans and budget without paying for features you do not need.

What is covered - and how the policy operates

Most standard policies include emergency medical treatment abroad, cancellation or curtailment if you cannot travel for a covered reason, travel delays, and cover for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage. They usually also include personal liability and sometimes limited legal expenses. The best way to think about it is to picture real life: if you slip on a wet step in Spain and need hospital care, medical cover can pay for treatment and medically necessary transport. If your airline cancels a flight due to bad weather and you lose pre-paid accommodation, cancellation or curtailment sections may help recover costs.

There are important limits. Pre-existing medical conditions often need to be declared and specifically accepted by the insurer. If you do not declare them, related claims can be declined. High-risk activities - like certain water sports or winter sports - might be excluded unless you buy an add-on. There are also sub-limits for items such as cash, passports, or gadgets. Policy excesses apply, meaning the first part of a claim is paid by you.

Claims usually require evidence: medical reports, receipts, police reports for theft, airline confirmations for delays or cancellations, and proof of ownership for valuables. Insurers expect you to act reasonably - for example, seeking approval for expensive treatment where practical or reporting theft promptly. Not every disruption is covered. Known events, travelling against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice, or ignoring airline compensation processes can reduce or remove your entitlement to claim.

Who benefits most from this cover

Standard travel insurance suits a wide range of UK travellers - from city breaks to long-awaited family holidays. It is particularly valuable if you are travelling to countries with high medical costs, or where delays and cancellations are more likely. Seniors and families often benefit from higher medical limits and cancellation cover tailored to their needs, reflecting that claim values tend to rise with age.

If you only take one short trip a year, a single trip policy can be cost-effective. If you travel three or more times annually, an annual multi-trip policy often provides better value and simpler admin. In limited situations, you may not need comprehensive cover - for example, a very low-cost domestic trip with fully refundable bookings and existing protections. Even then, consider medical cover, as NHS entitlements do not extend to treatment abroad.

Picking your protection - clear choices

1. Basic cover

• Core medical cover with modest limits, cancellation with lower caps, standard baggage cover, and a higher excess.
• Suitable for short, low-risk trips where you primarily want emergency medical protection.

2. Standard cover

• Higher medical limits, mid-range cancellation cover, better baggage and personal possession caps, and a standard excess.
• A practical choice for most holidays. Often includes personal liability and some legal expenses.

3. Premium cover

• Highest medical and cancellation limits, lower excesses, enhanced baggage and valuables limits, and stronger travel disruption benefits.
• Useful for complex itineraries, expensive trips, cruises, or travellers with higher risk tolerance needs.

4. Optional add-ons

• Winter sports cover - adds ski equipment protection, piste closure, and mountain rescue.
• Gadget cover - extends single item and total gadget limits for phones, tablets, and cameras.
• Pre-existing medical condition cover - following medical screening and acceptance.
• Cruise cover - includes missed port, cabin confinement, and itinerary change benefits.
• Business cover - protects equipment and trip disruptions specific to work travel.
• Adventure sports - tailored lists of included activities and exclusions.

5. Single trip vs annual multi-trip

• Single trip: flexible duration and destination-specific, often cheapest if you travel once.
• Annual multi-trip: cost-effective for frequent travellers, with stable pricing trends compared to some high-risk single trip routes.

Cost, pricing and what moves your premium

Typical benchmarks in 2025: single trip averages around £23.35. Annual multi-trip policies average roughly £61.47. Prices rise with age and for destinations with higher medical costs or geopolitical risks. Optional extras increase premiums but may be worthwhile if they fit your plans.

Remember that premiums are not guaranteed. Insurers price risk individually and can change rates as market conditions shift.

Eligibility and what insurers expect from you

Most UK residents can apply if they are registered with a UK GP and buying cover before leaving the UK. Insurers commonly set maximum ages for certain products or destinations. You must declare all relevant pre-existing medical conditions during screening. Some policies require you to be travelling with a return ticket and to follow FCDO guidance.

Insurers may ask for documents such as your itinerary, booking confirmations, medical summaries, and evidence of the value of items you are insuring. Common reasons for a decline include undisclosed serious medical conditions, travel to countries under advisories against all travel, or planned high-risk activities without the appropriate add-on. Being transparent at application helps avoid claim issues later.

From quote to claim - a simple path

1. Get quotes with your trip dates, destinations, and traveller ages.
2. Complete medical screening honestly and disclose all known conditions.
3. Compare cover limits, exclusions, excesses, and optional add-ons carefully.
4. Buy the policy before you travel and save documents offline.
5. If plans change, update the insurer or adjust dates promptly.
6. In an emergency, contact the insurer’s assistance line for guidance.
7. Gather evidence - receipts, reports, confirmations, and medical documentation.
8. Submit the claim promptly and respond to any information requests.

Benefits and drawbacks at a glance

Medical expenses regularly account for a significant share of claims costs - choosing adequate medical limits is essential.

Before you buy - key checks that prevent surprises

Read the policy schedule, key facts, and full terms in detail. Pay close attention to excesses on each section, including separate gadget or valuables excesses. Confirm medical limits, cancellation caps, and any sub-limits for cash, passports, and individual items. Check waiting periods, evidence requirements, and whether daily benefit limits apply to delays. If you have pre-existing conditions, complete screening and obtain written acceptance. Review renewal pricing if you are buying annual multi-trip, as premiums can change at renewal. Keep copies of documents and emergency contact numbers accessible offline.

Alternatives and related cover types

1. European or Global Health Insurance Card plus travel insurance - useful for accessing state healthcare in Europe, but it does not replace insurance.
2. Backpacker or long-stay insurance - better for extended trips or multi-country itineraries beyond standard durations.
3. Cruise insurance - tailored protection for itinerary changes, missed ports, and medical evacuation at sea.
4. Winter sports insurance - essential if skiing or snowboarding to cover piste closure and equipment.
5. Business travel insurance - adds protection for equipment and work-related disruptions.

Common questions - clear answers

Q: Is travel insurance legally required for UK travellers? A: It is not legally required for most destinations, but some countries require proof of cover for entry or visa applications. Even when not mandatory, medical costs abroad can be substantial without insurance.

Q: What medical cover should I look for? A: Choose a limit that reflects destination costs and potential repatriation. As medical expenses are the most common claim type, prioritise comprehensive emergency treatment, hospital stays, and medical transport.

Q: Single trip or annual multi-trip - which is cheaper? A: If you travel once a year, single trip can be cheaper. If you take several trips, annual multi-trip often provides better value and consistent cover without repeated admin.

Q: Are gadgets covered as standard? A: Many standard policies have low gadget limits. If you rely on phones, tablets, or cameras, consider a gadget add-on or a separate gadget policy to match item values.

Q: Will pre-existing conditions be covered? A: They can be, but only if declared and accepted. You may need to answer screening questions and pay a higher premium. Undeclared conditions can invalidate related claims.

Q: What evidence do I need to claim for delays or cancellations? A: Keep airline or operator confirmations, receipts for extra costs, and booking proofs. Follow airline compensation processes first, as insurers may require you to use these before paying a claim.

What to do next

If you are planning a trip, compare a few UK policies side by side. Confirm medical limits, cancellation caps, and exclusions that apply to your destination and activities. Add extras only where they add value. Take your time and read the documents carefully - the right policy is the one that fits your plans and budget.

Important notice

This guide provides general information only and is not personal financial advice. Policy terms, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the full policy wording and key facts before purchasing and confirm details directly with the provider.