Home
Insurance UK

Is travel insurance compulsory for the UK?

Who is the best travel insurance company in UK?

Travel insurance in the UK is not mandatory on arrival, but it is highly recommended. To prepare for any unexpected illnesses or injuries that may occur while traveling, it is best to obtain travel insurance in the UK. Travel insurance can give you extra protection if your vacation doesn’t go as planned. So if you are planning a trip, you should take out insurance.
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses and other costs associated with travel. It is typically used to cover the cost of medical treatment while abroad, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation to the UK. Travel insurance policies may also include coverage for lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellation or interruption, and other travel-related expenses.

When is travel insurance necessary?


Travel insurance is a must, especially if you are traveling on your own. It is especially important to take out travel insurance if you are traveling on your own, as you may find yourself trapped and unable to return home and no one will help solve your holiday problem.
Read this article for more information on what you should think about before purchasing a travel insurance policy.

What is usually not covered by travel insurance?


The following are often excluded: earthquakes and floods, as well as travel insurance, are general exceptions to be aware of. Here are some types of insurance you may not receive with travel insurance: weather - related cancellations and delays, trip cancellation or modification due to terrorist acts, trip cancellation or change due to pandemic, injuries from extreme sports and search for dangerous adventures
Some insurers have special insurance against the events listed above or include them in the standard terms of the insurance plan. Again, this is why it is so important to read the documents before paying and signing a policy.

When is travel insurance in the UK unnecessary?


Travel insurance may not be required if you are a permanent resident of the UK and traveling in the UK. Also, many credit cards cover the cost of lost or delayed luggage if you buy plane tickets using that company’s card. Travel insurance may also be unnecessary for regular trips within the same country, such as planning to visit parents, relatives, or friends for several days.

Are vaccinations required when going to the UK?


Before you travel, make sure you have the latest information on all the vaccines you need for the day. Here are some common recommendations for vaccination in the UK. These vaccinations are only recommended.

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Meningitis
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
Shingles
Rabies
Pneumonia
For the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations and other health requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

Will travel insurance cover flight cancellation due to Covid?

If you contract COVID-19 and must cancel your trip, you are likely to be covered if you have a standard travel insurance policy. Trip cancellation/trip interruption policies cover the cancellation or interruption of your travel as the result of a covered event.


Who are the main travel insurance companies?


There are many travel insurance companies in the UK, some of the most popular being:
Virgin Money travel insurance
Admiral travel insurance
Tesco Bank travel insurance
Get Going
Saga
Staysure
Aviva
M&S
Coverwise
Post Office

2 comments

  1. If I travel domestically, I usually do not buy travel insurance because everything I reserve is either refundable (hotels, rental cars, etc.) or is not too expensive (domestic airfare). Also, my health insurance will for sure cover me domestically. As for international travel, I have been buying travel insurance, but I should check my benefits with my credit cards and health insurance as you suggested to make sure I'm not paying for coverage which I may already have and not know about it.
  2. I still cannot believe some people still travel without travel insurance! We have used insure and Go on the past who had a good cover but for us on our next trip we have gone through STA underwritten by Alianz, we read cover to cover and chose the premier plus cover (0 excess and gadget cover). Yes it was quite expensive (£900 for us both) but we are planning on scuba, paragliding, canyoning and also trekking the Annapurna circuit. Most insurers only cover for up to 4,000 meters trekking, we needed 5,500! Also we have a membership to Push doctor which a friend of mine has used and was a real life saver for her. I have worked in insurance for 15 years so know what I am looking for in the wording. Please don't just look at the premium because you might not be covered for what you are about to do!