What is travel insurance? And why is travel insurance important for holidaymakers

Travel insurance is designed to protect UK travellers from unexpected costs that can arise before or during a trip. It can help cover medical emergencies abroad, cancelled holidays, lost luggage, travel delays and other unforeseen problems that could otherwise turn an enjoyable break into an expensive experience.

For example, a couple travelling from Bristol to Spain might rely on travel insurance if one of them falls ill and needs hospital treatment, while a family flying from Manchester to Florida could claim if their luggage is lost on arrival. Without cover, overseas medical bills alone can easily run into thousands of pounds.

The different types of travel insurance available in the UK

Single-trip travel insurance covers one specific holiday and is often chosen for one-off trips such as a summer beach break or a city weekend in Europe. Annual multi-trip insurance covers multiple trips within a 12-month period and is popular with frequent travellers, business travellers or people who enjoy several short breaks each year.

Backpacker travel insurance is aimed at longer trips, often covering multiple countries and extended stays, while winter sports travel insurance includes protection for activities such as skiing and snowboarding that are usually excluded from standard policies. There is also specialist travel insurance for cruises, which often includes cover for missed ports, cabin confinement and onboard medical treatment.

Who provides travel insurance and how they differ

Travel insurance in the UK is offered by a mix of specialist insurers, banks and comparison-led brands. Well-known providers include Aviva, AXA and Allianz, while newer digital-first brands such as Staysure focus on specific groups like over-50s travellers.

Policies can differ significantly in medical cover limits, excess levels, activity cover and how pre-existing medical conditions are handled. Cheaper policies may look attractive but often come with lower medical limits or stricter exclusions, which can cause problems at claim stage.

When travel insurance is vital

Travel insurance is especially important for holidays involving flights, expensive accommodation or long-haul destinations such as the USA, Canada or the Caribbean, where healthcare costs are extremely high. It’s also crucial for cruises, adventure holidays and trips involving sports or activities.

Some travellers don’t realise that many standard policies do not automatically cover activities like scuba diving, hiking at altitude, quad biking or even hiring mopeds abroad. Likewise, alcohol-related incidents, unattended belongings and undeclared medical conditions are common reasons claims are declined. A skiing holiday in the Alps without winter sports cover, for instance, could leave you personally liable for rescue and medical costs.

How to improve the chances of a successful travel insurance claim

Claims are most often declined because travellers didn’t disclose pre-existing medical conditions or took part in activities not covered by their policy. Being completely honest when buying cover is one of the most important steps you can take, even if it increases the premium slightly.

Keeping documents such as medical reports, police reports for theft, receipts and booking confirmations makes the claims process much smoother. It’s also important to follow medical advice while abroad and contact your insurer as soon as possible if something serious happens, rather than waiting until you return home.

Choosing the best travel insurance for your trip

Travel insurance offers peace of mind for UK travellers by protecting against the financial risks of travelling abroad. Whether it’s a weekend city break, a family package holiday or a long-haul adventure, the right cover ensures that unexpected events don’t turn into long-term financial problems.

By choosing the right type of policy, understanding what is and isn’t covered, and providing accurate information upfront, you greatly improve the chances of a successful claim and can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about what might go wrong.