Travel insurance for high-risk destinations
If you have pre-existing health conditions, you’re planning a holiday with some adventurous activities or you’re visiting a country which is see as risky by an insurer, standard insurance won’t cover you. Instead, you’ll need a specialist policy if you want to be covered for things like the cost of medical treatment, cancellations, or loss or theft of your belongings.
Key takeaways
Travel insurance for high-risk voyagers can cover you for trips not including in standard travel insurance policies
You’ll likely pay more for specialist insurance but it's an important safety net
There are many reasons why someone may travel to s high-risk country, including visiting family members or travelling for work
Read the policy details thoroughly: Pay close attention to exclusions (what's not covered) and ensure your chosen activities are included.
When it comes to traveling to high-risk destinations, the stakes are undeniably higher. Whether you're heading to a region with recent terrorist activity or a country with strict COVID-19 restrictions, the need for travel insurance is crucial.
What is travel insurance for high-risk areas?
If you’re planning on visiting a country which is seen by insurers as a high risk, you may need specialist insurance. That’s because standard travel insurance won’t cover you for the trip. This could include:
Countries on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s list
An area where there has been a natural disaster
A war zone
Somewhere with an outbreak of an infectious disease or virus
High-risk travel insurance policies aren’t usually required when visiting most countries, and they are often bought by journalists, humanitarian workers, and business travellers who frequently find themselves in high-risk areas.
You can buy a policy for a single trip, or one that covers all of your trips throughout the year.
The policy offered by High Risk Voyage, which MoneySuperMarket has partnered with, covers you for up to 365 days for work-related travel and up to 31 days for leisure travel.
This collaboration has resulted in a flexible and comprehensive insurance policy developed by travel risk management experts, designed to offer peace of mind for travellers heading to some of the most dangerous places on earth.
What does High Risk Voyager insurance cover?
High Risk Voyager insurance is designed to support those traveling to regions where the FCDO advises against all or essential travel only, and includes:
Emergency medical assistance even in the most remote or volatile regions
Coverage for evacuation in case of political unrest or natural disasters
Provisions for winter sports and other leisure activities
Options for enhanced personal accident cover
Non-medical travel coverage for a comprehensive safety net
Cover is available for any country or region worldwide, although trips to the USA are limited to a maximum of 89 days. Exclusions and restrictions apply to pre-existing medical conditions.
Are you covered by countries on the FCDO list?
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) publishes travel advice and tips on every country worldwide to help British nationals stay safe abroad.
This includes advice on countries and areas that should be avoided because they are deemed dangerous. This guidance is crucial for anyone planning to travel, as venturing into areas against FCDO advice typically means standard travel insurance policies won't cover you.
The information provided by the FCDO can change quickly so it’s important to check it before you travel, to make sure you have the right cover for your trip.
Will you be covered if you have Covid?
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced additional layers of complexity to international travel, with ever-changing rules on testing and quarantine.
While some travel insurance policies have adapted to include limited COVID-19 related coverage, very few extend to circumstances where FCDO advice changes post-booking.
For more detailed information, see our guide to Covid-19 and travel insurance. But generally speaking, if you need to travel to a country that the FCDO is advising against visiting, specialist high-risk travel cover is likely to be your best bet.
Who can buy High Risk Voyager insurance?
To be eligible for High Risk Voyager, there are certain criteria to meet, including age restrictions. The policy does not cover active military or paramilitary personnel, for example.
Group discounts are available, and benefits accrue to travellers who have undergone formal risk management travel training.
It is a flexible policy which caters to various trip durations and can be bought before departure or, in some cases, after you've already embarked on your journey. The policy details both standard and enhanced excess costs, ensuring transparency and choice.
How to get a quote
It’s quick and easy to get a quote for High Risk Voyager, and the amount you pay will depend on things like the level of cover you choose and your own health condition.
Whether you're heading into a conflict zone or understanding the complexities of pandemic-era travel, a travel insurance policy from High Risk Voyager offers an unparalleled level of security for peace of mind on your high-stakes journey.
Voyager Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 305814). Registered address: Bankside 300, Peachman Way, Broadland Business Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 0LB, United Kingdom. Administration Address: 13-21 High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3DG, United Kingdom. Financial Services Register number 202912.
