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Do British nationals who are non-UK residents need travel insurance to visit the UK? 

Rebecca Goodman
Written by  Rebecca Goodman
Saarrah Mussa
Reviewed by  Saarrah Mussa
Updated: 15 Jan 2025

Key Takeaways

  • If you hold a British passport but reside elsewhere, you may still need travel insurance  

  • Emergency services are available to anyone without charge  

  • Travel insurance covers trip cancellations and delays and loss or theft of personal belongings  

 Do British non-UK residents need travel insurance to visit the UK? 

Even if you hold a British passport but live in a different country, travel insurance is worth considering. In the UK, the NHS charges non-residents for most services, and these should be covered through an insurance policy. You’ll also be covered if you have to change or cancel your trip, or if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged.    

Can non-UK residents use UK GPs and hospitals?  

Emergency health services in the UK are available to anyone without charge. But for non-emergency GP or hospital visits, the situation differs.   However, if you have travel insurance covering healthcare, you should be protected for any extra costs you may need to pay for medical treatment.   

Do those visiting the UK need travel insurance?  

Travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it is a helpful financial product, and it can provide peace of mind when you’re visiting the UK.  It protects against various risks that could spoil your trip. For example, it covers unexpected medical costs, which can be high for non-residents without free NHS access. It also addresses expenses from trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel accidents.   

What does UK travel insurance cover?

 UK travel insurance policies, for non-UK residents, usually include the following:  

  • Medical expenses: the cost of medical treatment which isn’t covered for free by the NHS 

  • Trip cancellations: you will be covered for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if unforeseen circumstances like illness or a family emergency occur 

  • Lost luggage: if your bags go missing, get damaged, or are stolen during your journey, this policy covers the cost of your belongings 

  • Holiday firms going bust: if you’ve paid out money for a UK holiday, such as for a hotel room, a boat trip or a tour company, and the firm goes bust, you should be covered for any money you have already paid out.  

Additionally, some policies offer the following: 

  • Event tickets: this helps you to recover the cost of tickets if you can’t attend a pre-booked event for reasons covered by your policy 

  • Pet care during travel: For those travelling with pets, some insurers provide coverage for pet-related emergencies or boarding costs  

It’s important to note that the cover available can vary significantly between providers and specific policies. Always check the details of what’s included and what’s not to ensure the policy fits your needs.  

What doesn't UK travel insurance cover? 

Common exclusions for UK travel insurance policies include: 

  • Pre-existing medical conditions 

  • Extreme sports participation 

  • Travelling against government advice 

  • Claims related to drug or alcohol misuse 

 What travel insurance do I need for a UK holiday? 

The right type of travel insurance policy for you will depend on where you’re going, for how long, and your own age and medical history. Here are some things to look in mind when comparing policies: 

  • Coverage limits and exclusions: Start by checking what the policy covers and what it doesn't. Look for limits on claims for theft or loss. Check if there are exclusions for activities you plan to engage in, like adventure sports 

  • Compare policies and providers: Don't settle on the first option you find. Use MoneySuperMarket for a policy for your UK stay. Pay attention to customer reviews and ratings to gauge reliability and customer service 

  • Add-ons and extras: If your trip involves something which isn’t usually included on a standard policy, you might need to pay for an add on. Winter sports if you’re skiing in Scotland, for example or extreme sports if you have some off-roading planned.