What is one-way travel insurance?

Key takeaways  

• One-way travel insurance is designed for those travelling without a return date - for example if you’re emigrating or returning home after a lengthy period of travel 

• These policies usually work in the same way as standard travel insurance, offering the same types of cover but just for your one-way trip 

• You’ll usually need to approach insurers directly to find suitable cover as it isn’t a standard travel insurance policy 

What is one-way travel insurance? 

One-way travel insurance is a type of policy that is designed for those who do not plan on returning from their journey, either permanently or for the foreseeable future.

It offers the same kind of cover as standard travel insurance, protecting you against medical treatment costs, lost luggage or cancelled bookings, but it works slightly differently. 

How does one-way travel insurance work? 

When you take out a one-way travel insurance policy, you’ll normally have a deadline for reaching your final destination, usually within a week of your initial departure. This is different to standard travel insurance, which covers your outgoing and return journey as well as your time abroad, but usually only allows you to be away for up to 31 days. 

How do I buy one-way travel insurance? 

You will generally need to talk to insurers directly to get quotes for one-way travel insurance, as it’s not a standard policy that all providers offer. 

When should I buy one-way travel insurance? 

You should ideally take out cover that starts as soon as you book your outbound ticket, so you know you’ll be protected in case you need to cancel your trip before leaving.   

Do I need one-way travel insurance? 

A one-way travel insurance policy can be ideal people in the following circumstances:  

• You’re emigrating and potentially making multiple stops before settling in a new country 

• You’re returning to your country of origin after an extended period of time away 

• You’re planning to travel for an extended period of time without a planned return date 

However, it might not always be the best option. There are some alternative types of cover you might consider depending on your situation:

The average cost of backpacker and long stay travel insurance for MoneySuperMarket customers is £182.48^{^}

What will one-way travel insurance cover? 

Your one-way travel insurance policy will usually offer the same cover as a standard travel policy, such as:  

• Cancellations, curtailments and delays in your travel bookings as a result of circumstances out of your control 

• Emergency medical treatment costs if you become ill or injured 

• Repatriation if you need to be brought back to the UK in an emergency 

• Personal possessions cover if your belongings are lost, damaged or stolen 

• Legal expenses and personal liability cover 

How long does one-day travel insurance last? 

If you’re emigrating to another country, a one-way travel insurance policy will usually last for about a week from your departure date, and for about 24 hours after you reach your destination - however the specifics might vary depending on your insurer.   

If you’re travelling without a return date in mind, you’ll still need to provide an end date for your policy. For example, you could take out cover lasting 12 to 24 months from the start date if you’ll be travelling for a year or two. 

What isn’t covered by one-way travel insurance?

Like most insurance policies, you will find that one-way travel insurance comes with certain exclusions:  

• Damage or losses resulting from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or from reckless or illegal activity 

• Activities that aren’t covered by your policy, like extreme or risky sports 

• Cancellations caused by you changing your mind or not enjoying your travels 

• Medical conditions you were aware of that you didn’t declare when taking out cover 

What if I have pre-existing medical conditions? 

You will usually still be able to take out cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Just be sure to declare it to your insurer before you buy your insurance or you may not be able to claim.

Unfortunately you’re likely to pay a little more for cover with a pre-existing condition, as insurers will see you as a higher claim risk. But it’s a relatively small extra fee compared to the potential thousands you might need to pay for medical treatment if you become ill while you're away. 

Compare travel insurance quotes 

We don’t currently offer a comparison service for one-way travel insurance where you don't intend to return. For this you’ll need to contact specialist insurers directly to find out more about what they offer.

However, some of our providers will allow you to book a trip with no set return date as long as you return within a certain period of time (usually a year to 18 months.)

The quickest and easiest way to find cover is by comparing quotes with MoneySuperMarket.