Purchase a policy
Purchasing travel insurance at the same time as booking your trip means you'll be covered from the start, and you can claim for cancellations or changes to your travel plans.
Single trip travel insurance
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What is single trip travel insurance?
Single trip travel insurance protects you for a single trip to your chosen destination. Depending on the level of cover chosen, policies provide cover for your trip between 30 to 120 days, and typically end when you return home.
If you know you're definitely only taking one trip in a year, single trip travel insurance provides the cover you need and can work out cheaper.
However, if you're likely to travel more than once, an annual-multi trip policy works out more cost effective than buying single trip insurance for each individual trip.
Do I need it?
Although not a legal requirement, travel insurance is recommended for anyone planning a holiday or business trip, offering protection against trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), travel insurers dealt with a new claim the equivalent of every two minutes in 2022, with claims up nearly 150% as overseas travel got back to pre-Covid levels.
With single-trip travel insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances during your journey.
How does single trip travel insurance work?
Getting single trip travel insurance cover is as easy as 1,2,3...
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Make a claim
If you need to make a claim, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will ask for details of what happened with supporting evidence. Once the claim is approved, the insurance company will pay the policyholder.
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Your policy expires
A single trip travel insurance policy is intended for a single trip, so it should end at the same time as your holiday and expire on the day you return home from your trip.
Can I get single trip cover with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you can get single trip travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as cancer or diabetes. However, you may need specialist travel insurance, as some providers will not cover pre-existing conditions as standard.
If you're struggling to find suitable cover, the MoneyHelper website provides a list of specialist insurers to help you get adequate cover, or you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790.
What does single trip insurance cover?
A standard single-trip travel insurance policy will usually cover the following:
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What's covered
Medical expenses: If you experience a medical emergency abroad, your travel insurance will cover the cost of medical fees, including treatment and care
Lost baggage: If your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, travel insurance will provide you with compensation to cover the loss and get your holiday back on track
Cancellation and curtailment: You can have the cost of your holiday reimbursed if you have to cancel your holiday early for reasons like medical emergencies or bereavement
Travel disruption: Your insurance will cover you for certain disruptions to your holiday, such as poor weather, closure of travel routes, mechanical breakdowns, or industrial action
Repatriation: The cost of arranging your repatriation will be covered by travel insurance if you need to return home for urgent medical treatment
Covid-19: Coronavirus is now usually included in most standard policies
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Not covered
Pre-existing conditions: A standard travel insurance policy won't normally cover pre-existing conditions. You can, however, get specialist policies for pre-existing conditions
Alcohol or drug related incidents: Providers are unlikely to cover you for any accidents that may occur while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
High-risk activities: You will need specialist travel insurance to get cover for high-risk sports and winter or water activities and extreme sports will almost never be covered
Missed flights: If you are found to be at fault for missing your flight, then it's unlikely you'll be compensated
Travelling against FCDO advice: You won't receive any type of travel insurance cover if you travel to dangerous countries that you're warn not to travel to by the FCDO
Optional extras to add onto single travel insurance
By adding extra cover to your policy you can tailor your insurance protection to meet your needs:
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Gadget cover
Get extra cover for your gadgets to protect them against theft, loss, and damage
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Excess waiver
Waive the need to pay excess on any of your travel insurance claims
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Passport cover
This cover will help you replace your passport if it is stolen or lost on your trip
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Winter sports cover
Winter sports cover protects your equipment and adds extra cover for rescue and medical treatment
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Cruise cover
Get special cover for cruise holidays that covers all the essentials including unused excursions
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Golf cover
With added golf cover you get extra protection for your golf equipment and green fees
How much is a single trip policy?
The starting price for a single-trip travel insurance policy depends on several factors, including: the destination, your age - over '70s may require specialist insurance - and the length of your stay. Insurers will take all of this into account as these factors can influence how likely you are to make a claim on your travel insurance policy. if you're considered a higher risk of making a claim, your policy will cost more.
How to get cheap single trip travel insurance
Here are some ways you can save money when looking for single trip travel insurance:
Compare travel insurance quotes online with MoneySuperMarket
Consider couples, family, or group travel insurance if you're travelling with other people
Check you're not already covered. Some banks offer travel insurance as a perk
Avoid extra cover unless you're sure you need it. For example, some gadgets are already covered by your home insurance policy
Increase your excess but make sure you can afford to pay it if you need to
Common questions on single trip cover
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When should I start my policy?
You can start your policy as soon as you book your holiday. The sooner you buy travel insurance after booking your trip, the sooner you are protected against any travel disruptions cancellations, or other eventualities. Find out more about when to purchase travel insurance
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Is single trip cover cheaper than an annual policy?
A single trip policy is a cheaper option for a one-off holiday. However, if you are looking to travel more than once in a year, an annual multi trip policy will work out cheaper than buying multiple single trip travel insurance policies each time.
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Can you get one way travel insurance?
Yes, you can purchase one way travel insurance. This type of insurance will typically cover you for everything a standard policy does. While we cannot provide quotes for this type of policy, you can read our guide on one way travel insurance for more information
Our expert says…
Is travel insurance really necessary?
If you're in a country with expensive healthcare, getting sick or injured can quickly become a stressful ordeal. Emergency medical treatment claims cost on average £1,750, according to the Association of British Insurers, yet the cost of an average single trip policy costs just £22.59
^ to cover yourself for any medical emergencies and personal belongings.Single trip cover is ideal for those who only take one holiday per year, allowing you to fully enjoy your holiday, with the peace of mind of knowing you're protected from unexpected financial burdens.
Jake Edmonds Travel & Commercial Insurance Expert
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a single trip policy?
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Advantages
Cost: Single trip insurance policies are often cheaper if you're only travelling once or taking a short trip. You pay for the exact duration of your travel. With MoneySuperMarket the average annual multi-trip insurance costs £44.34
^ Tailored coverage: These policies can be tailored specifically for your trip, covering the exact dates and destinations you’re visiting. This means you get the appropriate level of cover for your particular journey.
Higher age limits: Single trip insurance will extend cover people up to and over the age of 70. Annual travel insurance for this age group is typically more costly.
Value for money: Single trip insurance usually offers comprehensive protection, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more for low cost.
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Disadvantages
Expensive: If you travel a few times a year, buying multiple single trip policies can be more expensive than an annual multi-trip policy which would cover your holidays all year
Time consuming: Buying a new policy for each single trip requires more time and effort
Inflexible: Single trip policies are for specific dates and destinations so if your plans change, you will need to extend the policy or buy a new one to ensure you’re adequately covered for a new destination
Higher premiums for older travellers or long trips: For older travellers or those planning extended trips, single trip policies can have significantly higher premiums
Related guides & expert tips
Keep up to date and find out all you need to know with our latest guides.
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How to get a single trip travel insurance quote
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Tell us about yourself
Give a few details about you, your travel plans, preferred level of cover, and what you need cover for
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We’ll do the legwork
We’ll put together a list of travel insurance quotes, so you can pick one that works for you
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You’re on your way
Once you’ve chosen, you can purchase your policy and you’ll be covered for your trip
24-hour holidays are trending as 1 in 3 Brits say they’d enjoy travelling abroad for a date
43% of Brits would consider travelling abroad for a single day, according to new research by MoneySuperMarket. These extreme day trips offer big savings on accommodation and luggage costs, but our survey suggests that a search for love may also be behind the trend. Over a third of respondents say that the idea of travelling by plane or train for a date excites them.
Since nobody wants to add lost luggage or large hospital bills to their list of dating disasters, we recommend packing travel insurance for even the shortest of jaunts. You can get one-day cover with us from just 72p
Am I covered by my GHIC card?
Your GHIC card will provide you with reduced cost or free state healthcare in countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, and Switzerland. So, as long as you stay within the countries included in the scheme, you can get some medical cover while you're on holiday.
However, a GHIC card is not a true replacement for travel insurance. Travel insurance offers more and broader cover for UK travellers, protecting belongings, repatriation, cancellations, and more. Since the GHIC only covers a limited number of countries, travel insurance is a valuable protection if your holiday destination is outside of the EU.
Can you have both single trip and multi travel insurance?
Yes, you can have more than one travel insurance policy. There may be a situation where, for example, you have an annual multi trip policy but you need a separate single trip policy to visit a particular destination for a business trip.
If you have two travel insurance policies and you need to make a claim, each insurer calculates how much they will pay out depending on your excess and policy type.
How far in advance can you book single trip travel insurance?
Each policy varies, but in general, you should be able to take out single trip insurance the same time as you make your booking, up until around 12-18 months in advance of travelling. This is ideal for occasions such as destination weddings and business events.
There are also benefits to buying travel insurance earlier. For example, you are covered for any cancellations or changes made to your trip. If you need to cancel or amend your booking, there are often little to no financial implications if you have insurance that far in advance.
Who can I cover on a single trip policy?
Can you buy travel insurance when you’re already on holiday?
It is possible to buy travel insurance when you're already on holiday, however this isn't something MoneySuperMarket offers.
You may still be able to find a specialist provider willing to insure you, but you will struggle to find as many options as you would have had if you had bought cover in advance.
Plus, you can expect to pay a premium and will need to follow extra steps for the sake of fraud prevention. Find out more about last minute travel insurance.
Do I need travel insurance if I'm going away in the UK?
You don't need travel insurance for medical cover because your treatment will be free with the NHS. However, getting single trip insurance in the UK could compensate you for things like trip cancellations, and lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
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Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
Data based on the median price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for age < 18 in May 2024.
Data based on the median price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for age 18-49 in November 2025.
Data based on the median price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for age 55-59 in November 2025.
Data based on the median price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for age 70-74 in November 2025.
Data based on the median price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for annual multi trip cover in November 2025.
Data based on the average price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for single trip cover in October 2025.
Using the 10th percentile of premiums, based on a daily rate for an individual aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions, taking single trip cover for 3 days to France. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between September 2025 and November 2025. Moneysupermarket data correct as of 2025-12-12.
The number of providers for travel insurance in December 2025