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Do I need travel insurance for the UK?

Rebecca Goodman
Written by  Rebecca Goodman
Saarrah Mussa
Reviewed by  Saarrah Mussa
5 min read
Updated: 14 Jan 2025

Key Takeaways

  • You will have free medical access through the NHS but won’t be covered for other aspects, such as if you holiday company goes bust 

  • Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and loss of personal items 

  • You may already be covered through your home insurance, credit card or bank account  

Do I need travel insurance for the UK? 

You may need travel insurance for a UK stay, whether it’s a week in the Highlands or a long weekend city break in London.  

While you have access to the NHS in the UK, which is free at the point of service, there are several other elements which you might want to consider. What would happen for example, if you booked a ferry but the company goes bust, you’ve paid for a spa weekend and you need to cancel at the last minute, or your luggage goes missing while on a train? 

Policies for UK holidays often protect against trip cancellations, loss of personal items, and even tickets to missed events.  

There’s no requirement to take out insurance for any trip but it does provide peace of mind. Being covered for unexpected events can make your staycation as relaxing as an international trip.  

Am I already covered for UK travel? 

When planning a UK staycation, first check if you already have cover through the following: 

  • Home insurance: you may have cover in place through your contents insurance policy to protect your belongings when they’re out of the house. This is usually under a term called ‘personal possessions cover.’ 

  • Credit card or bank account: insurance policies are often included in other financial products, such as credit cards or bank accounts, especially if you pay a monthly fee for the product.  

  • Travel insurance policy: If you have an annual travel insurance policy you may already be covered for UK trips as well as international travel.  

  • Holiday firm: Some venues and travel providers may require specific coverage as part of their booking conditions.  

  If you do have cover in place already, carefully review your insurance documents for any travel clauses. This involves checking coverage limits, exclusions, and applicable deductibles. Knowing the details of your existing policies will help you determine if additional travel insurance is needed for your staycation.  

What does UK travel insurance cover? 

UK travel insurance policies usually include the following:  

  • 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 

  • Medical-related claims (which can be treated through the NHS) 

  • 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 our comparison tool to view a range of travel insurance products for your UK stay.

  • 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.  

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