Can I get travel insurance for unaccompanied minors?
This guide is for informational purposes only. We do not currently offer children’s travel insurance at MoneySuperMarket.
Key takeaways
Travel insurance for unaccompanied minors is designed to protect children travelling on their own without an adult
It usually includes cover for medical expenses and emergencies, lost bags, and trip cancellations
Airlines often have an unaccompanied minor service whereby a member of staff assists your child during boarding, the flight, and upon arrival.
Can I get travel insurance for unaccompanied minors?
Yes, you can travel insurance designed to protect children travelling on their own without an adult (known as unaccompanied minors). You will need to buy the travel insurance on their behalf.
Be aware that even if your travel insurance covers your child travelling on their own, airlines and train operators have different minimum ages for solo travel. And you’ll usually need to pay extra for the airline’s unaccompanied minor service whereby a member of staff assists your child during boarding, the flight, and upon arrival.
Who is considered an unaccompanied minor?
Most airlines determine an unaccompanied minor as a child aged between five and 17 years who is travelling without an adult. However, this age range can differ significantly based on the airline and the country's regulations.
It is essential to verify the specific airline's age requirements and any additional rules they may have for unaccompanied minors.
What does travel insurance for unaccompanied minors cover my child for?
A travel insurance policy for a child works in a similar way to an adult policy. It should cover the following things:
Medical expenses and emergencies
Travel insurance for unaccompanied minors typically includes cover for medical costs if your child falls ill or has an accident while travelling.
Loss of baggage and personal belongings
Should your child misplace their luggage or find their possessions damaged or stolen, travel insurance can provide compensation.
Trip cancellations and interruptions
If unforeseen circumstances necessitate cancelling or cutting short the trip, travel insurance can help recover the costs.
Repatriation
Emergency repatriation can cover the costs to bring your child home after an accident or illness.
What isn’t my child covered for with unaccompanied minors travel insurance?
Each policy will have its own rules over what is and isn’t covered, but most travel insurance for unaccompanied minors won’t include the following:
Undeclared pre-existing health conditions
If you haven’t already declared a pre-existing health condition, you won’t be able to make a claim for it.
Dangerous activities or sports
Most standard travel insurance policies won’t cover dangerous or high-risk sports. Instead, you could look at winter sports insurance or water sports insurance.
Claims in high-risk areas or countries
If you visit an area which is seen as high risk, and one which British travellers have been warned against visiting by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, you won’t be covered.
How can I prepare my child for solo travel?
Documents: You’ll need to give your child a parental consent form for travelling abroad, as well as standard travel documents such as their passport and visa (if applicable)
Travel logistics: Make sure your child understands each step of the journey including navigating airports, boarding procedures, and how to recognise authorised personnel
Safety advice: Advise your child to never leaving the airport with a stranger and keeping their travel documents secure
Communication: Write down emergency contact numbers or, if your child is old enough, give them a phone with emergency numbers saved
Medication: If your child needs medication make sure they have a note from their GP stating what medication they are taking and why, and inform the airline. Keep their medication in their hand luggage
Does my child need travel insurance for school trips?
If your child is going on a school trip, they will usually be covered under a group travel insurance policy but it’s important to check what it is included. You might still want to take out a separate policy to cover things like your child’s gadgets.
How can I find the best travel insurance for my child?
Check to see if you already have cover
If you have a family travel insurance policy in place, your child may already be covered. Similarly if they are going on a group trip, the person organising this may have set up insurance for travellers.
Compare insurance providers
Start by listing potential insurance companies specialising in travel policies for minors. Check their reputations by reading reviews and ratings.
Examine cover limits
Ensure the policy covers medical expenses, loss of personal belongings, and any travel disruptions. Higher cover limits generally mean better protection.
Check for special provisions for minors
Some policies offer additional features like coverage for a guardian to travel to the child in an emergency.
Evaluate customer support
Reliable customer service is crucial. Verify that the insurance provider offers 24/7 support, which is invaluable in emergencies.
Consider the excess fee
This is the amount you pay towards a claim. A lower excess might be preferable for frequent claims, such as lost items.
Look for multi-trip options
If your child travels frequently, consider an annual multi-trip policy to save on costs and hassle.
How can I compare children’s travel insurance?
MoneySuperMarket does not currently offer children’s travel insurance but you can compare family travel insurance quotes.
Author
Jake Edmonds
Former Senior Commercial Manager
Jake was a Senior Commercial Manager at MoneySuperMarket, overseeing the Travel, Business, and Landlord Insurance channels. Jake joined MoneySuperMarket over six years ago, he began his career here...
Reviewer
Rebecca Goodman
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Rebecca is an award-winning financial journalist with over a decade of experience writing for print and online media. Her mission is to take the jargon out of personal finance and to help everyone...
