Travel insurance for children

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance is important for children traveling abroad. Consider travel insurance for your child when planning a trip.

• Important considerations include the child's age, travel companions, and activities.

• Disclose any pre-existing health issues to ensure your child is covered.

Whether you're on a family holiday, or your child is travelling without you, knowing you’re fully covered makes the journey easier and worry-free. 

Not all insurance providers cater to everyone's needs. For instance, MoneySuperMarket does not offer comparisons for children under 13 travelling alone. In such cases, you will need to look for a specialist provider for this type of cover.

Key Considerations When Choosing Children's Travel Insurance

When choosing a child's travel insurance policy, these are some of the things that should be taken into account: 

• Travelling Companions: Is the child travelling with family or alone? If they’re travelling alone, you'll need a policy that covers unaccompanied minors

• Purpose of Travel: Is the child going on a school trip? If so, check if the school's insurance policy covers your child adequately. The insurance needs may vary depending on the nature of the trip and the activities involved

• Frequency of Travel: Does the child travel often? If yes, an annual multi-trip policy could be more cost-effective. This is particularly relevant for children who may be involved in regular sports tournaments or educational trips

• Baby Accessories: If you're travelling with a baby, it's important to insure their accessories like travel cots and buggies. These are not only costly to replace, but also crucial for the baby's comfort and safety during the trip

Each of these aspects can influence the type of coverage needed and the cost of the policy.

Extra Coverage: Beyond the Basics

Beyond the usual medical and travel cover, it's worth considering extra coverage for special circumstances like: 

• Cancellations or Delays: If your trip is suddenly cancelled or delayed, insurance can cover the costs incurred. This can include accommodation and meal costs during the delay, or the cost of rebooking cancelled flights. 

• Lost Luggage and Possessions: Insurance can provide financial compensation if your child's luggage or possessions get lost. This can be particularly important for children who may have essential items like comfort toys or gadgets

• Expensive Items and Devices: If your child is carrying expensive items like a laptop or mobile phone, specific coverage can protect against damage or theft. 

• Sports and Activities: If your child is participating in sports or activities during the trip, ensure they're covered for any potential injuries. This is particularly important for adventurous activities like skiing or water sports where you may consider winter sports insurance or water sports insurance.

Health Coverage and Existing Medical Conditions

Ensuring your child is insured for general illness and injuries is crucial. If your child has existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, it's important to mention this to the insurer. This ensures they can receive replacement medication if they lose theirs during the trip.

It's also worth checking if the policy covers any specialist care or treatment that may be required due to the condition. 

If your child is travelling within EU and EEA countries covered by the  European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), make sure they carry the card. If your child doesn’t have an EHIC or GHIC, you can apply for one for free through the NHS official EHIC website. 

Understanding the Fine Print: Policy Terms and Exclusions

Always read the policy terms to understand potential exclusions.

Check whether the child is allowed to travel alone, if all their belongings are covered, and if their medical requirements are known.

This can help avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line. For instance, some policies may not cover certain sports or activities, or may have specific requirements for coverage of unaccompanied children. 

Tips for Buying Children's Travel Insurance

When buying children's travel insurance, remember these tips: 

• Secure Belongings: Teach your child to be responsible for their belongings. It can prevent loss and make claims easier. 

• Ensure Activity Coverage: If your child is participating in activities during the trip, confirm the insurance covers these. This is particularly important for adventurous activities that may carry a higher risk of injury. 

• Consider a Family Policy: A family travel policy can be more cost-effective if you're travelling together. However, do check if the coverage levels are adequate for each family member. 

• Understand What's Covered: Be fully aware of what the insurance policy covers to avoid surprises later. This includes understanding the limits of coverage, any excess charges, and what needs to be done to make a claim. 

Comparing Travel Insurance Quotes

Finally, always compare travel insurance quotes before making a decision.  

Consider all the needs of the policy, the people your child is travelling with and whether you need to declare any pre-existing conditions to ensure you get the right cover. 

Children's travel insurance is an essential part of travel planning. It provides peace of mind and protection for your child, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Happy travels!