What is children's travel insurance?

Key takeaways

• Children’s travel insurance covers under-18s when they are travelling in the UK or abroad for things like school trips or activity holidays

• Your child’s school should provide insurance but check the cover levels

• Family travel insurance might be a more cost-effective option

What is children's travel insurance?

Children’s travel insurance provides cover for under-18s when they are travelling in the UK or abroad. This could be:

• On a school trip

• A sports or activity holiday

• With a group of friends or a family member

It can be particularly useful if your child:

• Is visiting multiple destinations

• Is taking part in activities like skiing

• Has a pre-existing medical condition

If you’re travelling with your child or they are travelling with other relatives, a family travel policy can be more cost effective. However, make sure the cover levels are adequate for each family member.

💡 Top tip:You will need to purchase children’s travel insurance on their behalf if they’re under 18.

What do I need to consider when choosing children's travel insurance?

When choosing a child's travel insurance policy, these are some of the things to consider:

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

• Purpose of travel: Is your 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 your 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 as they could be costly to replace

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

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

Each of these aspects can influence the type of cover needed and the cost of the children’s travel insurance policy.

What does children’s travel insurance cover my child for?

Like standard travel insurance , children’s travel insurance provides cover for things like:

• Lost baggage & belongings : If your child’s baggage or personal belongings are lost, damaged, or stolen

• Cancellation cover : If you need to cancel your child’s trip for reasons specified in your policy, such as illness or bereavement

• Emergency medical expenses : Protection for medical bills or emergency medical treatments.

• Travel disruption : You can claim for delays if bad weather, strikes, or something breaking down affects your child’s flight, ferry or other mode of transportation

• Repatriation : Emergency repatriation can cover the costs to bring your child home after an accident or illness

• Personal liability: Protects your child if they are involved in an at-fault incident that results in legal costs or damages while they are away

What optional extras can I get with children’s travel insurance?

Some of the optional extras for children’s travel insurance are:

• Gadget insurance : If your child is carrying expensive items like a laptop or mobile phone, specific cover can protect against damage or theft

• Winter sports insurance or water sports insurance : If your child is participating in adventurous activities like skiing or water sports during the trip, ensure they're covered for any potential injuries

📣 Did you know? Eight-in-ten people with children under five say their holiday is the most important time of the year, according to ABTA’s Holiday Habits 2025-26 report .

Can I get children’s travel insurance if my child has a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, you can get children’s travel insurance if your child has a pre-existing medical condition , such as diabetes, but you must declare it to your 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.

Does my child need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?

Yes, it’s a good idea to get your child a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) , which has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The GHIC is free and provides cover for emergency and medically necessary healthcare when in the European Union, and a number of other countries, on a temporary stay. If your child doesn’t have an GHIC, you can apply for one for free through the NHS official GHIC website . Or, if they have an existing EHIC they can still use it until the expiry date on the card.

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 .

More travel insurance guides

What travel insurance do I need for trips with a baby?
A family travel insurance policy could be the most cost effective option when travelling with a baby.