What do I need to know about travel insurance?
Coronavirus update
You should check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice before you travel. If you travel to a country despite advice FCDO against ‘all but essential’ international travel, then your travel insurance policy is unlikely to be valid.
Remember that all insurers take different approaches so it is best to speak to your broker or provider about your specific needs and cover. Many policies are not covering cancellation for coronavirus and it is important to check whether medical expenses are covered if you fall ill abroad with coronavirus. All policies are different so please check your individual policy.
Travel insurance is really important cover, not just for coronavirus. It can provide cover for medical expenses if you fall ill aboard for other reasons and cover lost baggage. It is important that you obtain the correct levels of cover, especially now as there is uncertainty around the reciprocal health care agreement with Europe and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) relating to our EU exit.
If you need medical help on holiday, are involved in an accident, lose anything or have to cancel your holiday at the last minute, the appropriate cover saves you the worry and expense you’d otherwise face.
Holidays are often incredibly expensive, as is healthcare overseas. Therefore it is important to get the right cover to make sure your experience is as relaxing as it should be!
You can read an update from the FCDO on travelling during the coronavirus here.
Did you know?
If you’re travelling to the Channel Islands, it’s important to understand the current healthcare arrangements.
From 1 January 2023, a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement between the UK and Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm was re‑introduced, allowing UK residents to access emergency and necessary healthcare during short visits.
However, this does not replace the need for travel insurance. The agreement does not cover repatriation, ongoing treatment, or additional travel and accommodation costs. NHS cover does not apply in the Channel Islands, and there is no equivalent agreement with Jersey.
For complete peace of mind, you should still arrange appropriate travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected medical bills and wider travel risks.
Check
- That all of your medical conditions have been declared to your insurer — including anything that develops between taking out the policy and the day you travel.
- That any sports or hazardous activities you plan to take part in are included on your policy.
- That your policy limits are adequate — for example, how much cash you are covered for and whether your baggage limits are sufficient.
That your motor breakdown cover includes Europe, not just the UK. - Your policy excesses — some insurers apply an excess per item (e.g. passport, wallet, luggage). Good policies, such as the BIBA Holiday Travel+ Policy, typically apply one excess per incident.
- Which policy suits you best — if you travel frequently, an annual multi‑trip policy may offer better value than buying individual single‑trip policies.
- Relevant advice on inoculations, health risks and local conditions via MASTA and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Make sure
- You take your travel policy number and emergency helpline details with you or save them on your phone.
- You leave enough time to get to the airport — delays caused by not allowing adequate time are not covered.
- You do not leave valuables in the open, particularly on the beach. Check your policy wording to see whether items must be stored in a hotel reception safe (a room safe may not satisfy your insurer’s requirements).
If...
- You’re taking expensive items such as jewellery, a digital camera or a laptop, check your policy limits and arrange extra cover if necessary.
- You are a victim of theft, report it immediately to the local police, your hotel and your tour operator. Insurers often require a written report.
- You buy items such as sunglasses while on holiday, keep receipts as proof of purchase.
Just in case:
- Take copies of your passport, travel insurance documents and visas to make them easier to replace if lost.
- Label your bags with your destination address, email and phone number.
