Don't be conned into costly travel insurance, you can cover all holidays for a year for just £17 or £31 for a family, yet whether policies are priced high or low, there are catches galore to avoid.
This regularly updated best-buys guide shows how to pick the perfect policy, plus compares the cheapest deals for annual cover, single-trip, over 65s, pre-existing conditions and more.
In this guide
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Step 1: Get a free EHIC card for Euro travel
The free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles the holder to medical treatment in state run hospitals in any EU country plus Iceland, Norway. Liechtenstein, & Switzerland at the same cost as a local. So if it's free for them its free for you.
Every traveller to Europe (inc. kids) should get one and keep it on you (it's invalid if you're not holding it) as a crucial emergency measure. For detailed info, including a country by country guide, read the Free EHIC Card guide or get one direct from the EHIC website, Post Offices or call 0845 606 2030.
If you, or a member of the family do hold one, check the expiry date on the front of the card as these last for up to 5 years. Also, if it is nearing it's expiry date, you can renew it online, or by telephone, up to 6 months before it expires.
Yet what's crucial to understand is....
The EHIC gives valuable protection but should never be seen as a substitute for travel insurance.
Travel insurance covers far more than the EHIC, for example costs incurred if EHIC treatment isn't free, private hospital treatment (prevalent in some European countries) or for cancellations, delays, repatriation, baggage loss or theft and more, see the Free EHIC Card guide.
Also, with EHIC, you can only use hospitals and doctors that are signed up to the EHIC scheme, and these are usuall state-run (ie, equivalents to the NHS. If you are in any doubt, check with EHIC before starting treatment.
For extra safety, download & print our free 'Little Lifesaver' Travel Guide, full of travel hints and space to write key info like insurance, flight and passport numbers.
Step 2: Use the annual vs single trip tool
For many people its much better value to get an annual travel insurance policy, which covers all trips in a year, rather than single trip - but there are pitfalls. This ready reckoner will help you decide.
Q1. Will you travel to the USA in the next year?
Defining your cover
Unfortunately it's not as simple as just plumping for the cheapest policy; here are some things to watch out for:
Should you cover the family together?
It might sound elementary, but all the more reason to get it right. Policies can be for singles, couples or full families.
As a rule of thumb, the fewer people travelling nearer to home the better, so don't over-cover unnecessarily. If you unexpectedly need more people covered, many providers let you extend cover. Policies usually stipulate a maximum age of 65 before you need specialist cover.
Buy for Europe or Worldwide
Policies can cover you in just Europe or the whole world, though some of the latter exclude the USA and Canada, so check. If you need to extend cover, many providers allow this.
With annual policies, consider where you're likely to go throughout the year. If the list includes a country with poor medical facilities, ensure your policy will cover full repatriation costs.
Also read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's Travel Advice By Country web page, which indicates those areas deemed unsafe and hence not covered by insurers as standard.
Europe isn't just Europe
That sounds so obscure we could be tempted into paraphrasing Mr Spock... "It's Europe Jim, but not as we know it!". Many policies have very generous definitions of where the boundaries of Europe end.
This means it's likely you can opt for a cheaper 'Europe-only' policy and ususally get covered for Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Western Russia, Turkey, Israel and more, so if you're heading somewhere on the fringe, DO always check the country you are visiting is covered and make sure you have adequate cover if you're travelling there.
Of the cheapest annual policies listed below, most include all these extra countries, though always double check... (most are exclusive deals via Moneysupermarket so the links take you there). See below for full info.
Under 65s: Virgin Money* from £17 for singles in Europe with £150 excesses or Protect your bubble* is £31 for couples with £100 excesses.
Over 65s: Prices increase slightly, but options include Debenhams* at £26 (if aged 65) or EHIC Plus*, for those aged 66-69, from £36. See over 65s section for more. '
See the best buys below for more info.
Will you do winter sports this year?
If you're planning on going skiing or snowboarding you usually have to stipulate this up-front. Don't rely on an EHIC card when skiing in Europe, as most resort clinics are private.
All budget winter sports policies should cover both skiing and snowboarding basics like hired or bought equipment, piste closure and avalanches.
Take 'reasonable care'
All insurance policies are based on you taking what they deem 'reasonable care' of your possessions. If you've left a bag unattended and it gets stolen, don't expect a payout; from the insurer's perspective it was your fault. Thus, take all precautions possible and treat your gear as if it isn't insured.
Look out for exclusions/excesses
At least as important as cover levels is taking note of policy exclusions and excesses, which can vary quite widely between insurers; it's a case where reading the small-print, whilst time-consuming, can pay dividends.
Make sure they correlate with your travel habits. For instance, many policies do not cover cash. While hardly any will cover pre-existing medical conditions where it's a condition you have or a relative has (if you have to come home/abandon holiday as a result of a family illness).
An excess is the amount taken off your claim by an insurer. Say the excess is £300 and your claim is for £1,000 you'll only get paid £700.
Do you do dangerous sports/hazardous activities on holidays?
Fans of more extreme winter sports such as bobsleigh, luge, ski jumping or ski racing - or other more hardcore activities such as stunting, acrobatics or white water rafting - will find many policies do not cover them for these activities.
So you'll need to opt for a specialist policy (try something like the BMC). Competition entrants, or anyone skiing/boarding outside recognised areas will find it even harder still
It's also worth digging out the brochures and leaflets that came with your bank account, or possibly credit card. Some of these - often expensive ones you should maybe ditch - come equipped with travel insurance, so check this first as you may already be covered.
Step 3: Travel insurance best buys
The best buys below are the cheapest policies by combining comparison site results such as those from Moneysupermarket* and Squaremouth* and those they miss including Aviva* and Direct Line*. Cashback site users can get additional cashback on some policies (see Top Cashback Sites).
There is one vital thing to always remember, and we'll shout it loud...
You MUST tell any insurer about medical conditions you already have, or the cover may be invalid!"
Quick facts listed below, but details & exclusions vary. All meet a
minimum cover criteria
.
ALWAYS check the policy documents for your personal requirements before buying.
Top Annual Travel Insurance For Individuals
The cheapest policiesAll meet MSE's minimum cover levels
Europe only under 50s £17
The Virgin Money policy, exclusively via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct), is from £17.41 and increases to £21.81 when aged 45-50.
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide under 50s £25
Virgin Money, for trips worldwide is £25.49, available exclusively via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct), up to the age of 45.
From the age of 46, Protect your bubble is £30.37, which is also available via Moneysupermarket*
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Europe only over 50s £22
Virgin Money Essentials is £21.81 (up to the age of 55) and increases to £23.05 when aged 56-64.
This is exclusively available via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct) and has good cover levels.
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide over 50s £30
The cheapest policy, Protect your bubble, lets you go anywhere. This policy is exclusively available for £30.37 via Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct).
From the age of 54-64, Virgin Money Essentials* provided the cheapest policy at £34.89. Again, exclusively available via Moneysupermarket.com*.
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
The Top Value policiesStrong feedback and past track record
Europe only under 50s £25
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £25.40 for a 25 year old up to £36.25
Forum feedback is good for this policy, Defaqto speaks about it positively and it also paid out for the ash cloud disruption. However, now you must opt-in to get natural catastrophe cover which increases the cost range from £45.80 up to £56.65
A cheaper alternative with built-in natural disaster cover is with big-name insurer AXA. The 'Essential' policy is from £39.19. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- Direct Travel 'Standard' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'essential' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £5m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Worldwide £42
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £41.56 for a 25 year old up to £59.69
Forum feedback is good for this policy, Defaqto speaks about it positively and it also paid out for the ash cloud disruption. However, now you must opt-in to get natural catastrophe cover which increases the cost range from £61.96 up to £80.09
A cheaper alternative with built-in natural disaster cover is from £55.44 with big-name insurer AXA. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- Direct Travel 'Standard' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'essential' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £5m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Annual (inc. Winter Sports) for Individuals
The cheapest policiesAll meet MSE's minimum cover levels
Europe only under 46s £26
The cheapest insurance policy is Virgin Money Essentials, available exclusively via Moneysupermarket* from £25.63 (you pay more direct).
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide under 46s £33
The Protect your bubble winter sports policy, exclusively via Moneysupermarket*, is £32.84 (you pay more direct) for under 36's.
If you are aged 36-45, the cheapest is Virgin Money Essentials, again, available exclusively via Moneysupermarket* at £34.80 (you pay more direct).
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Europe only over 45s £32
Virgin Money Essentials is £31.95 (from 46 up to the age of 55). When aged 56-64, this increases to £32.98, also with Virgin Money Essentials.
These are exclusively available via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct) and has good cover levels.
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide over 45s £36
The Protect your bubble* policy is £36.45 (up to the age of 58) and has a maximum trip duration of 21 days, via Moneysupermarket*
When aged 59-64, Insurefor.com* are then the cheapest at £48.87.
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- INSUREFOR.COM - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £2,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£95 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£120 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
The Top Value policiesStrong feedback and past track record
Europe only £35
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £35.05 for a 25 year old up to £50.25.
Forum feedback is good for this policy, Defaqto speaks about it positively and it also paid out for the ash cloud disruption. However, now you must opt-in to get natural catastrophe cover which increases the cost range from £61.96 up to £80.09.
If you are looking for built-in natural disaster cover, an alternative with built-in natural disaster cover is the 'Premier' policy, from £53.52, with big-name insurer AXA. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- Direct Travel 'Standard' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'PREMIER' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £5,000 (£25 excess)
- Baggage: £2,000 (£25 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£25 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Worldwide £58
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £57.68 for a 25 year old.
Forum feedback is good for this policy and Defaqto speaks about it positively.
However, now you can opt to select natural catastrophe cover which increases the cost from £78.08 and covers against natural disasters.
An alternative with built-in natural disaster cover is the 'Premier' policy, from £76.54, with big-name insurer AXA. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- Direct Travel 'Standard' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'PREMIER' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £5,000 (£25 excess)
- Baggage: £2,000 (£25 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£25 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Annual policies for Families/Couples
The cheapest policiesAll meet MSE's minimum cover levels
Europe only under 50s £31
If you go exclusively via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct) the Protect your bubble policy is £31.17 for couples and families with an excess of £100.
From the age of 36, the cheapest premium increases to £34.60, also with Protect your bubble.
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide under 50s £35
For trips anywhere including USA or Canada, Protect your bubble exclusively via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct) is £34.98 for couples and families with an excess of £100, up to the age of 35.
Once the oldest traveller is aged 36-49, Protect your bubble still offer the cheapest at £38.83.
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Europe only over 50s £35
From the age of 50 to 54, the cheapest is Virgin Money Essentials at £34.60. Once you are aged 55 to 64, the premium increases slightly to £42.57, also with Virgin Money Essentials. These are exclusively available via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct) and has good cover levels.
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide over 50s £39
Should the oldest traveller be aged 50 to 54, Protect your bubble, exclusively via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct), is £38.83.
From the age of 55-64 Virgin Money Essentials then becomes the cheapest at £58.69. Again, this is exclusively available via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct).
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
The Top Value policiesStrong feedback and past track record
Europe only £48
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £48.39 if aged 25 up to £69.01.
Forum feedback is good for this policy, Defaqto speaks about it positively and it also paid out for the ash cloud disruption. However, now you must opt-in to get natural catastrophe cover which increases the cost range from £89.19 up to £109.81
If you are looking for built-in natural disaster cover, the AXA 'Premier' policy premium is from £81.57. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- Direct Travel 'Standard' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'PREMIER' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £5,000 (£25 excess)
- Baggage: £2,000 (£25 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£25 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Worldwide £79
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £79.09 when aged 25 up to £113.53.
Forum feedback is good for this policy, Defaqto speaks about it positively and it also paid out for the ash cloud disruption. However, now you must opt-in to get natural catastrophe cover which increases the premium from £119.89 for a 25 year old up to £154.33 with this extension.
An alternative with built-in natural disaster cover is the 'Premier' policy, from £115.67, with big-name insurer AXA. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- Direct Travel 'Standard' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'PREMIER' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £5,000 (£25 excess)
- Baggage: £2,000 (£25 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£25 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Annual (Inc. Winter Sports) for Families/Couples
The cheapest policiesAll meet MSE's minimum cover levels
Europe only under 60s £38
The Protect your bubble* policy is £37.41 for a couple or family under 35, with an excess of £100. When aged 35-54, this increases to £41.52, also with Protect your bubble, via Moneysupermarket*.
From the age of 55-64, the Virgin Money Essentials policy then becomes the cheapest at £55.27 which is exclusively available via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct).
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide under 60s £42
Protect your bubble* is £41.98 if you're under 36 but from the age of 36-54, this increases to £46.60.
Once the eldest traveller is aged 55, Insurefor.com* is the cheapest at £68.43.
Both are exclusively available via Moneysupermarket*
- PROTECT YOUR BUBBLE - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£100 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- INSUREFOR.COM - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £2,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£95 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£120 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Europe only over 60s £55
From the age of 60-64, the Virgin Money Essentials policy is the cheapest at £55.27 which is exclusively available via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct).
- VIRGIN MONEY - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£150 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
Worldwide over 60s £68
If you're older, but under 65, the cheapest is Insurefor.com exclusively via comparison site Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct) at £68.43.
- INSUREFOR.COM - Quick Facts
- Cancellation: £2,000 (£100 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£95 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£120 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
The Top Value policiesStrong feedback and past track record
Europe only £67
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £66.72 if aged 25 up to £95.60.
Forum feedback is good for this policy, Defaqto speaks about it positively and it also paid out for the ash cloud disruption. However, now you must opt-in to get natural catastrophe cover which increases the cost range from £107.52 up to £136.40
If you are looking for built-in natural disaster cover, this is also available from big-name insurer AXA witin the 'Essential' policy. Premium starts from £85.68. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- EHIC PLUS Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £5,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £2m (£0 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'essential' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £5m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Worldwide £110
The Direct Travel* Standard policy is three star rated by Defaqto. The price varies according to your age but ranges from £109.71 if aged 25, up to £157.93. Should you opt-in to get natural catastrophe cover, the price is £150.51 if aged 25 up to £198.73.
An alternative with built-in natural disaster cover is available with big-name insurer AXA where the premium is from £122.50 for its 'Essential' contract. Cover levels are good, but we have no feedback on customer service or payout procedures yet - please let us know.
- Direct Travel 'Standard' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £3,000 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts PDF, Policy Wording PDF
- AXA 'essential' Quick Facts:
- Cancellation: £1,500 (£75 excess)
- Baggage: £1,500 (£75 exc.)
- Medical: £5m (£75 exc.)
- Full info: Key Facts, Policy Wording
Annual policies for over-65s
The game changes for the 65 and overs, primarily because insurers' risk charts predict more claims are likely so, sadly, even those in perfect health pay more. Those rejected on grounds of health should see the note below.
- Age 65-69:
In Europe: EHIC Plus* is the cheapest at £35.64 for individuals and £58.80 for a couple (all policyholders need a Free EHIC Card too, else you're likely to not be covered for medical costs). Also, you must insist you're taken to a state hospital not a private clinic, as only treatment in state run institutions is covered by the policy.
If this doesn't suit, an alternative to try is Planet Earth* (31 days per trip policy) at £45.65 for individuals and £82.17 for couples.
Worldwide: If you're going further afield, HolidayRisk.com* is £77.95 for an individual. For couples, Elect Travel Insurance* are the cheapest at £131.63.
All these premiums are exclusive via comparison site Moneysupermarket (and you could pay more direct).
- Age 70-74: If travelling in Europe, the cheapest by some distance is to get annual insurance from EHIC Plus* at £57.26 for individuals and £94.49 for a couple (all policyholders need a Free EHIC Card too, else you're likely to not be covered for medical costs).
Also, you must insist you're taken to a state hospital not a private clinic, as only treatment in state run institutions is covered by the policy. If this doesn't suit, try HolidayRisk.com* at £64.95 for individuals and £102.95 for couples. - Age 75-79: If travelling in Europe, the cheapest by some distance is to get annual insurance from EHIC Plus* at £62.24 for individuals and £102.71 for a couple (all policyholders need a Free EHIC Card too, else you're likely to not be covered for medical costs).
Also, you must insist you're taken to a state hospital not a private clinic, as only treatment in state run institutions is covered by the policy. If this doesn't suit, try Cosmos* at £136.41 for individuals and £155.18 for couples.
For individual Worldwide cover, Planet Earth* charges £199.95 but increases to £359.91 for couples. These prices are via comparison Moneysupermarket - you'd pay more direct.
- 80 and Over: This is where it gets really pricey. Overall, the Co-Operative Insurance have offered the best priced travel product, though online quotations are no longer available.
Castle Cover do give online quotations. For an individual it ranges from £210.36 for European cover, to £314.97 for Worldwide cover. For couples, you get a combined discount, meaning the price per person is £178.86 for cover in Europe, or £252.16 (per person) for Worldwide cover, but is still the cheapest we've seen.
If you're travelling further afield, HolidayRisk.com* again provides a competitive premium. For individuals, the premium for Worldwide cover is £77.95. For couples, this increases to £138.90 via Moneysupermarket.
Cover for Pre-Existing conditions
Anyone who's had a past serious medical condition or disability is likely to be quoted ludicrously high amounts from most traditional insurers, and it's even worse for those who are also over 65.
Don't despair, online quotations are still available for those with a medical history via Moneysupermarket.com* yet there are a number of ways to cut the cost and still ensure you're protected:
- Staying in Europe? Get an EHIC card
The EHIC card gives you free or discounted medical treatment in any state run European Union (and a few other countries) hospital - Read full guide. - Consider single trip cover
Different countries' medical costs vary, and annual policies need to price this in, putting the average cost up. Therefore, unless you're going to a country with high medical costs, like the USA and Spain, it's often worth getting a quote for a single trip policy rather than annual. - Cheaper policies from Specialist Insurers
There are a number of insurers that specialise in giving policies to those with prior illnesses, there are no hard or fast rules so get quotes from as many as you can.
If you'd rather pay a high excess rather than a high outlay for the premium, Global Travel Insurance* offers good rates, but you'll pay between £500 and £1,500, depending on age, to claim treatment for your condition.
If not, there are a few good specialists for those with pre-existing conditions, MIA Online, Orbis and InsuranceWith which also offers good rates to customers with disabilities. Travel Plan Direct is also worth a check. For breast cancer sufferers, check policy details and quotes from insurers Insurepink.
Get benchmark quotes from them and then see if you can beat it using Saga, Age UK and Insureandgo* (you'll need to phone the latter). - Get a packaged bank account
Travel Insurance is often one of the perks you can get for paying a monthly fee for a bank account (usually between £12 and £25). Normally we shout from the hilltops to avoid paid-for current accounts like the plague, but this may finally be a use for them (see all the Best Bank Accounts for normal use).
Some of the policies on offer are more comprehensive than those available elsewhere - mainly as the bank account makes it pretty expensive. Yet for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions, if you speak to the bank and it confirms the policy would cover you, it could actually be quite cheap.
All the big banks offer these; give Lloyds TSB's Gold and Platinum accounts a quick check first as it is often the most accessible. Other options are the Nationwide's* Flexaccount current account or the Sainsbury's Gold* card. - The worse case scenario solution
If cover is still unaffordable, the price may drop considerably if you ask insurers to exclude pre-existing conditions; though it's then your judgment call on the risks of going with limited cover.
Single trip policies
While single trip policies have got a bad rep due to over expensive travel insurance where you can pay £50 for a week by a pool in Spain, done right they can be an extremely cheap way of getting protection.
There's a huge variance in price depending on the length of stay, where you're headed and you're profile, to name just three. As such it's impossible to give any definitive winner, so the best option is to use a comparison service.
In terms of range and price there are three, do check them all if possible - MoneySupermarket*, Confused.com* and Squaremouth*. The prices are much cheaper than annual policies.
As an example, taken in November 2011, these meet our minimum cover amounts and are indicative of the prices available:
- For individuals: ~
European trip: The Essentials policy from Virgin, exclusively via price comparison Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct), costs from just £6.30 for a week.
Worldwide: Holiday Extra's Supersaver policy costs from £12.50 for Worldwide travel (including the USA and Canada) again through Moneysupermarket*. - For families:
European trip: Virgin Travel Essentials policy, exclusively via price comparison Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct) costs from £10.15 for a week.
Worldwide: Holiday Extra's Supersaver policy costs from £25 for Worldwide travel (including the USA and Canada) again through Moneysupermarket*. - With winter sports cover:
European trip: Debenhams comes up trumps in Europe at £10.30 for individuals and £19.70 for families for a week's tip, exclusively via price comparison Moneysupermarket* (you pay more direct).
Worldwide: The AA is cheapest for individuals at £30 for a week and Debenhams at £54 is cheapest for families for a week's Worldwide travel (including the USA and Canada) again through Moneysupermarket*.
Once you've got the comparison sites results always double check the quotes and what's included on the providers' own website. The impact can be most keenly felt by those with non-standard circumstances when it's even more important to confirm your requirements.
Tricks to get dirt-cheap or FREE cover
All the policies above are the cheapest (or top value) ones available if you are buying insurance the straightforward way. However, travel cover is a common add-on with 'packaged' financial products like bank accounts or credit cards ie, where you take out the product, and get extra 'benefits' but pay a monthly or yearly fee for the privilege.
In the vast majority of cases these are nowhere near worth it. However, currently two of them can be cleverly manipulated to give out family travel insurance very cheaply, or even free. We haven't explored the quality of these policies, though both meet our minimum cover amounts.
Free annual European travel insuranceSwitch to Nationwide Flexaccount & pay in £750/mth
- Bank account.
- In-credit interest: NONE.
- Arranged overdraft Cost: 18.9%.
- Min monthly pay-in: £750 (explanation)
- Unarranged overdraft fees: £15 paid / unpaid item fees, £20 usage fee (max £95/month).
- Travel Insurance.
- Cancellation: £5,000 (£50 excess)
- Personal Baggage: £1,500 (£50 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£50 exc.)
- Full Info: Key Facts PDF Policy Wording PDF
New and existing holders of Nationwide's* Flexaccount current account get free European travel insurance for customers up to age 75 (must be max. age 73 at account opening). To get the cover, you must switch direct debits and standing orders from another account to it, and pay in at least £750 each month.
The pay-in is equivalent to depositing a salary or pension of £10,000 (or £9,000 for most 65-74 year olds). If your income is less than that, it's possible to withdraw money and deposit it again to meet the £750 minimum.
How good is the insurance?
It's got good cover limits and a pretty low £50 excess, and is rated 'five star' by Defaqto. You can pay to upgrade to cover worldwide travel, or winter sports holidays.
If you open this as a joint account, both account holders are covered by the insurance - provided they are under 75 - and the policy will automatically renew each year, until 31 December in the year of your 75th birthday.
As with all bank accounts, you must pass a credit score to open one, and and a credit search will appear on your file. That can have a minor negative impact on future credit scores so beware applying if you'll need cheap credit to cut the cost of debts in the immediate future, or have recently been turned down for other products.
£5 worldwide travel cover loopholeSainsbury's Gold card: £5/month + cancel any time
- Sainsbury Card.
- Monthly fee: £5.
- Representative variable rate: (18% APR which includes monthly fee) 9.9% APR on purchases.
- Min Salary Required: N/A Official APR Example
- Travel Insurance.
- Cancellation: £2,000 (£100 excess)
- Personal Baggage: £1,500 (£100 exc.)
- Medical: £10m(£150 exc.)
- Full Info: Key Facts PDF Policy Wording PDF
The Sainsbury's Gold* Card charges accepted new cardholders a £5 monthly fee - but for this you get a range of features chiefly, free travel insurance which covers two adults (under 65) and up to six children worldwide, including up to 17 days of winter sports per year.
How good is this deal?
At £60 a year its only a few pounds more than the cheapest annual policy. It also has the advantage that you pay by the month and you can stop at any time. Sainsbury's has confirmed the travel insurance kicks in as long as you hold the card while you're abroad and there is no minimum time you must hold the plastic for.
This means you could choose to cancel after your holiday (provided you've no claim) and thus possibly even get the cover for a fiver.
Any cons?
If you spend on the card and don't repay in full at the end of the month you'll be charged 9.9% representative APR. So ALWAYS set up a direct debit to repay in full each month, so there's never any interest.
You can't pick and choose when your policy starts - you are continually paying. With standalone insurance, you can let it expire, then get a new policy just before your next holiday. If you've got pre-existing medical conditions you must tell it.
Also, to get this card you must pass a credit score and a credit search will appear on your file. That can have a minor negative impact on future credit scores so beware applying if you'll need cheap credit to cut the cost of debts in the immediate future, or have recently been turned down by other card providers.
When getting a credit card you may be offered payment protection insurance. Read whether insurance is really for you.
Will the policy pay out? Q&A
An insurance policy that doesn't pay out when you need it to is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Is costlier cover worth it?
Insurance providers go all out to scare us into upping the levels of cover. Don't be duped!
Don't upgrade for no reason. Platinum policies with £200m medical cover are bunkum; you're charged more without getting more.
The chances of you using the extra cover are generally slimmer than Kate Moss on a diet, far more important for many is how likely it is to pay out.
Is cancellation covered?
If you voluntarily abandon your holiday, do not expect the insurer to validate your claim but if you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a death in the family, or even jury service, cover is normally provided.
This clause has hampered those who have abandoned their trip following airline strikes or where no-fly zones have been imposed following incidents such as the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. Some insurers viewed this as a voluntary abandonment on travellers' parts.
Also, if you are interested in catastrophe cover, or the policy states you are covered for a catastrophe, check the definition. Not all insurers have classed or are classing the volcanic ash incident as a catastrophe incident.
Is it a package or DIY trip?
Most travel insurance policies are designed to cover packages, as ten years ago that's how 90% of us booked our hols, and providers haven't kept up. Problematically, this leaves them ill equipped to cover DIY trips, where flights and accommodation are booked separately.
The biggest issue is a lack of cover for knock-on consequences. If a policy covers scheduled airline failure, for example, and the airline goes under, you'll be able to claim for the flights. But if you can't reach your hotel, you'll lose the money you paid for it.
To beat this you need a policy that specifically covers 'indirect loss' or 'scheduled airline failure' - check the small print as slowly more insurers are including this cover. For maximum cover, look for special 'independent traveller' policies, which are increasingly available though cost a bit more than regular policies.
Do remember though, inherent in package holidays are extra ATOL and ABTA protections, which you don't get on DIY trips. If you're booking a DIY trip, if the additional fee isn't too prohibitive book on a credit card (repaid in full to avoid interest) and then you get Section 75 protection for anything costing over £100
Take 'reasonable care'
All insurance policies are based on you taking what they deem 'reasonable care' of your possessions. If you've left a bag unattended and it gets stolen, don't expect a payout; from the insurer's perspective it was your fault. Thus, take all precautions possible and treat your gear as if it isn't insured.
Being drunk can invalidate your travel insurance
Many people aren't aware that if you are drunk on holiday and an incident happens your travel insurance may not cover you. This could be if you lose or have goods stolen, or possibly you may even be excluded from medical cover. So if you are planning to drink, do try and minimise the valuables with you and of course take care.
Look out for exclusions/excesses
At least as important as cover levels is taking note of policy exclusions and excesses, which can vary quite widely between insurers; it's a case where reading the small-print, whilst time-consuming, can pay dividends.
Make sure it's decent and correlates well with your travel habits. For instance, many policies do not cover cash. While hardly any will cover pre-existing medical conditions where it's a condition you have or a relative has (if you have to come home/abandon holiday as a result of a family illness).
Is there a 24hr hotline number?
Time zone differences mean a 24/7 claim line is more necessary than many think. Most insurers now offer one, so keep the number written down somewhere close to hand in case of emergencies (our 'Little Lifesaver' pocket travel guide is perfect for this).
What about credit card travel insurance?
There's a lot of confusion about credit card travel insurance. Often, it's actually only travel accident insurance, which only covers accidents had while on a train, plane or in a hire car paid for on the card, so never think this means you're covered.
A few platinum cards or bank accounts genuinely offer free travel insurance, though the cover levels are usually poor and you often have to pay both the deposit and the full holiday cost on the card or you'll fall foul of their conditions. Always check before relying on this.
This insurance is totally separate to section 75 legal protection, that simply means you have the same consumer rights from the credit card company as you do from the vendor if something goes wrong (see the Section 75 guide for more info).
What if my travel insurer goes bust?
All the companies listed use FSA regulated underwriters, which is the basic check. Yet there are no hard and fast guarantees, in the past travel insurers both big and small have collapsed. This shouldn't unduly worry you though, as it's a rare event, but it's important to be aware of the minor possibility.
Should this happen, the Financial Services Protection Scheme (FSCS) protects you in two ways
- If you need to claim from a bust insurer
The FSCS's main objective is to 'maintain continuity'. This means if your insurer goes bust, it will try and find another provider to take over your policy, or issue a substitute policy. However, if you have any ongoing claims, or need to make a claim before a new insurer is found, the FSCS should ensure these are covered. - If it goes bust and you paid up-front
If you've paid for cover for a year, but the company goes bust after a month or two, then you would lose out.
To protect against that, if the FSCS can't transfer your policy to another provider, you'll be given a period of time to take out alternative insurance, and any money you've already paid will be refunded as compensation via the FSCS. To help explain, here's a quick example...
You paid for a year long policy in January and the insurer went bust in September. If the FSCS can't get the policy transferred elsewhere, then you will receive 4 months compensation of the original cost.
The limits of the compensation depend on whether the policy is compulsory or not. Compensation for policies like third party car insurance, which you are required by law to have, are unlimited, so you get 100% of the premium back. Non-compulsory policies (e.g. home, travel, payment protection) have to cover 90% of the money paid.
What happens with natural disasters or emergencies
This is where it gets tough. While we may think something like the spring 2010 Icelandic volcanic ash spurt was a natural disaster (rarely covered) it could equally be classified as a weather condition (usually covered) and for cancellation payouts this definition is crucial as to whether it'll pay out.
Yet the problem with this is it's about the unknown so it's impossible to know what the next 'volcano' or 'swine flu' issue and second guess how an insurer will deal with it.
Don't automatically jump to the conclusion that this is about price though, some far from cheap insurers like Aviva, Barclays, Lloyds TSB and Nationwide, didn't pay out for all volcano related costs.
So what can you do? Well our view, and some may disagree, is ensure the common risks are appropriately covered like medical issues while away, lost baggage, repatriation, stolen cameras etc and the price is low at least that way you've a bit of cash left over in case unforeseen eventualities do happen.




