Travel insurance

Travel insurance is designed to pay for certain unexpected costs that may arise when you are travelling, such as flight delays and cancellations and emergency hospital or medical bills.

If you're travelling to a country within the European Union (EU) and you are a UK resident you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card(EHIC). This will entitle you to State provided health care within the EU. This is not a substitute for travel insurance and will only cover you for emergency medical treatment if you become ill or have an accident.

Top tips

  • Make sure you shop around for competitive travel insurance. Don't feel pressurised into buying travel insurance at the travel agents - it's completely optional. You may be able to obtain more competitive cover elsewhere.
  • Always arrange your travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday so that you're protected if you need to cancel your holiday due to unforeseen events.
  • Sometimes the great savings on your holiday deal are transferred to the cost of the insurance! 
  • Check that your insurance covers you for the full duration of your trip and take a copy of the policy document with you.
  • If you have to cut your trip short, get permission from your insurance company before re-arranging air flights.
  • If you have any existing or past medical conditions make sure you disclose these to the insurance company when you take the policy out. Remember if you don't mention them you won't be covered for them and it could invalidate the policy.
  • If you plan to undertake hazardous sports remember to make sure you're covered. Many policies have exclusions for activities ranging from skiing to swimming with dolphins.
  • Wise up on local laws before you go - especially those relating to alcohol and drugs. It's highly unlikely that your policy will provide cover for drink or drug related incidents.
  • Check with the Foreign Office for travel advice on specific countries.  

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