# How to compare travel insurance in the UK

> Insurance · Last updated 5 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Compare travel insurance on emergency medical limits, repatriation, cancellation cover, excess, pre-existing condition declarations and gadget cover — not premium alone. Single-trip suits one holiday; annual multi-trip works if you travel twice or more a year, but check per-trip duration caps.

Travel insurance is regulated by the FCA. Comparison sites quote on similar cover levels, but exclusions and medical screening differ materially between policies. This hub explains how to compare fairly before you buy — information only, not a product recommendation.

## Key facts

- Medical cover of at least £2 million is typical for Europe; £5 million+ for USA and worldwide
- GHIC gives EU state healthcare access but is not a substitute for travel insurance
- Pre-existing conditions must be declared — non-disclosure can void claims
- Annual multi-trip policies cap each trip length — often 31, 45 or 60 days
- Buy when you book to activate cancellation cover from that date

## Single-trip vs annual multi-trip

Single-trip cover is bought per journey — best for one expensive holiday or when trip length exceeds annual policy limits.

Annual multi-trip suits two or more holidays a year. Compare total annual premium against two single-trip quotes — annual is not automatically cheaper.

Check the maximum days per trip on annual policies. Long-stay winter sun or gap-year travel may need specialist single-trip cover.

## Medical cover and declarations

Emergency medical and repatriation is the core section. USA treatment can cost hundreds of thousands — verify limits and whether USA cover is included on 'worldwide' policies.

Declare all pre-existing conditions honestly through the insurer's screening questions. If standard insurers decline or price high, use the FCA-authorised specialist directory.

GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) reduces state-care costs in the EU but does not cover private treatment, repatriation or non-medical losses.

## Cancellation, baggage and excess

Cancellation cover refunds non-refundable costs if you cannot travel for insured reasons — illness, bereavement, jury service. The limit should cover flights, hotels and excursions combined.

Baggage sections cap per-item values — laptops and cameras often need gadget add-ons or separate cover.

Voluntary excess reduces premium but increases out-of-pocket cost per claim. Compare total cost at excess levels you could afford twice on one trip.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does my bank account travel insurance count?

Packaged accounts often include travel cover — check age limits, medical exclusions and trip duration. It may be adequate or have gaps for your circumstances.

### When should I buy travel insurance?

As soon as you book. Cancellation cover starts from policy inception — buying late leaves you exposed if you must cancel before departure.

### What if my claim is refused?

Complain through the insurer's formal process first. The Financial Ombudsman Service reviews complaints free if you are unsatisfied with the final response.

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance

## Related

- [Travel insurance essentials](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/travel-insurance-essentials/)
- [Travel insurance directory](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/travel-insurance-directory/)
- [GHIC explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/ghic-ehic-explained/)
- [How to buy travel insurance](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/travel-insurance-how-to-buy/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.