How to compare travel insurance in the UK
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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.
Skip this if: Skip buying cover the night before you fly if you have already booked non-refundable costs — cancellation usually starts from policy inception. GHIC is not a substitute. This is not a live quote.
Last reviewed:
Read the full insurance guide →Quick answer: Compare travel insurance →Primary source: www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance
Should you buy single-trip or 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.
| If this is you | Usually choose | Skip if |
|---|---|---|
| One holiday this year | Single-trip, bought when you book | You only compared premium and ignored medical limits |
| Two or more trips, each under the annual day cap | Annual multi-trip vs two single-trip quotes | A long stay exceeds the per-trip cap (often 31–60 days) |
| Pre-existing conditions | Declare through screening; specialist directory if declined | You assume GHIC replaces insurance |
How do I compare 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. For a trip-planning take on the same split, see TravelShifu's [GHIC vs travel insurance](travelshifu.com/guides/ghic-travel-insurance-europe) and [best travel insurance 2026](travelshifu.com/guides/best-travel-insurance) guides.
How do I compare 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.
Common 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.