is travel insurance mandatory for uk

June 1, 2020

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Visitors to the United Kingdom

Uk travel insurance and safety tips for visitors.

The weather is another consideration. Unless your travel is confined strictly to the summer months, plan on encountering low temperatures, and even if you are traveling in the summer, you shouldn’t count on it being warm and sunny. In Edinburgh, the average daily July temperature doesn’t break 15°C (60°F), and at night the July average drops to 11°C (52°F), hardly tank tops and shorts weather.

From the mysterious magic of Stonehenge to the sparkle of the crown jewels, the United Kingdom offers something for everyone. Totaling less than 100,000 square miles, and with London just a three-hour train ride from Paris, the UK offers a wide variety of cultures, experiences, and even languages within its borders, encompassing Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England . Be assured speaking English will undoubtedly suffice for travelers and those visiting the UK.

However short your visit is, you should count on having rain and damp weather. Having good rain gear in your luggage ensures you have the most enjoyable stay. Of course, we suggest tourists also have a good UK travel insurance plan before departure. What else should you know to make sure that your stay in the UK is healthy and safe so you can fully enjoy your time there? Let’s take a closer look.

Best Travel Insurance for Visitors to the United Kingdom

For tourists and visitors to the UK who are looking for a travel insurance plan, including coverage for trip interruption, evacuation, and repatriation benefits, consider the Atlas Travel Medical Plan , offering high-quality coverage at an affordable price, or the Patriot Travel Insurance  plan.

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance

• Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
• IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
• Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest

Best Travel Insurance for US Citizens Visiting UK

For US citizens traveling to the UK, we recommend the GeoBlue Travel Insurance plan while visiting the United Kingdom. GeoBlue offers great service with a premium network of hospitals and doctors worldwide. If you have a US health insurance plan, some pre-existing conditions will be covered in the UK or any country you travel to.

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

Embassy Phone Numbers in the UK

• United States: +44 20 7499 9000
• Canada: +44 20 7004 6000
• Australia: +44 20 7379 4334
• New Zealand: +44 20 7930 8422

All embassies are located in London, but larger cities such as Belfast and Edinburgh are likely to host a consulate which can be a valuable resource if you are located closer to one of these cities.

Essential Safety Tips for Visitors to the UK

The United Kingdom has a reputation as a safe place for travelers. However, usual precautions should be taken, especially when traveling and living in large cities where thefts, muggings, and sexual assaults do occur. It’s a good idea not to carry too much cash or valuables as you move about and to keep secure copies of important documents such as passports and credit cards. When going out for an evening, do not leave drinks unattended.

Unfortunately, terrorism remains a threat in the United Kingdom; the Canadian government advises a “high degree of caution”. The UK has placed its current threat level at severe. You can check the latest UK threat level here , and U.S. Citizens can enroll in the STEP program to receive the latest warnings and updates from the State Department. General advice for staying safe in the face of this danger includes monitoring local news, familiarizing yourself with the area, keeping the contact information for your embassy, and, for those who are visiting on a longer stay, registering with your embassy.

Emergency Assistance Numbers in the UK

Two emergency numbers in the UK will connect you with all emergency services, including ambulance, fire, and police. Both 999 and the more universal European 112 will work and function similarly to how 911 operates in the United States.

Another helpful number to have is 0845 4647  or  111, a non-emergency number that will connect you to the National Health Services, where a trained professional can help you assess your symptoms to help you decide where to seek help best.

For those staying in a residence or rental property, either as a long-term or short-term rental, it’s a good idea to have the gas emergency number: 0800 111 999 .

United Kingdom: Healthcare System and Types of Insurance

The United Kingdom provides healthcare to all citizens and permanent residents through the publicly funded National Health System (NHS). For those who do not meet the requirements to qualify for NHS coverage, it will be necessary to acquire private insurance. This is available both within the UK and can be purchased through services specifically designed for travelers and expats. While healthcare in the UK regularly receives high marks in the area of quality, the NHS has been criticized for accessibility and speed with which services are provided, causing some who have access to NHS to opt to buy additional private insurance to ensure that their health care needs are fully met. As you look through your healthcare options, this should be an important consideration for you. The NHS is so large that even private insurance services are often provided within the framework of the public system. The insurance options that you choose must provide adequate coverage that will meet your healthcare needs with the speed and efficiency with which you feel comfortable.

Related: Health Insurance for Expats in the UK

• HealthCare in the UK (Wikipedia)
• Best Hospitals in the UK For Expatriates and Travelers

The United Kingdom is currently leaving the European Union. As a result, for those who are not UK residents but are EU residents, it’s important to call your current insurance provider and find out about any changes to the benefits that you would receive while traveling and living in the UK. As this is a shifting situation, getting the most up-to-date information is best.

Vaccines, Medications, and Diet Considerations for Visiting the UK

Food and clean water are readily available throughout the United Kingdom. Even those requiring a special diet, such as for diabetes or Celiac disease, can look forward to being able to find specialty foods available. Those who follow a vegan diet should expect to have a similar time as they do at home. In larger cities like London, finding markets and restaurants that cater to their diet will be much easier than in rural areas. The UK food labeling does not require as extensive labeling as the United States, but any information must be accurate and is monitored by the government.

A wide variety of prescription medications are available. You should bring a large supply of any medications you use, along with a copy of prescriptions. If there is a medication you think you may need during your stay in the UK, it’s a good idea to make sure that it is available and what name it is sold under.

You do not need any special vaccinations as a precaution to protect your health during your UK visit; however, to secure a Visa, you will need to be able to prove that all of your basic vaccinations are present and up-to-date, including polio and MMR.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a UK Visa Application

Do us citizens need a visa to visit the uk.

Speaking of a visa, a visa is unnecessary for visitors from the United States and select other countries for tourism for up to six months.

Visa Requirements for UK Tourists from Other Countries

For longer stays or to secure work for a UK employer, then you will need a visa. You will need a valid passport to enter the country. For visitors from EU countries and Switzerland, currently, the UK is working to keep travel visa-free, but as this is an evolving situation, it’s best to check what the latest news is before you leave. Currently, both a passport and a National Identity Card can be used to gain entry. For travelers from other countries, check the  Visa and Immigration page on Gov.uk.

Advice on Insurance Required for Visas:

• Travel Insurance Plans Requirements for Your Visa
• Best Travel Insurance for the Schengen Visa

With this information, you’ll be well-prepared to take full advantage of your time in the United Kingdom. Ensuring you’ll have a healthy and safe stay means you’ll be able to make the most of your time there, for work or pleasure or both.

Health Insurance Plans for Travel to the UK: Short Term / Trip Insurance |  Free Quote / Apply Travel Medical (5 Days to 12 Months)  |  Free Quote / Apply Global Medical Insurance (Long Term / Global Plans)   |  Free Quote / Apply

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Do I need travel insurance for a UK holiday?

Article contents.

7 February 2023 | Updated 20 October 2023 | 3 minute read

Travel insurance is mainly associated with trips abroad, but did you know that you can get the same cover for staycations in the UK?

Below we’ve explained whether you should buy travel insurance for a holiday in the UK, and how it could help during a staycation.

What does UK travel insurance cover?

Despite the familiar surroundings, you can still encounter problems when you holiday in the UK. Below are a few things you’re covered for:

Cancelling or cutting short your trip

This includes cancelling a trip after you booked it but before you leave, and cutting your trip short in an emergency.

This can be for a number of reasons such as the death, illness, injury or complications of pregnancy or childbirth of you, your travel companion, a close relative, a close business associate or anyone outside your home area that you planned to stay with.

However, exclusions apply, and you should check your policy documents for more information.

Lost, stolen, damaged or missing personal belongings

If your belongings are misplaced, damaged or stolen during your trip or they don’t arrive in one piece when you arrive at your destination, you may be entitled to claim depending on your policy. 

However, if you aren’t carrying your personal belongings with you, they must be locked out of sight in your accommodation or stored in a locked safety deposit box or safe where available to be covered.

What about medical cover?

Medical cover is a key part of travel insurance when travelling abroad as getting ill abroad is often expensive.

In the UK, your medical care is covered by the NHS. However, UK travel insurance will cover things like: 

• inpatient travel expenses to and from the hospital
• if a doctor advises you to return to your home area

There also isn't any NHS medical cover for UK travellers in the Channel Islands.

Do I need travel insurance for Northern Ireland? 

Usually, we’ll cover you for trips to:

• Northern Ireland
• The Isle of Man
• Channel Islands

You must travel more than 25 miles away from your home address and be staying for two or more consecutive nights to qualify.

What about my home insurance and breakdown cover? 

Your contents insurance policy usually includes cover away from home, check which possessions you have cover for. 

Some items need to be named on your policy (known as a specified item) to be covered while travelling; for example, a piece of jewellery or a camera worth over £1,000 may need to be added as a specified item. 

Most of our content insurance policies cover any loss or damage to you or your family’s personal possessions up to policy limit, or any explicitly specified items.

Your breakdown cover will also be effective if you’re covered for travelling nationally.

Can I get cover for both UK and abroad trips?

Yes. Annual multi-trip travel insurance covers you for up to 31 consecutive days for trips in the UK and abroad.

If you’re only planning on one trip this year, single trip travel insurance is probably better suited for you.

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Travel insurance

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

Travel insurance can give you extra protection if your holiday doesn't go as planned. So you should make sure you have cover if you're planning a trip away.

It's particularly important to take out travel insurance if you are travelling independently because you may find yourself stranded with no way to get home and no-one to help sort out your holiday problem.

Read this page for more information on what you need to think about before you take out a travel insurance policy.

travel insurance is essential, particularly if you are travelling independently

choose a policy that covers your needs

compare policies on the cover they offer as well as the cost

check if you have other insurance that will cover you away from home

Why take out travel insurance?

Travel insurance can protect you against the following things going wrong:

cancelling or cutting short your trip for reasons beyond your control

missed transport or delayed departure for reasons beyond your control

medical and other emergencies

personal injury and death

lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money

accidental damage or injury caused by you.

If you don't have travel insurance you will have to pay out of your own pocket to deal with a problem while you're away. Or you may lose money if you have to cancel a trip and can't get your money back. This could cost you thousands of pounds.

Older travellers

If an insurer or broker can’t offer you insurance because of your age, most of them will refer you to an alternative insurer or give details of a signposting service such as the British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s (BIBA’s) ‘Find a Broker’ service. You can use this service to find specialist insurers who can offer specific types of cover based on factors such as age and medical condition.

You can find the BIBA’s ‘Find a Broker’ service by phoning their helpline on 0870 950 1790 or by going to their website at www.biba.org.uk .

Where can you buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is widely available. You can buy it from:

insurance companies

retailers and supermarkets

travel agents

online comparison websites

holiday companies.

Sometimes, travel insurance might be included as an extra service offered through your bank account or credit card. You should check how much you're paying for this and what kind of cover it offers. For example, cover may be limited for your spouse or partner. It might be better to buy a stand alone policy.

Your travel agent may offer you travel insurance as part of a package holiday. You can opt for this if you want to  but you don't have to buy this insurance. The travel agent is breaking the law if they try to make you take it out or charge you more for your holiday because you refuse to accept it. If this happens, you should get advice.

Before you buy holiday insurance

It's important to get the right type of cover for your needs. Think about:

where you're travelling to. For example, if you're travelling to the United States you will need extra medical cover

how old you are. Travel insurance can cost more if you're over 65. There are special policies for older travellers which may be worth looking at

how often you travel. If you go away several times a year, it may be better to buy an annual travel policy rather than several single-trip policies

what you'll be doing while you're away. You may need extra cover if you're taking part in dangerous sports, such as skiing or scuba diving

whether you're travelling independently or on a package holiday. Package holidays usually offer you greater protection if things go wrong with transport or accommodation so you may not need to make a claim on your travel insurance

how you're travelling. Cruises and budget airline flights may not be covered by some insurance policies.

What cover should travel insurance include?

Your travel insurance should always include the following cover:

medical expenses and cover for getting you home if you're injured or fall ill abroad

personal injury and cover for accidents or damage caused by you

cover for lost or damaged items

cover for lost or delayed baggage

cover for cancellation or missed departure.

How much you pay for your insurance depends on the amount of cover you're likely to need. You should never under-insure yourself just to save money. However, you may be able to keep costs down.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you're a UK resident and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can still use it to get healthcare in EU countries until it expires.

If you don't have an EHIC or it has expired, you can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) on the NHS website. You can use a GHIC to get healthcare in EU countries at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. You should still get travel insurance before your trip - even if you have an EHIC or GHIC.

Home contents insurance

Check if your household contents insurance policy covers you for items you take away from home. If it does, you could choose a larger excess on your travel insurance policy. The excess is the amount that your insurer won't pay out for the claim and is typically between £50 and £100. If you choose a higher excess, your travel insurance may cost less.

More about household contents insurance

Choosing the right insurer

The cheapest policy may not offer best value for money, so it's important to check what the policy includes as well as how much it costs.

You can check what different policies offer and how much they cost by using an online comparison website. However, comparison websites usually only offer general cover. If you have particular needs, it may be better to find an insurer that offers specialist cover.

Making a claim on your travel insurance policy

Problems with making a claim on your travel insurance policy

If you need more help

Other useful information

Getting medical treatment while travelling in Europe  www.gov.uk

Information on travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition or disability at www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Information on travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions from Tourismforall at www.tourismforall.org.uk

Getting travel insurance if you have cancer from Macmillan Cancer Support at www.macmillan.org.uk

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Page last reviewed on 20 February 2020

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About Travel Insurance

Planning a holiday is one of the most exciting activities we can undertake, but we all have different ideas about our perfect trip. For some of us a beach holiday in Benidorm is paradise, while others would prefer a trek in Southeast Asia or a mountain climb in Scotland.

Whatever we choose, we should always be cautious about protecting ourselves if something goes wrong, and that’s why travel insurance is so important.

NerdWallet has partnered with Quotezone. Compare quotes from the UK’s top insurers, including:

This insurance quote service is powered by Quotezone. The data you supply and submit is collected directly by Quotezone who are responsible for the handling and processing of that data. By using their quote system you are agreeing to their terms and conditions and privacy policy which can be found at Quotezone.co.uk.

What will travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance is a premium taken out to cover the traveller in the eventuality of something bad occurring during the holiday. Typical occurrences covered by travel insurance include:

• Flight/holiday cancellation and curtailment
• Serious injury/illness
• Loss of baggage/contents
• Personal liability (injuring someone else)
• Emergency assistance

Should I always go for the cheapest policy?

Definitely not, unless it covers you for everything you plan to do on the holiday and all eventualities. Cheaper options can sometimes exclude important details and set high excess levels.

What won’t it cover?

These are not concrete examples and all insurers differ, but some reasons why an insurer might not pay out include:

• In certain circumstances it will not cover extreme sports or expeditions; don’t book a trek to the top of Mount Everest and expect standard insurance to pay out in the event of a disaster
• Loss of items or injury through negligence such as alcohol
• Ignoring FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) advice
• Full cost of valuables (see below)
• Failure to report crime within a certain time frame

Is travel insurance mandatory?

For the vast majority of countries travel insurance is not mandatory, although for the cost of a few pounds it makes sense to obtain it. There are many factors, such as flight cancellations, crime, bag thefts and political upheaval in a country that are out of the traveller’s control, but will cost them dearly if they are not insured.

Passport controls in some countries, such as Cuba, will ask for proof of insurance before allowing you to enter. When you apply for a visa for Russia, you could be asked to supply evidence of insurance. The simple rule of thumb is to check well before you reach the airport and put steps in place to cover yourself.

When should I take out travel insurance?

From the moment you book, not the start of the holiday. The cost will probably not be too different, and that extra cost will cover you if you have to cancel before the holiday begins. If you decide to undertake a more spontaneous extreme excursion or activity while on holiday, this could be booked a day or two before.

What affects my travel insurance costs?

There are a huge range of factors, such as:

• The destination itself
• Type of holiday – cruise, multi-trip, extreme adventure
• Your health (see below)
• Gadgets (see below)
• Length of travel

How will my health affect costs?

There’s no need to reveal every ailment and pain you suffer, but failure to disclose significant conditions such as heart conditions, cancer or diabetes would be folly simply because your cover could be invalidated in the event of a claim and you could face bills of thousands or tens of thousands of pounds. Even if you have been cured of a particular condition, you might still have to declare it.

Previous injuries, illnesses and conditions could be regarded as denoting a higher risk and the downside is that it might drive up your travel insurance costs. An insurer might even refuse to insure you altogether. Some countries such as the US and Canada have particularly expensive medical care, which could also affect the insurers’ decision.

Will travel insurance cover my gadgets?

It depends – some companies will cover laptops, smartphones, cameras and similar, but only up to a certain cost. Consider paying out an additional premium for individual items.

What should I do if I’m travelling to somewhere that becomes dangerous?

Check your policy documents for details of what your insurer will do in the event of trouble. Aim for a tour operator covered by ATOL (UK Civil Aviation Authority), ABTA or similar representative body.

If something happens a few days before you’re due to leave then your first port of call should be the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which regularly updates travellers on travel advice and the current political/economic/social states of countries that might be affected by unrest or freak, dangerous conditions such as earthquakes.

Travel Insurance FAQs

Which? recommends £2 million of medical cover for Europe and £5 million worldwide, £1,500 of cover for baggage and personal belongings, and £3,000 for cancellation or curtailment.

Don’t travel to Europe without an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. It’s free and in effect gives you access to state–provided healthcare within EEA countries.

The more claims you’ve made in the past, the more expensive your cover is likely to be.

It is not mandatory to take out travel insurance through the airline or travel agent you’ve booked the holiday with. In fact, shopping around may save you money.

About the Author

Holly champions clear, jargon-free writing. She’s been creating finance content for leading organisations for over 10 years.

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Where is Travel Insurance Mandatory?

Posted in General Travel Travel Insurance , where is travel insurance mandatory on 14 March 2023

When travelling abroad, we don’t always think about whether Travel Insurance is mandatory for the destination we are visiting. For the most part, if your destination doesn’t require a VISA to enter then Travel Insurance is thought of as an extra.

However, there are some parts of the world where Travel Insurance is legally required for you to enter the country, whether you are from a VISA free country or not! Below is a list of the countries that require you to have sufficient Travel Insurance in place before you travel and further to that we will explain what Travel Insurance covers and why you might need it.

Belize , Cuba , Ecuador , Georgia , Iran , Israel , Jamaica , Jordan , Qatar , Rwanda , Seychelles , and The UAE .

Each of the countries above have slightly different requirements for their Travel Insurance which are outlined below:

• Belize : All visitors must purchase a policy from the Belize government known as Belize Travel Health Insurance.
• Cuba : Travel Insurance is required for all VISAs. If you do not have a policy, you will be required to purchase one on arrival.
• Ecuador : Travel Insurance is required to enter the country.
• Georgia : Travel Insurance is required to enter the country.
• Iran : Travel Insurance is required to enter the country.
• Israel : Travel Insurance is required to enter the country.
• Jamaica : All non-Jamaican citizens have to enrol on the “Jamaica Cares” scheme regardless of whether you have valid Travel Insurance. “Jamaica Cares” is essentially a Health Insurance plan to cover repatriation, evacuation, field rescue, and more whilst you are in Jamaica.
• Jordan : Travel Insurance is required to enter the country. Policies must be valid for your entire stay and should include cover for Emergency Medical Services, Repatriation and Evacuation.
• Qatar : Travel Health Insurance has been mandatory for all visitors since May 2022 and must be valid for the entire length of stay.
• Rwanda : You will be required to choose a policy on arrival if you do not already have one. As such it makes sense to purchase a policy prior to arrival.
• Seychelles : Travel Insurance is required to enter the country.
• The UAE : You must be able to prove you have a valid Travel Insurance policy whether you are visiting Dubai or another city in the UAE.

There are then some countries who will require you to purchase Travel Insurance in order to obtain a VISA to enter the country. These countries include; The Schengen Area , Moldova , Nepal , Romania , Singapore , Togo , and Turkey .

• The Schengen Area : To successfully obtain a Schengen VISA you must have Travel Insurance with at least €30,000 Emergency Medical Cover.

If you are not sure what the Schengen Area is, then please click here to read one of our recent articles that covers exactly that!

• Moldova : If you need a Moldovan VISA, you will need to prove you have a Travel Insurance policy with €30,000 Emergency Medical Cover.
• Nepal : Vaccinated individuals who are eligible for a VISA on arrival only need proof of vaccination and a filled-out health status form. However, if you are applying for a VISA before arriving then you will be required to purchase a Travel Insurance policy.
• Romania : If you need a Romanian VISA, you will need to prove you have a Travel Insurance policy with €30,000 Emergency Medical Cover.
• Singapore : Your policy must include $30,000 Covid related cover and at least $100,000 for emergency evacuation if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Togo : You must either purchase a Travel Insurance policy or submit proof you have paid a repatriation deposit.
• Turkey : If you require a VISA to enter Turkey under the age of 65 then you will need a Travel Insurance policy with €30,000 Emergency Medical Cover.

Why do I need Travel Insurance?

For most of these countries, you will require Travel Insurance to cover any medical treatment costs you incur whilst visiting the country. Should you fall ill abroad, your UK Global Health Insurance card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance card (EHIC), may entitle you to some cover but it is not valid in every country around the world and in countries where it is valid, is unlikely to cover the full cost of your medical bills. You should check before you travel that the country you are travelling to will accept the GHIC.

One thing to bear in mind is that if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you are likely to need to declare this when asked by your insurance company as they will need to determine whether they are able to provide cover or not. Failure to declare your conditions could lead to no cover being provided if you require medical treatment for those pre-existing conditions.

Travel Insurance is also there to provide you with protection in case you need to cancel your trip, in case your luggage is lost or stolen, in the event you experience travel delays, as well as being able to provide extra cover for areas such as winter sports or cruises.

What Travel Insurance do I need?

For most countries listed above, you need a policy that has a minimum of €30,000 Emergency Medical Cover and covers you for the entirety of your stay. Your Travel Insurance requirements will differ to those of other travellers depending on whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions, how expensive your holiday is, where you are planning to travel to, and how long you are planning to be away for amongst other reasons.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Europe?

The Schengen Area is a collection of EU countries that do require you to have Travel Insurance in order to obtain a Schengen VISA. Currently, UK travellers visiting the EU do not need a Schengen VISA and as such do not legally require Travel Insurance. Later this year there are plans to implement an ETIAS Waiver that UK travellers will need to apply for before visiting the EU ( Click here to read more on the ETIAS Waiver).

Need a policy to visit one of the Countries listed above? Buy Travel Insurance with Voyager Plus Today!

Whether you are after a Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip policy, Voyager Plus is here for you. We can provide worldwide coverage on an individual basis or even for couples or families, so you can keep family members protected on the same policy!

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies include cover for the following:

• COVID cover included for Cancellation and Emergency Medical Expenses
• Emergency Medical Expenses up to £10,000,000
• Cancellation or Curtailment up to £10,000
• Baggage up to £3,500
• Missed Departure / Journey Disruption up to £1,000
• Personal Liability up to £3,000,000
• And much more.

You can get a Voyager Plus Travel Insurance quote by clicking the “Get A Quote” button on our website or by calling our helpful team on 01483 806 680 .

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This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest terms, conditions, and exclusions.

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New Delhi [India], April 18: Before we answer why you need travel insurance for your next UK trip we should answer if you must have it or not. No, it is not mandatory to have travel insurance to visit the UK. However, in case you are applying for a VISA for a longer stay, you have to check if medical or travel insurance is part of the pre-travel checklist or the application.

With that out of the way, we can concentrate on the main topic. Many do not feel the need for travel insurance for a UK trip and prefer to save on the insurance and spend it on the trip itself. However, this can go wrong in multiple ways.

We can assume that you are making this trip to have a fun time where you rest and recharge. This is a highlight of the year for you, filled with various types of relaxation and most importantly, devoid of any kind of stress. While it is not mandatory, travel insurance for UK trip can play a very crucial part in making your trip a more relaxing experience.

Advantages of Having Travel Insurance for Your UK Trip

Let us jump straight into the reasons/benefits of having travel insurance for your next UK trip.

* Health Risk Cover

It is fairly common for people to fall ill before and during big events. It can be due to various reasons such as physical injury or any untimely medical restrictions. If you want what comes next in this major health risk scenario to be a breeze, you can opt for travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses during the trip.

If you are a student, more good news to you: This insurance will reimburse you for a visit by any one of your family members to support and help you during the rough times. So, taking travel insurance can be wise as it will allow you to be brave and bold during the trip without worry.

* Trip/Flight Cancellation/Disruption Cover

Whether due to a man-made disaster, the carrier’s fault, or a natural calamity, flight cancellations are one of the most common inconveniences that can occur to you. However, if you want 100% money back on your flight expenses, it can only be done with travel insurance.

There are various reasons why you might have to cancel the trip after you have booked the flights. Why lose a portion of the money when you can get it all back? A travel insurance policy covers all the expenses that may arise due to the delay or cancellation of a flight.

* Loss of Belongings

This is one of the worst-case scenarios. If you lose your baggage, damage it in any unpredictable way, or misplace it, you can get fair compensation if you have sorted your travel insurance. For your lost or misplaced baggage, your insurer will compensate you up to the policy amount.

The compensation does not only concern the baggage but also any important document that gets lost along with it. The expenses to acquire it again, personal effects due to delays acquiring it, and more can be covered by the travel insurance.

* Loss of Money

Be it incidents like theft or losing your money, debit and credit cards in any other unpredictable way is always a possibility. It is more problematic if it happens during your trip to the UK.

As you are not familiar with the people around there and have no close kin to seek financial help, travel insurance can lend a hand. Within 12 hours of filing a complaint, you can receive a reimbursement for your loss.

* Emergency Evacuation for Medical Purposes

In some cases, getting ill or injured in a foreign land can necessitate quick transference to his/her home country. In these scenarios, travel insurance can cover the emergency travel expense.

If you are accidentally injured in the UK, the insurer would also bear the transportation expenses needed to move you from the accident site to the nearest hospital.

How to Pick Travel Insurance for Your UK Trip?

Picking up travel insurance is not an easy task. You have to look for certain things while choosing good travel insurance for your trip. Here is a list of crucial things to look for:

You have to make sure that this insurance policy covers your travel to the UK. You should cover all the other places you plan on visiting if you are choosing an annual policy.

You do not need to pay more to have good travel insurance. However, you must ensure that you are getting the right coverage with a provider that you trust. So, you can spend a little more if you have to.

* Trip Length

In case you are opting for a single-trip policy, it has to cover the entire trip in the UK.

What Your Insurance Policy Should Cover for the UK Trip?

Your travel insurance for your next UK trip would be perfect if it covers the following things:

* Medical costs while you are in the UK.

* Trip cancellation due to any reason including an emergency at home, serious illness, suffering a bereavement, injury, etc.

* Sports and activities if you are planning to engage in risky activities on the trip such as adventure sports.

* Theft, loss, or damage to your belongings.

* Cutting your trip short due to any reasons such as a sudden medical emergency of someone in your family.

* Personal liability covers scenarios when you have injured someone or have damaged their belongings.

What are Some of the Benefits That a Travel Insurance Policy can Offer?

Now that you know how insurance coverage can protect you and safeguard your holidays, let us take a look at some other benefits you can avail of by buying travel insurance online.

* Cashless Travel Insurance Plan

It takes all your stress about hefty medical expenses during your stay in the UK. Many insurers can provide you with excellent coverage with cashless medical services at their network hospitals.

* OPD Treatment

It can take care of your smaller medical issues too, as they can pose a bigger threat during the trip. The insurance will reimburse the consultation, test, and treatment related to outpatient procedures.

* Compensation for Flight/Baggage Delays

If you have fixed timelines or have prepaid bookings, flight or baggage delays can cause financial loss. Travel insurance can compensate you in such inconvenient situations.

* Visa Policies

In some countries, having travel insurance is mandatory for visitors. Having the best travel insurance policy with you will help you enter the country.

* Customisable Coverage

Many insurance providers let you choose what you want to cover with the policy. With this facility, you do not have to pay for things that you do not need. This lets you save a lot of money.

* Home Insurance While Abroad

During your time abroad, there can be theft at your home. Travel insurance plans can include home insurance to protect you financially.

Final Words

You should be more informed about selecting travel insurance for a UK trip. We have covered all the key aspects, such as coverage, health insurance, inclusions, etc. With this information, you should feel prepared to choose a policy and focus on planning the rest of your journey.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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