tesco travel insurance europe countries

Tesco Bank launches Travel Insurance

23 March 2021

• Travel added to Tesco Bank’s award-winning insurance range that includes Pet, Home and Car
• Protection against Covid-19 related disruption as standard
• Three levels of Defaqto-rated cover are available, as well as optional extras and add-ons
• Tesco Clubcard points and a discount are available to Tesco Clubcard members

Tesco Bank has expanded its offering to customers with the launch of travel insurance.

Tesco Bank Travel Insurance will include Covid-19 cover as standard, to help protect customers who test positive and experience Covid-19 related disruption, either before or during their trip.

Three tiers of cover are available to suit a range of customer needs, offering different levels of protection for travel and belongings.  All policies come with core features that include cover for medical expenses, trip cancellation or delays, and lost or stolen baggage or money.

Customers can also tailor their policy with a range of helpful optional extras and add-ons, such as gadget protection and Winter Sports Cover.

Two specialist products are available aimed at backpacker travellers and customers aged over 80.

Policyholders will enjoy helpful rewards, including the ability for children under 16 to be covered for free on single and annual multi trip policies and the chance to save money on their travel insurance when they buy Tesco Travel Money first. Tesco Clubcard members who buy direct can save 5% and collect Clubcard points when they provide their Clubcard number.

Mark Airey, Tesco Bank’s Insurance Commercial Director, said:

“We’re proud to expand our award-winning insurance offering to Tesco shoppers with the addition of Tesco Bank Travel Insurance.

“We appreciate that the immediate outlook for travel remains uncertain, however the need for travel insurance is greater than ever – whether holidaying in the UK or abroad.  Offering Covid-19 protection as standard helps to give customers peace of mind they are protected should they test positive, and they have to cancel or cut short their trip.

“With a range of cover levels available to Tesco shoppers, we’re confident customers will find a policy that suits them and their holiday once travel at home and abroad is permitted.”

Tesco Bank has partnered with ROCK Insurance Group to manage the scheme, while ROCK has selected Axa Partners to provide underwriting, claims handling and medical assistance services.

Antony Martin, Managing Director at Rock Insurance Group said : “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Tesco Bank to launch travel insurance to its customers. ROCK is providing Tesco Bank’s customers with a wide range of travel insurance products and services that are available online or via a dedicated call centre, meaning that more people will be protected and have the confidence to travel as soon as restrictions have eased.”

Paul Moloney, Sales Director at AXA Partners said : “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Tesco Bank to provide underwriting and other services for its new travel insurance proposition.

“It is our duty as insurers to safeguard customers’ trust; implementing solutions that provide assurance and protect what matters. We very much look forward to providing Tesco Bank customers with quality travel insurance cover both now, and when we are free of this pandemic.”

Tesco Bank Travel Insurance can be purchased by visiting https://www.tescobank.com/travel-insurance/  

Notes to editors

• Tesco Bank Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. UK Branch.
• Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply to cover.
• Covid-19 cover includes cancellation if you fall ill with Covid-19, medical claims whilst travelling, and curtailment (if you need to come home early) due to the illness of a close relative due to COVID-19 We don’t include cover for cancellation where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and local authorities advise against travel.
• Cover can be purchased on a single trip or annual basis and will be available to individuals, couples, families and groups of up to 12.
• Backpacker insurance is aimed primarily at travellers looking for cover for trips longer than three months or a variety of destinations, while the Later Life policy is designed for customers over 80 years old who may find it difficult to obtain cover due to pre-existing health conditions.

Do I need travel insurance?

When you start making plans for a quick weekend getaway, or that summer trip abroad, the question of travel insurance usually pops up. If the unexpected happens, having travel insurance may prove just as important as making sure your passport is up to date.

It’s not a legal requirement to take out a policy before you set off on your trip, so you may be trying to work out if this extra expense is really necessary, and if it's worth the cost. Here are the ins and outs of what travel insurance is, what it covers and why it might be handy to have it.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides cover in case something goes wrong before or during a trip. This could be something as simple as a suitcase going missing, or a something more serious like a medical emergency.

It may also help you get money back if you need to cancel your trip or come home early, for example if there's a family emergency.

What is travel insurance for?

At its most basic, travel insurance is there to cover out of pocket expenses that may be caused by cancellations, medical treatment or other unexpected issues before or during your trip. Sometimes things happen that are completely out of our control when travelling – flight cancellations, sudden illness, baggage delays, loss or damage to your belongings. It could even cover dental fees in case you manage to lose a filling while tucking into a tasty local delicacy.

The costs that these kinds of things might incur can quickly mount up. By having a policy in place, and depending on your level cover, you may be able to claim some of your money back.

Put simply, travel insurance is designed to give you peace of mind just in case the unexpected happens.

Do I really need travel insurance?

It might not be the most glamorous pre-holiday purchase, but travel insurance is worth considering.

Buying a policy is up to you, but why take the risk? You just never know what's going to happen. Having cover in place to help with the costs of delays or lost baggage would be helpful, but it could be invaluable if you find yourself with a medical bill you didn’t see coming.

Some destinations may require visitors have travel insurance as part of their entry requirements, so it might be handy to check the latest government advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) .

When should I get travel insurance?

Having a travel insurance policy as early as possible could mean that if there’s a cancellation prior to your departure, you should already be covered. This is especially important if it's going to have knock-on effects for the rest of your trip, like having to cancel or rebook accommodation, excursions and connecting flights.

What Travel Insurance does Tesco Bank offer?

• Single Trip: Whether you're planning a short break abroad, a staycation or a business trip, this policy offers cover for a trip up to 365 days.
• Annual Multi Trip: If you plan on taking two or more trips in the next 12 months, this cover could be more convenient than purchasing multiple single trip policies, and may be more cost effective.
• Backpacker: Designed for longer trips abroad up to 18 months, often to multiple countries. You may find this type of cover is right for you if you’re planning a gap year or career break.
• Later Life: This policy offers cover for people aged 80 or over.

Depending on the policy you choose, Tesco Bank also offer optional extras and add-ons for an additional cost:

• Gadget cover
• Car Hire Excess cover
• Winter sports cover
• Cruise cover

Find out more about Tesco Bank Travel Insurance and the different levels of cover available to choose from. You can contact us to find out more information about our Later Life Travel Insurance.

Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply. For full details please see the policy documents online.

Looking for some more information?

Key product information.

Tesco Bank Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. Gadget Cover is underwritten by AmTrust Europe Limited (AmTrust).

Important information

The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to the subject matter but does not constitute expert financial advice specific to your own situation. All facts and figures were correct at time of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Travelex Insurance Services »

Generali Global Assistance »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Europe.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Travelex Insurance Services

You almost certainly will want travel insurance for Europe, mostly because the high cost for international trips is worth protecting against travel delays and trip cancellations. Since your U.S. medical coverage will not apply overseas, you also need international health insurance that covers surprise medical expenses and medical evacuation.

If you're searching for the best Europe travel insurance that money can buy, consider the following plans and all they have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people need travel health insurance at a bare minimum when traveling to European destinations like France, Italy or Switzerland, as well as additional countries inside and outside of the Schengen area. After all, U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage for medical emergencies overseas, and the same is true for government health plans like Medicare. Check out our article on whether your health insurance covers international travel .

Other benefits built into Europe travel insurance plans can also protect the money that's been spent on airfare, hotel stays, Europe cruises and tours. For example, travelers can benefit from having coverage for trip cancellation, trip delays, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

Every travel insurance policy is unique, so you'll want to read over individual travel insurance plans to see what they protect against. That said, the bulk of travel insurance plans for trips to Europe provide the following coverages:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Travel delays
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Baggage delay coverage
• Medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Rental car damage

Some travel insurance plans also offer additional or optional coverage for sports equipment or sports equipment delays, missed connections, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), adventure sports and more.

Some visitors to countries in the Schengen area are required to have a visa for short stays that can last for up to 90 days within a timeline of up to 180 days. However, this is not the case for American citizens, who can stay in Europe for up to 90 days at a time without meeting specific visa requirements.

The U.S. Department of State also notes that American citizens who want to stay in Europe for more than 90 days should reach out to the country they plan on visiting to inquire about their visa process.

If you live in a country that requires a Schengen visa, you are required to purchase Schengen visa insurance that pays for overseas medical expenses. This coverage must provide at least 30,000 euros in protection against medical expenses that result from hospitalization, emergency treatment and repatriation of remains in the case of accident or death.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Cost
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• WorldTrips: Best for Groups

Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) and preexisting medical conditions coverage available

Kids 17 and younger covered for free

Lower coverage amount for medical expenses than some providers

• $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellation
• $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions
• $500 in coverage for eligible trip changes
• $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 for emergency medical transportation
• $1,000 toward baggage loss or damage
• $300 in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
• $800 in protection for travel delays (daily limit of $200 applies)
• $100 per insured person per day in SmartBenefits coverage for eligible delays
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

Optional CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

Kids 17 and younger are covered for free

Many coverages cost extra

• 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation (up to $50,000)
• 150% of trip cost for trip interruption (up to $75,000)
• $2,000 in coverage for trip delays of five hours or longer
• $750 in coverage for missed connections
• $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses ($500 dental sublimit included)
• $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• $200 for baggage delays of 12 hours or longer
• $200 for sporting equipment delays of 24 hours or longer
• $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• 24/7 travel assistance
• 100% of the insured trip cost for financial default of a travel provider (maximum of $50,000)
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage for preexisting medical conditions (maximum of $50,000)
• Cancel for work reasons coverage
• CFAR insurance
• Car rental coverage worth up to $35,000
• $50,000 in additional emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 in additional coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Adventure sports exclusions waiver
• $200,000 in coverage for flight accidental death and dismemberment

CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

High coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation

CFAR coverage only reimburses at 60%

• $1,000,000 coverage limit for emergency medical evacuation and transportation
• $250,000 coverage limit for medical expenses ($500 limit for dental emergencies)
• 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation
• 175% of trip cost for trip interruption
• $1,000 per person for travel delays ($300 per person daily limit applies)
• $2,000 per person in coverage for baggage and $500 for baggage delays
• $2,000 per person in coverage for sporting equipment and $500 for sporting equipment delays
• $1,000 per person in coverage for missed connections
• Air flight accident AD&D coverage worth $100,000 per person and $200,000 per plan
• Travel accident AD&D coverage worth $50,000 per person and $100,000 per plan
• $25,000 in coverage for rental cars
• 24-hour travel support

Discounts for groups of five or more

Potential for high coverage limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellation

Available coverage limits vary by age

• $5,000 for local burial or cremation
• Up to $25,000 in AD&D coverage
• $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions
• $10,000 in coverage for trip interruption
• $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• $100 in coverage for lost or stolen passports or visas
• $100 in coverage per day for travel delays of at least 12 hours (two days of coverage maximum)
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who has created content about travel insurance, family travel, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and more for over a decade. She has visited more than 50 countries around the world and has an annual travel insurance plan of her own. Johnson also has experience navigating the claims process for travel insurance plans and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson works with her husband, Greg, who is licensed to sell travel insurance and owns the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

You might also be interested in:

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

Holly Johnson

Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations.

8 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Explore protection options for unexpected health issues abroad.

Expat Travel Insurance: The 5 Best Options for Globetrotters

Find the coverage and benefits you need for your adventures abroad.

• Help and Support
• Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Europe

Climbing in the alps taking in the art trails of barcelona.

Whatever your next European break entails, take Admiral Travel Insurance along for the ride.

European Travel Insurance

With so much to see and do across Europe, it’s no wonder it’s the biggest travel destination for UK tourists.

And despite many of Europe’s most-loved tourist attractions being just a short flight or train ride from home the UK, the unexpected can still happen, so it pays to have the right cover in place should you need it.

And don’t just take it from us, the Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommends you buy travel insurance for every trip you take abroad, including any within Europe.

So, what do you get for your money?

European travel insurance covers you in the event of the unexpected, for things like:

• Having to cancel or cut your trip short
• Your personal belongings being stolen
• The airline losing your luggage

It also protects you and your family if you need medical help – more on European travel health insurance and the EHIC/GHIC below.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

Choose from three levels of cover

Read the full list of benefits in the policy summary booklet .

Do I need travel insurance if I’m holidaying in Europe?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t compulsory, and being so close to home you may be tempted to skip the cover. But you’ll want it in place if things don’t quite go to plan – luggage can get lost and people do get ill abroad.

Take France, for example, a favourite for us Brits, with 17 million of us visiting each year. It’s not just the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the yachts on St Tropez people flock to, snow-lovers flock to France for the hundreds of ski resorts on offer.

And if you were unlucky enough to break an arm while on the slopes of one of the many French ski resorts, you could be looking at costs of up to £1,000 for:

• First responder treatment
• Ambulance, Xrays and cast

If it’s a severe break you may need to be taken to the public hospital where you’ll be treated under the European or Global Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC), which covers 80% of costs. If you've taken out the Admiral Winter Sports Travel Insurance optional upgrade, that’ll cover the rest, otherwise you’ll have to pay out of your own pocket.

Take a look at the true costs of getting ill abroad including how much hospital treatments cost across Europe and worldwide.

Do I need European Travel Insurance if I have an EHIC/GHIC?

Carrying the EHIC – sometimes called the European travel insurance card - means you can get state-level medical cover in the country you’re travelling in – if it's still in date and they accept the card. The same applies for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Each country’s healthcare system is different and might not include the things you’d expect at home, or even cover you at all.

In Cyprus, for example, the GHIC and EHIC are only valid in southern Cyprus. They aren’t accepted in the Republic of Cyprus (north) where the government doesn’t have effective control; it’s run by Turkey.

The GHIC and EHIC aren’t valid in Turkey at all.

In the countries where it is valid, they only cover medical emergencies. They won’t cover all medical or repatriation costs if you need to be brought home for treatment, which is why travel insurance is so important.

It’s free to get a GHIC from the NHS online so get one before setting off on your next holiday and carry it at all times.

Where does European Travel Insurance cover?

Different insurers define ‘Europe’ in different ways, which can make buying the right cover for your holiday confusing.

In Admiral’s case, we cover 50 European countries, and our policies stretch the boundaries of Europe to include places like:

Some insurers may have a smaller definition of Europe, while others may describe their policy as covering ‘Schengen’ countries. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

For other providers who don’t define Europe in this way, or if you’re planning multiple holidays spanning Europe and further afield then worldwide travel insurance could be better suited to your needs.

Admiral Travel Insurance breaks down travel into three zones:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

Then three tiers of cover with increasing coverage and product benefits are available. You can choose between Admiral, Admiral Gold or Admiral Platinum to suit your needs best.

Do I need single or annual European Travel Insurance?

Whether you’re planning one European jaunt in a year or multiple holidays to the continent, we have the cover you need.

Our single trip insurance is best for those who are not frequent holidaymakers, and covers you for one trip for up to 365 days.

If you plan on travelling more than once throughout a year, annual European travel insurance is for you.

You’ll be covered no matter how many times you choose to travel (up to 31 days at a time, but this may be extended upon request), and could be perfect for people with a house-share across the channel or those who frequently travel.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Your questions answered

Can i travel anywhere in europe.

You won’t be covered if you travel to a country which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised ‘against all travel’ or ‘against all but essential travel’. 

Can I buy travel insurance to Europe from the UK?

Yes - you must buy travel insurance while you're still in the UK; you can’t take out Admiral cover one you’ve gone through Customs. 

Will my travel insurance cover skiing or snowboarding in Europe?

If you’re planning a ski or snowboarding trip to any of Europe’s spectacular mountain resorts, you’ll need to add our Winter Sports upgrade onto your policy to be covered for the trip. Without it, your policy won’t be valid.

Is my European cruise covered by my travel insurance?

To be covered for a cruise trip, you must add our cruise cover upgrade . Without it your policy won't be valid.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency, or if I have to cut my trip short?

In case of a serious medical emergency during your trip, please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777 before going into hospital or incurring medical expenses over £500, so we can help you.

For non-medical emergency claims:

• For policies renewed before 5 May 2020, call our claims team on 01243 218 437. Our lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00-20:00 and Saturday 9:00-16:00
• For policies bought or renewed after 5 May 2020, call our claims team on 0333 234 9914. Our lines are open Monday to Friday only 9:00-17:00

Is Turkey in Europe?

While Turkey straddles eastern Europe and Asia, Admiral Travel Insurance classes Turkey as Europe, so our European cover on single-trip or annual cover is what you need.

Is Iceland in Europe?

When buying Admiral Travel Insurance, Iceland is classed as Europe. The island is located between north America and mainland Europe.  Interestingly, Reykjavik is both the northern-most and western-most capital city in Europe.  

Is Cyprus in Europe?

For travel insurance purposes, Cyprus is classed as in Europe by Admiral Travel Insurance. If you’re travelling to Cyprus, it’s important to be aware of the north/south divide in the country.

The north is run by Turkey and accepts the Turkish lira for currency. Whereas the south is mainly inhabited by Greek Cypriots and accepts the Euro.

Does the GHIC/EHIC cover Cyprus?

Neither the GHIC nor the EHIC are valid in the Republic of Cyprus (northern Cyprus) but they're accepted in the south. If you’re travelling to Cyprus it’s important to have insurance in place should you need medical attention.

Is Russia in Europe or Asia?

Russia, west of the Urals, is covered by Admiral’s European travel insurance. The Ural Mountains approximately run from north to south in western Russia and forms part of the conventional boundary between the European and Asian continents.

You’ll need a visa to travel to Russia and it’s best to apply in plenty of time. For more information visit the Russian Embassy’s website .

Am I covered if my flights are disrupted because of Brexit?

You’ll be covered if there’s any disruption to your flights (in line with current cover and exclusions) if you already have travel cover or have booked a trip on your annual policy.

If there’s an official warning from the Government or airlines that suggests flights are likely to be disrupted, customers buying new policies may not be covered.

I don’t want to travel because of Brexit – can I cancel my trip?

If you decide you don’t want to travel because of Brexit and end up cancelling your trip, you won’t be able to claim. Not wanting to travel isn’t a valid cancellation reason for claiming.

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

In the future, it's possible UK citizens will need a travel permit as part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS). 

If you can’t go on your trip because you don’t have the correct visa or permit, you won’t be able to claim on your cover.

How long will I need on my passport after Brexit?

The Government recommends UK travellers have at least six months left on their passports from the date they arrive in an EU country when travelling after 29 March 2019. Check the validity of your passport online with this handy tool .

If you can’t go on your trip as you don’t have enough time left on your passport (or you didn’t renew it in time), you won’t be able to make a claim.

Can I still use my EHIC card after Brexit?

If your EHIC is still in date, you can use it when you travel. Otherwise you’ll need to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ).

If you have a medical emergency while you're abroad, you're injured, fall ill, or have to cut your trip short please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777.

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• My Wish List

99% UK coverage powered by O2

Free UK delivery

Clubcard Prices - Frozen for your contract

Collect Clubcard points on your bill

• Roaming and International
• Before You Go Abroad

Before you go abroad

Whether you're on pay monthly or pay as you go, you can use your Tesco Mobile device in more than 100 countries worldwide. Before you leave the UK it's a good idea to check the call charges from abroad . You can also check roaming costs in the Tesco Mobile app. Until 2025, if you're travelling to a  Home From Home  destination, calling or texting UK mobiles and landlines or using data will be taken from your monthly allowance. Calling and texting between other Home From Home destinations is also within your allowance. 

If you're calling or texting people who live outside of the UK while you're abroad then you will need to put the code of the country you're calling in front of the number dialled. Outside of your allowance you'll be charged our  standard rates . 

Your device has already been set up to work abroad so you can use it as normal.  There's no need to dial the UK country code - the numbers stored in your contacts will work just as they are.

If you're on a Capped contract

Using your device abroad isn't included in your monthly allowance for some parts of the world. When you use your phone outside our  Home From Home  destinations, the charges will come out of your safety buffer until you've used it up. 

To use your phone outside our Home From Home destinations or to carry on using your device once you've hit your safety buffer, you'll need to increase your safety buffer. You can do this

• Using the   Tesco Mobile app
• In  My Account
• Via our Social Media team on  Facebook  or  Twitter
• By calling  4488  free from your Tesco Mobile phone.

If you're a business customer, please call us on  0345 601 2448 .

> Find out more about safety buffers  

If you're not on a Capped contract or have removed your safety buffer

We'll still protect you with a high-usage limit to stop you running up unexpectedly high bills. This limit varies per tariff but could be up to 4 times the cost of your monthly tariff. If you reach this high-usage limit you won't be able to use your phone until you make a payment. 

Also, there's a limit on how much you can spend on data abroad - to help you avoid a scary bill when you get home. You can spend up to £40 on data, but after that we'll bar your device, so you don't rack up any more charges unless you’ve set a safety buffer higher than £40.

• You can call us on  4455  from your Tesco Mobile phone, or
• Call our automated payment line free on  4488

and once you've made a payment you can use your phone again within 2 hours. If you're on a tariff with a safety buffer then you can protect what you spend by choosing a safety buffer that's right for you. 

If you're happy to spend more than £40 on data when you're away,

• Go to  My Account  to increase your safety buffer
• call us on  4455  before you go

Turning off data

You can avoid data charges altogether by turning off data on your device and using Wi-Fi where it's available. Not sure how to do this? Find out with our  device guides . Our social media team are also here to help. You can get in touch with them on  Facebook  or  Twitter . 

Related Help

Using your phone abroad

Using data abroad

Support with Wi-Fi and 4G Calling

What Countries are included in European Travel Insurance?

What countries are included in European travel insurance?

When it comes to buying travel insurance for multiple countries in Europe, what does 'Europe' actually mean? 

Perhaps your wondering is Iceland included in travel insurance for Europe? What about Egypt?

Here we’ll explain which countries are included in European travel insurance – As well as take a look as to why it is important to have this travel insurance cover in place for your trip to Europe.

European travel insurance: what countries does it cover?

When it comes to travel insurance for Europe, the countries included in Europe vary between insurers, and sometimes it is quite loosely applied to include countries not always considered part of Europe.

In general, for travel insurance to Europe the entirety of the European Union is included, along with:

• Faroe Islands
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

This means that if you require Schengen travel insurance, you will likely find that a European travel insurance policy will cover you for your trip.

For various political and economic reasons, these countries have not joined the EU, but are still regarded as ‘European' by many insurers.

Equally, many would-be holidaymakers searching for ‘EU travel insurance' may in fact be looking for cover for non-EU countries.

Turkey in Europe? Is Turkey in Europe for travel insurance?

As outlined above while Turkey - a country that borders Syria and Iraq to the east - and has only  3% of its landmass in Europe  – it is considered as Europe in the case of travel insurance.

Great news for those of you visiting Turkey and planning a trip to Istanbul , a stay of the amazing Turkish Riviera , hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, or looking to embrace any of the other amazing destinations that Turkey has to offer.

Whilst this revelation that Turkey travel insurance is covered under Europe may be eye-opening enough, there are other nations that are also sometimes considered part of Europe as regards travel insurance, which you might otherwise expect not to be:

European holiday insurance for Africa?

Yes, that’s correct, travel insurance for Morocco, travel insurance for Tunisia and travel insurance for Egypt will often be categorised within European travel insurance cover.

While the above destinations are technically in the African continent, for various complex reasons they are sometimes thought of (or consider themselves to be): ‘north Africans'; closer culturally to the Middle East; and/or closer to Europe (e.g. Morocco is an associate EU member).

Is Cape Verde in Europe for travel insurance?

Unlike travel insurance for Turkey, Morocco and Egypt, which are often included under European travel insurance policies, Cape Verde isn’t normally covered within travel insurance policies for Europe.

What travel insurance do I need for Cape Verde?

For Cape Verde travel insurance, you will normally be required to purchase a travel insurance policy that covers worldwide travel.

Interrail and European Interrail travel insurance

Interrail - something of a European institution - is an interesting example of how the notion of Europe is blurred: Turkey is an Interrail member, Morocco used to be, but Ukraine is not.

Offering an alternative to flying, an Interail pass will give you the freedom to discover over 40,000 destinations in 33 countries, providing a great way to travel Europe.

If you are intending to use an Interrail pass to explore Europe, a travel insurance policy from starttravel.co.uk will provide you with the assurance that you have Interrail insurance cover for delays, cancellations and missed departures as well as a host of other travel insurance policy benefits.  

To find the best travel insurance for your interrail journey, get a quote online today.

European travel insurance from Start Travel

Geographically speaking, Start Travel's European travel insurance coverage is comprehensive.

Along with all the ‘common' Europe destinations, we are able to cover trips to Morocco and Tunisia, and travel to Turkey, although these may be grouped into ‘Europe 1' or ‘Europe 2'. See the countries we cover here .

Carefully read the terms and conditions of your Europe / EU travel policy

It's important not to assume you are covered for travelling in any particular country, so be sure to read your policy document/terms and conditions carefully.

Travel insurance for Europe: What’s covered?

Travel insurance policies for Europe from Start Travel cover you for a range of scenarios:

• Emergency medical treatment and repatriation expenses
• Cancellation
• Curtailment and loss of holiday
• Personal accident
• Personal belongings
• Personal money
• Passport and other documents
• Missed departure
• Personal liability

The maximum level of cover provided will depend on the level of cover that you opt for.

In most instances, we are also able to cover you for your trip to Europe if you have pre-existing medical conditions .

What is the best policy if I travel to Europe often?

Looking for travel insurance to Europe from the UK?

If you plan on visiting Europe several times a year, then you'll benefit from annual travel insurance for multiple countries in Europe; known as a multi-trip or annual European travel insurance policy - instead of a single-trip policy .

This is likely to save you time and hassle because you don't have to arrange travel cover every time you leave the UK. It is also likely to be considerably cheaper than if you bought single trip policies.

It has also been argued that buying an annual or multi-trip travel policy from a travel insurance company might protect you from price surges in single trip policies.

However, here at Start Travel we're committed to providing affordable travel insurance for single trip and annual customers.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

For those on a budget, or with a mind to save money, the question: Do I need travel insurance for Europe? - may arise.

This is perhaps understandable - but it's not worth the risk.

While many popular European destinations are only two or three hours away from the UK, it's critical to take out adequate travel insurance for your trip.

Things can and do go wrong for UK travellers every day.

Even if you're young, fit and healthy, unexpected events can happen: for example, poor driving, unsatisfactory food hygiene and petty crime may be more common in some countries compared to the UK.

But let's talk specifics. What are you most likely to claim for while visiting Europe?

The most common reasons to claim on travel insurance are:

Trip cancellation or abandonment

There are many reasons why you might need to abandon your holiday, from burst pipes to family illnesses.

Without adequate insurance, you would be paying for a holiday you never took.

But with the right cover, you'll get compensated, so you can book another break later on.

According to one survey by Expedia in 2018 , UK families spend an average of £4,800 on each overseas break. Most data suggests over a third of out-of-country travel insurance claims relate to trip cancellation/abandonment. 

Medical expenses

Around a third of claims relate to medical costs.

If you fall ill or get injured while in Europe and require emergency assistance, you could face large medical bills if you're not covered, or if you do not have a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), the replacement for EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for UK citizens, post-Brexit.

It is important to ensure that you have informed your travel insurance provider of any pre-existing medical conditions.

If you need to make a medical claim while overseas and you have not informed your insurer of any pre-existing condition, it may invalidate you your cover.

What is a GHIC Card?

The GHIC ensures you'll receive free or discounted state medical care in the event of a medical emergency (this is reciprocated if a national of that country falls ill in the UK).

But it's worth noting that the GHIC won't cover you for non life-threatening injuries.

Covid-19 Protect

If you are travelling to Europe, it is also possible to add our additional Covid-19 Protect cover to your travel insurance, which offers even greater levels of cover for even greater peace of mind for your European trip.

Loss of money or possessions

It's understandable that people on holiday let their guard down occasionally - but it can mean an increased risk of losing money or possessions.

In some mainland European cities pickpocketing is more common than in the UK - and many perpetrators can spot a tourist a mile off. But such events don't need to ruin your holiday.

A good insurer will reimburse you for lost/stolen baggage, possessions and gadgets.

If you do happen to find yourself stranded abroad with no money, here’s what to do .

Travel delay and missed departure

Another common problem is travel delays or missed departures.

Being unable to make a flight or a train journey - perhaps because of public transport failures or adverse weather conditions - can be hugely costly (especially at the last minute).

But with a good travel insurance policy , you'll be able to get the extra costs recouped.

We use essential cookies to ensure our site is safe and works properly. We also use analytics cookies to offer you a more personalised experience and to improve our site. To find out more and manage your cookie preferences, please choose ‘Manage’ or view our cookies policy .

Travel Insurance

• Car Hire Excess
• Coronavirus
• Members Area

Frequently Asked Questions

• What countries are covered on a Coverwise travel policy?

The table below provides confirmation of the countries that fall into each Coverwise Travel Area category.

If you are travelling to more than one country you must always select a policy that covers the higher travel area, for example:

• If your trip included Spain, China and Canada you would need to select worldwide, (including USA, Canada and the Caribbean).
• If your trip included Morocco and the Gambia you would need to select worldwide, (excluding USA, Canada and the Caribbean).

If you choose to travel against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice (that is to a country, specific area, or event when the FCDO, or other regulatory authority in a country to/from which you are travelling, has advised against all or all but essential travel) our policies will continue to provide cover for any insured losses unrelated to the specific reasons for the travel advice/restrictions.

For example, should you travel against FCDO or other regulatory authority advice that is in place due to COVID-19, your policy will not provide cover if you suffer with COVID-19 when abroad, but would provide cover for claims that are not directly or indirectly linked to COVID-19 for instance if you broke your leg.

Related Questions

• Do you insure trips within the UK?
• Would you insure me to travel to a country that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office or the World Health Organisation has advised against travel to?
• If I am travelling to more than one country on my trip and one destination is in Europe and one is in America which geographical choice should I make?
• Do Coverwise policies cover cruises?
• I am due to have a stop-over in the USA whilst waiting for my connecting flight. Do I need to buy a policy that covers the USA?
• How can I be sure that I select the correct Coverwise Travel Area when I purchase my policy?

FAQ Categories

• Company information (6)
• Destinations and regions (7)
• Eligibility (11)
• General cover enquiry (24)
• Health (18)
• Product Information (16)
• Policy administration (8)
• Purchase information (4)
• Sports and Other Activities (6)
• Help and Assistance (10)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (14)
• 24/7 Medical Consultation Service (8)
• Claims (14)
• Ski Insurance
• Business Insurance
• Annual Travel Insurance
• Single Trip Travel Insurance

Information

• News and Press
• Customer Reviews
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
• How to claim
• Policy Documents
• Environment

• Accessibility
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Britain’s largest grocer sees profits soar as inflation falls 4.5% – despite ‘threats from all sorts of angles’

Tesco Plc said retail profit will likely edge up this year as easing cost pressures allow the supermarket chain to cut prices and attract budget-conscious shoppers.

Britain’s largest grocer said Wednesday it expects to generate at least £2.8 billion ($3.5 billion) of retail adjusted operating profit in the current fiscal year. That’s ahead of the £2.76 billion it reported last year which was in line with previous guidance.

Tesco also announced plans to buy back £1 billion of shares over the next 12 months. A quarter of that will be funded by a dividend the retailer received from Tesco Bank. Earlier this year Tesco agreed to sell much of its banking business to Barclays Plc in a deal releasing £1 billion of cash for the retailer. 

Tesco shares are up slightly in early trading in London. The stock is up more than 8% in the past year. 

As food price inflation starts to ease, supermarkets are trying to keep prices as low as possible to retain shoppers hunting for cheaper alternatives. Tesco has been competing with German discounter Aldi by price matching on many key products.

UK grocery price inflation  fell to 4.5%  in the four weeks to March 17 — its lowest level since February 2022, according to data from Kantar last month. That comes after an almost 10% minimum wage increase to £11.44 an hour came into effect last week.

Britain has such a competitive grocery market that Tesco sees “threats from all sorts of angles,” according to Chief Executive Officer Ken Murphy.

“The fact that there are 11 national grocers all competing for share means that someone is always coming strong and there are ebbs and flows in the market,” he said on a media call. “I think the key for us is consistency.”

Last year’s results and Tesco’s “typical conservative approach to guidance” confirm further progress by the UK market leader, said James Grzinic, an analyst at Jefferies. 

Imran Nawaz, chief financial officer at Tesco, said its profit forecast may be conservative but it’s still very early in the fiscal year and the grocer will likely upgrade as the year progresses. 

Latest in Retail

• 0 minutes ago

Sweden’s Renewcell set out to enhance the sustainability of the fashion industry, but it filed for bankruptcy just a year later: ‘We were building the plane, flying it and then the runway was getting short’

Paralympian criticizes Nike and Decathlon for refusing to sell single shoes after displaying amputee mannequins

U.K. retailer M&S is spending $1.3 million on a diet plan for its cows to stop them from burping and farting 11,000 tons of methane into the air

Rolex’s ‘Pepsi’ and ‘Starbucks’ outperform despite a halt in the luxury watch index

Beer brewers like Carlsberg and AB InBev expect taps to flow this summer but for spirit makers, it doesn’t look as rosy

Most popular.

$2.3 billion hedge fund manager on his move from New York to Florida: ‘I know of no business that has generated long term success by driving away its highest paying customers’

In-N-Out’s billionaire heiress says she stood in line for 2 hours to land a job at her own store when she was just a teenager to shake the ‘stigma of being the owner’s kid’ and ‘earn respect’

Billionaire and Virgin Group founder, Richard Branson’s wealth has tumbled by more than half since 2021 to $3bn as SPAC problems gave him ‘a big jolt from the side through COVID’

Donald Trump booted from prestigious list of billionaires after Truth Social parent’s swan dive

The Trump donor whom Biden can’t fire is running the U.S. Postal Service directly into the ground—just what everyone warned about when he was confirmed during the pandemic

Air Canada pilots land a Boeing 737 in Idaho after another in-flight emergency