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The best travel insurance providers.

Updated March 26, 2024

In this guide

If you’re looking to escape the UK winter, or if you’re saving your holiday for the height of summer, you may wish to consider travel insurance. We explain what travel insurance is and some of the best policies on the market for your holiday.

In 2022, UK residents made 71 million visits abroad. This was over three times the amount made in 2021, when COVID restrictions kept many people at home. 

So if you’re part of a growing number of people spending time abroad, have you considered travel insurance? By taking out one of these policies you could be protected for lost baggage, delayed flights, and medical emergencies abroad among other unforeseen events.  

In this article we explain:

• What is travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

The best travel insurance.

• Travel insurance and medical conditions

Read more: Passport renewal costs and waiting times

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers the cost of unforeseen events and mishaps that either stop you from going on holiday or affect you while you’re away.

Depending on the policy, travel insurance might cover you for:

• Medical bills if you suffer illness or have an accident while you’re away
• Cancellation of your trip for reasons outside of your control
• Lost or stolen baggage

Policies are usually relatively inexpensive and can give you the peace of mind that your costs will be covered if something bad happens while you are on holiday.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, the average claim on travel insurance in 2022 was a little over £970. So while travel insurance won’t stop bad things from happening, but it can prevent you from having to find the money to pay for unexpected costs even after you return from your holiday.

Read more: Ten budget travel tips

Many people opt to take out travel insurance to cover potential medical care while away.

Every week, 3,000 Brits need emergency medical treatment while abroad, according to the ABI. But travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical costs. It can protect you against a range of unplanned events:

• Cancellation or trip interruption for reasons outside your control
• Missed transport or delayed departure for reasons outside your control
• Personal injury and death, including medical evacuation
• Lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money – check if your home contents insurance covers you
• Accidental damage or injury caused by you

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

Most travel insurers provide a basic level of cover for cancelled flights. Aviva’s travel insurance, for example, will pay out if your flight is cancelled due to an airport shutdown.

If your airline cancels your flight then you should claim a refund directly with them, so your travel insurance could cover other costs such as hotel bookings, vehicle rentals, and other possible excursions.

What are my rights during strike action?

If your flights are cancelled because air staff are striking, which they have over last summer, you might be entitled to compensation from the airline. But for this to apply, customers must have been given less than 14 days’ notice.

It also depends on whether the airline was at fault or not: so if it’s the airline’s staff who are striking, you should be entitled to compensation.

If you’re worried that your flights might be delayed or cancelled, you should also check your travel insurance policy.

Some policies cover you for a cancelled or delayed flight, provided you took out the policy before the strikes were announced.

But if you haven’t yet bought your insurance, you may be out of luck. This is because most insurers won’t cover you for strikes which were already known about.

Read how travel insurance could catch you out.

Below we’ve listed some of the best travel insurance providers on the market, all of which were nominated in Times Money Mentor awards 2023.

Times Money Mentor award winning cover

Best for over-50s

Post Office

Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions

Best for those wanting substantial medical cover  

Best for a range of unique add-ons

Looking for a new holiday destination?

Make sure to visit Times Travel for your holiday inspiration this year. From palm beaches in Fiji to the beautiful Italian coastline, Times Travel caters to all different tastes. Unlike other parts of the site, you also don’t need a subscription to enjoy their high-quality content.

Another notable provider

Despite not winning a nomination at the Times Money Mentor awards, this provider also offers a decent level of cover:

Switched On

The best travel insurance for cruises.

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, it’s important to take out special additional cover such as a cruise insurance to protect you.

Cruise insurance is normally offered as an add-on to travel policies, and protects you if you:

• Miss connections to reach the departure
• Fail to get back on board after planned stops
• End up being confined to your cabin

Though if you want a dedicated travel insurance policy for a cruise, here’s an option to consider:

Just Travel Cover*

Best for cruise holidays

The best winter sports cover

If you’re planning a skiing and snowboarding trip then it’s important you have insurance that will cover you if you’re involved in an accident on the slopes.

Most travel insurers will offer winter sports cover as an optional add-on to their regular cover and will protect you if you:

• Need to be airlifted off the slopes or rescued and need medical treatment
• Turn up and there’s no snow
• Can’t start skiing and snowboarding because of avalanche risk
• Find out your equipment – such as skis, snowboard and boots – has been stolen

It’s difficult to predict what the next ski season will look like. But if you’re booking now and want cover for the essentials, here’s a policy to factor into your calculations.

InsureandGo*

Best for winter sports

What should a basic travel policy cover?

When shopping for travel insurance, you should ensure your policy comes with the following seven things as standard:

1. Medical expenses

This covers the costs of any emergency medical and surgical treatment while you’re away.

It usually costs more for cover in the US as medical bills can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Any treatment that can wait until you get home is not usually included.

Most policies offer cover of £1 million for medical costs in Europe. This is usually £2 million in the US.

2. Repatriation

This is where you might need to be evacuated from the country you’re visiting.

Repatriation usually happens when you need to get back home to the UK in the event of a medical emergency and is usually covered as standard in most travel insurance policies.

3. Cancellation/curtailment

This covers any travel and accommodation costs you have paid for and can’t use or claim back.

You need a good reason to cancel your trip, so make sure you double check the terms and conditions of your policy.

4. Missed departure

This covers your extra accommodation costs and travel expenses should you miss your departure due to situations outside your control.

It usually includes your car breaking down or being involved in an accident. Leaving home at the last minute won’t count.

This covers you for delays to your travel plans, such as severe weather conditions.

Delays known about before (such as strikes) won’t be covered.

6. Baggage cover

This should cover you if your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

You might need extra cover for gadgets or valuable possessions as there are usually limits on separate items.

Losses need to be reported within a certain time frame and you must have a written report from your airline if it loses your baggage.

7. Personal liability cover

This should cover you if you are liable to pay damages due to:

• Accidental bodily injury to someone
• Or for loss or damage to someone else’s property
• Claims made by family members or employees won’t be covered

Choose a smooth private healthcare journey with Saga Insurance

• Easy access to a specialist

• Fast tests, scans and treatment

• Comfortable hospital stay

Get a Saga Health Insurance quote

For people over 50. Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers, and it’s only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high standards of quality and service. 

What extra cover can you buy?

To provide a peace of mind you might be able to add the following onto your policy too:

• Wedding cover – If you’re travelling abroad for a wedding, some providers might include an add-on which covers damage to your possessions. If you think you need something more comprehensive, then consider a separate wedding insurance policy
• Gadget insurance – While you’re abroad you may wish to cover your laptop, phone, or tablet from theft or damage
• Golf equipment cover – Planning to tee off abroad? Then consider cover for moving your clubs overseas. This type of add on includes cover for your equipment if it is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged

Read more: Is credit card travel insurance any good?

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance won’t cover you for a risk that is known about.

For example, if you have a long-standing medical condition that means you can’t go on holiday, your insurer might not cover you for the cancellation costs.

Insurers also won’t cover you if you have to cancel your trip for reasons within your control. For example, if you miss your flight because you woke up late, your claim is likely to be rejected.

Travel insurance is also unlikely to cover you if you have been irresponsible. For example, if you leave your valuables in your hold luggage then your policy won’t cover you if these items are damaged.

Each travel insurance policy will have specific things it won’t cover and this will vary depending on the provider. So it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully.

What types of travel insurance can you buy?

There are two main options to choose from when taking out a travel insurance policy:

• Single trip — covers you for one trip of a specified length only
• Annual multi-trip — covers you for all your trips for one year (if you travel a lot this can work out cheaper than lots of single policies)

You need to make sure that either option of travel insurance covers you for where you are going, such as:

• Europe only
• Or the more expensive, worldwide policies (these either include or exclude the US)

But check first which exact countries providers include in their policies. For example, some policies include Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in their Europe insurance.

There is also specific travel insurance for backpackers, which offers extra cover for those who are likely to be away for an extended period of time or travelling to multiple destinations.

Also bear in mind that if you are doing any extreme sports like skiing or going on a cruise then you might need to buy an add-on.

When should I take out travel insurance?

It’s usually best to take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.

While many people think of travel insurance as something that covers problems while they are away, some policies cover you for issues, accidents and illnesses that stop you from being able to travel.

Cancellation is one of the main reasons that people claim on a travel insurance policy. If the cancellation happens before you have bought insurance then you wouldn’t be able to claim.

How much should I pay for travel insurance?

Your travel insurance premium will depend on a range of factors such as your age, health, type of policy, and destination. This is why an average travel insurance premium will likely be meaningless, so make sure to do your research and get a quote from several different providers before deciding on a policy.

Do I need travel insurance?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, it does come with a host of benefits such as cover for medical expenses.

We’ve already listed the benefits of having protection for unexpected medical costs above, and it remains pertinent if you’re travelling abroad and won’t have access to the NHS. According to the ABI, there is one recorded case in 2022 when a traveller in Thailand contracted a serious blood infection which needed intensive medical treatment. The bill eventually came up to £250,000 which was paid in full by their travel insurance provider.

Also consider that some visa applications require you to have a suitable travel insurance policy in place before you apply. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to travel Europe you’ll need a policy in place which covers medical expenses up to €30,000 during your trip.

FAQs: Travel insurance and medical conditions

Many people solely take out travel insurance to protect themselves from medical expenses. According to the ABI, the average medical claim on travel cover is more than £1,300. Notoriously in the US, these figures run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

So below we’ve answered some of the most common medical related questions on travel insurance:

Q. Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some insurers do provide cover for pre-existing conditions. However, it is vital that youflag these conditions during the application stage. If you don’t it could invalidate your policy.  

Q. Do you need to tell your travel insurance provider if you have a new medical condition?

If there is a significant change to your personal health then you’ll need to inform your travel insurance provider. This includes being diagnosed with a new long-term illness.

Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

Q. Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 75 with medical conditions?

Yes. In fact, there are some providers on the market which tailor their policies towards an older demographic. For example, Saga has dedicated policies for over 50s and 70s.

* All products, brands or properties mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback, and are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. This article contains links from which we can earn revenue. This revenue helps us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. For more, see  How we make our money  and  Editorial promise

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

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Aviva travel insurance makes sure you’re adequately covered.

Your peace of mind is crucial to make the most out of your trip or travels. It’s great to keep an itinerary handy but let’s get down to the brass tracks to get rid of the looming fear of going facing the unknown. Travel insurance provides much-needed security against unforeseen circumstances by taking care of the monetary aspect of travel. When you make a claim, you would be reimbursed for expenses covered by the policy. A trusted company that caters to the needs of travellers is Aviva.

Aviva travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, trip cancellations or disruptions, lost or stolen baggage, and emergency assistance services while travelling. They also offer different levels of coverage to suit the needs and budgets of customers. There is an option to add additional benefits like coverage for risky sports, delays in travel, damages, and much more. This article will review what Aviva travel insurance covers, what’s not covered, types of policies and their claims process.

Aviva Travel Insurance plans

Aviva Travel Insurance caters to the needs of different types of travellers and their budgets. Here is a list of their main plans:

Single-trip travel insurance

The single-trip travel insurance provides coverage for one trip and is available for up to a year. This is a great option for those that don’t travel often but have an important trip to take. The coverage typically includes medical expenses, trip cancellations or disruptions, and lost baggage.

Annual multi-trip insurance

The annual multi-trip travel insurance Aviva offers extensive coverage for multiple trips within a year, with a limitation of up to 31 days per trip. This option is recommended for those that are constantly on the go. This is an affordable choice for globetrotters, and includes the same coverage as that of a single tip cover, with additional security for travel delays and missed connections.

Optional extra covers:

• Winter sports: This provides coverage for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. This would typically include cover for medical expenses, gear damage or loss, and piste closure.
• Backpacker: This is a more risky more of travel as leisure is not a top priority. With several things that could go wrong for the backpacker, this plan will cover for medical emergencies, cancellations, and damage to personal belongings. Its extended trip cover goes for up to 18 months.
• Travel disruption: This provides security for cancellations and trip abandonments due to a pertinent authority forbidding the travel or when there are strikes in the destinations due to which transportation gets cancelled. It is also applicable when natural disasters take a toll on the accommodations.
• Airspace closure: If the airport is closed on the date of travel, this extended clever comes into action. It is also applicable when volcanic activity affects travel or when there are no alternatives for transport for more than 24 hours from the time of departure.
• Baggage: This cover will provide insurance for damage or loss of personal belongings of up to  £1,500 per person. However, this is not applicable if the baggage has been left unattended or if the loss was left unreported for 24 hours.
• Golfing: This provides coverage for loss or damage of golfing equipment for up to £1,500 per person. However, this is not applicable if the equipment was stolen from a motor vehicle and left unreported for 24 hours.
• Scuba diving: A standard insurance will cover the diver for up to 15 m in depth but with this additional cover, it is extended to 30 metres. The specifics depend on the policyholder and there will be variations in the details.

Availing of extra coverage is a smart choice to stay ahead of hazardous accidents or incidents.

What’s not covered

Unfortunately, there are instances when Aviva travel insurance won’t provide coverage. They are:

• Cancellations: Unless you’ve taken out the travel disruption cover, Aviva won’t provide coverage for cancellations of trips if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises doing so.
• If any event was bound to occur when purchasing a policy that would inhibit you from continuing the travel or affect travel plans.
• If there are costs recoverable from the travel/accommodation provider, or the bank, you’re advised to go to them instead.
• If the mishaps were not a part of any extra covers.
• Activities specifically excluded in the policy wording.
• If problems occur due to documents being out of date.

How the claims process works

Keep your documents ready: A dedicated team is available to help you 24/7 online or over the phone. Keep your policy number handy to start a claim, along with a copy of your insurance documents.

Expert Review: The speciality team will look at the claim and work out how to best help you. They will review the photos or documents you submit as part of the claim, along with receipts for emergencies.

Quick response- When the due process has been followed, they will reach out post-haste to sort things out.

At home or abroad, the Aviva travel insurance team are there for you. Travel insurance is crucial to provide protection against unforeseen circumstances. You can add up to 8 family members or friends on the Aviva travel insurance. Go through the policies to make the best of it and not blindsight you later on. It promises to give you peace of mind while you’re away from home. The insurance will come into action if things don’t go as planned. For more information, visit Tripcolumn.

Also, Read- Avanti Travel Insurance | Tesco Bank Travel Insurance | Travel Insurance with COVID Cover |

Does Aviva travel insurance cover a cancelled flight?

Aviva travel insurance covers you for costs that can’t be recovered anywhere else. If your flight is cancelled, the first thing to do is check with the airline to find out what options are available. If all costs cannot be recovered, they will look into your circumstances and see if there is help available.

Does Aviva travel insurance cover strikes? 

In case of flight cancellations, contact your airline first or travel agency. If you’ve added the Travel Disruption cover, you might be covered for cancellations due to strikes. This will ultimately depend on when the strikes were announced, the time of booking, and the time of purchasing the insurance. If the strikes we announced to take place in the media, you won’t be covered.

Will the insurance cover missed flights due to delays at the airport?

No, you won’t be covered for missed flights due to delays at or by the airport. Contact your airline or travel provider to see what options are available for you.

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Aviva Travel Insurance UK- Review, Policy, Contact

By Danielle Lyon

Head of content

Decent Value but you’ll need to add lot of extras to get full coverage.

Aviva History

Aviva is a British multinational company which has its headquarters in London in the UK. It has 33 million customers across 16 countries. It is the 26th largest financial services company by revenue in the world.

Aviva is the UK’s largest general insurer. It has various different brand names in the UK such as Aviva Life Insurance, Aviva Insurance and Aviva Investors.

Aviva can date its history back to the Hand in Hand Fire and Life Insurance Society which opened its doors in London in 1696, after the Great Fire of London.

Aviva prides itself on being an ethical company, treating not only its customers but also its staff well. It was one of the first companies to start paying the living wage in the UK.

Aviva Travel Insurance Reviews

Aviva is one of the biggest providers of insurance in the UK, and this can have positives and negatives for their customers. At Selectra, we’re here to help you choose from the best travel insurance deals on the market. To help with your decision, here is our independent review of Aviva Travel Insurance.

First, let’s look at Aviva’s customer service.

Many customers praised the simple layout and clear terms and conditions available on the Aviva Website. Aviva definitely has one of the clearest websites that we have seen. We especially like that in their terms and conditions Aviva uses real-life examples to help customers understand their policy more easily. There is also an obvious absence of “legalese.” It’s not difficult to understand what you are and aren’t getting with your policy.

Customers were also a fan of the “Travel Assistant,” a service which Aviva provides for its customers both before and during their trip. Customers can call the 24-hour helpline with any questions which they may have about travel insurance or other travel related enquiries.

Customers can call about issues such as visa and entry requirements, vaccinations, currencies, languages, time zones or even import and export allowances.

Aviva deals with its own claims and as such generally has positive reviews . Many customers were happy with the customer service that they had received, claiming that the staff they spoke to were knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. They also were pleased with how quickly they managed to get through to Aviva on the phone. Customers who requested callbacks received them promptly.

In reality, trying to get through to the Aviva claim line by phone is reasonably simple. We managed to get through in an average of 5 seconds. Emails were slightly more complicated, with the company taking a few days to respond to claims sent this way.

Generally, as with most insurers, the main problems that customers have is Aviva is problems with rejected claims. Customers have had problems getting their claim approved, especially in cases such as travel disruption and onward connections.

Overall, Aviva is a safe bet if you are looking for travel insurance. There are no middlemen to deal with, their documentation is clear and easy to understand, and their customer service is generally top notch. Just make sure that you read the policy documents carefully to make sure that everything you need is included in the policy. The best way to do this is to call them on their customer service number and buy over the phone.

Don’t just Take our word for it!

The reviews of Aviva online are a bit of a mixed bag. They have a five-star review on DEFAQTO and are in the top percentile of insurance companies on the website Fairer Finance, one of the leading review websites in the sector.

On their webpage, Aviva has an “independent reviews page” on Feefo where they have 2792 reviews and an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars . 2009 of these reviews give the company a 5-star rating so on the face of it, it would appear that Aviva is doing a pretty good job of keeping their customers happy.

However, on other reviews platforms such as Trustpilot, the company only gained a score of 10% , which is abysmally low. So, it would seem that for a considerable percentage of customers.

Aviva Travel insurance policies

Aviva only offers one policy to try and make things easier for their customers. You won’t find different levels of cover here! Not only that but Aviva takes a different approach to the policy they offer. They aim to try and give customers the option of the lowest prices possible and so offer basic policies with “bolt-on” options that customers can add if they feel they might need them.

The maximum trip lengths with Aviva are generous, with the company offering up to 120 days for a single trip (the average is 31) and the number of days can be extended by adding a bolt on to your policy.

Excesses are also reasonably low and only charged in certain circumstances. You will need to view the policy documents to get a better idea of when you will and won’t pay an excess.

Medical emergency and repatriation services

Medical care is the most important part of a policy for most people. The level of cover available at Aviva is very good and should be enough to cover you in any circumstance. They offer £10,000,000 in medical emergency and emergency repatriation. It also offers an additional £1000 for dental treatment.

Hospital benefit and meal expenses are not mentioned in the policy documents so we assume that these will not be covered. Therefore, things like transport to and from the hospital will not be covered by the policy, and you will have to pay them out of pocket.

Customers should be aware that on trips to Australia customers will not be covered unless they are registered with Medicare which is like the Australian “NHS.” British people are covered for medical care under this system which works like the health service here. People can get free treatment much as they would in the UK.

Cancellation

Cancellation is just one of the reasons we recommend that you buy your holiday insurance around the same time that you book your trip. That way you are protected if anything happens between the time of booking and heading off on your holiday.

On the Aviva Insurance page, it doesn’t mention anything specifically about prepaid charges as a separate charge. However, in the policy documents, it does say that if you have paid a deposit on your holiday or have prepaid your travel expenses, then Aviva will cover these in the event of cancellation.

Generally, we would expect to see about £3000 for these types of expenses, so you are getting more than the usual amount in this case.

Generally, claims for cancellation need to be from causes which are outwith your control.

However, there are many ordinary circumstances in which your insurance company may not pay out for your insurance claim:

• If you have to cancel due to a pre-existing medical condition that hasn’t been declared to them when you signed up.
• If you are denied boarding due to your anti-social behaviour, drug use, alcohol or solvent abuse.
• If you forget or lose your travel documentation and aren’t allowed to board.
• If you have taken voluntary redundancy or if you have been fired due to misbehaviour or misconduct.

You do also get some cover for abandonment. This is when your delay becomes so great that you are forced to abandon your trip.

Losing your luggage or being robbed or pickpocketed on holiday can turn a dream into a nightmare. Baggage is one area that Aviva doesn’t have included in its policy as a standard. It must be added as a bolt-on to your policy.

The limits provided by Aviva are generous, and you will be covered whether your luggage is stolen or delayed by airlines.

Keep in mind the difference between the total and the single item limit. The cover for one single item is 450 and valuables at 400, so you will need to rethink any big-ticket items such as laptops or cameras that you will take along with you on your trip.

It is useful to know that you will be able to make a claim much more easily if you have documentation , for example, receipts and even photographs, for the items when you go to make a claim although it is not strictly necessary.

Remember that if you leave your items unattended at any time and they are stolen, you will not be able to make a claim. Generally, you will also need a police report to make a claim. Some customers have also claimed that it is difficult to get money back for things like pickpocketing as often proof of force is necessary.

Included Activities

Aviva has special cover for people who are going to participate in more risky activities . In the policy documents, you can find a full list of activities which are covered as standard in your policy.

Winter sports aren’t covered as standard on the annual policy or single trip cover. You can also add scuba diving, golfing, airspace closure and travel disruption.

As we mentioned before, no travel insurance policy is one size fits all . In order to compare prices we have done a comparison for an annual policy including Europe for a 35 year old woman with no pre existing medical conditions.

As you can see, Aviva's policies are generally quite a bit more expensive then the market average for a similar policy. However, we would encourage all customers to get a quote for themselves before deciding.

Aviva Travel Insurance - Emergency Assistance

Aviva insurance provides emergency 24 hour medical assistance .

If someone is ill emergency assistance means that there will be someone on the other side of the phone who has medical knowledge, contacts and knowledge of facilities to help you get the right care. The emergency assistance team can also help you arrange your transport to go home if necessary.

Aviva has an emergency contact customer service team in the UK. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can contact them for 24-hr emergency medical assistance and Legal Assistance:

This call will cost the same as a call to a UK landline . We would always recommend having this number saved in your phone and written down somewhere in case of emergencies.

Aviva Travel Insurance Pre Existing medical conditions

Aviva uses an online medical screening process to see if you will be covered for any existing medical conditions. However, If you have any questions or doubts about if your medical condition can be covered or not then you can give them a call.

Many common conditions such as mild asthma or high blood pressure are free of charge and others may only add a few pounds to your policy.

We can’t stress enough that it is vital that you declare your condition as your policy may be invalid if you do need to make a claim for other things down the line.

Aviva Travel Insurance Making a claim

Claims are made direct to Aviva Travel Insurance. You can make a claim by telephone, email or by sending a letter to their claims address.

To make a claim you must get in contact within 31 days after the incident and must provide the relevant documentation.

For making every type of claim, you will need your policy number to hand. Additionally, when making a claim for theft or loss of property, you will need to contact the police to get either a police report or crime reference number. If your document is in another language, you may need to get it translated. In the case of hospitalisation, it will be useful if you have your hospital documents and final bill.

How can I make a Complaint About Aviva Travel Insurance?

It is fairly easy to get in touch with Aviva, and they have decent customer service ratings so you shouldn’t have a problem. However, if you do have a problem with the service you have received at Aviva, then you can contact them in a variety of ways.

If you are still not satisfied with the way they have handled your complaint, you may take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service who will investigate your complaint:

How can I cancel my Aviva Travel Insurance Policy?

Cancelling your policy depends on the type of policy that you have contracted. With annual Aviva Travel Insurance, you have a 14 day cooling off period by law where you can change your mind and cancel the insurance. They will refund the whole sum that you have paid.

After 14 days you can still cancel your policy, but you won’t get any money back.

For all single trip policies that have an end date within 31 days of the date of purchase , there will be no cancellation or cooling-off period, and you won’t be able to get a refund on your policy.

Data and information correct as of December 2018.

All material on this page and the selectra.co.uk website is for information purposes only and does not constitute any form of financial advice. Selectra.co.uk is not responsible for any consequences that might arise from your use of the information provided.

Other providers are available and the best deal for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Please do your own research and seek professional advice if necessary ( moneyadviceservice.org.uk offers free, independent advice on all financial issues).

The services and products mentioned on this website may only represent a small selection of the options available to you. Selectra encourages you to carry out your own research and seek advice if necessary before making any decisions. We may receive commission from selected partner providers on sales of some products and/or services mentioned within this website. Our website is free to use, and the commission we receive does not affect our opinion or the information we provide.

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Aviva travel insurance review

Discover if aviva has the travel insurance that's right for your trip..

In this guide

Who is Aviva?

What are my cover options with aviva, what level of cover can i get, how much is my excess.

• What's the claims process for Aviva?

Aviva pros and cons

Update: Aviva has announced that it has suspended selling travel insurance in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Try our travel insurance comparison page to find another insurer.

Whether you’re going on a cruise or you’re going on a city break with a partner, you should always have the right level of insurance to protect you and your belongings while away.

Aviva offers several different travel insurance policies, and you can choose to have basic or comprehensive protection.

Aviva can trace its roots back over 300 years and is the UK’s largest insurance company. It was officially known as Norwich Union in the UK up until 2009.

These days it has over 15 million customers and offers a broad range of policies from life and health insurance to pension plans and travel coverage.

Who underwrites Aviva?

Aviva Travel Insurance is underwritten by Aviva itself. It also underwrites policies offered by First Direct and HSBC Travel Insurance.

With any travel insurer its always a good idea to read your policy handbook to see the full details on the underwriters of your policy.

Aviva offers an array of travel insurance options. A selection of their features is listed below.

• Single trip
• Annual cover
• Cruise cover
• Winter sports cover
• Worldwide cover
• Airspace closure cover
• Cover for up to 120 days abroad.
• Cover for UK holidays that are 2 days or longer.
• Cover for up to £5,000 on flights or accommodation if you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen event like needing surgery.
• Have to be between 16 and 79 to take out the policy.
• Up to £10 million coverage for emergency medical and dental treatment.
• Repatriation policy means you’ll be flown home if you’ve had a serious health issue.
• Up to £500 for lost or stolen money.
• Cover up to 8 friends or family members and get additional coverage for activities like golf and winter sports.
• 24/7 medical emergency helpline.

Going away more than just the once this year? If you’re going on multiple holidays an annual policy can save you money and time. There’ll be no need to do your research and take out separate insurance policies for each trip. Aviva’s annual cover features include:

• Protection for up to £5,000 if you need to cancel your trip due to a serious and unforeseen problem, such as needing surgery.
• Protection for up to £10 million for emergency medical and dental treatment, meanwhile you’ll be repatriated if you need to be sent home after suffering a serious injury or illness.
• Coverage for up to £500 for lost or stolen money.
• Cover up to 8 friends or family members and take out an additional policy if you want to be protected for activities like scuba diving and winter sports.
• Get protection for 31 days abroad, or take out an extension of up to 90 days if you’re away for a long period. On a gap year perhaps?
• Cover for clubs and equipment if they go missing or are damaged for up to £1,500.
• Should you need to hire equipment because yours has gone missing then get help for up to £250.
• Get refunded for pre-paid green fees if you can’t play due to illness or injury.
• Replacement of your personal items if your baggage is misplaced or lost.
• Replacement of your important documents such as your passport if it’s lost or stolen.

Heading off to the slopes this year? Skiing and winter sports come with a fair amount of risk, but this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourself. Winter travel insurance could save you a gigantic bill if you have an accident or serious injury on the trip. Aviva’s policy features include:

• Cover for up to £500 on any lost, stolen or damaged winter sports equipment.
• Avalanche delay up to £200.
• Cover if the piste is closed for up to £300.
• Unable to ski or take part because of an illness or accidental injury? Get protected for up to £200.
• Medical assistance 24/7.
• You’ll have to pay more to be covered outside of Europe.
• Emergency repatriation if you need it.
• Financial cover for any medical treatment you need abroad.
• Round the clock medical emergency helpline.
• Protection for lost or stolen money.

If the airspace you’re due to fly in is closed, or the airport is shut, then you’ll be covered. Here’s what for:

• Extended cancellation cover for up to £5,000.
• Extended stay abroad cover for up to £1,500.
• You’ll need to provide receipts to have a successful claim.
• No protection if you booked flights knowing the airspace or airport would be inaccessible.

Most travel insurance companies offer you tiers of coverage, such as bronze, silver and gold.

Aviva is different though, so you choose between single or annual trip cover, then decide if you want to buy add-on policies such as for winter sports, golf or scuba diving.

Whether you take out a single or annual deal, here’s what you’ll get:

An excess is the amount of money you have to pay towards a claim before your insurer starts coughing up.

So say you have an excess of £100 and the stolen laptop you’re claiming for is worth £200, you’ll have to pay half of the cost out of your own pocket.

How much excess you will have to pay will depend on the type of claim you’re making, so take a look at the full list of excess costs outlined in your policy handbook.

What’s the claims process for Aviva?

If you need to make a claim and it’s not an emergency, the easiest way is on the Aviva website.

You should have the following to hand:

• Policy number – see your MyAviva for this.
• Your personal details and any details of other people claiming on the policy.
• Any details about your trip, such as date of travel, airline and any photos.

If it’s a medical emergency and you’re abroad, then call Aviva on +44 1603 208 044. If it’s not an emergency dial+44 1603 603 716.

• Access your policy documents online.
• You can add up to eight other people to your own policy.
• Not a wide selection of coverage options.
• Upper age limits apply.

Travel insurance scores

Finder scores, in blue, are based on our expert analysis. We also show reviews from users, where we've received more than 10, with a score in yellow. We gather more reviews from customers every year in Finder's customer satisfaction survey.

To find out more, read our full methodology .

The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products we can track; we don't cover every product on the market...yet. Unless we've indicated otherwise, products are shown in no particular order or ranking. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations), aren't product ratings, although we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it; this is subject to our terms of use . When making a big financial decision, it's wise to consider getting independent financial advice, and always consider your own financial circumstances when comparing products so you get what's right for you.

Esther Wolffowitz

Esther Wolffowitz was a publisher at finder.com specialising in insurance. Esther holds an MSc in Media and Communication Governance from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

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Aviva Travel Insurance Review

Everything you need to know before you buy travel insurance from Aviva!

The experts say:

What aviva customers are saying right now:.

• 💰 Clear instructions and lots of opportunities to upgrade the policy with competitive premiums
• 📱 Easy online application and no charges to make any changes to policy as via online portal
• 📘 Lots of information available on their online portal
• 😊 Renewal prices have been cheaper than the previous years price
• ✅ Free legal cover included in the policy
• 😡 Very slow to respond to claims
• 😤 Appalling customer service with lengthy wait times
• 😡 Unhelpful staff and difficulty accessing documents

Aviva customer reviews summary

Aviva travel insurance has been getting mixed reviews from customers. Whilst some people have praised the competitive premiums and easy online application process, others have complained about slow response times, long waits on the phone and poor customer service. Overall, Aviva seems to have a lot of room for improvement in their customer service but they offer some attractive premiums. Score: 4/10

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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 .

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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.

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Europe Travel Insurance Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Report Covers European Travel Insurance Companies and it is Segmented By Insurance Coverage (Single-Trip Travel Insurance, Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance, and Others), By Distribution channels (Direct Sales, Online Travel Agents, Airports And Hotels, Brokers, and Other Insurance Intermediaries), By End-User (Senior Citizens, Business Travelers, Family Travelers, and Others (Education Travelers, etc.) and by Country (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe). The Market size and forecasts for Europe Travel Insurance Market are provided in terms of value (USD Million) for all the above segments.

• Europe Travel Insurance Market Size

Need a report that reflects how COVID-19 has impacted this market and its growth?

Europe Travel Insurance Market Analysis

The Europe Travel Insurance Market size in terms of gross written premiums value is expected to grow from EUR 4.39 billion in 2024 to EUR 6.05 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.20% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

2021 saw the Travel Insurance industry grapple with a multitude of challenges including pandemic impacts, disruptive technology, and climate-related risks. COVID-19 accelerated the transition to digital solutions because of necessity and enabled insurers to manage the pandemic's impact by allowing workforces to operate remotely effectively and efficiently. But with this shift came the rise in cyber threats.

However, whilst last year necessitated a faster pace of change than was perhaps ideal, looking forward the insurers will want to continue to adapt to protect their operations, and market and promote customer retention. Customer demand for more interactive and efficient digital platforms and products is set to continue, which will require travel insurers' ongoing adaption to new technologies. With that will possibly come associated cyber risks, with ransomware and supply chain attacks continuing to increase. However, digital transformation remains important for insurers wanting to stay relevant, competitive, and reputationally sound in the current market.

• Europe Travel Insurance Market Trends

Artificial Intelligence in Insurance

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widespread across the travel insurance industry, regulators are examining how its use could potentially impact customers. Specifically, the European Commission is proposing cross-sectoral regulations that would control - and, in some instances, prohibit - certain practices: for example, the use of AI systems by public agencies, or on their behalf, for social scoring purposes. Given the growing societal concerns about customer privacy, data security, and the potential impact of AI on human agency, it is no surprise that the EC and other entities are exploring new guidelines. In effect, we take the view that a regulatory stance is essential and applaud the early position taken by the EC. However, proposals from certain policymakers could limit insurers' abilities to undertake certain practices: for example, to assess risk and price policies accurately, personalize customer experiences, and mine data assets for actionable insights. Since the industry is already required to adhere to a wide range of regulatory requirements, a sensible step would be for insurers to collectively engage with regulators to explain how they both protect consumer data and ensure fair, unbiased use of AI in all its forms. They should also reassure regulators that the necessary precautions are being taken by insurers to safeguard against possible problematic cases.

Travel and Tourism Industry is driving the Insurance Market

Some of the most well-known cities and nations in the world are found in Europe. There is something for every kind of tourist because of the intriguing history, numerous different cultures, and stunning natural scenery. There are 44 countries in Europe, 27 of which are designated as belonging to the European Union, according to the UN. Travel and tourism generated USD 1,450 billion for Europe's overall GDP in 2021. France is the most visited country in Europe in 2019, welcoming 89.4 million foreign visitors. With 50% of all international visitor arrivals, Europe as a whole (EU and non-EU) continues to be the most popular travel destination in the world.

The notable increase in the travel and tourism sector in recent years, which can be attributed to rising disposable incomes, an increase in business trips, and the easy accessibility of online travel bookings and discounted package holidays, is one of the key factors propelling the growth of the Europe Travel Insurance Market. Consumers are increasingly opting for Travel Insurance to manage risks such as airline cancellations, luggage and important document loss, and medical crises, which is growing the Travel Insurance Market share. Convenient choices for clients to acquire Travel Insurance via online comparison-shopping sites such as direct airline sites and online travel agents (OTAs), company websites and apps, and others support the Europe travel insurance market's development.

Europe Travel Insurance Industry Overview

Europe Travel Insurance Market is consolidated in nature. Some of the key major players operating currently dominate the market. However, with technological advancement and product innovation, mid-size to smaller companies are expanding their market presence by securing new contracts and by tapping new markets.

Europe Travel Insurance Market Leaders

Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A.

American International Group Inc.

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Europe Travel Insurance Market News

• In August 2022, French insurance giant Axa said an uptick in earnings, driven by higher incomes from its investment portfolio, offset the €300m (£251m) hit to its business arising from the war in Ukraine. Axa's decision to launch its €1bn share buyback scheme saw shares in the insurance giant surge by almost five percent in the early morning trading session, as the firm set out plans to complete its buyback by February 2023, subject matter to market conditions.
• In April 2022, AXA Partners, an AXA business unit offering a wide range of solutions in assistance services, travel, and specialized insurance and credit protection, has teamed up with Trip.com again to further expand travel insurance products in Europe.

Europe Travel Insurance Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition

1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.1 Research Framework

2.2 Secondary Research

2.3 Primary Research

2.4 Data Triangulation and Insight Generation

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET INSIGHTS AND DYNAMICS

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Market Drivers

4.3 Market Restraints

4.4 Industry Attractiveness- Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants

4.4.2 Bargainning Power of Buyers

4.4.3 Bargainning Power of Suppliers

4.4.4 Threat of Substitutes

4.4.5 Intensity of Competative Rivalry

4.5 Insights into Latest Technological Innovations and Recent Trends in the Industry

4.6 Insights on Government Regulations in the Industry

4.7 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION

5.1 Insurance Coverage

5.1.1 Single-Trip Travel Insurance

5.1.2 Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance

5.2 By Distribution Channel

5.2.1 Insurance Companies

5.2.2 Insurance Intermediaries

5.2.3 Banks

5.2.4 Insurance Brokers

5.2.5 Other Distribution Channels

5.3 By End-User

5.3.1 Senior Citizens

5.3.2 Education Travelers

5.3.3 Family Travelers

5.3.4 Other End Users

5.4 By Country

5.4.1 Germany

5.4.2 United Kingdom

5.4.3 France

5.4.4 Italy

5.4.5 Spain

5.4.6 Rest of Europe

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Market Concentration Overview

6.2 Company Profiles

6.2.1 Allianz

6.2.2 Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A.

6.2.3 American International Group Inc.

6.2.5 Aviva

6.2.6 Insure & Go Insurance Services Limited

6.2.7 Signal Iduna

6.2.8 The April Group

6.2.9 Mutuaide

6.2.10 Zurich*

• *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARTKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

8. ABOUT US

Europe Travel Insurance Industry Segmentation

The report focuses on the complete background of the European Travel Insurance Market, which comprises an assessment of the developing market trends by segments, important changes in the market dynamics, and a market overview.

Europe Travel Insurance Market is Segmented By Insurance Coverage (Single-Trip Travel Insurance, Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance, and Others), By Distribution channels (Insurance Companies, Insurance Intermediaries, Banks, Insurance Brokers, and Other Distribution Channels), By End-User (Senior Citizens, Education Travelers, Family Travelers, and Others End Users) and by Country (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe). The report offers Market size and forecasts for Europe Travel Insurance Market in value (USD) for all the above segments.

Europe Travel Insurance Market Research FAQs

How big is the europe travel insurance market.

The Europe Travel Insurance Market size is expected to reach EUR 4.39 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.20% to reach EUR 6.05 billion by 2029.

What is the current Europe Travel Insurance Market size?

In 2024, the Europe Travel Insurance Market size is expected to reach EUR 4.39 billion.

Who are the key players in Europe Travel Insurance Market?

Allianz, Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A., American International Group Inc., AXA and Aviva are the major companies operating in the Europe Travel Insurance Market.

What years does this Europe Travel Insurance Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?

In 2023, the Europe Travel Insurance Market size was estimated at EUR 4.13 billion. The report covers the Europe Travel Insurance Market historical market size for years: . The report also forecasts the Europe Travel Insurance Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

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Europe Travel Insurance Industry Report

Statistics for the 2024 Europe Travel Insurance market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Travel Insurance analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.

Europe Travel Insurance Market Report Snapshots

• Europe Travel Insurance Market Share
• Europe Travel Insurance Companies

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GET A QUOTE

Schengen Travel Insurance for Europe

(based on 3539 ratings)

Travel Insurance for Schengen visa and Europe

Need travel and medical insurance to obtain a Schengen Visa for Europe? Buy AXA Schengen Travel Insurance online and get your insurance certificate immediately. The certificate is accepted by all consulates and embassies representing the 27 countries in the Schengen Area

Find the Schengen insurance you need:  COMPARE NOW

• Medical expenses up to €30,000
• Repatriation
• 24-hour assistance
• COVID coverage under conditions
• Meets requirements from the E.U
• Medical expenses covered up to €100,000
• Extended protection in all Schengen countries, Ireland and Great Britain
• Medical repatriation

€328 per year

How to buy your Insurance?

Our travel avatar Priyan will explain how to safely buy your Schengen Visa travel insurance online.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to Coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to Coronavirus provided you haven't travelled against  World Health Organisation  or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are travelling to) or medical advice.

The embassy states that I must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. Is this possible?

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”.

What are the covered countries?

AXA’s Europe Travel insurance and AXA's annual  Multi Trip travel insurance  offer extensive protection, covering medical expenses up to €100,000 in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, as well as the United Kingdom , Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania.

AXA's Low Cost   insurance covers medical expenses up to €30,000 in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland .

What is Schengen travel insurance ?

Schengen travel insurance provides you with travel and medical insurance for all the 27 countries that make up the Schengen Area - covering you for trips across the continent or holidays in any nation within the Schengen Zone. AXA is the leading provider of this type of insurance.

Here is the complete list of countries that you can visit with Schengen insurance (provided you have a Schengen visa ) : Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Why do I need travel insurance to visit Europe ?

A requirement for obtaining a Schengen Visa is to have insurance covering you in all states in the Schengen Area up to medical costs of €30,000. The easiest way to do this is to obtain Schengen travel and medical insurance from an accredited provider, such as AXA, which is the leading brand for this type of insurance.

Not all travelers require a Schengen Visa to travel to the Schengen Area, as countries including the U.S.A., Mexico, Brazil, and Canada have visa-free arrangements with the Schengen Zone. However, it is still strongly recommended you obtain insurance as all your medical costs, or those you may incur should something go wrong on your trip, may not be covered without obtaining travel insurance. If you are planning to travel to more than one Schengen country or want to be flexible with your itinerary, it is also a great way to ensure you are covered in the majority of countries in Europe.

If you are a U.K national, we recommend you to read our detailed guide on the effects of Brexit on travel and residency in Europe .

Will getting travel insurance ensure I get a Schengen visa ?

Although it is an essential document to supply when applying for a Schengen Visa, you will also need to supply other supporting documents that outline the reasons for your visit, your itinerary and accommodation plans, as well as how you intend to support yourself and any plans to work or study. Your application may also be rejected by embassy officials - but this is relatively rare as long as all your documents are in order.

How can AXA help with your travel insurance ?

AXA can help by providing you with Low Cost Schengen Area travel insurance that meets your visa requirements when traveling to the Schengen Area from as little as €22 per week - a fee that will cover you for medical expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries - a price that isn’t too hard on your wallet ahead of your trip! A certificate proving you are insured will also be available immediately, meaning you can get on with your application.

AXA is the number one provider of travel insurance for trips to Europe and offers assistance 24/7, as well as other options and tailor-made products. Other coverage available includes our Europe Travel insurance, costing €33 per week, or Schengen Multi Trip insurance, which is perfect for regular travelers and available for €328 for a year’s coverage.

What should I do if I have a medical issue while in the Schengen Area?

Please contact us as soon as possible on the phone number given with the special conditions you receive after taking out your policy. Our helpful staff will then do all we can to resolve your issue and get you treatment or travel home, in line with the conditions of your policy.

Frequently asked questions about countries covered by Schengen travel insurance

1 - does schengen insurance cover countries other than those in the schengen area .

Other than those microstates mentioned, no. If you plan to travel to countries outside the Schengen Area, you will need to get insured there, though this will not affect your Schengen travel insurance covering you while inside the area.

2 - I want to buy travel insurance for my partner and children as a group. Can I do so ?

Yes. You can buy for up to 10 people with only one payment.

3 - Can I get a refund if my Schengen Visa application is refused?

Subject to certain conditions, yes. However, you will need to provide documentation from the embassy, consulate, or visa application center where you applied stating the reason for the refusal.

Get Schengen insurance

Copyright AXA Assistance 2023 © AXA Assistance is represented by INTER PARTNER ASSISTANCE SA/NV, a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law with registered office at Regentlaan 7, 1000 Brussel, Belgium – Insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Belgium under number 0487 and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0415 591 055 – RPR Brussels- VAT BE0415 591 055

AXA Travel Insurance Global | AXA Assicurazione Viaggio | AXA Assurance Voyage | AXA Seguros y asistencia en viajes | AXA Seguro de viagem

Crypto party with sushi platter models shows that toxic culture is alive and well in London finance

Orianna Rosa Royle in London here, filling in for Peter.  If you thought seeing scantily clad women serving food to finance bros at wild parties was a thing of the ’90s, think again.

Just last week, leaked photos revealed that a cryptocurrency company Copper, chaired by British politician Lord Philip Hammond, hosted a private London bash in March where guests were served sushi off the bodies of half-naked models.

It turns out that not even a global pandemic, lockdowns, and new levels of respect for colleagues’ personal space (remember the elbow bump?) were enough to kill Wolf of Wall Street -era antics.

In the City of London, at least, toxic culture is still thriving—and Copper’s hedonistic soirée is only the most recent evidence. 

Last month, the U.K. parliament released its much-anticipated report into Sexism in the City . 

More than 40 women in finance spoke to MPs on the Treasury committee about their experience during the inquiry to determine how much meaningful progress City employers had made since the last investigation in 2018. The answer appears to be “not much.”

Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc told MPs that harassment in financial services—which employs more than 2.5 million people—is still worse than in any other industry.

Citing data collected by the not-for-profit organization Speak Out Revolution and the advocacy group Can’t Buy My Silence, the report says that “45% of workers working in the financial services industry have encountered sexual harassment in the workplace.”

“The evidence we took was shocking, especially the extent of misogyny, sexual harassment and bullying, up to and including serious sexual assault and rape,” the report noted, adding that the use of victim-silencing NDAs is still prevalent.

Last week, the Guardian reported that the CBI has used up to 10 gagging clauses to prevent staff from discussing their experiences of sexual misconduct and bullying at the organization in the last year alone. 

And last month three more women asked to join a sexual misconduct lawsuit against one of Britain’s best-known hedge fund managers, Crispin Odey, and his firm Odey Asset Management. (Odey has denied all allegations.)

Ongoing abuse is one of the reasons why Blanc, who became the blue-chip company’s first female chief executive in 2020, is now personally signing off on white male hires as part of the firm’s drive to improve diversity.

“My belief is if you have more women in senior management roles, this behavior will go away,” she explained. In Europe, 44% of financial services directors appointed in 2023 were female; in Britain, the figure dropped to 33% . Copper, meanwhile, has an all-male board . 

In the aftermath of the sushi incident, Copper told the Financial Times that it is launching an internal probe into its event approval process. (Copper did not respond to Fortune’ s request for comment.) 

But really, the entire finance industry needs to check itself. Its CEOs have been among the loudest supporters of in-office mandates ; it’s up to them to ensure that the toxic culture of the past doesn’t return to the office as well. 

More news below.

Orianna Rosa Royle @oriannarosa [email protected]

Building a Lego family fortune

Lego’s lesser-known billionaire dynasty got a bit richer last year. The Kirk Kristiansen family’s Kirkbi fund, which owns 75% of Lego, increased profits to $1.62 billion in 2023, as Lego bucked a wider global industry slump in sales. Internally, the family, worth $25 billion, completed a seven-year transition, with former CEO Kjeld handing over the title of “most-active owner” to his fourth-generation son, Thomas. Fortune

A piece of the puzzle

Tony’s Chocolonely’s famous uneven chocolate pieces and bright packaging might seem like another quirky piece of product differentiation, but it’s all part of a wider plan to address inequality in the cocoa industry. In a new interview, the chocolate maker’s U.K. and Ireland boss discussed how the group uses loud marketing practices to spark a change in how cocoa is sourced. Fortune

Weight loss for less

Danish pharma sensation Novo Nordisk fell under the spotlight for the wrong reasons last week. Researchers discovered that the group’s appetite suppressant, Ozempic, could be profitably produced for less than $5 per month, compared with the $968.52 Novo sells it for in the U.S. The findings drew the ire of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I–Vt.) and will place scrutiny on Novo’s pricing strategy. Bloomberg

AROUND THE WATERCOOLER

Lease wars? Volkswagen-backed Xpeng is set to become one of its biggest rivals as it launches in Germany—and it’s betting on a rising appetite for leasing to win over EV-skeptics by Ryan Hogg

Sergio Ermotti came to the rescue when UBS snapped up Credit Suisse. One year later, he’s now Europe’s best-paid bank CEO   by Prarthana Prakash

F1 owner Liberty Media is eyeing a $4.32 bn deal to buy up motorcycle racing series MotoGP. But it could face a big speed bump—competition watchdogs   by Prarthana Prakash

Ingka CEO Jesper Brodin wants more of Ikea shoppers’ wallets as group buys up Swedish bank by Ryan Hogg

Cannes yacht encounter triggered alleged $1.8 billion fraud that put Malaysia’s ex-prime minister in prison by Bloomberg

This is the web version of Fortune CEO Weekly Europe, a newsletter on the companies and industry leaders shaping every facet of business in Europe. Sign up for free.

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Plans for Royal Mail delivery cuts could risk patient safety, NHS leaders warn

Head of NHS Providers says proposed reduction of second-class deliveries to two days a week would be ‘extremely unhelpful’

NHS leaders have warned that Royal Mail’s plans to cut second-class deliveries to two days a week could risk patient safety.

The changes are part of wider measures announced by Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distributions Services (IDS), including cuts of up to 9,000 routes, which could take more than two years to implement, saving £300m a year. IDS has assured the Royal Mail workforce that there will be no compulsory redundancies and they will request only 100 voluntary redundancies.

In a letter sent to the Telegraph , executives from the NHS, Healthwatch England, the Patients Association and National Voices said the Royal Mail proposals would increase the cost of missed appointments, which already exceeds £1bn.

The letter said: “Provisional Healthwatch data suggest that more than 2 million people may have missed medical appointments in 2022-23 due to late delivery of letters, and this will only deteriorate under the proposed new plans.”

The health leaders added that a solution must be found to prioritise the enormous volume of correspondence sent from NHS teams and ease the disruption for health staff and other patients, “otherwise, more people will miss time-critical appointments, appointment changes or vital test results”.

New data indicates that late-arriving letters are responsible for 25% of missed hospital appointments. A range of NHS letters, including critical appointments, treatment plans and test results, rely on second-class stamps.

Late letters are a further strain on NHS waiting lists, which number as many as 9.7 million people, according to data from the Office for National Statistics released this week.

Sir Julian Hartley, the chief executive of NHS Providers, said the proposed delays were “extremely unhelpful”.

“It’s really important that patients be updated at the earliest opportunity on developments in their care and treatment,” he said.

“An efficient, punctual postal service remains a key part of that process. At a time when far too many patients already face long delays – the last thing any trust leader wants – anything that adds to that uncertainty, and possibly the worsening of conditions, would be extremely unhelpful.”

Jacob Lant, the chief executive of health charity National Voices, said: “The proposals being consulted on risk further delaying vital communications and worsening digital exclusion, therefore unfairly widening health inequalities. NHS mail must remain a priority service.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “ We know how important receiving NHS letters is to many people. When letter volumes have declined from 20bn in 2004-5 to just 7bn today, it is vital that the universal service is reformed so that we can protect the one-price-goes-anywhere service that many organisations, including the NHS, rely on.

“ We have invested significant time understanding in detail what our customers want from universal service reform. We have talked to over 3,500 customers, SMEs and large businesses and met with a range of organisations and have spoken with different parts of the NHS, including NHS trusts and NHS representative organisations including Healthwatch England.

“ The NHS is made up of hundreds of different trusts and thousands of GPs as well as other services, each with varied requirements. We will continue to offer a choice of service levels and prices to suit their needs. We are working with a range of NHS bodies to explore options for time-sensitive medical letters as part of our proposals, such as distinctively marked envelopes, use of barcodes and adapting our existing hybrid product (used by a third of GPs) as part of our proposals.”

The postal regulator, Ofcom, has produced a series of options for the postal service. These include cutting service days from six to three days and a more expensive service for next-day deliveries. Ofcom is expected to continue to discuss the proposals with industry and publish an update in the summer.

• Postal service

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Hundreds of thousands face being denied revolutionary new dementia drugs in England

NHS consultants accept pay offer, ending year-long dispute with government

Mental health trust failings contributed to Norfolk man’s death, coroner finds

NHS ombudsman warns hospitals are cynically burying evidence of poor care

NHS ombudsman Rob Behrens: ‘There are serious issues of concern’

NHS hospitals hit by shortage of life-saving drug for chronic breathing issues

Britain is great in a crisis, but useless in a slump. Just take a look at the NHS

Cancer patients may be at risk due to overstretched NHS staff, ombudsman warns

More than a quarter of ambulance staff ‘sexually harassed by public’

Aviva’s profits rise as demand for UK private health insurance booms

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