Compare Travel Insurance UK – Best Sites & Martin Lewis Tips
Finding the right travel insurance in the UK can feel overwhelming, but comparing policies is essential to avoid overpaying or ending up with inadequate cover. This guide breaks down how to compare, what to look for, and what experts like Martin Lewis recommend for 2025.
Travel insurance protects against financial losses from trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, lost luggage, and other unexpected events. With premiums varying dramatically based on age, destination, and health, comparing options can save you money while ensuring you get the cover you actually need.
Comparison sites and expert guides make the process easier, but understanding what each policy offers is still essential. The sections below cover the main types of cover, the cheapest options, provider reviews, and practical tips from MoneySavingExpert and other trusted sources.
How to Compare Travel Insurance in the UK
Travel insurance covers financial losses from trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and more. It is essential for UK travellers.
Comparing saves money and ensures you get the right cover. Premiums vary widely by age, destination, and medical history.
Use comparison sites like ComparetheMarket, MoneySuperMarket, GoCompare, and MoneySavingExpert’s tool. Check policy details, not just price.
Every UK traveller, especially those with pre-existing conditions, older travellers, and families. Single trip or annual cover available.
Key Insights for Comparing Travel Insurance
- Annual travel insurance is often cheaper than separate single-trip policies if you travel 2+ times a year.
- Adding medical conditions is the biggest cost driver – but some insurers specialise in pre-existing conditions (e.g., Staysure, Coverwise).
- Comparison sites may not show all providers; check expert guides like MSE for hidden deals.
- Post Office travel insurance is popular for its high coverage limits, but reviews vary.
- Martin Lewis recommends checking the smallest print for exclusions like ‘act of God’ or ‘known event’.
- Travel insurance for European destinations after Brexit may require additional health cover if you don’t have a GHIC.
Quick Snapshot: Key Facts About UK Travel Insurance
| Aspect | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| Average cost single trip (UK) | £5-£15 for Europe, £20-£50 for worldwide |
| Average cost annual policy | £30-£120 depending on age and conditions |
| Number of providers on top sites | 44 (GoCompare) to 55 (MoneySuperMarket) |
| Best for over 65s | MSE recommends Staysure, Primacover, or Saga |
| Most common claims | Medical emergency, cancellation, baggage loss |
| Brexit impact | GHIC replaced EHIC – private insurance still essential |
| COVID-19 cover | Most policies now include, but check for exclusions |
What is the Cheapest Travel Insurance in the UK?
There is no single cheapest provider for everyone. Price depends heavily on destination, trip length, age, and medical history. For standard single-trip cover, Which? reports example prices starting from £21, while single-trip cover with pre-existing conditions starts from £31. For multi-trip cover, Which? shows example prices from £40 without pre-existing conditions and £45 with them.
Is Annual Travel Insurance Cheaper Than Single Trip?
Annual multi-trip insurance covers multiple holidays within the policy period and is often better value if you take two or more trips a year. Single-trip insurance covers one journey and is usually simpler and cheaper if you travel only once or twice a year. MoneySavingExpert notes that annual cover can work out significantly cheaper per trip for frequent travellers.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UK?
Costs vary widely. Which? data shows standard single-trip cover from £21, multi-trip from £40, and single-trip with pre-existing conditions from £31. The cheapest annual travel insurance for 2025 depends on your profile, but comparison sites like Confused.com and MoneySuperMarket can provide starting quotes.
What is the Cheapest Annual Travel Insurance for 2025?
For 2025, the cheapest annual policy will again depend on your age, health, and travel habits. Using comparison sites like GoCompare and ComparetheMarket can reveal competitive prices. Some providers, such as Post Office, offer annual multi-trip with cover for trips up to 365 days for those under 70, but prices increase with age.
When looking for the cheapest policy, MoneySavingExpert advises checking the medical expenses limit – at least £2 million including repatriation – as well as cancellation, baggage, and personal liability limits. The cheapest policy on price alone may leave you underinsured.
Which Travel Insurance Provider is Best?
The best provider depends on your individual needs. For over-65s and those with pre-existing medical conditions, Staysure and Coverwise are often recommended. Post Office offers broad cover with long trip lengths and accepts many medical conditions. Comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket, GoCompare, and ComparetheMarket provide a broad view, but Which? and MoneySavingExpert offer detailed independent analysis.
Is Post Office Travel Insurance Any Good?
Post Office travel insurance is popular for its high coverage limits and ability to cover single trips up to 365 days (for ages up to 70) and annual multi-trip. It accepts most pre-existing medical conditions if declared. However, reviews vary, and it is important to check the policy wording and excess.
What Are the Reviews for Coverwise Travel Insurance?
Coverwise is often positioned as a budget provider, but detailed independent reviews from the supplied content are limited. Which? includes Coverwise in its comparisons, and live quotes should be compared against policy terms. Expert sources suggest verifying coverage limits personally.
Does Admiral Offer Travel Insurance?
Admiral is not highlighted as a major travel insurance provider in the research provided. Other comparison sites may include them, but they are not among the top names mentioned by MoneySavingExpert or Which? for this market.
MoneySavingExpert (MSE) is not an insurer but an editorial comparison guide. Which? independently tests cover quality. Comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket, GoCompare, and ComparetheMarket show many providers but may not include every specialist. For over-65s and pre-existing conditions, Staysure is commonly recommended.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, and loss of cash. The exact cover depends on the policy type – basic, comprehensive, or specialist. MoneySavingExpert provides benchmark limits many policies meet.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Europe After Brexit?
Yes. The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) replaced the EHIC after Brexit, but a GHIC does not cover all medical costs or repatriation. Private travel insurance remains essential for Europe to cover private hospital treatment, cancellation, and other emergencies. GOV.UK guidance recommends buying insurance as soon as possible after booking to cover cancellation risk from the start.
How Does Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover Work?
Cancellation cover reimburses you if you have to cancel your trip due to an insured reason such as illness, bereavement, or job loss. MoneySavingExpert recommends checking that the cancellation limit covers the full cost of your holiday.
What is the Difference Between Basic and Comprehensive Travel Insurance?
Basic policies usually cover medical emergencies, cancellation, and baggage but with lower limits. Comprehensive policies add higher limits, more generous baggage cover, personal liability, and often cover for activities like winter sports. The right choice depends on your trip and personal risk tolerance.
How to Find Travel Insurance That Covers COVID-19
Most UK travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 cover, but it is vital to read the policy wording. Some policies exclude cancellation if you choose not to travel due to pandemic fears, while others cover medical costs if you catch the virus abroad. Always check exclusions before buying.
MSE stresses that you must check the exact exclusions for pre-existing conditions and activities. If you fail to disclose a medical condition, the policy could be invalidated. The ABTA guidance advises buying insurance as soon as possible after booking to cover cancellation risk from the start.
What Does Martin Lewis Recommend for Travel Insurance?
Martin Lewis, through MoneySavingExpert, provides impartial buying advice. His core message: do not choose based on price alone. Always compare policy limits and exclusions.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Over 65s?
For over-65s, MoneySavingExpert recommends Staysure, Primacover, or Saga. These providers specialise in older travellers and accept many pre-existing conditions. Post Office also offers cover, but age affects trip length limits: up to 365 days for under 70, 90 days for 71-75, and 31 days for 76+ on certain policies.
How Do I Get Travel Insurance with Pre-existing Medical Conditions?
You must declare all existing conditions fully. Providers like Staysure and Coverwise specialise in this area. Which? data shows that cover for pre-existing conditions is more expensive than standard cover but still available. MSE advises comparing the medical cover limits, not just the premium.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Families?
Family policies often cover children at no extra cost when booked with an adult. Comparison sites like ComparetheMarket and MoneySuperMarket allow you to compare family policies. The best choice depends on the number of trips per year, ages, and any medical conditions.
When Did Key Changes in UK Travel Insurance Happen?
- : COVID-19 causes mass cancellations; insurers adjust policies to include pandemic cover.
- : Brexit ends EHIC; the GHIC is introduced, clarifying that private insurance is still needed.
- : FCA review prompts clearer policy wordings and better transparency on exclusions.
- : Inflation impacts premiums; providers increase medical cover limits to keep pace.
- : Post-COVID travel boom leads to new entrants – comparison remains essential for value.
What Is Certain and What Is Uncertain About Travel Insurance?
| Established Information | What Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Comparison sites save time but not all providers are shown. | Which provider is ‘best’ depends on your personal health and travel patterns. |
| Cheapest policy is not always best – check cover limits. | Whether annual insurance covers multi-trip with no limit – check policy terms. |
| Martin Lewis’s advice is impartial and updated regularly. | Some policies still exclude pandemics – read terms carefully. |
Why Does Comparing Travel Insurance Matter More Than Ever?
With rising medical costs abroad and post-Brexit travel complexities, UK travellers cannot afford to skip insurance. Comparison sites offer convenience, but expert guidance like MSE helps avoid pitfalls. The market is crowded, with providers like Staysure focusing on older travellers and Coverwise on pre-existing conditions. Paying slightly more for a policy with good cancellation and medical cover (at least £5 million) is safer than saving a few pounds. Always consider policy excess and 24/7 emergency assistance.
What Do the Experts Say About Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a must – don’t just look at price, look at what you’re covered for.
Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert.com
We compare travel insurance from 44 leading providers and get rewarded when you compare with us.
ComparetheMarket.com (typical marketing line)
For many, annual multi-trip insurance works out cheaper than buying single-trip policies each time.
MoneySavingExpert.com
What Is the Bottom Line for Comparing Travel Insurance?
Comparing travel insurance in the UK is about balancing price with adequate cover. Use comparison sites to gather quotes, but read policy details carefully and follow expert advice from MoneySavingExpert. For tailored advice on selecting the right policy, see How to choose the right travel insurance. For a wider view of holiday cover options, Compare holiday insurance packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comparing Travel Insurance UK
Can I get travel insurance if I am already abroad?
Some providers offer cover if you buy while already travelling, but policies are more limited and more expensive. It is best to buy before departing.
How does travel insurance cancellation cover work?
It reimburses you for prepaid costs if you cancel for a covered reason such as illness, bereavement, or job loss. Cover limits vary.
What is the difference between basic and comprehensive travel insurance?
Basic policies have lower limits and fewer features. Comprehensive policies offer higher medical, cancellation, and baggage limits, plus extras like winter sports cover.
Is post office travel insurance any good?
Post Office offers broad cover, long trip durations, and accepts many medical conditions. Reviews vary, so check policy wording carefully.
What are the reviews for Coverwise travel insurance?
Coverwise is often used as a budget provider. Independent reviews are limited in the supplied data – compare live quotes and check terms.
Does Admiral offer travel insurance?
Admiral is not highlighted as a major travel insurance provider in the research used for this guide. Other comparison sites may include them.
How to find travel insurance that covers COVID-19?
Most UK policies now include COVID-19 cover, but always read exclusions. Some exclude cancellation due to fear of travel.
How much does travel insurance cost in the UK?
Single trip cover starts from £21, annual multi-trip from £40, and cover with pre-existing conditions from £31, according to Which? data.
Is annual travel insurance cheaper than single trip?
Yes, if you travel two or more times a year, annual multi-trip is usually more cost-effective than buying separate single-trip policies.
What is the cheapest travel insurance in the UK?
There is no single answer. Price depends on your age, destination, health, and trip length. Use comparison sites and check cover limits.
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