Best Travel Insurance Providers in the UK

Choosing the best travel insurance company is equally as crucial as making reservations for your accommodation and flight. If anything doesn’t go as planned, having the appropriate coverage can make all the difference, whether you’re going on a long-haul trip or a short city vacation. Anything from misplaced bags to unanticipated medical issues can quickly turn your idyllic vacation into a stressful ordeal. To assist you in selecting the best option for your trip, we have reviewed the top five travel insurance companies in the UK in this guide, emphasising their advantages, special features, and pros and cons

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides cover for your trips be it business travel or simply taking a vacation, things will not always go as planned, flights can be cancelled or delayed, baggage may be lost or damaged and medical emergencies can also happen. Travel insurance ensures that you can receive medical assistance if the need arises while on your trip. It also ensures that your belongings are insured and you can get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.

How do you find the best travel insurance?

While the finest travel insurance won’t avoid things from going wrong while you’re on vacation, it will limit situations like medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, or losses from having a significant financial impact.

At Docalla we examine hundreds of policies, each with its different categories of coverage and the providers who offer the best travel insurance

Who are the top providers of travel insurance in the UK?

Aviva Travel Insurance

One of the biggest and most reputable insurance companies in the UK, Aviva offers a variety of travel insurance packages to suit the needs of all kinds of tourists. With many options that can be customised to fit your unique needs, Aviva has you covered whether you’re planning a family vacation, taking several trips a year, or just one trip.

Benefits:

1. Vast Selection of Policies: Aviva gives customers the freedom to select coverage that best suits their travel preferences with its single-trip, multi-trip, and family policies. The yearly multi-trip policy is especially appealing to frequent travellers who wish to have continuous coverage all year round.
2. Comprehensive Medical Coverage: With high expense caps, Aviva offers coverage for hospital stays, medical crises, and emergency repatriation, giving travellers peace of mind in the event of illness or accident while travelling.
3. Adventure Sports and Winter Sports Cover: Aviva provides optional coverage for adventure and winter sports to individuals wishing to partake in high-risk activities like hiking, scuba diving, or skiing. For thrill-seeking tourists who want to make sure they’re safe while participating in their preferred sports, this is a huge perk.
4. Customised Plans: Customers can tailor their policies with Aviva to meet their specific requirements. This includes protection against natural catastrophes or civil disturbance that can disrupt your trip plans, coverage for gadgets, and coverage for pre-existing medical disorders.

Aviva insurance plans are highly customizable, especially with regard to the ability to include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Aviva is a great option for travellers with health issues because it gives flexibility, something that many insurers either strictly restrict or omit from coverage for specific ailments.

Pros

• Flexible coverage options
• Strong customer support with a 24/7 customer helpline
• Extensive network for medical assistance abroad

Cons

• Slightly higher premiums compared to other providers for custom plans
• Limited coverage for travellers on a budget

Aviva is perfect for:

• Families and frequent travellers who want a flexible but comprehensive coverage
• Travellers who engage in adventurous high-risk activities
• People with pre-existing medical conditions looking for customised health coverage. 

AXA Travel Insurance

AXA is a leading insurance provider in the world, they provide a selection of travel insurance plans that are made to offer full coverage at affordable costs. Families that go on extended vacations as well as individuals on quick city breaks are among the many types of travellers that AXA serves. They are well-known for their flexible plans and high medical coverage limits. AXA guarantees that travellers are covered against a range of hazards, such as medical crises, trip cancellations, and lost possessions, with a variety of coverage levels available.

AXA’s high medical coverage, which can reach £10 million in premium insurance, is one of its most notable features. Because of this, AXA is a fantastic choice for visitors to nations with pricey healthcare systems, like the US or Japan, where medical expenses are considerably high.

Benefits

1. Customisable Plans: Depending on their destination, the activities they wish to engage in, and risk tolerance, travellers can choose from three coverage options offered by AXA: Essential, Standard, and Premier.
2. Business Travel Coverage: AXA provides business travellers with plans that include coverage for things like misplaced business equipment, postponed meetings, and travel interruptions that can interfere with their ability to fulfil professional duties.
3. Multi-Trip Options: AXA’s annual multi-trip insurance ensures that regular travellers are always insured without requiring them to buy separate policies for each trip. It offers year-round coverage for several vacations, making it an ideal choice for frequent travellers.

Pros

• Affordable pricing for basic plans
• Special plans for business travellers
• Coverage of up to £10 million for medical emergencies

Cons

• Limited coverage for sports in the standard plan
• Complex terms and conditions for add-ons

AXA travel insurance is perfect for:

• Regular travellers looking for reasonably priced annual multi-trip insurance with comprehensive medical coverage
• Travellers seeking high medical coverage, especially those visiting countries with expensive healthcare systems
• Business travellers who require specialised insurance for trips related to their job and any related travel disruptions

Table showing the different categories of coverage offered by AXA travel insurance

Staysure Travel Insurance

For travellers from the UK, especially those over 50, Staysure Travel Insurance is a great option because it specialises in offering reasonably priced, all-inclusive coverage for senior citizens and anyone with pre-existing medical issues. Renowned for its customised plans, Staysure distinguishes itself by providing medical coverage that attends to the special requirements of elderly tourists and those in need of continuous care, making it a dependable and trustworthy supplier for vacationers seeking peace of mind while on the road.

Benefits:

1. Pre-existing Medical Condition Specialist Coverage: One of the few insurers that proactively serves customers with pre-existing medical issues is Staysure. Older travellers and those with health concerns should feel confident knowing that their policies cover a wide range of ailments, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart troubles.
2. No Age Limit on Policies: Unlike many other travel insurance companies, Staysure offers coverage without an upper age limit. They are therefore a unique choice for elderly tourists who might have trouble locating insurance elsewhere.
3. Unlimited Medical Expenses in Comprehensive Plans: Staysure is a desirable choice for individuals who are worried about possible health-related charges when travelling because it provides unlimited medical expenses coverage in their more expensive plans.
4. Cruise-specific Coverage: Staysure offers specialised cruise insurance that covers unutilised excursions, missed port departures, and illness-related cabin confinement. Cruise enthusiasts who desire additional coverage for the particular dangers connected with this kind of travel may find this to be especially helpful.

The most notable aspect of Staysure is its coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. In contrast to many insurers who either refuse to cover people with medical concerns or charge exorbitant prices, Staysure specialises in this field and offers fair and competitive pricing without compromising the quality of coverage. Because of this, they are the go-to supplier for elderly tourists or individuals with continuous medical demands.

Pros

• Customised plans for older travellers
• Covers a wide variety of medical conditions without extreme premiums
• Flexible policies
• Offers cover for those who want to enjoy Cruise vacations

Cons

• Younger travellers may find the premiums pricier than what is offered by competitors
• Limited coverage for high-adrenaline activities like skiing and scuba diving

Staysure travel insurance is perfect for:

• Older travellers seeking age-appropriate coverage without its attending exclusions
• Individuals with pre-existing medical issues requiring reasonable premiums and comprehensive medical coverage
• Travellers who want customised insurance for dangers unique to cruise vacations

Table: a breakdown of the different plans offered by Staysure

InsureandGo

InsureandGo is a well-known travel insurance company in the UK, they are popular providing simple, cost-effective plans for all kinds of tourists. Whether you’re going on a business trip, a family holiday, or a single backpacking trip, InsureandGo offers a variety of plans that may be customised to fit your needs and budget. Travellers in the UK looking for dependable coverage without going over budget are increasingly choosing InsureandGo thanks to its extensive advantages, flexible coverage options, and easy-to-use interface.

Benefits

1. Vast Selection of Plans: The four primary coverage tiers offered by InsureandGo are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Black. Different degrees of protection are offered by each plan, ranging from basic necessities like trip cancellation and medical emergencies to premium coverage with larger limits and other perks. This flexibility allows travellers to choose the plan that is most suitable for their needs and budget.
2. No Upper Age Limit: InsureandGo, like a few other leading providers, provides plans with no upper age limit, which makes it a desirable choice for senior travellers who would have trouble obtaining coverage elsewhere.
3. Pre-existing Medical Condition Coverage: InsureandGo provides coverage for a wide range of pre-existing medical problems, so tourists with health issues may still enjoy their vacations with the knowledge that they are covered in the event of an emergency.
4. Top-Tier Plans with Unlimited Medical Expenses: The Black plan, in particular, and other higher-tier plans provide unlimited medical expense coverage. This is the best option for people who want additional protection against unanticipated medical situations or for those who are visiting nations with expensive healthcare systems.
5. Family-Friendly Policies: InsureandGo is an affordable option for families wishing to insure their travel arrangements because it provides free coverage for children on family policies. Families who utilise this perk as opposed to providers who charge per child can save a substantial amount of money.
6. Winter and Adventure Sports Coverage: InsureandGo provides extra coverage made specifically for high-risk activities for people who intend to go skiing, snowboarding, or participating in adventure sports. This guarantees that travellers will be completely covered when engaging in their preferred sports.

One of the best features of InsureandGo’s premium Black plan is its unlimited medical expense coverage. This is especially useful for people who want to know that they will always be covered for medical emergencies while travelling, regardless of the cost. Their emphasis on offering coverage without an upper age limit further distinguishes them as a special supplier for older travellers.

Pros

• Affordable and budget-friendly policies
• Includes coverage for adventurous activities like snowboarding and scuba diving
• Family coverage benefits

Cons

• Lower cancellation coverage compared to other providers
• High premiums for comprehensive coverage

InsureandGo travel insurance is perfect for:

• Families looking for affordable travel insurance with free coverage for children
• Individual travellers seeking flexible, reasonably priced policies without age limitations
• Adventure-living individuals who engage in high-risk sports

Table: a breakdown of the different policies offered by InsureandGo highlighting the key features such as medical coverage, cancellation coverage, free child covers and the possible costs.

Post Office Travel Insurance

In the UK, Post Office Travel Insurance is a reputable company with coverage that are unambiguous, affordable, and comprehensive. Post Office Travel Insurance offers a range of coverage options to suit the needs of all travellers, from budget-friendly policies for occasional travellers to more expensive packages designed for lengthy journeys or high-risk activities. It is perfect for all kinds of travellers, whether you are going on a long journey overseas, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway because of its extensive choice of coverage possibilities. Furthermore, Post Office’s collaboration with Collinson Insurance Services guarantees that travellers receive strong financial support and comprehensive customer service.

Benefits:

1. Flexible Plans: The three primary coverage tiers offered by Post Office Travel Insurance are Economy, Standard, and Premier. These make sure you’re only paying for what you need by letting travellers select the appropriate level of security based on their trip’s length, destination, and activities.
2. Family Policies Let Kids Go Free: Post Office’s family-friendly policy, which offers free insurance to children under 18 when they travel with an adult, is one of its most notable features. It’s a fantastic option for families searching for economical coverage without compromising on important features because of this feature.
3. Plans for pre-existing medical conditions: One of the rare companies that covers a wide range of pre-existing medical disorders is Post Office. This coverage guarantees that individuals with ongoing health difficulties can still get reasonably priced and thorough care, even though they are evaluated individually.
4. Cancellation and Disruption Protection: This feature is included in all Post Office Travel Insurance policies. If you have to cancel or shorten your vacation due to a sickness, injury, or family emergency, you will get reimbursement. Post Office offers both single-trip and annual multi-trip insurance choices.
5. Around-the-clock Emergency Assistance: All Post Office plans have access to round-the-clock emergency medical assistance, so no matter where you are, help is always just a phone call away.

One distinctive and noteworthy aspect of Post Office family plans is their “kids go free” policy. Allowing parents to travel with children under the age of 18 at no additional insurance expense is a substantial cost-saver for families. Families who take longer vacations or plan numerous travels throughout the year will find this advantage especially appealing, as the cost of insurance for numerous children may quickly mount up.

Pros

• Affordable plans for the whole family
• High medical coverage at an affordable price
• Comprehensive annual multi-trip plans for frequent travellers

Cons

• Lower coverage limits on economy plan
• Higher premiums for older travellers
• Limited coverage for extreme sports.

Post office travel insurance is perfect for:

• Families looking for affordable travel insurance that covers kids under the age of 18 for free.
• Frequent travellers in need of a reasonably priced annual multi-trip plan.
• Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who require affordable and reliable coverage when they travel.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is an essential part of any trip as it provides protection against unforeseen occurrences that could cause your trip to be disrupted, this can eventually lead to huge financial losses and can cause emotional distress. Here are some of the reasons why you need travel insurance:

Medical Emergencies: Medical care overseas can be very costly, particularly if you’re not travelling within the European Union or the UK. A random hospital visit can cost you thousands of pounds, and more serious situations requiring surgery or an emergency medical evacuation may incur significantly higher costs. Travel insurance protects you from these unforeseen medical costs, ensuring that you get the medical attention you require while travelling without leaving you bankrupt.

Trip cancellations and delays: delays and cancellations can significantly alter our travel plans. These can result from unanticipated events such as illness, family emergencies or natural disasters that can disrupt flights. Travel insurance provides cover for all such events guaranteeing that you can get your money back.

Misplaced, damaged or stolen items: during a vacation, it can be frustrating and discomforting to lose your luggage or other belongings. The cost of replacing stolen, damaged or misplaced items can be covered by travel insurance. Some policies offer insurance for your gadgets and offer instant cash to assist you in buying necessities in the event that your luggage is delayed.

Emergency assistance: a lot of insurance companies provide round-the-clock help lines to aid travellers in the case of any emergency including lost passports. When visiting a foreign country, these services can be quite helpful as unfamiliar systems or language hurdles can make solving a problem more difficult. Having access to expert assistance can make all the difference.

Coverage for adventure sports: if you are an adventure seeking individual, some travel insurance companies offer specialised coverage for mishaps or injuries that can occur from high-risk sports such as skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, or hiking. Ensure that the plan you choose meets your needs and requirements for adventure. 

The Docalla Advantage

Graphics: Image of a traveller holding a boarding pass, insurance documents and luggage depicting the security that travel insurance provides while travelling.

Choosing the right travel insurance provider depends on your travel needs and preferences. You may require specialised medical coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, or just want to enjoy an adventurous vacation. Every provider has unique advantages that you can consider such as the flexibility of Aviva and the excellent coverage that Staysure offers to senior citizens. At Docalla we help you make an informed decision by sifting through the different policies to find the one that is right for you based on your needs and budget, offering you one less thing to worry about while you focus on enjoying your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance

What is travel insurance, and why do I need it?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect you from potential financial losses or emergencies that may occur while travelling. It typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or delayed baggage, and other unexpected incidents. Having travel insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re financially protected against unforeseen events.

What does travel insurance typically cover?

Most travel insurance policies cover:

• Medical emergencies and hospital expenses
• Trip cancellations or interruptions
• Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
• Emergency evacuation
• Personal liability Additional coverage, such as adventure sports or cruise insurance, may be available depending on the policy.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some travel insurance providers offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but it depends on the insurer and the policy. You usually need to declare your condition during the application process, and there may be additional costs involved. Always check with the insurer to ensure your condition is covered.

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking my trip?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after booking your trip, but it’s generally recommended to buy it as soon as possible. This ensures you’re covered if you need to cancel or change your trip due to unexpected events. Some benefits, like trip cancellation protection, are only available if you buy insurance within a certain time frame after booking.

Can I get travel insurance for a staycation or domestic trip?

Yes, many providers offer travel insurance for domestic trips. This can include protection for trip cancellations, lost or delayed baggage, and personal liability, although coverage may differ compared to international travel insurance.

What is the difference between single-trip and annual multi-trip insurance?

Single-trip insurance covers you for one specific trip, while annual multi-trip insurance covers multiple trips within a year. Annual plans are ideal for frequent travellers, as they offer continuous coverage for an entire year, saving you from purchasing separate policies for each trip.

How long can I travel for under a travel insurance policy?

This depends on the provider and the policy. Some single-trip policies allow coverage for trips lasting several months, while annual multi-trip plans typically limit each trip to 30-60 days. Always check the policy details for any specific duration limits.

What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

Many travel insurance policies include coverage for trip delays or cancellations. If your flight is delayed for a certain number of hours (usually specified in the policy), you may be eligible for reimbursement of additional expenses like accommodation and meals. If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason (such as illness or severe weather), the policy may reimburse you for non-refundable expenses.

How do I make a claim on my travel insurance?

To make a claim, you’ll need to contact your insurer and provide supporting documentation, such as receipts, medical records, or proof of trip cancellation. Most insurers have a claims process that can be initiated online or by phone. Make sure to read your policy carefully to understand the claims procedure and keep any relevant documents during your trip.

Can I extend my travel insurance while I’m abroad?

Some travel insurance providers allow you to extend your coverage while you’re already travelling, but this may depend on your policy. If you plan to extend your trip, it’s best to contact your insurer as soon as possible to check the options for extending coverage.

What’s the difference between travel insurance and health insurance?

Travel insurance provides temporary coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage while you’re travelling. Health insurance, on the other hand, covers routine medical care and ongoing treatments but usually does not provide coverage outside your home country unless specified.

Does travel insurance cover missed connections or alternative transport costs?

Some travel insurance policies cover missed connections due to reasons beyond your control, such as delayed flights or transportation issues. In such cases, the insurance may reimburse you for alternative transport arrangements or additional accommodation costs.

Do I still need travel insurance if I have an EHIC or GHIC card?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitles you to state-provided medical care in EU countries at reduced costs or free, but it does not cover all medical costs, repatriation, or other non-medical emergencies. Travel insurance offers more comprehensive protection, so it’s recommended even if you have an EHIC or GHIC card.