Specialist travel insurance
Compare quotes from trusted brands
Travel insurance cover tailored to your needs
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind when you’re away from home, whether it’s a short break or a longer trip. It helps protect you and your loved ones from unexpected expenses that could arise while travelling.
We offer fast and simple travel insurance with flexible cover options to suit you. We don’t believe in imposing age limits and we’ll cover almost all pre-existing medical conditions on our travel insurance policies.
Travel insurance can be a minefield, but we’re keeping it as simple as possible where you choose the level of cover you need.
Flexible options
Whether it’s a cruise, a fortnight in the sun or a quick UK break, we’ve got you covered.
No upper age limit
We believe that everybody should have access to affordable insurance.
Pre-existing medical conditions
We’ll even consider undiagnosed medical conditions.*
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
World-class support
You’ll get your own UK-based human to look after you for the duration of your policy.
At insurd, we have over 50 years of insurance experience and are backed by some of the largest, most trusted insurers, so you know you can trust the protection of your policy.
In partnership with Aneevo, we’ll get you a better travel insurance deal with the highest levels of cover.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind on your trip, protecting you against unexpected expenses and emergencies while you’re abroad. Many activities are also included as standard, so you’re covered for more than just the basics.
Emergency medical and repatriation
Cover for medical treatment bills abroad and getting you home safely.
Personal accident
Compensation for serious injury or accidental death on your trip.
Trip cancellation
Get your money back if you can’t travel for a covered reason.
Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage
Protection if your luggage or belongings are stolen or go missing.
Personal liability cover
Cover if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.
Travel delays (delayed departure)
Compensation if your flight or transport is held up.
All subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
Power up your insurance with additional cover options
Additional cover options that you can
tailor to your own needs, ensuring
complete peace of mind and keeping you
relaxed on your holidays.
- Lost documents – including passports
- Emergency transport
- Loss or theft of personal money
- Legal expenses
- Additional actives and winter sports cover
- Golf and equipment cover
What is travel insurance?
Although it’s not compulsory, having a policy in place can cover costs such as emergency medical treatment overseas, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or stolen personal items.
Single trip insurance
Perfect if you’re planning a one-off getaway, either in the UK or overseas. This type of policy gives you tailored protection for the specific trip you’re taking, whether it’s a short city break or a longer holiday. With flexible cover options, you only pay for what you need.
Annual multi-Trip insurance
Designed for those who love to travel more than once a year. An annual policy covers multiple trips within 12 months, often working out cheaper than buying separate policies each time. It’s a convenient and cost-effective choice for frequent travellers.
Family travel insurance
Family travel insurance covers one to two adults, and up to eight children. They must live with you and be under 18, otherwise you might need a group policy.
Cruise insurance
Cruises often come with unique risks that standard travel insurance doesn’t fully cover. Cruise insurance is designed to protect you against things like missed port departures, cabin confinement due to illness, unused excursions, and medical care while at sea. It ensures your trip is fully protected, from the moment you set sail to when you return home.
When does travel insurance start and end?
Understanding the specifics of your cover can ensure that you’re fully protected from the moment your journey begins until you return home.
When does travel insurance start?
The start date of your travel insurance policy depends on the type of cover you’ve purchased. Generally, travel insurance can begin at two different stages:
1. Cancellation cover: If you’ve opted for a policy that includes trip cancellation cover, your insurance will typically start from the moment you purchase the policy. This means that any non-refundable expenses such as flights, hotels, or tours, are protected from unforeseen events. Such as illness, injury, or even job loss, that may force you to cancel your trip before it begins. It’s advisable to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to maximise this benefit.
2. Medical and other travel benefits: The rest of your travel insurance cover. Including medical expenses, lost baggage, and travel delays, generally begins on the day you depart. This start date should match your actual departure date as listed on your itinerary. It’s important to ensure that your insurance policy reflects the correct start date to avoid any gaps in cover.
When does travel insurance start?
Similarly, the end date of your travel insurance also depends on your specific policy and the type of cover:
1. Return date: For most policies, travel insurance ends on the date you return home. This is typically the date mentioned as the end date in your policy documentation. If your return is delayed due to circumstances covered by your insurance, some policies may extend the cover period until you are safely home.
2. Annual policies: If you have an annual travel insurance policy, your cover will continue throughout the year for each trip you take. However, each trip will have a maximum duration (e.g. 30 or 60 days). It’s important to know the maximum trip length your policy allows and to check if any trips extending beyond this limit are covered.
3. Policy duration: If you’re on an extended trip, make sure your policy covers the entire duration of your travel. If you plan to extend your stay abroad, you must arrange for an extension before your original policy expires. Most insurers will not allow you to extend cover after it has lapsed.
Important considerations
- Start cover early: Buying your policy early ensures that you’re covered for cancellations. Giving you peace of mind from the moment your trip is confirmed.
- Check your dates: Ensure your policy start and end dates align with your actual travel dates. This avoids any gaps in cover.
- Know the policy details: Be aware of the specific terms of your policy, including any limits on the duration of your trips if you have an annual plan.
Does claiming on travel insurance affect future premiums?
Claiming on travel insurance typically doesn’t directly affect your future premiums. A single claim should not automatically lead to higher costs when you renew your policy. However, while your premium may not increase directly due to a claim, various factors can influence the cost of your travel insurance over time.
Factors that affect travel insurance premiums
While a claim itself might not lead to higher premiums, other elements can. These include:
Pre-existing medical conditions
Premiums are often higher if you have existing health issues or develop new ones.
Private treatment and medical costs
Claims for private care abroad (unless urgent) can push up costs, as insurers prefer public healthcare.
Excess amounts
Excess varies by claim type; a no-excess policy means higher upfront costs but no less fees when claiming.
Age
Premiums typically rise with age, as older travellers are seen as higher risk.
Activities and sports
Engaging in high-risk activities like skiing, or other adventure sports can lead to higher insurance premiums.
Currency fluctuations
When the pound is weak against other currencies, it can cost insurers more to settle claims made abroad.
Does travel insurance cover a missed flight?
Travel insurance may cover missed flights under certain unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. Common scenarios include:
- Public transport delays: If your train, bus, or other public transport is delayed, causing you to miss your flight, some policies may offer cover. However, you’ll typically need to provide official documentation of the delay from the transport provider.
- Road accidents or vehicle breakdowns: Should you be involved in a road accident or experience a vehicle breakdown en route to the airport, certain policies may cover the missed flight. Again, documentation such as a police report or breakdown service confirmation will be necessary.
- Severe weather conditions: Extreme weather events like snowstorms or floods that prevent you from reaching the airport may be covered. Insurers will require evidence, such as weather reports or news articles, to support your claim.
- Unexpected illness or injury: If you or an immediate family member falls ill or is injured unexpectedly, leading to a missed flight, some policies may provide cover. Medical documentation will be essential to substantiate your claim.
When is a missed flight not covered?
Travel insurance generally does not cover missed flights resulting from:
- Personal negligence: Oversleeping, arriving late at the airport, or not allowing sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
- Known issues: Missing a flight due to ongoing traffic congestion or known public transport strikes, unless specified in your policy.
- Airline faults: If the airline cancels or delays your flight, they are typically responsible for rebooking or compensating you, not your travel insurer.
What does missed flight cover include?
When your missed flight claim is accepted, travel insurance may cover:
Missed connections: If a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight, some policies may cover the costs associated with rebooking.
Additional transportation costs: Expenses incurred to reach your destination, such as booking a new flight.
Accommodation and meals: If you need to stay overnight due to the missed flight, reasonable costs for lodging and food may be reimbursed.
Travelling with pre-existing medical conditions
A pre-existing medical condition is any illness, injury, or ongoing health issue you’ve had before taking out travel insurance. This could be something you’re currently being treated for, a condition managed with medication, or an issue that has been diagnosed and resolved in the past. Examples include diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, or even something more minor like recurring urinary tract infections.
A pre-existing condition is one that has been:
- Diagnosed by a medical professional before you bought your policy
- Showing symptoms that are under investigation (for example, you’re awaiting test results or scans)
- A known condition that requires future treatment, such as planned surgery
When getting a quote, you’ll be asked to declare any pre-existing conditions so we can assess whether we’re able to cover them. It’s vital to give accurate and complete information — if conditions aren’t disclosed, it could lead to your policy being cancelled or a claim being declined, even if it’s not directly related to the condition.
The good news: Our policies are designed to cover many pre-existing conditions once they’re declared, giving you peace of mind when you travel.
What’s not included in travel insurance as standard?
Travel insurance covers a wide range of situations, but there are some circumstances where you won’t be protected, including:
| ❌ | What’s not covered |
|---|---|
| ❌ | Flight delays or cancellations unless caused by severe weather, strike action, or mechanical issues (unless you’ve added extra cover). |
| ❌ | Connected flights that don’t start or finish in the UK, unless additional cover has been purchased. |
| ❌ | Cancelling your trip simply because you’ve changed your mind. |
| ❌ | Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions. Any health issues you’ve had before buying your policy must be disclosed and approved when you take out cover.* |
| ❌ | Illness or death of someone not named on your policy, if linked to a pre-existing condition they had before you bought your cover. |
| ❌ | Lost or stolen belongings that were left unattended. |
| ❌ | Claims where you’re unable to provide proof, such as police reports or receipts. |
| ❌ | Being refused entry to a country because you don’t have a valid passport, visa, or other required documents. |
| ❌ | Taking part in extreme sports, winter sports, or going on a cruise without purchasing the specific add-on cover. |
| ❌ | Any situation that isn’t listed as covered in your policy wording. |
We can often cover pre-existing medical conditions — they just need to be declared when you apply.
Travel insurance frequently asked questions
What medical conditions do you cover?
We’ll cover all medical conditions with a high degree of severity for single-trip policies. For annual multi-trip policies and cruise cover, we’ll cover most pre-existing conditions.
How many times can I travel if I have an annual multi-trip policy?
You can travel as many times as you like – there’s no limit on the number of trips you can make.
If I have an annual multi-trip policy, what’s the longest duration I can be covered for?
All of our multi-trip policies can provide cover for up to 93 days per trip.
Can I get cover for a 35-night cruise?
Yes, of course. We can provide cover for cruises with a host of benefits.
Do you cover mental health conditions as well as physical conditions?
Yes, of course. Provided you’ve declared the condition and answered all medical questions, we’ll make sure you’re covered.
Who will I actually be insured with?
We offer cover from a wide panel of expert travel insurers and the quote we provide will be from the provider that best meets your needs.
Ready to start saving on your travel insurance?
Buy online
Our easy-to-use tools let you find the right cover at the right price in minutes.
Don’t just take our word for it
See what our customers said after trusting insurd with their cover.