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Travel insurance: UK

Common UK travel risks that you can get insurance for.

Zahra Campbell-Avenell
Zahra Campbell-Avenell

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Important:

Travel insurance rules continue to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to keep up and make sure our guides are up to date, however some information may not be accurate during the pandemic. It’s even more important to double-check all details that matter to you before taking out cover. Please know that some policies may not be available through Finder at this time. Here are some helpful tips:
    • If you're buying a policy today, it's unlikely that you'll be covered for any coronavirus-related claims
    • If your travel plans go against government advice, your policy will most likely be voided and you won't be covered
    If you are travelling to the United Kingdom for your next holiday, make sure you're protected. Travel insurance can protect you from many common travel risks including:
    • Cancellation. Flights can often be cancelled, and many budget airlines will make you purchase a new ticket, so travel insurance is pivotal in any case.
    • Overseas medical expenses. Travel Insurance cover's the cost required to pay for medical treatment and hospital stays if they arise.
    • Evacuation. If you need to be evacuated, travel insurance can protect you against the financial implications.
    • Loss of luggage and personal belonging. In foreign countries like the UK, you may loose personal items. There are travel insurance options designed to cover these circumstances.
    • Cost of delays. The cost of missing a potential business trip when travelling can be substantial, and it is something that should be insured against.
    • Rental vehicle damages. If you rent a vehicle, you are exposed to many risks especially in a country with a different road rules.

    Continue reading our guide to travel insurance for the UK and find the cover that is right for you. Or, if you're ready to compare policies, please fill out the quote form below.

    **Quote based on one week's travel to UK for a 25 year old

    Read more about Travel Insurance for UK

    What am I covered for while in the UK?

    If you're in the market for a comprehensive travel insurance policy for your next trip to the UK, ask yourself:

    • Am I covered for overseas medical expenses? This includes emergency ambulance, medical, hospital and dental expenses you incur while overseas. If necessary, medical repatriation back to Australia will also be included in your cover.
    • Are my luggage and personal effects covered? If your luggage and personal effects are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip, you’ll receive cover for the cost of their repair or replacement.
    • What happens if my luggage is delayed? If an airline loses or misplaces your luggage for more than a minimum period of time, you’ll receive an allowance to purchase emergency clothing and toiletries.
    • What if my travel is delayed. If your pre-paid scheduled transport is delayed, cancelled or rescheduled, you’ll receive cover for additional meals, transfers and accommodation expenses you incur.
    • Am I covered for cancellation? If unforeseen circumstances (for example illness) force you to cancel your trip, you’ll be reimbursed for any cancellation fees and lost deposits.
    • Are additional expenses covered? This covers the additional expenses you incur as a result of certain unforeseen circumstances, such as the death of your travelling partner, natural disaster or strike.
    • What happens if my cash is stolen? You will be covered for cash stolen from your person.
    • Are my travel documents cover?. If your passport or travel documents are lost, stolen or damaged, you’ll be covered for the cost of their replacement.
    • Am I covered for personal liability? This covers you when you are legally liable for injuring a third party or damaging their property.
    • Do I need rental vehicle excess insurance? If your rental car is crashed, stolen or damaged, your policy will cover the cost of the rental company’s insurance excess.
    • Am I covered for accidental death? Your beneficiaries will receive a benefit if you die due to an injury suffered on your trip.
    • What happens if I suffer a total permanent disability? A TPD benefit will be paid if you suffer an injury during your trip that results in your total and permanent disablement.
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    Okay, how much is this going to cost me?

    Short answer, it depends. Everybody's situation is different, and as such, there is no broad-stroke answer. However, below are some comparisons to help you get a general idea of how much you might have to pay.

    Prices below are based on a 28 year old heading to the UK for two weeks**.
    BrandTick TravelVirgin MoneyInsureandgo
    DestinationUKUKUK
    PolicyBasicBasicBare Essentials
    Overseas medical expensesUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
    Alternative travel expenses$5,000n/a$5,000
    Accidental deathn/an/an/a
    Personal liability$1,000,000$1,000,000$1,500,000
    Cancelation Fee Covern/an/an/a
    Luggage & Personal Effects$2,000n/a$2,000
    Excess$200$150$100
    Length of Trip14 days14 days14 days
    Age of Traveller282828
    Total cost of cover$32.81$45.80$62.75

    Meet the Urns family – Boo (45), his wife Lily (38) and their two children Larry (10) and Waylon (8). They are heading to London to visit Lily's parents for two weeks. This is a comparison of four of the cheapest* travel insurance UK policies**.

    BrandBudget DirectTick TravelVirgin Money
    DestinationUKUKUK
    PolicyLast minuteBasicBasic
    Overseas medical expensesUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
    Alternative travel expensesn/a$5,000n/a
    Accidental deathn/an/an/a
    Personal liability$1,000,000$1,000,000$1,000,000
    Cancelation Fee Covern/an/an/a
    Luggage & Personal Effects$2,500$2,000n/a
    Excess$200$250$150
    Length of Trip14 days14 days14 days
    Total cost of cover$34.71$59.06$89.32
    Note: prices and benefits are correct as of August 2019
    Prices below are based on a 28 year old heading to the UK for two weeks*.
    BrandOnline Travel InsuranceBudget DirectVirgin Money
    DestinationUKUKUK
    PolicyComprehensiveComprehensiveComprehensive
    Overseas medical expensesUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
    Alternative travel expenses$2,000$5,000$5,000
    Accidental death$15,000$20,000$15,000
    Personal liability$1,000,000$5,000,000$1,000,000
    Cancelation Fee Cover$25,000UnlimitedUnlimited
    Luggage & Personal Effects$10,000$7,500$10,000
    Excess$200$200$250
    Length of Trip14 days14 days14 days
    Age of Traveller282828
    Total cost of cover$46.81$51.94$76.66
    Prices below are based on a family of 4 with two parents (38, 45 years of age) and two children (10 and 8)*.
    BrandTick TravelVirgin MoneyInsureandgo
    DestinationUKUKUK
    PolicyTopComprehensiveGold Policy
    Overseas medical expensesUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
    Alternative travel expenses$20,000$10,000$50,000
    Accidental death$25,000$30,000$50,000
    Personal liability$3,000,000$1,000,000$5,000,000
    Cancelation Fee Cover$15,000UnlimitedUnlimited
    Luggage & Personal Effects$7,500$20,000$8,000
    Excess$200$250$100
    Length of Trip14 days14 days14 days
    Total cost of cover$109.90$143.84$145.85
    Note: prices and benefits are correct as of August 2019Back to top

    How do I find the right policy?

    • Should I get cover through a travel agent? While it may be convenient to take out a policy through a travel agent, agents may charge commissions on top of the price of your policy. It is worth reviewing your options direct and comparing the prices with what you're being offered by a travel agent.
    • What do I need out of my cover? Ask yourself: are you looking for no frills cover or a comprehensive policy? Do you need cover for one trip or would you save money by opting for an annual multi-trip policy? What activities do you plan on participating in during your trip to the UK? Finding answers to these questions may help you when it comes to sorting through the travel insurance policies out there.
    • Should I shop around? Like with an financial product, it pays to shop around. Comparing your options helps you get an idea about which policies offer value for money.
    • Why should I read the PDS? It’s important that you read all product disclosure statements closely to find out the exact level of cover offered by each policy. This will ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises in the future and will also help you determine the true value of the quotes you are given.
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    Questions to ask when comparing policies

    When you’re comparing travel insurance policies for the UK and shopping around for cover, considering asking the following questions to each insurer you come across:

    • Will this policy cover me for all the destinations I am planning on travelling to and all the activities I will be participating in?
    • Will you cover my pre-existing medical conditions?
    • Do you cover the cost of medical evacuation?
    • What limit applies to the cover offered for my luggage and personal effects?
    • What events and circumstances are excluded from my policy?
    • What sort of customer assistance do you offer? Is there a 24/7 assistance helpline I can call?
    • How much excess will I have to pay if I make a claim?
    • Can I lower my excess by paying a higher premium, and vice versa?
    • How long do you take to process and pay claims?
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    What to look for in a single travel insurance policy

    Doesn't the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement cover me in the UK?

    The Australian Government has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement in place with the UK.

    This means that:

    • The cost of some of your hospital treatment in the UK’s public health system will be covered while you’re overseas. This is similar in some ways to how Medicare helps cover some of your medical expenses in Australia.

    However:

    • You will not be covered for unlimited medical expenses or the treatment of any existing medical conditions you may have
    • You will only be covered medical costs you incur in the UK if it would be unreasonable for you to delay treatment until you return to Australia
    • If a doctor recommends that the right course of action is for you to be medically evacuated to Australia, the cost involved will not be covered

    There is no substitute for travel insurance.

    The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement should by no means be considered a replacement for travel insurance. Not only does it not provide sufficient coverage for medical emergencies, but it also doesn’t cover any of the other risks that travel insurance protects against, such as cancelled or delayed trips, lost or stolen luggage and personal liability. For a peace of mind and protection against such risks, travel insurance for the UK is highly recommended.

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    Does travel insurance for the UK cover working in the UK?

    There are specialist travel insurance brands available that offer working holiday travel insurance policies. These are much the same as regular travel insurance policies but they also offer cover for claims related to the work you engage in overseas.

    Some working holiday makers plan to take extended trips overseas, perhaps for up to 18 months e.g. you may plan to base yourself in the UK and then take several trips to destinations throughout Europe during the course of a year. If you’re planning such a trip there are points you need to consider.

    • Check the maximum trip duration that your policy covers. There are other policies available (sometimes called backpacker insurance) that will cover you for trips up to 18 months duration.
    • You may wish to consider annual multi-trip cover. These policies provide travel insurance cover for all the journeys you take during a 12-month period, and they can be a lower cost option than taking out a separate policy for each trip. However, keep in mind that such policies, if purchased in Australia, will usually only cover you for trips that start and end in Australia — so if you’re based in the UK for an extended period of time you will need to purchase your insurance over there.

    You can read more about working in the UK here.

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    I want to travel to the UK as well as the surrounding countries – am I covered for this?

    Happily, many insurers will include UK and the rest of Europe in the one region. For example FastCover, offers as one region, coverage for Europe, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom. This makes it easy to make sure that you will be covered for the entirety of your trip. However note:

    • Provide full details of itinerary. When you apply for a travel insurance policy it’s important that you provide full details of countries you intend to visit. This is because the type of policy many insurers offer is affected by where you plan on travelling.
    • Some insurers class regions differently. There are some insurers that class the UK in a separate region to continental Europe.
    • Read the fine print. Read your policy closely to work out exactly where and when you will and will not be covered.
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    Existing travellers in the UK – I’ve forgotten to get travel insurance, what options do I have?

    If you get caught up in the excitement of your holiday and forget to take out travel insurance before you go, don’t worry – it is still possible to get cover. While many travel insurance brands refuse to offer cover to travellers who are already overseas, there are some insurers willing to give you the protection you need.

    To be eligible you:

    • Need to be an Australian resident to be eligible for this cover (though some visa holders may also qualify)
    • may have to satisfy other requirements such as starting and ending your trip in Australia.
    • Depending on your insurer, you may also have to serve a waiting period before your cover begins.

    Note: Normal travel insurance exclusions regarding age limits and pre-existing conditions will also apply. Insurance for travellers who are already overseas offers all the same benefits as a regular travel insurance policy, giving you much-needed peace of mind and financial protection on your UK getaway.

    You can read more about getting travel insurance mid travel here.

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    What are the UK specific risks I am exposed to when travelling in the UK?

    Although the UK can be considered a safer travel destination than many other places around the world, there are still some potential risks you should consider before travelling including:

    • Terrorism risk. Terrorism is currently a potential threat, motivated by conflicts in Syria and Iraq terrorism threat level. Additionally, authorities in the UK have currently set the international terrorism threat level to ‘severe’.
    • Delay risk. Because of increased security precautions, checks for baggage at airports could cause extensive delays and subsequent costs.
    • General travel risks Regardless of where you are in the world, luggage can be lost or stolen, flights can be delayed and accidents can happen. With this in mind, having the right cover in place before you leave for the UK is essential.

    Be smart when you travel to the UK and do the following:

    • Organise adequate travel insurance.
    • Register travel and contact details with Smartraveller.
    • Remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.
    • Pay attention to the media.
    • Take the safest, clearest routes when commuting.
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    Who do I contact in an emergency?

    You can contact your travel insurer in cases of emergencies as they should have a 24 hour number and is usually the ideal party to talk to in assisting with financial emergencies. If the emergency does require consular assistance, you can contact the Australian High Commission in London. Contact details are as follows:

    Australian High Commission in London

    Address: WC 2B 4LA, United Kingdom Phone number: (44 20) 7379 4334 www.uk.highcommision.gov.au Other information resources:

    London Information Centre

    Leicester Square London Greater London Phone: +44 20 7292 2333

    www.londoninformationcentre.com

    Edinburgh And Scotland Information Centre

    3 Princes Street Edinburgh Lothian EH2 2QP Phone: +44 845 22 55 121

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    Are there any travel tips that can help me?

    The UK and Europe might seem like fairly similar places to Australia in a lot of ways, but there are a number of handy tips that all travellers should be aware of to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

    • While they drive on the left-hand side of the road in the UK, remember that the rest of Europe drives on the right
    • It’s compulsory to carry certain safety items in your vehicle, including a warning triangle, reflective jacket or waistcoat, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, winter tyres and snow chains
    • If you’re in the far left lane on a motorway in Italy, France or Germany, know that this lane is for overtaking only
    • If something goes wrong overseas, you are not entitled to any Australian Government assistance
    • Keep copies of receipts, police reports and other pertinent documents to back up any insurance claims
    • Make use of tram system in London, and pre-book to save money
    • Ferry system is the quickest way to get to Europe from the UK
    • A visa is required if you are going there for more than 6 months. Make sure you apply in advanced, as travel insurance can't cover you for cancellations due to visa denials.
    • Shop around for UK travel insurance cover. This will ensure that you find the best* deal.
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    Are there any exclusions I need to be aware of?

    Just like any other type of cover, UK travel insurance policies also contain a list of exclusions. Your claim will typically not be paid if:

    • you leave your belongings unattended and they are lost or stolen
    • you have a pre-existing medical condition that you didn’t disclose to your travel insurance brand when you applied for cover
    • you engage in reckless activities, for example drinking to excess or taking drugs
    • you engage in high-risk activities, for example skydiving
    • you travel to a region where the Australian Government has issued a travel advisory warning against visiting such a place
    • you fail to comply with the road rules
    • your claim results from you participating in criminal or unlawful activity
    • you travel in the last trimester of your pregnancy and then suffer related complications
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    UK Travel Insurance FAQs

    • Do I really need travel insurance for a trip to the UK?

    Yes. You might think that it’s highly unlikely that something will go wrong and end up costing you a significant amount of money, but all it takes is one accident or unforeseen event to land you in a whole lot of trouble. Travel insurance for the UK provides essential financial protection against a wide range of travel risks.

    • What sort of policy should I take out?

    This is up to you, though your decision should be influenced by the holiday you have planned. You can choose from budget or comprehensive cover, as well as single, joint or family policies, so consider factors like where you’re travelling, what you’ll be doing when you get there and how much cover you need.

    • Should I buy UK travel insurance from my travel agent?

    This approach is not recommended. Travel agents regularly add a large commission to the price of UK travel insurance policies they offer, so you can usually save yourself a whole lot of money by seeking cover direct from an insurer.

    • What documents do I need make a claim?

    Generally, the types of documents you will need for a claim depend on the nature of the claim. Documents could include a UK police report, medical reports, invoices and receipts of lost/stolen items.

    • Am I covered in the case of terrorism or natural disasters in the UK?

    This highly depends on the policy that you have. Generally, if the Australian government advises against travelling to the UK due the threat of terrorism for example, then your policy may not cover you for any losses that occur as a result of terrorism but may still cover you for losses that occur from normal incidents. Check your policy for exact terms on cover in exceptional circumstances.

    • Can I buy my insurance over the phone?

    Yes, you can contact your insurer if you would prefer to purchase a policy over the phone. Contact details for any insurers can be found directly on the contact page of their websites.

    • Does "personal liability" cover for negligence?

    Personal liability generally covers any costs you are legally liable for due to negligence. Most insurers however, do not cover acts of unlawful intent, when you are driving aircraft or for sexually transmitted diseases. If you accidentally crash a car in London, personal liability may cover you depending on the terms of the claim and your policy details but if you were to vandalise St Paul's Cathedral you certainly would not be. Remember to always read the PDS to ensure you are covered for particular incidents.

    • Are there specific activity insurance policies available for travel in the UK?

    Yes, just like most places in the world, insurers do offer cover for things like sporting activities in the UK. Double check your policy to see if they cover UK-specific activities such as hot ballooning.

    • Is it possible to get covered for longer than 12 months?

    Long term options are available from certain travel insurers. In general, extended cover is kicked in as an option or renewal once 12 months passed or bought as aa second policy which is cross referenced with the first 12 - month policy.

    You can read more on long term coverage here.

    Compare policies for the UK

    Travel insurance is an essential consideration for any trip, no matter whether you’re travelling to the UK or the Middle East. However, in order to guarantee that you end up with the right type and level of cover for your specific needs, make sure to do plenty of research and shop around for the best* available policy.

    Get a quote for UK travel insurance

    warning Finally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘
    Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.
    International travel insurance is limited and sometimes unavailable at this point.

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