Travel insurance FAQs

Can I get medical treatment without travel insurance?

European Health Card

That depends on where you are. Some countries have reciprocal arrangements with the UK, which means you'll be able to get access to the same medical treatment as a citizen of that country, without travel insurance. 

Countries with reciprocal medical treatment agreements include European Union countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the Republic of Ireland and Sweden) Switzerland and Norway, as well as Australia, Barbados, New Zealand, Romania and Russia.

It doesn't, however, include other popular destinations such as Turkey and the US.

Bear in mind that, depending on the type of medical treatment and the country you're in, medical treatment might not be free, and the arrangement doesn't cover the cost of getting you home if you're seriously ill or injured. For this reason you should always have travel insurance if you are going abroad.

How long can I go on holiday for and still be covered by travel insurance?

Typical policies will cover you for trips abroad lasting for 30 to 31 days. If you are travelling abroad for longer it's best to check with your insurer first, they may cover you for longer - for a small premium. If you know you are going to travel abroad for a long spell before you have bought insurance, it's best to shop around and check policy details. You could contact a broker to help you search for the right cover.  

I've been offered travel accident insurance with my credit card. Does that mean I don't need to buy travel insurance?

No. Travel accident insurance normally only covers you if you're seriously injured in an accident while travelling. It doesn't cover you for other problems (for example treatment if you fall ill, or the cost of bringing you home if you're seriously ill), nor for loss of baggage or money, or cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.

Some credit cards and packaged current accounts do offer 'free' travel insurance. Check the policy is comprehensive and covers everything our Best Buy travel insurance policies do.

If something goes wrong on holiday, what should I do?

  • Air hostess stood at the door of a plane

    You should be compensated if your flight is delayed

    Take the travel insurance policy details with you Make sure you have your insurance details with you, as well as any emergency phone numbers. Most travel insurers specify that you must call them before getting any medical treatment – some may even refuse to pay out on your travel insurance if you fail to do so.
  • Keep receipts You will need receipts for any items that you want to claim for later, such as medical bills, prescriptions or anything you have to buy because your baggage has been lost, stolen or delayed.
  • Get a police report Your travel insurer will need to see a police report if your belongings are lost or stolen.
  • Delays of more than 12 hours If you're delayed for longer than 12 hours, you can normally claim up to around £50 on your travel insurance. Ask the airline to confirm the delay in writing and keep receipts of expenses incurred.
  • If your airline goes bust If your airline goes bust and you have bought a package holiday, check whether your provider is covered by the Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) scheme. This offers alternative flights and refunds if an affiliated airline goes bust.
  • Scheduled Airline Failure insurance This travel insurance will cover you if your airline collapses. However, this is rarely included as standard on travel insurance policies, so check with potential insurers if this is a requirement. You may be able to top up your travel insurance to be adequately covered.
  • Financial Failure Protection This is a more comprehensive form of cover than Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. It can  provide extra protection for people who have booked their holiday independently, meaning that they would not be covered under the ATOL scheme (which protects package holidays offered by ATOL tour operators). This insurance can include protection against hotels, villas, campsites, for instance, going insolvent. It could also provide protection in the event that a safari or excursion is cancelled or a theme park is unable to cater for your needs.

Read the Which? guides to coping with an emergency abroad and your for more.

I made a claim on my travel insurance, but the travel insurance company has rejected it. What can I do?

Don’t be deterred if a travel insurance claim is turned down or not paid in full.

Complain to the travel insurance company in writing and, if it doesn’t resolve your complaint, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service online or by calling 0845 080 1800. All our Best Buy travel insurers are members.

The Ombudsman can look into your case and has the powers to force the travel insurance company to settle and to pay you compensation.

Travel insurance for older people - turned down or charged more for cover?

According to a Which? Money survey, more than one in 10 members have experienced trouble getting insurance because of their age, with 87% of those struggling to get travel insurance.

If you're having difficulty finding cover at a reasonable rate, you can phone the Which? Money helpline on 01992 822 848. Our financial experts will be happy to point you in the right direction. You can also try the British Insurance Brokers' Association on 0870 950 1790.

What is personal liability cover?

Personal liability is an important, if little used, part of travel insurance. It covers you should you face legal bills if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while abroad.

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