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Travel insurance How to buy travel insurance

The travel insurance cover you need

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You should get at least £1 million medical cover in Europe

Your travel insurance policy should meet these minimum criteria:

  • At least £2 million of medical cover This includes an air ambulance to get you home, if necessary.
  • At least £1,500 baggage and belongings cover Policies often have a single item limit
  • At least £3,000 cancellation or curtailment cover Including prepaid excursions and the costs of getting you home (for example, if a close relative falls ill)
  • Personal liability cover of at least £1 million This covers any costs as a result of you injuring someone, or damaging their property
  • A 24-hour emergency line and cover for legal expenses
  • Membership of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) If you have a dispute that you can't settle with the insurer, you can complain to the ombudsman for free. They can force the insurer to settle claims and pay compensation.

See our guides to holiday rights, holiday protection and getting compensation for holiday problems for more.

Travel insurance buying tips

  • Declare any information that could lead to a travel insurance claim, especially any pre-existing medical conditions affecting you or someone else on whom your travel may depend.
  • Check cover limits and exclusions.
  • Watch out for excesses on your travel insurance policy.
  • Read the small print thoroughly and ask questions about anything you don't understand.

Check your home insurance cover

If your belongings are already insured on your home insurance (under all-risks or personal possessions cover) for when you are away from home, you don't necessarily need baggage cover on your travel insurance.This can knock £10 off an annual worldwide policy.

Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you're going to Europe, get an EHIC online, over the phone (0845 606 2030) or from the Post Office. It replaced the E111 in 2006. If you do need medical care, many travel insurers will waive the excess (usually £50 to £100) if you use the card.

Check your credit card perks

A few credit cards and some current accounts come with comprehensive travel insurance. You often have to book the holiday using the card to be covered, so read the travel insurance policy's details carefully.

Travel accident insurance, available free with some credit cards, isn't the same as travel insurance – it gives only very limited medical cover.

Buying travel insurance from travel agents

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You'll likely pay more for travel insurance from a travel agent

Since January 2009, travel agents selling travel insurance have joined insurers in being regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This means unresolved problems can be passed to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 
However, you should think twice before buying travel insurance from a travel agent. It might seem convenient, but Which? research has consistently shown that you're likely to pay over the odds for travel insurance if you do this. 

We would also recommend scrutinising travel agent booking forms, as some automatically include travel insurance.