Travel insurance for the United Kingdom: All you need to know

Finding good travel insurance for the United Kingdom is one of the most important things to spend time on if you’re planning a visit to any of the countries of the UK. Even though these countries are well-equipped for tourists, with all kinds of services available, it’s always best to be covered for any unexpected situations. The cost of living in the area is high, so dealing with certain expenses can get pricey. 

A good travel insurance will cover you for medical emergencies, where bills can get pretty steep. But it also has you covered for other mishaps, like lost luggage or flight delays. Although we have already talked about international travel insurance before, today we want to tell you everything you need to know to choose the best one for this region. Read on to find the right insurance for you.

Why take out travel insurance for the UK?

Although many see travel insurance as an optional expense when planning a trip, it’s anything but. This is especially true if you’re heading to a destination with a high cost of living, like the UK. Any unexpected issue there could end up costing you a fortune. 

For starters, if you have a health emergency, you’ll want to be covered. Although the British health system (NHS) offers free care to its residents, tourists must pay for most services, such as medical consultations or specialised treatments. If you have to pay your own medical bills, a private medical consultation will cost £59 and £83 ($75-110). What if you need a day of hospitalisation? It could cost you over £835 ($1,100). And of course, medications come at an extra cost.

But the potential setbacks don’t stop there. What if your luggage goes missing at Heathrow Airport? Or your connecting flight at Gatwick is delayed, throwing off your plans? Travel insurance doesn’t just cover you in these situations—it also provides the support you need to handle them quickly and efficiently. They’ve got your back with compensation for lost luggage or refund for extra hotel nights.

For those planning to explore remote areas of the UK, travel insurance is also key. It’ll be a huge help if you have an accident during an activity. Biking through Yorkshire’s green landscapes or exploring Scotland’s castles sounds amazing, but a fall or crash could ruin your trip. Insurance companies have you covered for emergencies or even repatriation if needed.

Considering civil liability is also key. Imagine you trip and damage an object in an antique shop in London. or getting into a minor accident while renting a car to explore the charming villages of the Cotswolds. Some insurance plans cover the legal and financial costs of these situations.

As you can see, getting travel insurance for the UK isn’t just an extra expense—it’s an essential safety net. For you and your investment in flights, accommodation and experiences. It’ll allow you to enjoy every corner of the country without worrying about the ‘what ifs…’.

What should a travel insurance policy for the UK cover?

If you’ve never taken out travel insurance before, now that you know you need one, you might be wondering what coverage you should look for. How much medical coverage should it include? Do all policies offer compensation for lost luggage or flight delays? Is it necessary for the policy to cover adventure activities if I plan to go hiking? Although the insurance you need will depend on the type of holiday you are planning, here are some of the essential coverages you should look for when taking out insurance for the UK:

1. Emergency medical expenses: This is the cornerstone of any travel insurance. The British health system (NHS) offers free care only to its residents and private medical services are expensive. As mentioned above, a private medical consultation will cost you between £59 and £83 ($75-$110). Make sure your policy covers at least €250,000 ($310,000) in medical expenses. It should include hospitalisation, medication and ambulance transfers.

2. Medical repatriation: In the event of a severe emergency, repatriation to your home country can amount to thousands of pounds. Particularly if specialised medical assistance is required during the transfer. It could cost you over £10,000 ($12,500). An insurance plan covering repatriation ensures that, in such critical situations, you can worry about more important things than paying the bills.

3. Lost or stolen baggage: UK airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick are known for their high traffic. This increases the risk of loss of baggage. Make sure your policy provides compensation of at least £1,500 ($1,875) to replace essential belongings in the event of theft or loss.

4. Compensation for flight delays and cancellations: Flight delays and cancellations are frequent on international routes. A good travel insurance should cover any expenses you might face if you’re stranded, such as extra hotel nights or meals. The most complete insurance plans offer compensation of between £100 and £200 ($125-250) for each day’s delay.

5. Civil liability: Imagine you’re exploring Scotland’s rural landscapes by bicycle and unintentionally cause damage to a fence or private property along your route. Such incidents can lead to legal claims that could be quite high. An insurance plan covering civil liability will protect you financially. Coverage typically ranges from £30,000 to £60,000 ($37,500-75,000).

6. 24/7 assistance: Unforeseen events don’t follow a schedule. Make sure your insurer offers round-the-clock support. If possible, opt for one with a mobile App to handle emergencies faster. And don’t forget to get your Holafly eSIM to stay connected at all times!

7. Outdoor activities coverage: If you plan to explore the Scottish Highlands, cycle in Cambridge or do water sports on the Cornish coast, your insurance should include cover for outdoor sports and activities. Accidents during these activities may require immediate medical attention or even repatriation, with costs that could exceed £2,000 ($2,500).

Choosing your UK travel insurance with this coverage will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your destination to the fullest. Remember, always read the terms of the policy and check that it suits the type of getaway you have in mind.

Comparison of the best travel insurances for UK

Now that you know why you need travel insurance for the UK and what cover you should require from the one you buy, it’s time to choose the option that best suits your needs. With so many alternatives available, it can be difficult to decide. Some policies stand out for their comprehensive medical coverage and others offer specific benefits for frequent travellers or longer stays. With this table, we want to give you a detailed comparison of five of the best travel insurance options. You’ll get a clearer view of prices, coverage, and key services.

The 5 best travel insurance plans for the United Kingdom

You’re probably closer to making a decision after reviewing the table above. Before taking the final step, you’ll want all the details, so let’s go over each provider more thoroughly. Some stand out for their medical coverage, while others excel in emergency response. Here’s a general overview of what each one offers:

IATI: Expertise and tailored service for the UK

Founded in 1885, IATI Insurance is one of Europe’s oldest insurers, renowned for its focus on independent travellers. With more than a century of experience, it offers coverage designed to suit both those seeking basic policies and those who prefer more comprehensive options. Its customer service, available 24/7 in multiple languages, is one of its strong points. This is especially useful if you don’t speak English and have any problems while you are in the UK.

In addition, IATI is characterised by its focus on transparency and ease of management. All policies include comprehensive medical coverage, cancellation protection and specific options for adventure sports. This makes it a reliable choice for both short breaks and longer stays in the UK.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €100,000 (£87,000/$108,000) for Basic and up to €5,000,000 (£4,350,000/$5,400,000) for Star.
• Repatriation: 100% included.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €500 (£435/$540) for the Ease of Mind plan and up to €2,500 (£2,175/$2,700) for the Star plan.
• Adventure sports coverage: Included in more comprehensive plans.
• Flight delays: Up to €300 (£260/$324) in Star insurance.

Plans and prices:

• IATI Backpacker: €53.99 (£47/$58) for 7 days.
• IATI Basic: €32.90 (£28/$36) for 7 days.
• IATI Standard: €38.88 (£34/$42) for 7 days.
• IATI Star: €70.87 (£62/$77) for 7 days.

IATI is an insurer with a solid track record that combines experience and flexibility. It’s perfect for those looking for a reliable option with comprehensive coverage.

HeyMondo: Technology and convenience for the UK

HeyMondo has established itself as an innovative player in the travel insurance market, thanks to its digital-first approach and all-inclusive coverage. Founded in 2018, it combines technology with personalised service to provide a seamless and efficient experience. One of its main highlights is its App, which allows users to manage claims, access online medical consultations, and quickly locate nearby hospitals.

For travellers spending a few days or months in the UK, HeyMondo offers specific cover including adventure sports, comprehensive medical expenses and protection against flight delays. Its approach is designed for those seeking peace of mind and quick problem solving during their journey.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €600,000 (£520,000/$650,000).
• Repatriation: Unlimited.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 (£1,300/$1,600)
• Adventure sports: Included in all plans.
• Civil liability: Up to €60,000 (£52,000/$65,000).

Plans and prices:

• Essential Travel: €30.55 (£26/$33) for 7 days.
• Ease of Mind Travel: €35.59 (£31/$39) for 7 days.
• Top Travel: €57.18 (£49/$63) for 7 days.
• Premium Travel: €76.01 (£65/$82) for 7 days.

HeyMondo is perfect for travellers looking for comprehensive and easy-to-manage insurance— especially if they value the convenience of resolving any issues from their mobile device.

Chapka: A solid choice for active travellers

Chapka Insurance is well known for catering to adventure-seeking travellers. Since its founding in 2002, this French insurer has stood out for including adventure sports in its standard coverage, making it an excellent choice for those planning outdoor activities in the UK, such as hiking in the Cotswolds or cycling through Yorkshire’s scenic routes.

What sets Chapka apart is its flexibility and competitive pricing, with plans offering extensive medical coverage and 24/7 multilingual customer support. Additionally, its baggage loss and delay coverage is particularly useful for travellers navigating busy airports like Heathrow or Gatwick.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €250,000 (£217,000/$270,000).
• Repatriation: Included.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €800 (£700/$870).
• Adventure sports coverage: Included in all plans.
• Flight delays: Up to €150 (£130/$160) in Basic plan.

Plans and prices:

• Cap Trip Basic: €26.76 (£23/$29) for 7 days.
• Cap Trip Plus: €35.59 (£31/$39) for 7 days.

Chapka is a great choice for travellers looking for a budget-friendly option tailored to adventure activities, ensuring hassle-free protection during their trip.

AXA Assistance: Premium service for the United Kingdom

AXA Assistance is a globally renowned insurer, recognized for its commitment to high-quality service and expertise in handling emergencies. Founded in 1958, this French company provides travel plans with a wide assistance network in the UK. It’s an ideal option for travellers seeking maximum peace of mind, especially in critical situations.

Although its prices are slightly higher than those of other insurers, AXA’s coverage includes medical care, repatriation, and additional options for specific activities. This makes it a reliable choice for those who prioritize top-tier service and comprehensive protection.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €150,000 (£130,000/$162,000).
• Repatriation: Unlimited.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 (£1,300/$1,600)
• Adventure sports: Additional option for €33.61 (£29/$37).
• Civil liability: Up to €30,000 (£26,000/$32,000).

Plans and prices:

• Mini insurance: €37.65 (£32/$41) for 7 days.
• Total Insurance: €58.07 (£49/$63) for 7 days.
• Total Plus Insurance: €80.28 (£67/$87) for 7 days.

AXA Assistance is an excellent option for those seeking a premium experience and efficient support in any eventuality.

InterMundial: Flexibility and value for money

InterMundial is a Spanish insurance company that has stood out for offering flexible and customisable plans for all types of travellers. Founded in 1994, it has earned the trust of its customers thanks to its focus on customer service and the ability to tailor policies to the specific needs of each trip.

For those travelling to the UK, InterMundial offers plans with extensive medical coverage, protection against cancellations, and customer support available in multiple languages, making it a practical and budget-friendly option.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €300,000 (£260,000/$325,000).
• Repatriation: Unlimited on all plans.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 (£1,300/$1,600)
• Civil liability: Up to €50,000 (£43,000/$54,000).

Plans and prices:

• TotalTravel Mini: €33.31 (£28/$36) for 7 days.
• TotalTravel: €41.74 (£36/$46) for 7 days.
• TotalTravel Premium: €65.78 (£56/$72) for 7 days.

Which is the best travel insurance for the United Kingdom?

As you can see, all insurers offer similar coverage—the difference is in the details. While the right choice depends on your circumstances and requirements, there is one that stands out from the rest. IATI is positioned as the best insurer for covered travel to the UK. Its century-long history, flexible plans and 24-hour customer service make it a suitable choice for all types of travellers. Whether for short visits to London or longer stays exploring Scotland, IATI covers all your needs comprehensively and makes all the arrangements as easy as possible.

One of the main reasons for highlighting IATI is the breadth of its medical cover, which in its most comprehensive plan is up to €5,000,000 (£4,350,000/$5,400,000). It also includes protection against loss of luggage, adventure sports and 100% repatriation, which are crucial for any traveller. You’ll also appreciate the 24-hour multi-language support when you have a problem and need quick assistance.

On its own website, IATI recommends the Standard plan for those looking for a balance between cost and additional services in their travel insurance for the UK.

With this review of the different travel insurance coverages for the United Kingdom, you’re one step closer to enjoying a worry-free getaway without worrying about unexpected hiccups. If you need more information to prepare everything, you can check out our guides for digital nomads in the UK or how to stay connected in the UK. Safe travels!

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