UK travel insurance · 2026 data
Price comparison sites rank by premium. The things that decide whether a claim pays are medical limits, cancellation cover, declared conditions and where you're going. Start with your trip.
Updated 6 October 2026 · Figures sourced and linkedStart here
UK residents made 94.6 million visits abroad in 2024 (ONS). The government's advice for every one of them is the same: buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering any existing physical or mental health conditions and everything you plan to do.
"Appropriate" depends on where you're going, how often you travel and your health. Answer four questions to see what matters for your trip.
Costs are the FCDO's illustrative examples of treatment and repatriation without insurance (GOV.UK). A guide, not advice.
The cost of no cover
Medical claims were 34% of travel insurance claims in 2024, up from 29% the year before, and cost insurers £262 million. One ABI member paid more than £1 million for emergency hospital treatment in the USA and repatriation (ABI).
Without insurance, those bills are yours. The FCDO's examples run from £25,000 for a broken leg in Spain to more than £150,000 for a hospital stay in the USA. A policy with a low premium but a low medical limit is a false economy.
Uninsured treatment examples from the FCDO; average claim from the ABI, August 2025.
Comparing policies
Comparison sites sort by price. These are the lines that decide whether you're actually covered.
The big one. Make sure it comfortably exceeds the FCDO's own examples (over £150,000 for a US hospital stay) and includes repatriation.
Should at least match what you'd lose if you cancelled. Buy as soon as you book so it starts then.
Declare everything. If you're refused or the extra premium is £200 or more, the insurer must point you to a specialist directory.
Annual policies cap each trip and often have lower age limits. Over 70s →
Skiing, diving and adventure sports usually need adding. If it isn't listed, it isn't covered.
Phones, cameras and laptops often have low per-item limits. Work trips may need business cover.
Claims
The FCA's 2025 review of 8 travel insurers found weak oversight of outsourced claims handling and service failures, and said the problems matter more in travel because claims are often emergencies (FCA).
If yours is turned down, complain to the insurer first. The Financial Ombudsman is free: it received 4,451 travel insurance complaints in 2025/26 and found in the customer's favour in 36% (FOS).
Booked a package holiday with flights? ATOL protects you if the travel firm goes bust, but it isn't travel insurance: it won't pay for medical bills, cancellation for illness or lost bags.
Questions
Sources
We use primary sources only: the ABI, regulators, the NHS and government. Figures were checked on 6 October 2026. Spot something out of date? The source link is the fastest way to check.
Keep going