When is travel insurance necessary?

It is worth noting that you can travel without travel insurance, although it would mean you will need to take care of all potential expenses yourself. This would include medical emergencies, which can easily reach thousands of pounds.

If you’re travelling, it’s important that you purchase the right travel insurance for your needs. Although you might have travel insurance included with your bank account, tour operator, or even just alongside your flights, the cover may not be enough in the event of a medical emergency. For this kind of cover, especially in relation to pre-existing conditions, medical travel insurance is essential.

While some countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK - such as the EHIC/GHIC, or Medicare - there might still be additional charges or fees. Appropriate travel insurance can help take care of those, as well as all the necessary cancellation, baggage, and travel delay benefits.

Related FAQs

1. Where are my policy documents?
2. How do I cancel my policy?
3. When should I buy my travel insurance?
4. Can my family travel separately under an Annual Multi-Trip policy?
5. How do you define UK resident?
6. What is travel insurance?
7. Can I extend my policy from abroad?
8. Is there an excess?
9. Should I contact you each time I travel on my annual policy?
10. What is the EHIC?
11. Should I take an EHIC card?
12. Can I get travel insurance if I’ve already travelled?
13. Can I make changes to my policy after I've bought it?
14. What if the FCDO advises against travel?
15. I’m travelling today - can I get cover?
16. Can I use this policy to work abroad?