What does your travel insurance usually cover?

Medical expenses

When you’re outside the UK, you need to pay for emergency medical bills if you’re injured or fall ill on holiday, as there’s no free National Health Service.

A travel insurance policy is there to help cover the unexpected cost of your medical bills if you need it. Look out for the limits of a travel insurance policy because this will let you know up to how much your travel insurance will cover you for emergency medical expenses.

Repatriation

If you fall ill or are injured when you’re abroad, sometimes you might need to be sent home (repatriated). The insurance provider may have a medical officer to consult with the medical professionals treating you to make a decision on whether this would be necessary.

If needed, private jets might be used along with a crew of health professionals to escort you to a UK hospital for further treatment. Repatriation can also cover the costs of getting you and others on your policy back home if you’ve been treated abroad and missed your booked flights home.

Personal liability

Personal liability covers you for damages you might need to pay out if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property.

Baggage and personal items

If your baggage or personal items are lost, damaged or stolen, your travel insurance should be able to help cover the costs to replace or repair them up to your cover limits.

Cancellation or cutting your trip short

Travel insurance should cover you if you are forced to cancel or cut your trip short, also known as curtailing. Your reason for cancelling or cutting your trip short will need to be covered by your policy, which might differ between providers. You will not be covered if you change your mind and decide you no longer want to travel.

Missed departure

If you miss your flight or port departure because of traffic congestion, unannounced road closures or your public transport is cancelled due to reasons out of your control, your travel insurance should be able to cover the costs for additional arrangements (including travel and accommodation) to get you to your destination.