Travel Insurance Calculator

Travel insurance covers unexpected events while travelling, including medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage and personal liability. For travel within Europe, a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to state healthcare but does not cover repatriation, private treatment or non-medical costs, so insurance is still essential.

Policy types include single trip (one journey), annual multi-trip (all trips in a year, usually capped at 31-45 days per trip), and backpacker/long-stay policies. Annual multi-trip is typically better value if you travel more than twice a year. Key cover levels to check are medical expenses (minimum £2 million for Europe, £5 million for worldwide), cancellation and baggage.

Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared and may increase premiums or require specialist cover. Age is a significant cost factor, with premiums rising sharply over 65. Winter sports, adventure activities and travel to the USA/Canada also increase costs substantially due to high medical treatment costs.

UK travel insurance averages 2026. Single trip Europe (1 week): £15-£35 family of 4. Worldwide (2 weeks): £30-£80 family. Annual multi-trip: £40-£200 family (Europe only £40-£90; worldwide £80-£200). Skiing/winter sports: 30-100% premium uplift. Cruises: specialist policy needed (£20-£100 more). Age impact: under 35 cheap (£8-£20); 55-65 moderate (£15-£40); 70+ significantly more (£50-£200+). Pre-existing medical conditions: extra £20-£200 or specialist insurer (AllClear, Saga).

Cover levels to expect. Medical: £5M-£15M typical UK policies. Cancellation/curtailment: £1,500-£10,000. Personal belongings: £1,000-£3,000 (sub-limits per item £200-£300). Delay: £20-£50/hour after 8+ hours. Personal liability: £2M+. Excess: £75-£150 standard (lower premium = higher excess). Specific exclusions: dangerous activities (paragliding, skydiving — separate cover), pre-existing conditions, travel to FCDO-warned regions, alcohol-related incidents.

GHIC vs travel insurance — both needed. Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) — replaced EHIC post-Brexit. Free from gov.uk. Covers state healthcare in EU + Switzerland. Does NOT cover: repatriation, private hospitals, mountain rescue, lost luggage, cancellation. GHIC and travel insurance are COMPLEMENTARY — never replace. EHIC valid until expiry; GHIC straightforward replacement. Apply 2-4 weeks before travel — free, 5-year validity. Travel insurance also vital for non-EU destinations and comprehensive coverage.

When to buy travel insurance — book now or later? Buy AT TIME of booking holiday — not just before travel. Reason: cancellation cover starts immediately. Sample: book Christmas holiday in June, get ill in October — cancellation cover ONLY active if insurance bought June not just before travel. Annual multi-trip: best value if travelling 2-3+ times/year. Single-trip: cheaper for one annual holiday only. Stack: book holiday on credit card for Section 75 protection PLUS travel insurance — double cover for cancellation/refund.

Common rejected claims and why. (1) Pre-existing conditions not declared — most common rejection. Must declare ALL conditions for past 2-3 years. (2) Alcohol-related (under influence): trip falls, accidents — claim rejected. (3) Unattended belongings (e.g. left on beach): excluded. (4) High-value items not specifically listed (jewellery, cameras over £200-£300). (5) Adventure sports not covered by basic policy. (6) Visiting FCDO-warned countries. (7) Not following 'reasonable care' (lost passport from open bag). Best practice: read policy wording at time of purchase, declare everything, photograph receipts of expensive items.