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Travel Insurance Guides

Good travel insurance is a must-have essential for any holiday or trip. These guides cover why you need it, the protection it provides, what to consider when choosing a policy, how to reduce your risk when you go and more.

Woman with their head outside a train window, posing for a picture with a scenic mountain range in the background

Gap year travel advice for solo travellers

Exploring the globe can be scary, but there’s so much to find at the edge of your comfort zone. We look at some of the top destinations to visit on your own – and share ...

Doctor taking blood pressure of a patient

Travel insurance for people with high blood pressure

Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right cover in case something goes wrong abroad.

Sunglasses sitting in sand on a beach

Travel insurance for diabetics

You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, making sure that your medical needs are taken care of.

Young family on the beach laughing and playing

10 tips for keeping kids safe on holiday

We all know the feeling – getting to the airport, then a wave of panic comes over you. Did you remember your passport? What time's the flight? And where on earth did you ...

Plane wing in flight

Don't make these holiday mistakes

Booking a last-minute holiday can get the blood pumping with the sudden thrill of adventure, but it also makes it easier to overlook things.

Young family laughing in bed together

Is Airbnb safe? Tips on staying safe

The arrival of Airbnb has helped to transform the travel industry in recent years. On any one night, over two million people stay in homes advertised through Airbnb in ...

Elevated view of small coastal town in Canary Islands surrounded by blue waters

Travel insurance for the Canary Islands

People flock to the Canary Islands from all over Europe. No wonder, with such appealing beaches, landscapes and temperatures to enjoy.

Rocky and green coastline with people on sandy beach surrounded with blue waters and boats

European and Global Health Insurance Cards

If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) with you or existing European health Insurance Card (Ehic), ...

Classic red car parked in Havana street, Cuba

Travel insurance for Cuba

Today, Cuba is more accessible than it has been for many decades, and those who decide to holiday there can expect a mixture of colourful city life and luxurious ...

Woman in red dress and hat looking up at Greek ruins

Travel insurance for Greece

Greece and the Greek islands have long been a popular travel destination for us Brits. But are there any travel risks or other factors to keep in mind before and when ...

Table mountain and Cape Town marina

Travel insurance for South Africa

How safe is South Africa to visit and why is having travel insurance important when you go? Our guide looks at the potential travel risks and the cover you may want to ...

Canadian kayaks in water surrounded by Canadian mountains and trees

Travel insurance for Canada

Canada is a vast country of diverse delights – everything from bustling cities to snow-capped mountains, deep forests and crystal clear lakes. If you're thinking of ...

Lagoon with boats surrounded by rocky green hillside in Thailand

Travel insurance for Thailand

Thailand’s idyllic beaches, azure-blue sea, buzzing cities and exciting alternative scene are a draw for Brits. A trip can be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Union Jack flag at top of flag pole

Everything you need to know about embassies

Learn the difference between embassies and consulates, and why you might need them when travelling.

Doctor stethoscope resting on top of a world map

Do I need travel vaccinations?

There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic destination. Make staying safe with travel vaccinations top of your to-do list.

Charles V palace in Alhambra, Spain

Travel insurance for Spain

Every year, millions of holidaymakers from the UK head to Spain for its combination of glistening beaches, unique culture and Mediterranean cuisine.

Person pushing wheelchair along passage in airport

How to get assisted travel at airports

Lots of people who need assisted travel at airports are missing out simply because they don’t know how to go about asking for it.

Woman packing her suitcase

Holiday packing and pre-travel checklist

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

Young boy sitting in airplane looking out of airplane window

Travel tips for babies, toddlers and young kids

It’s your holiday too, and good preparation can take some of the worry out of travelling with your littleuns.

Drummer and band playing music to a crowd with sun in background

Top tips for going to festivals overseas

With festivals overseas becoming the new norm, festivalgoers need to do a bit more planning than for a UK festival.

Old French townhouses

Travel insurance for France

It may be a short hop away, but a trip to France is not without its travel risks. Make sure you’re clued up on what they are and have travel insurance in place to help ...

Family relaxing sitting near beach and sea on their summer holiday

Family travel insurance

If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance that covers you all. Especially if you have little ones.

Schengen village, Luxembourg

Schengen travel insurance

The status of Schengen visas for international students resident in the UK is currently uncertain. This page will be updated when more detail is available.

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Great tips for people travelling alone

Whether you’re travelling solo because of business, you’re hoping to meet someone, or simply because you enjoy it, being by yourself can sometimes be a daunting prospect ...

Two backpacks, one with boots attached, sat against a dark wooden door

A complete list of backpacking essential items

Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off you’ll need some packing tips so you're not weighed down on the way.

Palma Cathedral, Majorca, Spain

Travel insurance for the Balearic Islands

It’s one of the most popular holiday hotspots for UK holidaymakers. But what can you expect from a trip to the Balearics?

Kukulkan Temple in Mexico

Travel insurance for Mexico

Find out about medical care available to Brits in Mexico, as well as travel risks, transport options and the importance of taking travel insurance.

Venice at sunset

Travel insurance for Italy

Find out about the safety of travelling to Italy as well as the medical care available to Brits and how to get around.

Person snowboarding through snow surrounded with snow spray

8 tips on staying safe while you enjoy your winter sports

The white stuff is alluring, so make sure you can enjoy it safely, are ready for the unexpected and pack travel insurance for extra reassurance.

Taj Mahal in distance with people in the foreground

Travel insurance for India

For many UK holidaymakers, India is an intriguing and diverse culture with colourful traditions and engrossing history. For many others, it’s a home from home.

Japanese temple in forest

Travel insurance for Japan

If you’re jetting off to Japan soon make sure you have good travel insurance to cover your trip. The right policy may offer more protection than the standard medical ...

a couple relaxing by the sea with a picnic

Winter sun holiday destinations to escape to

Looking to escape the chilly UK winter? Our Winter Sun Survey reveals the top sunny destinations UK travellers are choosing this season. And learn why travel insurance ...

Woman set on floor taking notes with open suitcase on bed behind her

How to pack a suitcase

Whether you’re heading to the beach for a much-needed break or boarding a boat for a cruise somewhere breath-taking, it’s important to know what to pack in advance so ...

Woman wearing backpack walking at the airport pulling wheeled luggage behind her

When to buy travel insurance

Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, if yes, when is the right time to buy cover?

Egyptian pyramids

Travel insurance for Egypt

Make sure you’re travelling safely in Egypt with the latest advice and risks, and learn about getting around and local culture.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, at night

Travel insurance for Australia

Heading down under for a trip to or around Australia? Make sure you’ve got the right level of travel insurance cover for where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing.

Tourists taking in the sights of Times Square in New York

Worldwide travel insurance

Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter? Or maybe taking in the sights of Athens or Rome?

Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco

Travel insurance for Morocco

Perched on the northern tip of Africa, Morocco’s long been a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. If you’re heading there soon, make sure you’ve got good travel ...

Plane wing in flight

What is ATOL protected?

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organisers' Licensing, a scheme that helps make sure consumers are covered if travel firms fall into financial difficulties.

man sitting on the beach with his laptop

Travelling while you work or vice versa

The opportunities to combine business and leisure have never been greater. You could be planning some ‘bleisure’ time, taking a ‘workation’ or diving into becoming a ...

Beach with sea waves lapping on to beach and a beautiful sunset in the distance

Find hot holiday destinations any time of year

If you're the type of sunchaser who looks forward to that sizzling summer break, can’t wait to escape to warmer climes in the UK’s winter months or can't be away from ...

New Zealand road with snow-capped mountains either side and ahead

Travel insurance for New Zealand

Find out what medical care Brits can access in New Zealand and travel risks to be aware of like natural catastrophes, however rare.

Sandy beach with rocks and palm trees in front of blue sea with person riding a jet ski

10 ways to look after your valuables at the beach

The whole idea of lounging around on the beach is to switch off and enjoy the sunshine. But the reality is that opportunistic thieves are on the lookout for unattended ...

Male wearing winter jacket and backpack looking up at departures board

Travelling without insurance

In an average year, millions of Britons go abroad without the right travel insurance – or even without any cover at all. Are you one of them?

Woman taking picture of landscape featuring a mountain range and lake.

The Travel Safety Index for Solo Travellers

Travelling solo means freedom and independence, making new connections and never having to compromise.

Senior citizens travelling and holding hands

Travel insurance for seniors and pensioners

As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of the joy. And changes in your medical needs shouldn’t stand in the way of your desire to ...

pregnant lady relaxing in the sea

Travelling during your pregnancy

Before your little bundle of joy arrives, you may be considering taking a holiday. But is it safe? And what precautions should you consider before making a booking?

a person packing a suitcase

Need a holiday? These travel hacks could save you money 

Satisfy your travel craving while making your holiday budget go further. We’ve gathered tips to help you cut out costs and hassle – and enjoy a well-earned break.

Man on plane in upgraded seating working on his laptop

How to get a free flight upgrade

There are several ways to get to the top of the class on your flight – whether that's business or even first.

Grand Canyon at sunset

Travel insurance for USA

The famous cliché of America is that it's big. And it is. Across its six time zones are examples of virtually every type of geography on earth, from the baked deserts of ...

Cappadocia with hot air balloons flying around the sky

Travel insurance for Turkey

A trip to Turkey offers toasty beaches and tourist treats aplenty. No wonder it’s so popular with holidaymakers from the UK and elsewhere.

Woman wearing sunglasses and smiling with mountains in distance

What is ABTA?

Over 60 million people travel from the UK most years for holidays or business. The vast majority enjoy smooth, trouble-free journeys. Sometimes, though, things go wrong.

Female doctor smiling and talking to an elderly female patient

Vaccinations needed for Thailand

Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in certain circumstances. It’s important to know which vaccinations or injections for Thailand you ...

young men and women friends with skiing equipment take selfie

Post Office Travel Insurance Winter Sports Survey

With the winter sports season upon us, we conducted a Winter Sports Survey for the second year running. It found as many as four in 10 UK travellers (39%) planned to ...

Sunset at the English coast

Do I need travel insurance for a UK break or staycation?

Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it might be something you want to have.

Woman holding up mobile phone, showing a doctor on the screen

Don’t let illness spoil your perfect holiday – book an online doctor

There’s nothing worse than falling ill while away from home. Along with the worry of the cost of visiting a doctor and getting treatment, being poorly can put a real ...

Couple sitting on rock hill, embracing

Travel insurance for cancer patients

If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance for your trip?

young lady checking the flight times on the board whilst holding her passport

What to do if your airline or holiday company goes bust

Finding out that your airline or holiday company has gone bust is a shock – especially if you’re on holiday at the time. But there are plenty of laws and regulations in ...

Interior of Dublin library in Ireland

Travel insurance for Ireland

Do UK residents need travel insurance for Ireland? And what healthcare is available for Brits if they’re visiting the country?

Dubai skyline at night

Travel insurance for Dubai

Planning on living the high life with a trip to the UAE’s iconic mega-city, Dubai? Make sure you’re aware of the local culture, travel risks and have travel insurance to ...

UK passport with compact camera on top, watch and a retro camera

How to protect your travel documents

While it’s useful to take hard copies of travel documents away, you can minimise your worry and risk. Here are some handy tips on keeping your travel documents safe.

Woman wearing hat and backpack at airport looking a departure board at the airport

Safe travels: where can I go on holiday?

Travel’s a great way to unwind, see the world, open the mind and expand horizons. But rapidly changing situations around the world can soon impact such plans.

group of people having a good time

Teen travel: holiday ideas for teenagers and tips for parents

Travel can help teenagers grow and discover new places. This guide shares the best trips for teens, advice for those travelling independently for the first time, plus ...

Getting travel insurance for an adventure holiday

Adventurous holidays can take many forms, from action-packed itineraries in unusual places to taking part in the odd activity during a more traditional break.

Dog running with owner through sea waves and spray along a sandy beach on a sunny day

How to travel with your dog

Taking your best friend on holiday with you is everyone's ideal situation, but travelling with a dog can be a complicated process. Make sure you know how.

Red suitcase on airport conveyor belt at luggage reclaim

What you should do about delayed, lost or damaged luggage

The last thing you want to happen on holiday is standing the luggage carousel at the airport waiting for bags that don't appear. It's a huge inconvenience that can cost ...

Woman wearing hat and backpack at airport looking a departure board at the airport

Flight delays and compensation

Most of the time, getting a flight is a hassle-free event. If you only take hand luggage, have your boarding pass saved to your phone and everything’s running to plan ...

a couple standing with matching suitcases

What can I take on a plane?

Ready to jet off on a much-needed break but confused about what you can take with you on the flight?

Three young women, left and right both wearing sunglasses, all laughing in the sunshine

10 best holidays to take teenagers on

Holidays for teenagers can take some imagination to make sure they’ve got the right mixture of destination, activity and social life – and make sure you have a great ...

Clothed male baby wearing a flat cap sat on a beach with sand in his hands

Tips for travelling with grandchildren

Enjoy that precious time away with your grandchildren, and take some of the pressure off by getting good travel insurance – just in case something goes wrong.

A group of friends on the top deck of a tourist bus

Kids’ travel insurance

It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their own. Although, perhaps it's tinged with a feeling of relief. But you can't help but worry ...

Add extra security and confidence to your holiday with a travel insurance policy.