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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 a little too.

What happens if they lose their passports? Will they be robbed or have an accident? How can you help them if they run into trouble when you're so far away? That’s where travel insurance comes in.

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

Young, carefree - and not concerned about travel insurance

If you want to rest assured your kids have cover when they are away, take out some travel insurance on their behalf. Because they may not have arranged it themselves.

Some countries are riskier for tourists than others - it’s wise to check before plans are made and flights booked. If you need to confirm that we are able to provide cover for where your children are travelling, please check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO).

For each individual country the FCDO will list if travel is permitted or not. We recommend checking the latest foreign travel advice regularly as from time to time it can change, sometimes at short notice. 

Remember, the cover won't be valid if they travel to a destination when the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against all travel there. 

If the FCDO have advised to only undertake essential travel to a destination and your trip is not essential and you choose to travel, we will only cover a claim if the cause is not linked to the reason for the FCDO advice. This limitation applies even if you have purchased an optional Trip Disruption or Covid-19 upgrade. You may be able to travel with full cover if we authorise in writing that your trip is essential before you depart. Should you like to request this, please email travelinsurancefeedback@postoffice.co.uk

Having travel insurance means that if they get involved in an accident or unexpectedly fall ill while they are away, they may be able to recover some or all of the costs.

In common with most travel insurance policies, injury or mishaps that occur as a result of careless or negligent acts like balconing and tombstoning or being under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs will not be covered. Check the details in your policy document closely.

Make sure you've got travel insurance to cover you and your family

We could save them - and you - from paying out a small fortune

That's especially reassuring to know if they are exploring North America, where emergency medical treatment can be prohibitively expensive. Travel insurance for the USA and cover for Canada are therefore essential. If they end up somewhere remote needing medical assistance, make sure your travel insurance can get them to the nearest suitable hospital if a doctor determines they need medical treatment, and back home as soon as possible if necessary.

Make sure they know about Ghic 

If your children are travelling to Europe help them to get a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic). It's free, so make sure no one tries to charge. And it means they might receive state-provided medical healthcare for less. However, our travel insurance cover could pay more of the cost for you.

The availability of cover options is dependent upon the level of cover you select. Conditions and exclusions apply. For full details of what's included with your cover, check the policy documents tab.

Interested in travel insurance?

Other travel products

  • Travel Money

    Order foreign currency online or in selected branches. Pick up in any branch or get it delivered to your home.

  • Travel Money Card

    One prepaid Mastercard™ that stores up to 22 currencies.

  • Passport Check & Send

    Get your passport application right the first time. We can even complete and submit it for you digitally.