What is single trip travel insurance?

A single trip policy covers you for one specific trip or holiday. Unlike multi-trip insurance, the cover ends when that holiday does.

What is multi-trip travel insurance?

Annual multi-trip insurance is designed for people who travel several times a year, for business or pleasure. It covers every trip within a 12-month period, so you do not have to buy a new policy each time you travel. Policies usually set a maximum length for each trip.

Can I get travel insurance if I have medical conditions?

Yes, many insurers will consider people with pre-existing medical conditions, but you may need a specialist policy, as not every standard policy covers them. Declare all conditions when you buy, as failing to do so can affect a claim.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance usually covers the main concerns for travellers: trip cancellation, medical emergencies, travel delays and lost luggage. Cover levels and exclusions vary, so check the policy documents to see exactly what is included.

How do I make a travel insurance claim?

Contact your insurer as soon as possible, fill in their claim form, gather supporting documents such as hospital bills, receipts and police reports for lost or stolen items, and then submit the claim.

Insurance basics

Travel insurance

How travel insurance works, the difference between single trip and annual multi-trip cover, medical conditions and how to make a claim.

Going on holiday is something most of us look forward to. Cancelled flights, medical bills and lost luggage are not, and they can happen to anyone. Travel insurance is there to help with the cost when things go wrong.

Why travel insurance matters

Becoming ill or injured outside the UK can bring more complications, and more cost, than you might expect. Having travel insurance in place gives you some peace of mind should the worst happen.

Travel insurance generally pays out after the event. You may have to cover some costs upfront and then make a claim to your insurer, so keep any documents that support your claim, such as hospital bills and receipts.

What are the different policy types?

When you take out travel insurance, you will be asked which type of cover you want. These are the two main options.

Single trip

Single trip cover is for one journey to a set destination for a set length of time. It can cover unforeseen medical expenses, cancellation costs and lost luggage, depending on the policy.

Annual multi-trip

If you plan to take more than one trip a year, an annual multi-trip policy covers every trip you make during a 12-month period, rather than buying separate cover each time you travel. Check the maximum trip length and the regions covered before you buy.

Things to check before you travel

Whether the policy covers the activities you plan to do, such as winter sports.
The excess you would pay on a claim.
Whether all medical conditions have been declared and accepted.
The cover limits for medical costs, cancellation and baggage.

Government travel advice for each country is published on GOV.UK, and it is worth checking before you book and before you go.

Kompare doesn't currently offer quotes for travel insurance. To see the cover we can help with, read about how we work or visit our blog.