Compare single trip travel insurance

The short answer is that it depends. Many insurers now offer some level of COVID-19 cover, but it can vary quite a lot. Examples of what may be covered include:

• Emergency medical expenses: Including repatriation (getting you home), and additional expenses (quarantine hotels, etc) if you fall ill with COVID-19.
• Cancellation: If you test positive (or a close relative passes away due to COVID-19) prior to your holiday and are unable to travel.
• Curtailment: If you test positive for COVID-19 pre-departure, upon arrival at your destination, or while on holiday. Additionally, look for a policy that offers curtailment cover in the event a close relative passes away from COVID-19 during your holiday.

A good single trip travel insurance policy could include the following:

• Medical expenses: £5,000,000
• Personal liability: £1,000,000
• Cancellation: £3,000 (or amount equal to total holiday cost)
• Delay cover: The amount can vary, but should be included
• Missed departure: £500
• Loss, damage or theft of baggage: £1,500
• Policy excess: Under £100
• Holiday cash: £250-£500
• Emergency assistance: 24/7 support

You may also wish to include cover for ‘end supplier failure’ – it’s not always included as standard. This covers you for any non-refundable element of your travel. For example, if your airline or hotel ceases trading before or during your holiday.

You should always check that your policy meets your needs before you travel. The following exclusions are common in standard single trip travel insurance policies:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a basic single trip travel insurance policy will not cover you in the event of a medical emergency.
• Natural catastrophe and terrorism: Although very rare, you’ll need extra cover if you want to protect your holiday against natural catastrophes and terrorism.
• Accidents resulting from excessive drinking or drug use: If excessive alcohol consumption or drug use plays a significant factor in injury or accident while abroad, your insurer may be able to void your insurance.
• Gadget travel insurance: If you travel with multiple gadgets, a standard single trip travel insurance policy is unlikely to provide enough cover. Most policies offer a flat rate for stolen or lost baggage (generally, between £1,500 to £2,000), with a “per item cap”. Gadget travel insurance provides cover for a range of items, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

The type of travel insurance you should choose depends on how often you travel. If you tend to travel regularly within a 12-month period, an annual multi-trip policy is likely to offer the best value.

However, if you only take one or two holidays a year, single trip insurance could be the better option. It could work out cheaper for infrequent travellers and generally has higher or no age limits (many insurers do not offer annual travel insurance policies to travellers over a certain age, typically 75).

While it might seem like the best option, the cheapest policy you find may not necessarily provide you with the comprehensive cover you need. In addition, it’s likely to have a higher excess (the part you pay to make a claim). Rather than skimping here, you may want to pay a little more upfront on a policy so your money is better protected should you need to make a claim.

Buying well in advance may save you money on your travel insurance. We recommend buying your insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday – that way, you’re protected if anything goes wrong before you travel, too.

To find the best deal on your travel insurance, you can compare a wide range of single trip policies with icelolly.com.

To make a travel insurance claim while you are on holiday, call the hotline provided to you by your insurer. This should be included in your policy documents.

Before you travel, make sure you have a copy of the policy, either paper or digital (via email or saved to your smartphone), with you. We also recommend saving your policy reference number onto your phone for easy access.

For some claims, you may need to provide a police report before you contact your insurer. Remember to keep any evidence that will support your claim, including medical receipts, doctor notes and prescriptions, police reports, and proof of purchase.

Looking for something else? At icelolly.com, we can help you compare a range of cheap travel insurance policies to offer you peace of mind while away on holiday.

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Specialist health insurance for travellers with pre-existing health issues, such as heart, respiratory, or psychological conditions.
• Annual multi-trip insurance: Year-long plans for regular travellers. Offers cover for unlimited trips within a 365-day period.
• Gadget insurance: Extra cover for expensive gadgets, such as smart phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras.

Who regulates us?

The icelolly.com travel insurance comparison site is operated by CYTI Limited. Registered in England (company number: 07368288). CYTI Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference number: 594298).

How much is single trip travel insurance?

You can find single trip travel insurance from as little as £6.29* when you compare with icelolly.com. Keep in mind that this cost can vary according to the level of cover a policy offers, the length of the trip, the destination, and your personal information, such as age and health.

*Based on an individual aged 30 taking single trip cover for 8 days to Spain. Cover starts on 11th December 2021 and ends on 18th December 2021. Prices correct as of 10th December 2021.

Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC/EHIC card?

Yes, you still need travel insurance even if you have a GHIC/EHIC card. These cards do not cover certain medical issues, repatriation, or private emergency care.

Can I get travel insurance when I'm already on holiday?

Most insurers will not sell you a travel insurance policy if you are already on holiday. However, some specialists may.

Do I still need single trip travel insurance for a UK holiday?

Travel insurance for UK holidays can offer extra peace of mind. However, you may be covered through your home insurance for lost or stolen possessions.

Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions before you buy an insurance policy. If you don’t do this, your insurer may refuse to pay out.

If you're struggling to find adequate cover, the Money and Pension Service (MaPs) can provide you with a list of specialist insurers through the MaPs directory website. Alternatively, you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790.