Travel insurance for the UK

Protect yourself on your journey to the British Isles.

From the electric buzz of downtown London to the unsettling beauty of Loch Ness, the United Kingdom offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to photograph a monster or just Big Ben at sunset, keep yourself safe on your adventure with a comprehensive insurance policy.

Compare travel insurance brands for the UK

	Details	Features
Atlas Travel	Customizable policy that balances between the basic essentials and premium coverage.	Trip cancellation: Not available Emergency medical expenses: Up to $2,000,000 Baggage coverage: Up to $500 Trip delay: $100/day up to 2 days	Go to site More info
STA Travel Standard International	Affordable coverage for the essentials needed when traveling outside of your home country.	Trip cancellation: Not available Emergency medical expenses: $25,000 Medical evacuation & repatriation: $250,000 Trip delay: $100/day up to $250	Go to site More info
Allianz International Travel Insurance	Customizable coverage that can give you peace of mind when traveling to popular or remote destinations.	Trip cancellation: $1,000 Emergency medical expenses: Up to $50,000 Baggage coverage: Up to $2,000 Trip interruption: Up to $1,500	Go to site More info
Seven Corners Liaison Travel Medical	Coverage when traveling outside your home country with terms between 5 days to 3 years.	Emergency medical expenses: Up to $5,000,000 Medical evacuation & repatriation: Up to $1,000,000 Baggage coverage: Up to $1,000 Trip interruption: Up to $10,000	Go to site More info
RoamRight Travel Insurance Essential	Coverage includes trip cancellation insurance, tourist health insurance and baggage insurance.	Trip cancellation: 100% cost of trip Emergency medical expenses: $15,000 Baggage coverage: $750 Trip delay: $100/day up to $500	Go to site More info
Travelex Cancel for Any Reason	Not 100% sure you're going to make your trip? Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available with the Travel Select plan.	Reimburses up to 75% of the insured trip cost Must cancel within 48 hours before scheduled departure Offered on trips with a maximum value of $10,000	Go to site More info

What does travel insurance cover?

Each policy will be unique, but common things to get covered for include:

• Overseas medical expenses. This includes emergency ambulance, medical, hospital and dental expenses you incur while overseas. This is arguably the most important area of coverage, so read the fine print and make sure your policy doesn’t come with deductibles or copays you can’t afford.
• Lost or stolen belongings. If your luggage or personal effects are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip, your insurer can reimburse you for the cost of their repair or replacement. A comprehensive policy will often also include coverage for theft of cash if your wallet or purse is stolen.
• Luggage delays. If an airline loses or misplaces your luggage for more than a minimum period of time, you’ll receive an allowance to purchase emergency clothing and toiletries.
• Trip delays. If your flight is delayed, canceled or rescheduled, you’ll receive reimbursement for additional meals and accommodation expenses.
• Trip cancellation. If unforeseen circumstances (such as an illness) force you to cancel your trip, you’ll be reimbursed for any cancellation fees and lost deposits.
• Personal liability. This covers you when you are legally liable for injuring a third party or damaging their property.
• Rental car damage. If your rental car is crashed, stolen or damaged, your policy will cover the cost of the rental company’s insurance deductible.

What doesn’t travel insurance cover?

Your claim will typically not be paid if:

• You act irresponsibly. This can range from leaving your luggage unattended in a public place to hurting yourself while driving recklessly or breaking the law. If you don’t take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, your insurance won’t pay any resulting claims.
• You have a pre-existing medical condition. Disclose any pre-existing conditions to your insurer before purchasing a policy and find out if you need to pay for additional coverage.
• You’re inebriated. If you hurt yourself or someone else while drunk or on drugs not prescribed by a doctor, your insurer won’t foot the bill.
• You travel to an unsafe area. If you get sick or injured while traveling to an area that the US Department of State has issued an advisory against, your claim can be denied.
• You travel in the last trimester of your pregnancy. Most insurers won’t pay to treat complications in the last trimester of policy. Each insurer handles pregnancy-related claims a little differently, so it’s a good idea to find out how your potential insurer handles them before purchasing a policy.

Travel concerns for the UK

Although the UK can be considered a safer travel destination than many other places around the world, there are still some potential risks you should consider before traveling. Travel insurance can help protect you from any financial ramifications, but caution is always your best first line of defense. Concerns for travelers in the UK include:

• Terrorism. The UK is currently experiencing an increased threat of terrorism. Check the news reports before you leave the US, cancel your trip if there’s an imminent threat and stay alert while traveling.

• Flight delays. Because of increased precautions, it can take a while to get through security at airports in the United Kingdom. Get to the airport at least a couple of hours before your flight so that you aren’t still in the security line when your plane leaves the ground.
• Petty crime. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are prevalent, especially in cities or touristy areas. Use a bag with zipper when traveling, don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket, keep at least one credit card or stash of emergency cash separate from your wallet and stay alert and aware of your surroundings. In the unlikely event that you’re robbed, give up any requested belongings willingly — it’s better to file a claim for your wallet than for your medical bills.

How do I find the right policy?

Ask yourself: are you looking for no-frills medical coverage or a comprehensive policy? Do you need coverage for one trip or do you travel often enough that you’d save money with an annual policy? What activities do you plan on participating in during your trip to the UK? Finding answers to these questions may help you when it comes to sorting through the travel insurance policies out there. It’s also a good idea to choose an insurer who offers a 24/7 helpline so you have someone to call if you run into any unexpected circumstances.

Who do I contact in an emergency?

In the event of an emergency, contact:

• Your insurer. Their 24/7 helpline should be clearly printed on your policy.
• Emergency services. Dial 999 to reach police, fire and ambulance dispatch.
• US embassy or consulate. If you lose your passport, get into legal trouble or if there’s a countrywide emergency, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate.

Travel tips for the UK

As a fellow English-speaking Western country, most of the UK will feel pretty familiar, but it’s always the little differences that catch you off guard. While traveling in the UK:

• Watch where you’re driving. If you rent a car, you’ll need to drive on the left side of the road, and you may need to use a turn lane in order to turn right.
• Keep copies of any paperwork. This includes receipts, police reports, medical invoices and other documents to back up any insurance claims.
• Take pictures of your luggage. Before you leave, photograph everything you’re bringing with you. This will help you in the event that something is lost, stolen or damaged and you need to file a claim.
• Use the London Underground. If you’re in London, the Tube is the most convenient way to get around.
• Take the ferry. If you need to get to mainland Europe, the ferry system is the quickest way.

Tips for traveling overseas

Bottom line

The UK is one of the most popular vacation locations for Americans, and it’s easy to see why. The lack of a language barrier makes traveling here feel familiar, but the ancient architecture, bustling cities and rolling countrysides make it feel like an adventure. Before you pack your bags and head off to our ex-motherland, don’t forget to pack the most important thing — a travel insurance policy to keep you safe on the journey.

Compare travel insurance quotes for trips to the UK

Frequently asked questions

• Can I buy insurance after I've already started my trip?

  Possibly. Some insurers will allow you to buy insurance while you’re already away, but there will be a waiting period, usually about three days, before it kicks in.

• Should I buy a policy from my travel agent?

  You can, but it’s not recommended. Travel agents regularly add a large commission to the price of the policies they offer, so you can usually save yourself a whole lot of money by purchasing directly from an insurer.

• What documents do I need make a claim?

  The types of documents you will need for a claim depend on the nature of the claim. Documents commonly include police reports, medical reports, invoices and receipts of lost/stolen items. If a crime has been committed, report it to the police and get a copy of the report. Save copies of anything you get from a doctor and take a picture of everything you bring with you in case something is stolen.

• Will I be covered if I visit neighboring countries?

  Many insurers will include all of Europe in the one region. This makes it easy to make sure that you will be covered for the entirety of your trip. However, make sure you:

  • Provide full details of itinerary. When you apply for a travel insurance policy it’s important that you provide full details of countries you intend to visit. If you get sick or injured while visiting a country not on your itinerary, your insurer can’t help you.
  • Read the fine print. Read your policy closely before leaving the US to work out exactly where and when you will and will not be covered.

• Can I get coverage if I'm working in the UK?

  Yes. Whether you’re working online while traveling throughout the UK or taking a summer job in London, it is possible to get insurance for a working vacation. When choosing a policy for your working vacation:

  • Let your insurer know. If it’s a working vacation, let your insurer know — especially if your work entails anything an insurer might consider risky, such as hiking, climbing or window cleaning for a tall building.
  • Check the maximum trip duration that your policy covers. If you’re taking an extended working vacation, check if you’re able to get covered for the full length of your trip.
  • Consider annual multi-trip cover if you travel often. These policies provide travel insurance cover for all the journeys you take during a 12-month period, and they can be a cheaper option than taking out a separate policy for each trip.

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