Family travel insurance

While each insurer tends to have their own process for claims, here's what you'll usually need to do:

• File the claim. This is easier than you might think! Most insurers usually require you to file a claim online, but some also allow them to be made over the phone. Check your policy documents to see your options.
• Gather your evidence. You'll likely need to provide documents or photos to support your claim—things like receipts, medical bills, or flight details. Keep these handy to speed up the process.
• Wait for the claim to be processed. Once your claim is submitted, your insurer will review it. Processing times may vary, so be patient while they assess everything.

If you have an emergency

Don't worry about filing a claim right away, just contact your insurer as soon as you can. Your policy should include a 24/7 emergency number for medical situations. It's a good idea to make a note of it, so you can have quick access to it should you need to ring.

Yes!

Even if your children don't live with you full-time, most insurers allow you to add them to a family policy. But, policies often require the 2 named adults to be living at the same address.

So, this means if you're travelling with another adult living at a different address, you'll most likely need separate policies.

Some insurers also offer single-parent family travel insurance. This policy can cover one adult and their children, which can be a great option if you're the only parent travelling.

Possibly. Some annual family travel insurance policies allow solo trips, but not all do.

Before you book, check your policy wording to see if you're covered when travelling alone. If solo travel isn't included, you could contact the insurer to see if they can add it to your policy for an added cost. But, you might find it easier to just buy a separate, individual policy.

Yes, they will. Even the little ones!

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives your family access to state-level emergency healthcare in the European Union (EU). And, each person needs to have their own card. But don't worry—it's easy to sort. You can apply for everyone under your own GHIC application.

Still have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)? If it's still valid, you can use it. If not, you'll need to swap it for a new GHIC before you travel.

One last thing: be careful not to skip getting a GHIC just because you're buying travel insurance. A valid GHIC or EHIC is often a requirement of most travel insurance policies. So, make sure you and the rest of your family have one before you jet off!