Exactly what's covered varies between providers and policies. It's important to carefully check policy details before you buy insurance to make sure you're getting suitable cover.
Here's what's typically included with travel insurance:
It's important that your travel insurance policy offers you the right amount of cover for your trip. If it doesn't, you could consider adding policy extras. These come at an added cost, but offer enhanced cover. So, they should cover the activities you decide to do during your trip.
Most providers cover pre-existing medical conditions, but you might find that policies are more expensive. This is because pre-existing conditions can increase your chances of needing emergency medical treatment abroad. Examples of pre-existing conditions include:
It's important to declare any conditions when getting travel insurance quotes. If you don't, any medical assistance you need because of your condition during your trip won't be covered by your insurance.
Some insurers don't cover multiple conditions or more serious conditions. If you can't find suitable cover, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has a directory of insurers who offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions. You can find a list of these on the MoneyHelper website. You can also call MaPS for free, impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.
"A lot of people forget that when you're travelling for an extended period of time, it puts you at greater risk of falling ill or getting injured. By taking out a long stay policy, you'll protect yourself against any emergency medical costs and potentially save yourself £1000's in medical bills."
With roaming charges making an unwelcome return, eSIMs are a convenient option when travelling. eSIMs are non-physical and are embedded into most newer smartphones; meaning you won’t have to put anything physical into your device, it should already be there.
How does it work?Simply buy your travel insurance, claim your free eSIM, and install it onto your device at the tap of a button. Your eSIM with 2GB of roaming data will kick in on a local mobile network when you get to your destination.
You can claim a free eSIM with up to 2GB of roaming data** when you buy travel insurance with Confused.com
Confused.com travel insurance scores 4.7/5 stars on Reviews.io2
2Correct as of September 2024
This depends on your policy. Some cover working or volunteering abroad as standard, others don't. You should let your insurer know what type of work you'll be doing before you buy your policy to make sure you've got suitable cover.
Some providers let you add cover for working abroad onto your policy if it's not included as standard. This normally comes at an added cost though, so consider whether you actually need it.
This type of insurance isn't a replacement for a working visa. You should check any legal requirements for the country you're travelling in to make sure you're legally allowed to work or volunteer there. Working or volunteering insurance policies typically cover:
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and its replacement, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) aren't a substitute for travel insurance. They offer you subsidised medical care, which means you pay the same as a citizen of the country you're in. However, many countries covered by the EHIC and GHIC don't have free healthcare, so you could still end up with medical bills to pay. Travel insurance can be used to cover these costs. It's worth noting that some insurers do require you to have an EHIC or GHIC for your policy to be valid.
The EHIC and GHIC are also only valid in certain European countries. So, if you're travelling anywhere that isn't covered, you have to cover medical bills.
Travel insurance also covers more than just medical costs, unlike the EHIC and GHIC.
Yes, as long as you select where you're travelling to when you buy your cover, you should be able to visit multiple countries in a single trip. Some policies may allow you to return home for a short period before setting off again, but it's important to read policy documents to check whether this is covered.
When buying long-stay insurance, you can choose between European cover and worldwide cover. Worldwide cover is available either including or excluding the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Make sure the region you select includes all the countries you're planning to travel to.
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It will cover you for any holidays that you've got planned in Europe this year.
Means you can get one policy that covers everyone, rather than buying individual policies.
Page last reviewed: 01 October 2024
Reviewed by: Alvaro Iturmendi
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