Direct Travel Insurance

Direct Travel Insurance is part of Brokesure, a specialist in the travel insurance sector. They offer single-trip, multi-trip and backpacker travel insurance. They also offer a range of extras that you can add to your policy.

Ready to start comparing prices? Select 'Get a quote'. But if you want to learn more about Direct Travel Insurance before you do that, just keep reading!

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Why choose Direct Travel Insurance?

Get cover for most pre-existing medical conditions using their online screening service
Get access to a 24/7 UK-based assistance and claims line
Many sports and activities are protected as standard under Direct Travel Insurance policies

Who is Direct Travel Insurance?

Direct Travel Insurance is an insurance provider founded in 1992. They provide travel insurance to over 300,000 people each year. This includes those with pre-existing medical conditions who might be rejected by many mainstream insurers.

The company also won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award in 2023 for excellent customer service.

Direct Travel Insurance policy details

Direct Travel Insurance offers single and multi-trip travel insurance, as well as a range of policy extras, including ski insurance and backpacker cover.

To help you get a better understanding of each, here's what is covered by each type of insurance:

Single-trip travel insurance

Single-trip travel insurance covers you for one trip. It includes cover for things like medical emergencies, personal belongings and cancellations. There are 4 levels to choose from: Budget, Standard, Premier and Premier Plus.

Multi-trip travel insurance

With annual multi-trip travel insurance, you can take as many trips as you'd like in a 12-month period. You're covered for things like lost and stolen luggage and emergency medical treatment.

Backpacker travel insurance

A backpacker travel insurance policy is ideal if you want to go on an extended trip to multiple destinations. You can also return home for special occasions without invalidating your policy. You can also add cover for risky sports and activities like scuba diving and paragliding at an extra cost.

Direct Travel Insurance optional extras

Direct Travel Insurance offers a range of policy upgrades to suit a variety of needs. Because of this, you might be able to get the following extras added to your policy at an additional cost:

Ski travel insurance

This covers lost, stolen or damaged equipment when skiing, as well as for more than 30 other sports. It also includes piste closure if snow levels aren't appropriate for skiing. You can get cover for 17-45 days.

Cruise insurance

This includes cover for cabin confinement due to an unexpected reason. For example, illness or injury, missed ports, delayed departures, and itinerary changes.

Travelling in the UK

This may appeal to you if you're planning a weekend or city break, or a few days in a tent at a UK music festival. You can get travel insurance for UK holidays and get cover for things like cancellations and personal items. You can usually get cover for up to 5 days.

Natural disasters

These are normally excluded from travel insurance policies. Direct Travel Insurance provides cover in the event of natural catastrophes. For example, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tornados, earthquakes and wildfires. This offers replacement flights, additional nights at a hotel, and extra food.

Family travel insurance

This means up to 6 children under the age of 17 can travel for the same price. It also offers discounts for those who are a part of your family.

Pre-existing medical conditions

This offers cover for a range of medical conditions, both physical and mental. This includes, but isn't limited to: Alzheimer's, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and depression. You must declare any medical conditions to the insurer before you buy your policy, or you won't be covered.

Activities cover

This should cover you while you take part in activities insurers see as high-risk. For example, hot air ballooning, bungee-jumping or snorkelling. Check the list of activities that are covered before you buy, as it can vary between insurers.

Gadget cover

This is available at 3 levels: Bronze, silver and gold. This option might be ideal if you want to take electronics like a digital camera or laptop. This is because expensive electronics usually exceed the standard level of cover offered.

Car hire excess insurance

Car hire excess insurance might be worth considering if you're planning to get a hire car. This could help cover car-related problems. For example, if your hire car keys are lost or stolen, you put the wrong fuel into the engine, or the car is vandalised, then you would pay the excess and this should be refunded through your car hire excess insurance policy.

Can I get a quote with Direct Travel Insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

It's possible to get Direct Travel Insurance with a pre-existing medical condition.

But, you need to make Direct Travel aware of any pre-existing medical conditions you have before you buy a policy. That way, they can make sure they offer the appropriate policy, and you can have the peace of mind you're covered. Phew.

If Direct Travel is unable to offer you cover, Money Helper might be able to help. They have a directory of insurance providers for those with serious health conditions. You can also contact the Money and Pensions Service for free, impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.

How can I make a claim on my travel insurance?

Need to make a claim on your travel insurance? Direct Travel has made it easy to make a claim through their website. Here are the steps:

Report it. If you need to make a claim for theft, Direct Travel recommends that you contact the police first.
Check your policy details. Check your policy details to make sure you're covered.
Call Direct Travel. The phone details of your claims service provider should be in your policy wording. Or you can check on Direct Travel's website and make a claim there.
Complete a form. Fill in a claims form and attach any required documentation.
Send it to the claims team. Send your form to your claims service provider. You'll be able to find the details of where to send the form in your policy wording.

Want to make the claims process easier? Direct Travel recommends doing the following:

Have documents handy. Make sure you have documents and your policy details to hand
Keep receipts. If you're going to insure valuable items, for example, take pictures of them before the trip starts
File it as soon as you can. You'll have 31 days to make a claim from the date of the incident
Document the damage. Have evidence to support your claim. For example, if your flight is delayed, make a note of the flight number.

Contact Direct Travel Insurance

You can contact the customer service team via Direct Travel Insurance's phone number. The contact number for general enquiries is 0330 880 3600. Lines are open:

Monday-Friday: 8.30am-6pm
Saturday: 8.30am-4pm

If you need to make a claim, you can do so by filling out their online form. jYou can find out more details on their claims process.

You can also write to them at:

Direct Travel Insurance,
Digital House,
Threshelfords Business Park,
Inworth Road,
Feering,
Essex,
CO5 9SE

Direct Travel is a trading name of Brokersure Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (firm reference no. 501719).