mse travel insurance europe

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Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Travelex Insurance Services »

Generali Global Assistance »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Europe.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Travelex Insurance Services

You almost certainly will want travel insurance for Europe, mostly because the high cost for international trips is worth protecting against travel delays and trip cancellations. Since your U.S. medical coverage will not apply overseas, you also need international health insurance that covers surprise medical expenses and medical evacuation.

If you're searching for the best Europe travel insurance that money can buy, consider the following plans and all they have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people need travel health insurance at a bare minimum when traveling to European destinations like France, Italy or Switzerland, as well as additional countries inside and outside of the Schengen area. After all, U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage for medical emergencies overseas, and the same is true for government health plans like Medicare. Check out our article on whether your health insurance covers international travel .

Other benefits built into Europe travel insurance plans can also protect the money that's been spent on airfare, hotel stays, Europe cruises and tours. For example, travelers can benefit from having coverage for trip cancellation, trip delays, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

Every travel insurance policy is unique, so you'll want to read over individual travel insurance plans to see what they protect against. That said, the bulk of travel insurance plans for trips to Europe provide the following coverages:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Travel delays
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Baggage delay coverage
• Medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Rental car damage

Some travel insurance plans also offer additional or optional coverage for sports equipment or sports equipment delays, missed connections, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), adventure sports and more.

Some visitors to countries in the Schengen area are required to have a visa for short stays that can last for up to 90 days within a timeline of up to 180 days. However, this is not the case for American citizens, who can stay in Europe for up to 90 days at a time without meeting specific visa requirements.

The U.S. Department of State also notes that American citizens who want to stay in Europe for more than 90 days should reach out to the country they plan on visiting to inquire about their visa process.

If you live in a country that requires a Schengen visa, you are required to purchase Schengen visa insurance that pays for overseas medical expenses. This coverage must provide at least 30,000 euros in protection against medical expenses that result from hospitalization, emergency treatment and repatriation of remains in the case of accident or death.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Cost
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• WorldTrips: Best for Groups

Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) and preexisting medical conditions coverage available

Kids 17 and younger covered for free

Lower coverage amount for medical expenses than some providers

• $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellation
• $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions
• $500 in coverage for eligible trip changes
• $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 for emergency medical transportation
• $1,000 toward baggage loss or damage
• $300 in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
• $800 in protection for travel delays (daily limit of $200 applies)
• $100 per insured person per day in SmartBenefits coverage for eligible delays
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

Optional CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

Kids 17 and younger are covered for free

Many coverages cost extra

• 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation (up to $50,000)
• 150% of trip cost for trip interruption (up to $75,000)
• $2,000 in coverage for trip delays of five hours or longer
• $750 in coverage for missed connections
• $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses ($500 dental sublimit included)
• $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• $200 for baggage delays of 12 hours or longer
• $200 for sporting equipment delays of 24 hours or longer
• $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• 24/7 travel assistance
• 100% of the insured trip cost for financial default of a travel provider (maximum of $50,000)
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage for preexisting medical conditions (maximum of $50,000)
• Cancel for work reasons coverage
• CFAR insurance
• Car rental coverage worth up to $35,000
• $50,000 in additional emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 in additional coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Adventure sports exclusions waiver
• $200,000 in coverage for flight accidental death and dismemberment

CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

High coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation

CFAR coverage only reimburses at 60%

• $1,000,000 coverage limit for emergency medical evacuation and transportation
• $250,000 coverage limit for medical expenses ($500 limit for dental emergencies)
• 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation
• 175% of trip cost for trip interruption
• $1,000 per person for travel delays ($300 per person daily limit applies)
• $2,000 per person in coverage for baggage and $500 for baggage delays
• $2,000 per person in coverage for sporting equipment and $500 for sporting equipment delays
• $1,000 per person in coverage for missed connections
• Air flight accident AD&D coverage worth $100,000 per person and $200,000 per plan
• Travel accident AD&D coverage worth $50,000 per person and $100,000 per plan
• $25,000 in coverage for rental cars
• 24-hour travel support

Discounts for groups of five or more

Potential for high coverage limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellation

Available coverage limits vary by age

• $5,000 for local burial or cremation
• Up to $25,000 in AD&D coverage
• $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions
• $10,000 in coverage for trip interruption
• $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• $100 in coverage for lost or stolen passports or visas
• $100 in coverage per day for travel delays of at least 12 hours (two days of coverage maximum)
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who has created content about travel insurance, family travel, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and more for over a decade. She has visited more than 50 countries around the world and has an annual travel insurance plan of her own. Johnson also has experience navigating the claims process for travel insurance plans and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson works with her husband, Greg, who is licensed to sell travel insurance and owns the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

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Peace of mind while you travel.

For such an important product, travel insurance is often all too easy to overlook. As with most kinds of insurance, you always hope to not need it, but on the off chance that you do fall ill or injure yourself on your travels, you could find yourself facing huge bills if you don't have adequate cover.

Travel insurance is for more than just medical bills though - the right policy will also pay out if your flight is delayed, or if your baggage goes missing, for example.

Arguably the most important thing you'll need travel insurance for is to cover you should you fall ill or injure yourself while abroad. Medical treatment can be very expensive in other countries, as can travel in ambulances should you need to be transported to a hospital from far away. Travel insurance policies will typically cover you for a huge amount of expenditure on medical bills for a relatively low up front cost.

It's not just for medical bills though. Many policies will also cover you for:

Often, travel insurance providers will refuse to cover you for treatment related to any pre-existing medical conditions. This includes anything that you've had treatment for in the past.

Just Travel are different. They have a large panel of specialist insurers so that they can get you a tailored policy that gives you exactly the kind of cover you need, regardless of your medical history.

The following quotation is offered in partnership with ME Expert LTD and SEOPA LTD, in order to effectively offer this service information may be passed between both providers, all information in handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016. Both parties act as licenced Data-Controllers as defined by the ICO and act as such. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, please be aware that information entered may also be subject to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service of SEOPA LTD.ME Expert is an appointed representative of Money Expert Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN679652

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Travel Insurance Europe

Climbing in the alps taking in the art trails of barcelona.

Whatever your next European break entails, take Admiral Travel Insurance along for the ride.

European Travel Insurance

With so much to see and do across Europe, it’s no wonder it’s the biggest travel destination for UK tourists.

And despite many of Europe’s most-loved tourist attractions being just a short flight or train ride from home the UK, the unexpected can still happen, so it pays to have the right cover in place should you need it.

And don’t just take it from us, the Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommends you buy travel insurance for every trip you take abroad, including any within Europe.

So, what do you get for your money?

European travel insurance covers you in the event of the unexpected, for things like:

• Having to cancel or cut your trip short
• Your personal belongings being stolen
• The airline losing your luggage

It also protects you and your family if you need medical help – more on European travel health insurance and the EHIC/GHIC below.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

Choose from three levels of cover

Read the full list of benefits in the policy summary booklet .

Do I need travel insurance if I’m holidaying in Europe?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t compulsory, and being so close to home you may be tempted to skip the cover. But you’ll want it in place if things don’t quite go to plan – luggage can get lost and people do get ill abroad.

Take France, for example, a favourite for us Brits, with 17 million of us visiting each year. It’s not just the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the yachts on St Tropez people flock to, snow-lovers flock to France for the hundreds of ski resorts on offer.

And if you were unlucky enough to break an arm while on the slopes of one of the many French ski resorts, you could be looking at costs of up to £1,000 for:

• First responder treatment
• Ambulance, Xrays and cast

If it’s a severe break you may need to be taken to the public hospital where you’ll be treated under the European or Global Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC), which covers 80% of costs. If you've taken out the Admiral Winter Sports Travel Insurance optional upgrade, that’ll cover the rest, otherwise you’ll have to pay out of your own pocket.

Take a look at the true costs of getting ill abroad including how much hospital treatments cost across Europe and worldwide.

Do I need European Travel Insurance if I have an EHIC/GHIC?

Carrying the EHIC – sometimes called the European travel insurance card - means you can get state-level medical cover in the country you’re travelling in – if it's still in date and they accept the card. The same applies for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Each country’s healthcare system is different and might not include the things you’d expect at home, or even cover you at all.

In Cyprus, for example, the GHIC and EHIC are only valid in southern Cyprus. They aren’t accepted in the Republic of Cyprus (north) where the government doesn’t have effective control; it’s run by Turkey.

The GHIC and EHIC aren’t valid in Turkey at all.

In the countries where it is valid, they only cover medical emergencies. They won’t cover all medical or repatriation costs if you need to be brought home for treatment, which is why travel insurance is so important.

It’s free to get a GHIC from the NHS online so get one before setting off on your next holiday and carry it at all times.

Where does European Travel Insurance cover?

Different insurers define ‘Europe’ in different ways, which can make buying the right cover for your holiday confusing.

In Admiral’s case, we cover 50 European countries, and our policies stretch the boundaries of Europe to include places like:

Some insurers may have a smaller definition of Europe, while others may describe their policy as covering ‘Schengen’ countries. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

For other providers who don’t define Europe in this way, or if you’re planning multiple holidays spanning Europe and further afield then worldwide travel insurance could be better suited to your needs.

Admiral Travel Insurance breaks down travel into three zones:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

Then three tiers of cover with increasing coverage and product benefits are available. You can choose between Admiral, Admiral Gold or Admiral Platinum to suit your needs best.

Do I need single or annual European Travel Insurance?

Whether you’re planning one European jaunt in a year or multiple holidays to the continent, we have the cover you need.

Our single trip insurance is best for those who are not frequent holidaymakers, and covers you for one trip for up to 365 days.

If you plan on travelling more than once throughout a year, annual European travel insurance is for you.

You’ll be covered no matter how many times you choose to travel (up to 31 days at a time, but this may be extended upon request), and could be perfect for people with a house-share across the channel or those who frequently travel.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Your questions answered

Can i travel anywhere in europe.

You won’t be covered if you travel to a country which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised ‘against all travel’ or ‘against all but essential travel’. 

Can I buy travel insurance to Europe from the UK?

Yes - you must buy travel insurance while you're still in the UK; you can’t take out Admiral cover one you’ve gone through Customs. 

Will my travel insurance cover skiing or snowboarding in Europe?

If you’re planning a ski or snowboarding trip to any of Europe’s spectacular mountain resorts, you’ll need to add our Winter Sports upgrade onto your policy to be covered for the trip. Without it, your policy won’t be valid.

Is my European cruise covered by my travel insurance?

To be covered for a cruise trip, you must add our cruise cover upgrade . Without it your policy won't be valid.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency, or if I have to cut my trip short?

In case of a serious medical emergency during your trip, please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777 before going into hospital or incurring medical expenses over £500, so we can help you.

For non-medical emergency claims:

• For policies renewed before 5 May 2020, call our claims team on 01243 218 437. Our lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00-20:00 and Saturday 9:00-16:00
• For policies bought or renewed after 5 May 2020, call our claims team on 0333 234 9914. Our lines are open Monday to Friday only 9:00-17:00

Is Turkey in Europe?

While Turkey straddles eastern Europe and Asia, Admiral Travel Insurance classes Turkey as Europe, so our European cover on single-trip or annual cover is what you need.

Is Iceland in Europe?

When buying Admiral Travel Insurance, Iceland is classed as Europe. The island is located between north America and mainland Europe.  Interestingly, Reykjavik is both the northern-most and western-most capital city in Europe.  

Is Cyprus in Europe?

For travel insurance purposes, Cyprus is classed as in Europe by Admiral Travel Insurance. If you’re travelling to Cyprus, it’s important to be aware of the north/south divide in the country.

The north is run by Turkey and accepts the Turkish lira for currency. Whereas the south is mainly inhabited by Greek Cypriots and accepts the Euro.

Does the GHIC/EHIC cover Cyprus?

Neither the GHIC nor the EHIC are valid in the Republic of Cyprus (northern Cyprus) but they're accepted in the south. If you’re travelling to Cyprus it’s important to have insurance in place should you need medical attention.

Is Russia in Europe or Asia?

Russia, west of the Urals, is covered by Admiral’s European travel insurance. The Ural Mountains approximately run from north to south in western Russia and forms part of the conventional boundary between the European and Asian continents.

You’ll need a visa to travel to Russia and it’s best to apply in plenty of time. For more information visit the Russian Embassy’s website .

Am I covered if my flights are disrupted because of Brexit?

You’ll be covered if there’s any disruption to your flights (in line with current cover and exclusions) if you already have travel cover or have booked a trip on your annual policy.

If there’s an official warning from the Government or airlines that suggests flights are likely to be disrupted, customers buying new policies may not be covered.

I don’t want to travel because of Brexit – can I cancel my trip?

If you decide you don’t want to travel because of Brexit and end up cancelling your trip, you won’t be able to claim. Not wanting to travel isn’t a valid cancellation reason for claiming.

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

In the future, it's possible UK citizens will need a travel permit as part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS). 

If you can’t go on your trip because you don’t have the correct visa or permit, you won’t be able to claim on your cover.

How long will I need on my passport after Brexit?

The Government recommends UK travellers have at least six months left on their passports from the date they arrive in an EU country when travelling after 29 March 2019. Check the validity of your passport online with this handy tool .

If you can’t go on your trip as you don’t have enough time left on your passport (or you didn’t renew it in time), you won’t be able to make a claim.

Can I still use my EHIC card after Brexit?

If your EHIC is still in date, you can use it when you travel. Otherwise you’ll need to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ).

If you have a medical emergency while you're abroad, you're injured, fall ill, or have to cut your trip short please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777.

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

GET A QUOTE

Schengen Travel Insurance for Europe

(based on 3539 ratings)

Travel Insurance for Schengen visa and Europe

Need travel and medical insurance to obtain a Schengen Visa for Europe? Buy AXA Schengen Travel Insurance online and get your insurance certificate immediately. The certificate is accepted by all consulates and embassies representing the 29 countries in the Schengen Area

Find the Schengen insurance you need:  COMPARE NOW

• Medical expenses up to €30,000
• Repatriation
• 24-hour assistance
• COVID coverage under conditions
• Meets requirements from the E.U
• Medical expenses covered up to €100,000
• Extended protection in all Schengen countries, Ireland and Great Britain
• Medical repatriation

€328 per year

How to buy your Insurance?

Our travel avatar Priyan will explain how to safely buy your Schengen Visa travel insurance online.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to Coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to Coronavirus provided you haven't travelled against  World Health Organisation  or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are travelling to) or medical advice.

The embassy states that I must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. Is this possible?

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”.

What are the covered countries?

AXA’s Europe Travel insurance and AXA's annual  Multi Trip travel insurance  offer extensive protection, covering medical expenses up to €100,000 in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, as well as the United Kingdom , Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania.

AXA's Low Cost   insurance covers medical expenses up to €30,000 in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland .

What is Schengen travel insurance ?

Schengen travel insurance provides you with travel and medical insurance for all the 29 countries that make up the Schengen Area - covering you for trips across the continent or holidays in any nation within the Schengen Zone. AXA is the leading provider of this type of insurance.

Here is the complete list of countries that you can visit with Schengen insurance (provided you have a Schengen visa ) : Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Why do I need travel insurance to visit Europe ?

A requirement for obtaining a Schengen Visa is to have insurance covering you in all states in the Schengen Area up to medical costs of €30,000. The easiest way to do this is to obtain Schengen travel and medical insurance from an accredited provider, such as AXA, which is the leading brand for this type of insurance.

Not all travelers require a Schengen Visa to travel to the Schengen Area, as countries including the U.S.A., Mexico, Brazil, and Canada have visa-free arrangements with the Schengen Zone. However, it is still strongly recommended you obtain insurance as all your medical costs, or those you may incur should something go wrong on your trip, may not be covered without obtaining travel insurance. If you are planning to travel to more than one Schengen country or want to be flexible with your itinerary, it is also a great way to ensure you are covered in the majority of countries in Europe.

If you are a U.K national, we recommend you to read our detailed guide on the effects of Brexit on travel and residency in Europe .

Will getting travel insurance ensure I get a Schengen visa ?

Although it is an essential document to supply when applying for a Schengen Visa, you will also need to supply other supporting documents that outline the reasons for your visit, your itinerary and accommodation plans, as well as how you intend to support yourself and any plans to work or study. Your application may also be rejected by embassy officials - but this is relatively rare as long as all your documents are in order.

How can AXA help with your travel insurance ?

AXA can help by providing you with Low Cost Schengen Area travel insurance that meets your visa requirements when traveling to the Schengen Area from as little as €22 per week - a fee that will cover you for medical expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries - a price that isn’t too hard on your wallet ahead of your trip! A certificate proving you are insured will also be available immediately, meaning you can get on with your application.

AXA is the number one provider of travel insurance for trips to Europe and offers assistance 24/7, as well as other options and tailor-made products. Other coverage available includes our Europe Travel insurance, costing €33 per week, or Schengen Multi Trip insurance, which is perfect for regular travelers and available for €328 for a year’s coverage.

What should I do if I have a medical issue while in the Schengen Area?

Please contact us as soon as possible on the phone number given with the special conditions you receive after taking out your policy. Our helpful staff will then do all we can to resolve your issue and get you treatment or travel home, in line with the conditions of your policy.

Frequently asked questions about countries covered by Schengen travel insurance

1 - does schengen insurance cover countries other than those in the schengen area .

Other than those microstates mentioned, no. If you plan to travel to countries outside the Schengen Area, you will need to get insured there, though this will not affect your Schengen travel insurance covering you while inside the area.

2 - I want to buy travel insurance for my partner and children as a group. Can I do so ?

Yes. You can buy for up to 10 people with only one payment.

3 - Can I get a refund if my Schengen Visa application is refused?

Subject to certain conditions, yes. However, you will need to provide documentation from the embassy, consulate, or visa application center where you applied stating the reason for the refusal.

Get Schengen insurance

Copyright AXA Assistance 2023 © AXA Assistance is represented by INTER PARTNER ASSISTANCE SA/NV, a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law with registered office at Regentlaan 7, 1000 Brussel, Belgium – Insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Belgium under number 0487 and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0415 591 055 – RPR Brussels- VAT BE0415 591 055

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• Exclusive offer for Leisure Guard Customers: Get up to 40% off hotel bookings with Leisure Guard World. Click here to find out more

Travel insurance including Cancellation and Medical cover for COVID-19

With Leisure Guard, customers get great value cover from just £7.66  for a single trip in Europe for 5 days or annual multi-trip from just £18.07 *.

• Comprehensive Cancellation and Medical cover, including cover for COVID-19
• Cover for Missed Departure and Travel Delay included with All Policies
• 24/7 Access to an online doctor at home and whilst overseas

Terms and conditions apply

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Click here to find out more about our cover .   Travel Advice: You can also view the latest gov.uk travel advice here .

Single Trip Travel Insurance from just £7.66

With Leisure Guard, customers get great value cover from just £7.66 * for a single trip in Europe for 5 days with COVID-19  cover on all policies.

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance from just £18.07

With Leisure Guard, customers get great value cover from just £18.07 * for Annual Cover in Europe with COVID-19 Cover on all policies.

Backpacker Travel Insurance from just £26.96

Cover longer trips from just £26.96 * for a month travelling in Europe. All Policies include COVID-19 Cover as standard.

Add Cruise Cover to your policy

Add Winter Sports Cover to your policy

Travel insurance for all your holiday needs.

Leisure Guard gives you the peace of mind that you’re covered should you need us. With great prices and high levels of cover that allow you to choose exactly what you need, Leisure Guard has all your holiday insurance needs covered.

So your travel insurance covers all aspects of your holiday we have a choice of bolt-ons you can add to your policy, so you only pay for what you need. These include Cruise Pack, Winter Sports, Excess Waiver and much more.

With three levels of cover and the choice of single trip or multi trip insurance you can pick the policy that suits your needs. All our policies include a 24/7 medical emergency helpline.

*Prices based on an individual aged 18-35 travelling to Europe. 

Benefits of Leisure Guard Travel Insurance

• Up to £15,000,000 medical emergency & Repatriation cover
• Up to £7,500 cancellation & curtailment cover
• Cover for Missed Departure and Travel Delay included with all policies
• Up to £3,000 cover for your personal possessions
• Cover for loads of activities; with over 100 Sports and activities covered as standard
• 24hr emergency helpline in place should you need us while on your trip
• 5 Star Defaqto rated on our Premier and Premier Plus policies

What's covered

Emergency medical expenses.

This covers your medical costs, including repatriation cover to get you home. You’ll also be able to contact our emergency medical assistance team 24/7 for help if you’re ill or have an accident abroad. They’ll be able to liaise with medical professionals on your behalf and arrange to get you back home if needed. 

Personal Possessions

Cover for your bags and belongings.  This takes care of the things you couldn’t do without while you are away. It will cover your baggage against loss, theft or damage, and will provide reimbursement for those emergency purchases if your bags are delayed at the airport.

Cancellation & Curtailment

If you can’t go or need to come home early (for example, due to an illness) this covers the costs you can’t get back. This now includes cover for cancellation if you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace within the 14 days before you’re due to travel. Terms and conditions apply, you can find out more about our COVID-19 insurance here .

Missed Departure / Connection

If your car breaks down on the way to the airport, or if public transport is delayed, this covers the cost to continue your journey, including any necessary travel and accommodation expenses.

Rated 5 Stars by Defaqto

24/7 Access to an Online Doctor

In partnership with AXA, we’re delighted to include free 24/7 access to Medical Consultations via Doctor Please! to all of our Travel Insurance policies. Find out more

Provided by AXA

Online claims.

We’re here if you need us. Leisure Guard now offer an improved claims experience, allowing you to submit and manage a claim online seamlessly with AXA. Prefer to speak with someone, our claims lines are also still open

There's more...

With a Leisure Guard policy, you’re covered for a wide range of useful benefits, including cover for lost passports, mugging and travel delay as standard.  You can also add on Winter Sports Cover, Cruise Holiday Insurance and Gadget Cover. View the policy wording for full details here .

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Best travel insurance companies and policies 2024

In this article

How do you find the best travel insurance?

Best travel insurance policies, best travel insurance: companies and policies compared.

• What's the best type of travel insurance?
• How can I save money on travel insurance?

How much travel insurance cover do I need?

How to compare travel insurance companies, why there are so few best buy policies.

The best travel insurance can't stop things going wrong on holiday, but it can prevent problems – medical issues, cancellations, delays or losses – from having a huge impact on your finances.

Our experts compared over 50 travel insurance companies, scrutinising hundreds of policies, each with more than 60 areas of cover. 

We've assessed information on medical expenses, Covid cover, flight cancellation, compulsory excesses and many other factors to bring you our Best Buy travel insurance policies.

Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of an insurer before committing to any financial products.

Compare travel insurance deals

Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com

We looked at 56 travel insurers, comparing more than 160 policies. See our results in the table below.

We rated six policies as Best Buys – here are the three highest scoring:

NFU Mutual - Home and Lifestyle

• 81% policy score - 2nd out of 161 policies rated. 

We like: NFU Mutual was one of a minority of providers that will pay out if your holiday supplier or airline goes bankrupt. It is one of only two providers that applies its excess (£50) once per claim (rather than per person) – which could save hundreds if you're travelling as part of a group. 

We don't like:  NFU Mutual's travel insurance policies are only available to customers who also hold NFU Mutual home insurance . 

• Read our full NFU Mutual travel insurance review.

All Clear travel insurance - Platinum

• 79% policy score -  joint 7th out of 161 policies rated. 

We like: All Clear was the highest-scoring medical specialist insurer in our analysis. Its policy covers outbound, connecting and returning flights that you miss because of delays. Missed flights cover was available in more than 90% of policies we checked – but only half of policies covered the full round trip.

We don't like:  If your holiday company or airline goes bankrupt and you have to cancel the holiday, you won't be able to claim on the insurance for lost costs. 

• Read our full All Clear travel insurance review.  

Insure and Go - Black

• 77% policy score - joint 10th out of 161 policies rated.

We like:  If you're covering a very expensive trip, the Black policy has one of the highest cover limits for costs if you have to cancel – £10,000. You also don't pay excesses.

We don't like:  If you have a dental emergency while travelling, you can only claim up to £250. As with All Clear's policies, you can't claim if your travel company or airline goes bust.

• Read our full Insure and Go insurance review .

Here's the full details of our findings in the tables below – to access each table, use the 'Select a table' dropdown below.

• The 'Best Buys' table shows the policies that meet our exacting Best Buy criteria . When choosing these, we check for key features of cover as well as data on complaints and claims acceptance rates. 
• The other tables show the top-scoring policy from every provider we've rated. Of all policies reviewed, scores ranged from 83% to 29%.

We've also written comprehensive reviews of the best 16 insurers overall – just click on the links in the table to read them.

Best Buy policies

Table note:  All ratings are for policies available to new customers, and the details were gathered in a survey carried out in April 2023. The information should be considered correct to then. We will next update our policy scores in June 2024. See our full methodology .

For insurers outside our 'Best Buys' list, we've only included the provider's best scoring policy. However, they might offer other policies with fewer features, often at a lower price. We've still scored these policies: find the scores in our individual travel insurer reviews, which cover the biggest and best brands.

If a brand isn't listed in the table it means it didn't take part in our survey and hasn't been reviewed.

  What's the best type of travel insurance?

When picking travel insurance consider the number of foreign trips you'll make over the next 12 months, where you'll go and who with.

• Single-trip and multi-trip (annual cover) Single-trip insurance is aimed at people who are making a single, one-off journey. Multi-trip (annual) provides ongoing cover for 12 months. If you take 3 or more trips per year, multi-trip (annual) is likely to work out cheaper, and you don't have to tell the insurer when or where you're travelling.
• European, worldwide and USA cover European-only cover is usually the cheapest type and worldwide including USA (and often the Caribbean) is the most expensive due to high medical costs. If you've no intention of going to these destinations over the next 12 months, save money by buying worldwide cover that excludes them.
• Individual, couple or family cover You'll have the option to choose how many people to cover under a single policy, although if a member of your party needs specialist cover due to age or health, costs may change.
• Specialist insurance options If you have more specific requirements, for example due to age, or type of holiday, we've assessed the best options for you below. Best cruise insurance • Best travel insurance for over 60s • Best travel insurance for medical conditions • Best ski insurance
• Unexpected events cover Your policy  may include cover for unexpected events, like bankruptcy of the holiday supplier, strikes, civil unrest and more. We've listed which providers' policies have the best unexpected events cover providers.

  How can I save money on travel insurance?

What you'll pay for travel insurance varies hugely by where you're going and for how long.

Take these average quotes, collected for us by Confused.com , for a couple of 50-year-olds with a joint policy:

Source: Confused.com, based on average quotes from 1 January 2023 to 20 November 2023

These are averages, and so you're likely to pay:

• Less if just buying cover for yourself
• Less if you're younger than 50, or more if you're older than 50
• More if you have a pre-existing medical condition

Whatever your situation, chances are you can reduce costs by comparing travel insurance. An annual policy may work out cheaper if you travel multiple times a year.

When should you buy travel insurance?

You should buy travel insurance on the same day you book your holiday.

One of the best features of travel insurance is that it covers you if you're unexpectedly forced to cancel the trip and stand to lose money as a result.

If you leave buying your insurance until the last minute, you won't benefit from this protection, even if some providers might make it slightly cheaper.

With this in mind, you should buy your insurance as soon as you book your holiday – unless you already have annual cover in place.

Should you buy travel insurance from the tour operator or airline?

When you buy your holiday, whether that's through a traditional package provider or a budget airline, you're likely to be offered insurance at the same time.

But cover offered as an add-on to your trip is unlikely to be tailored to your needs and could be more expensive. Always check the wider market to see if you can get better cover for less.

If you do buy add-on insurance, make sure it covers any medical conditions that you have.

Do you already have insurance?

Some packaged bank accounts come with travel insurance as a sweetener, so if you have a packaged account, check whether cover is included.

If you do have travel insurance with your bank account, check its terms carefully and make sure it meets your needs. Does it cover you for trips outside Europe? Will it cover your medical conditions?

If it doesn't, call your bank to see if you can add the cover you need or look for a standalone policy that meets your needs.

You might also have some of your insurance needs met if you have personal possessions cover with your home contents insurance . These policies often protect things you carry on your person (such as gadgets or jewellery) around the world, from loss, damage or theft.

Do you need travel insurance if you have an Ehic or Ghic?

Yes, you still need travel insurance. A Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) – the replacement for the Ehic – is a medical card that can be used throughout the EU. It entitles you to treatment in state hospitals for the same price paid by the residents of the country you're visiting. If they get free treatment, so do you.

But it won't cover the costs of medical transportation (for example ambulance bills or being flown back to the UK where medically needed), alongside costs of cancelling your holiday or returning early, replacing lost and stolen possessions, and many other things - that's what travel insurance is for.

• Find out more:  The Ehic and Ghic explained  

While it can be tempting to get the cheapest cover you can find, this could prove a false economy. Everyone's specific cover needs will be different, but as a starting point, we recommend looking for policies with these minimum levels of cover:

• Medical expenses:  £5 million
• Cancellation cover:  £2,000 – or the full cost of your holiday (which may be higher or lower)
• Personal belongings: £1,500 – or the value of your possessions
• Personal liability cover: £1 million.

Many sports won't be covered as standard, such as skiing and snowboarding , so you'll need to get cover that includes this, or add it on for a fee.

Cruises requre a special type of cruise insurance. If you're considering working abroad, or spending a couple of months abroad, you may need 'backpacker insurance'.

1. Check our tables and reviews

Our experts have assigned each travel insurance policy a policy score, reflecting how comprehensive, overall, the cover is.

It's important to remember, however, that travel insurance is complex – so even providers with high policy scores won't necessarily cover everything you're looking for. For a more detailed look at some of the larger and higher-scoring providers, see our individual travel insurer reviews.

2. Get a travel insurance quote

While looking at our reviews, you can get a quote for travel insurance using the service provided by Confused.com.

You might be able to save by using multiple comparison sites. 

Some insurers don't sell through comparison sites, including NFU Mutual and Direct Line , and specialist medical insurers .

Both the government's MoneyHelper website and the British Insurance Brokers Association have directories of such insurers.

An insurance broker can find affordable cover for unusual scenarios that most insurers won't cover.

3. Check the T&Cs

Before you buy, check the policy wording to make sure you understand what your policy covers, and what it doesn't.

If there are specific reasons you've bought the cover, check these sections to make sure they meet your expectations. Also check the policy's general exclusions and conditions. If anything in the policy is unclear, contact the insurer.

Finally, check what protection your holiday provider offers, because if something goes wrong, you might need to seek compensation from it first before your insurer will accept your claim.

Check you're getting a great deal and search for a new travel insurance policy using the service provided by Confused.com. Get a quote now

Dean Sobers, Which? insurance expert says:

'In our tables, you'll see dozens of products brimming with features and high levels of cover – but just six Best Buys. 

'Unfortunately, it comes down to the difference between what a policy promises on paper, and the depressing reality that we see in the claims statistics. Roughly a quarter of claims made on single-trip and annual European policies were declined by travel insurers in 2022 (the latest stats available). With most kinds of insurance, payout rates are above 90%.

'Not all travel insurers are the same: some – including our Best Buys – were markedly better in this data than others. But a large number of candidates clearing all other hurdles in our analysis fell flat when we reviewed their claims acceptance rates and the numbers of their claimants who'd lodged complaints.

'We'd love to be able to recommend a much wider selection of policies, as we all have different requirements and budgets when shopping around for travel insurance. Hopefully, we'll see insurers do better in future. In the meantime, the best way to avoid disappointment is to be reasonably familiar with the policy's T&Cs when you buy it, as policy exclusions are the most common single reason claims get turned down .

'Each section of a policy wording document (for example, cancellation or delay cover) will include its own exclusions. You'll also need to check the policy's section that details 'general' exclusions and conditions that apply across the policy.'

Frequently asked travel insurance questions

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights.

This depends on whether you can no longer make your flight or the airline has cancelled it.

If the airline cancels your flight, it is generally their responsibility to find an alternative flight or to give you a full refund.

If you can no longer make your flight, perhaps due to illness or accident, then it is not the airline's responsibility. If you have taken out a travel insurance policy and depending on the reason you can no longer fly, you may be able to claim some of the flight costs back. 

You should also check the airline's conditions of carriage if you are going to miss your flight last-minute to see whether you can be moved to an alternative flight.

Can I buy travel insurance after departure?

Yes you can - but you'll need to get a special type of policy called 'post-departure insurance'.

Unfortunately, you're likely to pay more and get less cover than if you had bought standard travel insurance.

Post-departure insurance won't cover incidents that have already happened, such as a delayed flight on the way out. It generally applies from the day after buying, not the same day.

Even though you'll need to cover fewer days, the specialised nature of post-departure insurance means it's likely to cost more per day and overall.

The best approach is to buy standard travel insurance on the same day you book your holiday. Although the insurance only needs to cover the dates of your holiday, from the moment of buying it you'll be covered if, for instance, you need to cancel your trip.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm pregnant?

You can get travel insurance if you're pregnant, especially if your trip is less than 28 weeks into your pregnancy.

Many insurers still offer cover for trips after that point, but check with them before buying, and bear in mind airlines may request extra details such as a letter from your doctor.

Pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing medical condition so you shouldn't have to tell your insurer or pay more.

Standard travel insurance will cover emergency medical care, but ask insurers if antenatal care after premature births will be covered, or cancellation due to pregnancy-related complications.

In general, travel insurance won't pay out if you cancel a trip simply because you're pregnant - it's worth asking airlines and accommodation providers if you can reschedule.

Do I need travel insurance for the UK?

Potentially, depending on the type of trip you've booked.

Many travel insurers will cover the UK; if you have an annual policy check if it includes UK travel.

The main advantage of travel insurance for the UK is cover if you need to cancel your trip (such as because of illness) or lose baggage.

In general, travel insurance only covers paid-for accommodation, sometimes with a minimum duration. So stays with friends and family wouldn't be covered.

Nor will you need travel insurance for medical cover, due to the NHS - though visitors to the Isle of Man and Channel Islands may need insurance for repatriation to the mainland.

Your home contents insurance may cover personal possessions outside the home, but you may have to pay high excesses.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Yes, travel insurance is essential for European holidays. 

The European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) and Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) only entitle you to public medical care at the price locals pay.

That's only in the EU, Switzerland and a few other countries however, and won't cover associated - and very high - costs such as for rescue from ski slopes or repatriation to the UK.

Nor will the Ehic and Ghic cover cancellations or lost baggage, unlike the best travel insurance policies.

• Find out more: The Ehic and Ghic explained  

Does travel insurance cover cruises?

Some, but not all, policies will offer specialised cover for cruises.

In some cases cruise cover will be an optional add-on.

This includes scenarios such as being ill and confined to your cabin, missing your departure during an excursion, or the intinerary being changed. 

We've listed which policies cover cruises and how good they are in our guide to the best cruise insurance .

Does travel insurance cover skiing?

As with cruises, this depends on your policy.

Winter sports cover may be included as standard within your travel insurance, or as an optional add-on.

It should cover scenarios such as piste closure, avalanche delay and air ambulance rescue from the slopes.

We've listed which policies include or offer winters sports cover, and rate that cover, in our guide to the  best ski insurance .

Are you covered for Covid?

Covid isn't the menace to travel that it was a year or two ago, but it's still around and retains the potential to scupper your plans.

Fortunately, all policies we examined provide at least a basic level of Covid cover - covering you if you get ill while travelling and require emergency medical care or medical repatriation to the UK.

Some 98% of those we checked also cover cancellation costs if you can't travel because you're ill with the virus.

From here, the degree of Covid cover varies significantly between policies - meaning you can't make assumptions about what's covered and should check very carefully if Covid cover is a priority for you. 

Of the policies we analysed, fewer than one in ten will pay if your hotel closes because of Covid and you can't get your money back. 

And only a handful of providers cover you if you choose to cancel your plans because the FCDO advises against travel to your destination due to Covid. At the time of our analysis in April 2023, these were:

• Direct Line
• M&S Bank
• Nationwide Building Society

How do I claim on my travel insurance?

For emergency medical claims, your travel insurer will have a 24/7 phone line. It's worth saving the number if your phone prior to travelling.

To make other claims, you may be able to claim by phone and/or online. Don't leave it more than a couple of weeks to claim, as there may be time limits.

• Find out more: How to claim on your travel insurance   

What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?

Any current or recent medical conditions that haven't been disclosed to your insurer will almost certainly be automatically excluded from your policy. 

In recent Which? research, we found that pre-existing medical conditions were the second most common reason for claims being turned down.

When you declare a condition, you'll go through a medical screening process where you give the insurer information about your medical history. When you buy insurance by itself, this will usually form part of the application process. 

With some providers (for example where the cover is included with a holiday or a bank account), you'll need to contact the insurer separately to have the conditions added. If you're uncertain about what needs to be declared, it's best to contact the insurer. 

• Find out more:  Best travel insurance if you have a medical condition  

How else can you protect your holiday?

Travel insurers only expect you to claim with them if you've been unable to recover your money through other channels.

Book with a Which? Recommended holiday provider

If a package holiday firm cancels your holiday, or airlines can't fulfil flights, you're entitled to a refund by law.

Unfortunately, in the wake of Covid, not all travel providers fulfilled their legal obligations. For peace of mind, opt for one of our Which? Recommended Providers .

• Find out more:  Your legal rights with package holiday companies

Atol protection

If you buy a package holiday that includes flights from an Atol-protected firm, you'll get your money back if it goes bust. You'll also be repatriated if this happens while you're on holiday.

• Find out more:  how do I know if my holiday is Atol protected?

Your credit card provider

If you can, pay for your holiday with a credit card .

If you pay with a credit card for services costing more than £100 and less than £30,000 that aren't provided as advertised, you can claim the money back from your card supplier if the seller (ie the holiday company) won't refund you.

• Find out more:  Section 75

Banks have similar schemes to help you recover money for services that haven't been fulfilled as paid for. These are known as chargeback.

Chargeback can be used to recover debit and prepaid card payments, as well as credit card payments below £100.

Banks aren't legally bound to do this in the same way as credit card providers are under Section 75, so you should always pay for amounts over £100 with a credit card if possible.

How we analyse travel insurance

Our editorial independence means we are able to work on behalf of consumers, not insurers. That means our reviews are fair and there's no hidden agenda.

Policy score

The policy score rates how comprehensive the cover is in a policy – the higher the better.

We've looked at 161 policies, examining 67 elements of cover in each.

Policies are given points for each element of cover, reflecting how competitive their cover is compared with what other policies offer. The policy score shows how well the policy did overall. 

Based on our assessment of which elements are more or less important for customers choosing and using travel insurance, we adjust the impact that points earned in each area has on the overall policy score.

Among the highest-weighted elements are medical expenses cover, cancellation cover and the compulsory excesses on the policy.

How we pick Which? Best Buys

Our 'Best Buy' badge recognises the individual products that stood out as being the most comprehensive in our analysis. 

It doesn't reflect customer service. However, we do look at claims statistics published by the Financial Conduct Authority and complaints data from the Financial Ombudsman Service, where these are available. We won't give a Best Buy badge to providers shown to reject higher than average numbers of claims or that have a poor track record when it comes to complaints.

Policies named as Best Buys did well in our analysis of cover, with a policy score of at least 66%.

Additionally, Best Buy policies scored well consistently across different areas of cover. To make the cut, a policy needs to have scored at least three out of five points in two thirds of the features we compare (see 'Policy score' for more).

Lastly, all Best Buy policies must provide - either as standard or as an option - the following levels of cover as a minimum:

• £5m cover for medical expenses - with emergency medical repatriation and some cover for emergency dental treatment
• £2,000 cancellation and travel abandonment cover - including cancellation in the event that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination country because of civil unrest, war, terrorism or natural disaster after you've insured your holiday
• Cancellation cover because of the illness, injury or death of a close family member or a person you were planning to stay with; cover for travel delays - including cover for missing your outgoing or returning flight due to delays
• £1,500 cover for baggage
• £2m personal liability cover

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More questions on travel insurance? Take a look at our guides:

• Best travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
• Best travel insurance for seniors
• Best cruise insurance
• Best ski insurance
• The Ehic and Ghic explained  
• Golf travel insurance explained  
• How to claim on your travel insurance

Compare travel insurance

Find the right policy for your holiday using the service provided by Confused.com

Travel insurance reviews

• All Clear travel insurance review
• Admiral travel insurance review
• Avanti travel insurance review
• Avion travel insurance review
• Aviva travel insurance review
• Barclays travel insurance review
• Direct Line travel insurance review
• Flexicover travel insurance review
• InsureandGo travel insurance review
• Nationwide travel insurance review
• NFU Mutual travel insurance review
• Post Office travel insurance review
• Saga travel insurance review
• Sainsbury's Bank travel insurance review
• Staysure travel insurance review
• Tesco Bank travel insurance review
• Unity Travel travel insurance review
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