Travel insurance is one of those things most people buy but few truly understand. You tick a box at checkout, assume you're covered "for everything," and never think about it — until something goes wrong.
In this guide we'll break down exactly what a standard UK travel insurance policy covers, what common exclusions to watch for, and how to make sure your policy actually protects you.
Medical Expenses & Emergency Treatment
This is the most important part of any travel insurance policy. If you fall ill or have an accident abroad, medical cover pays for:
- Hospital treatment — including surgery, intensive care, and specialist consultations
- Prescribed medication
- Emergency dental treatment (usually with a monetary cap)
- Ambulance and emergency transport
What to look for: A minimum of £2 million in medical cover for Europe; £5 million or more for the USA, Canada, and other expensive healthcare regions.
Repatriation
If you're too unwell to fly home on a standard flight, your policy will cover the cost of getting you back to the UK — whether that means a medical escort on a commercial flight or a private air ambulance. These costs can easily exceed £20,000.
"Repatriation is the single most expensive thing insurers pay out for. It's also the single biggest reason you shouldn't travel without cover."
Trip Cancellation & Curtailment
Cancellation cover reimburses you if you need to cancel or cut short your trip for a covered reason. Common covered reasons include:
- Illness, injury, or death of you, a travel companion, or a close relative
- Jury service or being called as a witness
- Redundancy (if employed for 2+ years)
- The Foreign Office advising against travel to your destination
What's usually not covered: Changing your mind, work commitments, visa refusals, or not feeling like going. Always read the policy wording carefully.
Baggage, Personal Belongings & Money
If your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, your policy will pay out up to a set limit, subject to:
- Overall baggage limit — Typically £1,500–£3,000
- Single-item limit — Usually £200–£500 per item (important for laptops, phones, cameras)
- Valuables limit — A sub-limit for jewellery, watches, and electronics collectively
- Cash limit — Typically £200–£300
Tip: If you're taking high-value items, check whether you need a gadget or specialist policy for full protection.
Travel Delay & Missed Departures
If your flight or ferry is delayed beyond a set threshold (usually 8–12 hours), your policy pays a fixed sum — typically £20–£30 per full 12 hours, up to a cap. Some policies also pay for a missed departure if you arrive late due to public transport failure or a road traffic accident.
Personal Liability
This protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while abroad. Think: accidentally knocking someone off a bike, or flooding a hotel bathroom. Cover is typically £1–2 million.
Legal Expenses
If you need legal help abroad — for example, pursuing a personal injury claim after a traffic accident — your policy may include legal expenses cover, usually up to £25,000–£50,000.
Common Exclusions to Watch For
No policy covers everything. Key exclusions typically include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions — Unless you've declared them and they've been accepted (see our medical conditions guide)
- Alcohol and drug-related incidents
- Hazardous activities — Scuba diving, bungee jumping, etc. unless you add cover
- Travelling against medical advice
- Unattended belongings — Leaving bags visible in a parked car, for example
- War, terrorism, and pandemic-related cancellations (varies by policy)
The Bottom Line
Travel insurance covers more than most people realise — but it also has clear boundaries. The key is to read your policy summary, understand the limits, declare anything required, and choose a level of cover that matches your trip. A few minutes of reading now could save you thousands later.