Top-tier travel insurance options in the UK
Heading: hey, mate! Traveling to the UK trip? Make sure to get the right cover
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Are you heading to the UK for a holiday? Whether it's visiting relatives, exploring castles in Wales, hiking through the English lakes and peaks, or chasing Harry Potter from London to Edinburgh, you'll want to make sure you've got your travel insurance sorted before you step foot on a plane.
We've had a good look at more than 65 travel insurance policies and analysed prices from nearly 15,000 quotes to find you the best and cheapest cover for your trip to the UK.
Here's what you need to know:
Do you need travel insurance for the UK?
The short answer is yes! Travel insurance is crucial for every Australian's trip to the UK. If something goes wrong or if there's an accident, the right travel insurance policy can save your holiday from turning into a disaster.
Medical Cover:
The standard of the UK's medical facilities and care is similar to that of Australia. There's a reciprocal healthcare agreement in place between the UK and Australia, which means that if you stay less than six months, some GP and hospital treatments are free. However, this limited coverage doesn't include dental or medicines and won't cover the cost of medical evacuation, which can be very expensive. So, it's essential to look in the product disclosure statement (PDS) of your travel insurance policy to make sure you have cover for medical evacuation.
Cover for terrorism and civil unrest:
Smart Traveller warns of the potential for terror attacks in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, related to Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing ideology, and the status of Northern Ireland. It's possible that some events in Northern Ireland could be classified as civil unrest, and Smart Traveller warns that tensions can worsen in the weeks leading up to July 12. So, it's important to check that your travel insurance policy covers you for both terrorism and civil unrest.
Traveling around the UK
Hiring a car:
The UK is a great place for a road trip. It's compact, with diverse landscapes and historic villages, and they drive on the same side of the road as us! You can drive a car or motorbike using your Australian license for up to 12 months. Many travel insurance policies also come with collision damage excess cover, meaning you don't need to pay the insurance excess reduction that the car hire company charges. If you choose a policy with this cover and damage a hire car, you will need to initially pay the car hire company, but then you can claim it back on your travel insurance.
Train travel:
Train travel is also a popular way to get from A to B within the UK. The rail network is easy to navigate and extensive, but can be subject to industrial action, weather, or trackwork. Did you know that travel insurance can help with additional costs if your transport is delayed by circumstances beyond the provider's control, such as a strike?
Smart Traveller recommends you check the National Rail and Transport for London websites for the latest service updates.
Checklist for your UK holiday:
- From 2025, Australians visiting the UK who don't require a visa will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
- Check if your passport is still valid. If not, renew your passport online.
- Keep a print-out of your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip. It's also a good idea to share your insurance details with family or friends before you leave.
- Keep up to date with the latest travel advice for the UK.
How much does travel insurance for the UK cost?
A family of four with adults under 55 years will pay around $310 for a 22-day UK holiday, and a single person under 55 an average of $160. A couple with no children aged over 55 will pay roughly $590. The cost of travel insurance will depend on factors like how comprehensive your cover is, your age, how long your holiday is, how far in advance you buy travel insurance, and how much excess you nominate.
What is the cheapest travel insurance for the UK?
We looked at nearly 15,000 quotes for a range of scenarios to identify the cheapest insurance policies for a trip to the UK. InsureandGo Basic offers the cheapest unlimited medical cover, but it doesn't provide cover for cancellation. Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only and Tick Travel Insurance Budget offer unlimited medical cover and some cancellation coverage for a slightly higher price. For the best value travel insurance policies for the UK, log in to CHOICE to see our experts' top picks.
Insure Your Journey! Stay Safe and Enjoy Your UK Holiday!
- When you're choosing a lifestyle for your upcoming UK trip, make sure to consider the benefits of having travel insurance as it can significantly impact your choice, offering protection against unforeseen incidents and ensuring peace of mind during your travel.
- As you explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture of the UK, remember that renting a car or utilizing train travel can be both exciting and beneficial. However, it's essential to consider travel insurance that covers collision damage excess and delays, enhancing your overall lifestyle and travel experience.
