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Travel insurance gives you peace of mind that you’ll have cover if something goes wrong in the run up to your holiday or while you’re away. Your policy usually kicks in the moment you buy it and should cover you for everything from cancelled flights and missing luggage to getting injured or sick while you’re away. Different policies offer different levels of protection, and many have wildly different limits, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions carefully.
Travel insurance can be expensive, particularly if you don’t do your research. Here are our top eight tips for cutting costs whilst also making sure you’re fully protected.
1. Shop around for quotes
The best way to get a good deal is toget travel insurance quotesfrom as many providers as you can to find the cheapest option. Ideally, you should use a couple of different comparison sites and also speak to providers direct.
The cost can vary widely between insurers, so shopping around before you choose a policy can save you a serious amount of cash
Do not just opt for the cheapest option though, as it may not protect you fully if you need to make a claim. Find a policy that offers all the cover you need, at the best price.
Compare travel insurance
2. Avoid buying insurance from travel agents
If you buy your holiday from a travel agent or tour operator they may offer you a travel insurance policy to go with it.
Never accept their offer without shopping around first. Their policies are often more expensive, and they may not offer the level of cover you need. It pays to find your own standalone policy instead. You may find you can get the same or better cover at a fraction of the cost
3. Buy online
The best travel insurance deals can usually be found online.
You will get a wider selection of policies to choose from because there are some providers who only operate online.
Many insurers also offer discounts of 10% or 20% if youapply onlinebecause it keeps their costs down.
4. Save with an annual policy
Making the right choice between a single trip and an annual travel insurance policy can really cut the cost of your cover.
Single trip cover will protect you for just one holiday, while annual policies will cover your travel over 12 months and a variety of locations.
Which one is best for you depends on your plans for the year ahead. If you are going away several times in a year, you should be able to save by getting annual cover. If you are only travelling once or twice, single trip policies usually work out to be more affordable.
Here is how to work out whether you needsingle trip or annual travel insurance.
Should you get single trip or annual travel insurance?
5. Only get the cover you need
It is vital to check you are fully covered before you travel, or you could face bills of thousands of pounds if you fall ill or are injured.
You should also check that you are not paying extra for cover you will not need. Avoid extras likeextreme or adventure sports coverif you are planning a relaxing beach holiday.
Many policies let you remove certain types of cover, like personal possessions and baggage protection. If you have home insurance that covers your belongings overseas, consider removing it from your travel cover to reduce the cost.
6. Avoid paying twice
You may already have travel insurance without knowing it.
Check that you do not already have cover as an added feature with a packaged current account or credit card.
If you do have travel insurance as a bank perk, make sure you check the policy carefully as they will usually only offer a basic level of cover. If you cannot upgrade the policy to suit your holiday, then you may have to pay for separate cover.
7. Get a family policy
If you are travelling with your partner and children, family travel insurance that covers everyone may be cheaper than separate policies.
It is worth getting quotes for individual policies and family cover, so you can do a comparison and check whether the family option works out cheaper.
Find out more aboutfamily cover, including who it can protect, here.
Compare travel insurance here
8. Remember your GHIC
You can get a freeUK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)that provides some medical cover in most of Europe.
It gives you access to state-provided healthcare when you travel toEuropean Union (EU) countries. Find out more, includinghow you can get a GHIC, in this guide.
This is not a replacement for travel insurance but can be used alongside your policy and your insurer may waive the excess for a medical claim if you use your card.
NHS website — How to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
For all your travel essentials in one place,visit our Travel Hub.
