Travelling in 2025? Whether you’re planning a quick European getaway, a long-haul adventure, or a family holiday, travel insurance is the one thing you should never skip.
From unexpected medical bills to lost luggage and flight delays, the right policy protects both your money and your peace of mind.
This guide breaks down the best travel insurance options for UK travellers, how to choose the right one, and what you must check before buying.
Why Travel Insurance Matters in 2025
Travel has changed massively since 2020:
- Medical costs abroad are higher than ever
- Airlines are struggling with delays and cancellations
- Many destinations (like Thailand & UAE) require travel insurance
- EHIC/GHIC no longer covers everything in Europe
- Baggage losses have increased as airlines cut staff
One accident, one lost bag, or one cancelled flight can cost hundreds—or thousands—without insurance.
That’s why most travellers choose not to fly without a good policy.
What to Look for in a Good Travel Insurance Policy
Before choosing a provider, make sure your policy includes:
✔ £10 million+ medical cover
Important for USA, Canada, Caribbean, and Asia.
✔ Baggage & personal belongings cover
£1,500–£3,000 recommended.
✔ Cancellation & curtailment cover
At least £3,000 — more if your trip cost more.
✔ Emergency repatriation
If you need to be flown back to the UK for treatment.
✔ 24/7 emergency support
A must-have for international travel.
✔ Adventure & activity add-ons
If you plan to ski, hike, dive, or do water sports.
Types of Travel Insurance (Which One Do You Need?)
1. Single Trip Insurance
✔ Best for occasional travellers
✔ Covers one holiday
✔ Usually the cheapest option
2. Annual Multi-Trip Insurance
✔ Unlimited trips for 12 months
✔ Ideal for people travelling 2+ times a year
✔ Saves money if you travel regularly
3. Backpacker & Long-Stay Insurance
✔ Designed for travellers away for 3–18 months
✔ Popular for Asia, Australia, Europe
4. Family Travel Insurance
✔ Covers adults + children
✔ Often cheaper than buying separately
✔ Bonus: kids sometimes travel free
5. Specialist Cover Add-Ons
- Winter sports
- Cruises
- Business travel
- Golf
- Gadget insurance
- Pre-existing medical conditions
Best Travel Insurance Providers for UK Travellers (2025)
Below is your SEO-friendly, comparison-style list.
These companies consistently rank high for cover, price, and customer satisfaction.
1. MoneySuperMarket (Comparison Tool)
The easiest way to compare prices from dozens of providers.
Best for:
- People wanting the cheapest deal
- Fast quotes
- Beginners who don’t know where to start
Pros:
✔ Compare 30–50 insurers at once
✔ Custom filters
✔ Often the cheapest option
2. Compare the Market
Another high-trust comparison site with strong family and annual cover results.
Best for:
- Families
- Multi-trip cover
- Popular destinations like Spain, Italy, Greece
Pros:
✔ Easy quoting
✔ Broad range of providers
✔ Free rewards (depending on offer)
3. Staysure
One of the UK’s most trusted insurers, especially for medical conditions.
Best for:
- Over-50s
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Peace of mind cover
Pros:
✔ Covers 1000+ medical conditions
✔ No upper age limit
✔ Excellent customer reviews
4. Allianz Assistance
A global name known for premium, reliable cover.
Best for:
- Long-haul trips
- High medical coverage
- Families
Pros:
✔ Strong worldwide cover
✔ Fast emergency response
✔ Great for US/Canada travel
5. AXA Travel Insurance
Well-known provider with strong all-round value.
Best for:
- Budget-friendly travellers
- Simple single-trip cover
- Europe holidays
Pros:
✔ Affordable
✔ Strong cancellation cover
✔ Good baggage limits
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in 2025?
Prices vary by age, destination, and trip length, but here are typical averages:
Single Trip (Europe): £8–£25
Single Trip (Worldwide): £25–£60
Annual Multi-Trip (Europe): £35–£70
Annual Multi-Trip (Worldwide): £60–£120
Backpacker Insurance: £150–£350
Travel insurance is surprisingly affordable compared to the cost of emergencies abroad.
Cheapest Countries for Travel Insurance
- Spain
- Portugal
- Italy
- Greece
- Turkey
Why? Lower medical costs + high competition among insurers.
Most Expensive Countries for Travel Insurance
- USA (very high medical costs)
- Canada
- Mexico
- Caribbean islands
- Japan
- Australia
If travelling to these destinations, get higher medical cover.
Do You Still Need a GHIC/EHIC in 2025?
Yes — but ONLY as a backup.
It does not replace travel insurance.
GHIC helps reduce some medical costs in the EU — but:
❌ No emergency repatriation
❌ No private medical care
❌ No cancellation, delays, or baggage cover
❌ Not valid outside the EU
Always get full insurance, even for Europe.
Should You Buy Travel Insurance Before or After Booking Your Trip?
Buy it immediately after booking.
The earlier you buy, the more protection you get.
Insurance covers:
✔ If you get sick before the trip
✔ If your airline cancels
✔ If a family emergency happens
✔ If your trip provider goes bankrupt
If you wait until the last minute, you lose these protections.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Europe in 2025?
Yes. Absolutely.
Even short weekend trips should have:
- £10m medical cover
- Cancellation protection
- Baggage protection
Europe’s medical care is not always free.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable protections you can buy in 2025. Whether you’re travelling once this year or taking multiple trips, there’s a policy to match your budget and destination.