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Is travel insurance worth it?

April 30, 2024 | 2 min read

Planning a trip and wondering if you need a travel insurance policy? Keep reading to learn more about travel insurance to decide whether it’s right for you.

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance can provide financial protection if things go wrong before or during a trip.
• You might get travel insurance to cover potential losses from trip cancellations or delays, lost baggage or medical issues.
• Factoring in details specific to your trip and balancing with existing coverage might help you decide whether travel insurance is right for you.

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What does travel insurance do?

Travel insurance is a type of specialized protection that might help protect against financial losses from airline delays, medical issues or other unexpected occurrences. Some travel insurance plans focus on specific things, like lost baggage or health care. Others offer a wide range of benefits under a single plan. It’s a good idea to make sure you understand the terms and conditions, because coverage varies.

When might travel insurance be beneficial?

Some of the situations where it can help to have travel insurance include:

Interruptions and cancellations

Trip delay insurance covers food and lodging expenses if you experience an airline delay. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid costs if an illness forces you to cancel entirely.

Baggage issues

Baggage loss coverage can reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed.

Medical emergencies

Travel health or medical insurance can cover everything from medication to emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injured when traveling abroad .

When might travel insurance be unnecessary?

There’s no right or wrong time for travel insurance. It depends on your circumstances. But when deciding whether travel insurance is worth it, you can consider things like:

• Type and length of trip: If the trip’s refundable, you might not need extra protection. And a short or cheap trip might not be worth the cost of coverage.
• Your existing coverage: Check existing policies and agreements. If you have coverage through your health insurance provider, credit card issuer or card network, you may not need more.

Considering travel insurance in a nutshell

Travel insurance can offer peace of mind if anything goes wrong before or during a trip. But it may not always be worth it. If you’re considering travel insurance coverage, looking at your situation, your trip and the terms and conditions of your existing insurance policies could help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

If you’re interested in getting insurance coverage from a credit card, you can check out the benefits that come with Capital One rewards credit cards .

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Holidaymakers can save on travel insurance booking at the very last minute - but here's why it's not worth the risk...

• Travel cover gets cheaper the later you leave it, but the risk goes up too
• Buying as soon as you book a trip means cover for cancellations 

By Sam Barker For This Is Money

Updated: 05:26 EDT, 5 June 2023

View comments

Buying travel insurance at the last minute can mean paying lower premiums.

However, leaving it until late in the day also means taking on more risk. 

In tests run by This is Money, a family of four could get single trip travel insurance for a week in Spain for £15.05 if booked on the day of the trip - the cheapest quote available.

The price was 20 per cent more if booked one month out and 21.8 per cent extra if booked six months beforehand.

Pay more, get more: Travel cover varies in price to reflect risk to the insurer

For annual multi-trip cover, the same family would pay £32.65 if buying on the day.

But they would pay £56.51 - or £23.86 more - if buying this cover six months in advance.

The reason is that travel insurance pays for  cancellation costs, as well as delays, lost luggage and medical expenses while travelling.

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• Beware of travel insurance policy wording that can leave you out of pocket for lost valuables

The chance of claiming on an insurance policy for cancellation is obviously much higher the longer the policy is in place.

That means greater risk for the insurer, and a higher premium to reflect that.

A spokespman for travel insurer Staysure said: ' Travel insurance policies are often cheaper the closer the purchase date is to the start date of the holiday due decreased risk exposure.

'By purchasing closer to the start date of your holiday, the time window for potential cancellations or unforeseen events is smaller, resulting in lower risk for the insurance company. This decreased risk exposure is reflected in lower premiums.'

When should I buy travel insurance?

The safest option is always to buy travel insurance as soon as you book the holiday.

Some holidays may include free cancellation, but otherwise travel insurance is your best bet.

If all you care about is lost luggage and medical bills, you may be able to save a few pounds buying travel cover at the last minute.

This is likely to apply to solo travellers heading for cheap European trips with budget airlines and flexible hotel bookings that can be cancelled right up to the last minute.  

However, buying travel insurance late to save money can be a risky game. 

Firstly, the savings from booking cover late are not always huge. 

Our example four-person family, above, could save £4.20 on their insurance by buying it on the day compared to six months out, or £3.77 if buying it one month out.

However, the cost of a cancelled holiday could run into the thousands of pounds.

Taking out cover at the last minute can also mean a reduced pool of insurers prepared to offer you a policy. That could mean paying more for premiums, or not getting the level of cover you need.

Additionally, if your holiday is cancelled due to bad weather, travel insurance will not pay out if this was forecast at the point you bought the policy.

Tony Brown, director of underwriting at travel insurance company Tifgroup, said: 'If you buy your travel insurance policy close to your departure date, then the likelihood of you needing to cancel your holiday and submit a claim for trip cancellation can decrease. 

'This is why it can sometimes be cheaper to buy your protection at the last minute. 

'However, it's sensible for holidaymakers to buy their travel insurance as soon as they book their trip, to make sure they are fully protected from the get-go.

'By having protection in place as soon as you've booked, you're often covered in case you have to cancel your trip for a number of reasons that could crop up between paying for your holiday and actually going on your break.'

Other ways of getting travel refunds 

Most insurers ask travellers to try to get a refund or rescheduled trip from their airline, tour operator or accommodation provider before paying any claims.

ATOL protection covers people taking a package holiday with a flight involved. 

If a package holiday company goes bust during a trip, ATOL protection pays for accommodation and can handle refunds for things like car hire and flights home.

Protection from ABTA, or the Association of British Travel Agents, covers package holidays including travel by road, sea or train.

If your package holiday firm goes under, ABTA will pay out for money lost on accommodation and travel, including transport home if you end up stuck overseas.

However, ABTA says package holidays that are for less than 24 hours, or are for business travel, may not be protected.

What is not covered by ATOL or ABTA? 

Many things - for example, if your luggage is lost or stolen, if you need medical treatment overseas, if you need to cancel a trip or if there are any delays that rack up extra costs for you.

This is why it is still important to get the right travel insurance, even if your holiday is covered by ATOL or ABTA.

DIY package holidays are also not covered by either scheme.

One major exception with ATOL is that it does not pay out for cancelled flights alone, only for airline travel as part of a package holiday.

If you have booked a flight by itself through a travel firm, that may be ATOL protected if the firm fails, but it depends on the circumstances.

Separate laws on package holidays do entitle you to a refund if you book a flight from a package holiday firm that is later cancelled.

Travel insurance can help fill the gaps in both ABTA and ATOL protected holidays.

If you book travel or accommodation using a credit card, Section 75 protection means your credit card firm can pay out for cancellations.

However, this only works on amounts between £100 and £30,000, and the cancellation cannot be your fault.

How to compare travel insurance

The quickest and easiest way to save money on travel insurance and compare the best policies is to use a comparison site.

While results will broadly be the same across most comparison sites, they may slightly differ, so it is worth checking a couple. 

However, those with pre-existing medical conditions may struggle to get appropriate travel insurance at a reasonable price using price comparison websites.

People in this situation can find travel cover using the 'find a broker' tool from the British Insurance Brokers' Association or call 03709501790.

For comparison websites, we suggest: 

MoneySupermarket

Compare deals from 35 leading providers

Confused.com

See how much you can save from a few days to an annual policy  

Also check insurers such as Direct Line that does not appear on comparison sites and if you have previous serious medical issues consider a specialist insurer or broker.

Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. This does not affect our editorial independence. 

Share or comment on this article: Travel insurance premiums are lower if you book nearer your trip - but is it worth the risk?

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

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Find the Best Travel Insurance & Avoid Costly Surprises

• 20 Top-Rated Providers
• Side-by-Side Comparison
• 3 Million+ Travelers Insured

Standard Single Trip Policies

• The most popular and comprehensive travel insurance plan
• Covers cancellations, medical emergencies, delays, and luggage
• Protection from the time you purchase to the date you return

Annual / Multi Trip Policies

• Cost-effective option for travelers taking multiple trips a year
• Includes common medical, delay, and luggage benefits
• May require add-ons from trip cancellation or interruption

Cruise Insurance Policies

• Offers comprehensive trip protection on land and at sea
• Includes high travel medical insurance coverage limits
• Protects against hurricanes, inclement weather, and more

Adventure & Sports Policies

• Essential for travelers partaking in high-risk activities
• Provides protection for lost or delayed sports equipment
• Strong coverage for cancellations and medical emergencies

Compare and Save in Minutes

Whether you’re heading abroad or staying local, we make it easy to find the best travel insurance plan for your next adventure. No bias. No hidden fees. Just the best trip protection quotes from the country’s leading providers.

Tell us some basic information about your next trip. We’ll use these details to help narrow your search and show the plans that best fit your needs.

Easily see how plans from the best travel insurance providers compete on cost and coverage. Use filters and sort results to uncover the right plan for you.

Get peace of mind at the lowest possible price. We partner with leading providers to offer you the best policies at the best value, guaranteed.

Why Trust Squaremouth?

When selecting a travel insurance provider, it's crucial to compare options. Obtain quotes from three to five insurers to ensure the best coverage and value. While it may seem time-consuming, this process can result in significant savings.

That's why we're here – over the past two decades, our industry-leading comparison engine has helped millions of travelers find highly-rated insurance plans and protect their trip expenses.

Our industry-leading comparison platform , enriched by customer reviews, displays unbiased results based on your specific trip details. If you run into any trouble, our multi-award-winning customer service team is just a phone call away.

• Helped more than 3 million travelers
• 20+ years serving the travel community
• Intuitive & user-friendly comparison engine
• More plans and top-rated providers than the competition
• Prices are regulated by law; you won't find a lower price anywhere else
• Multi award-winning customer service team
• 140,000+ customer reviews

Save With Squaremouth

Squaremouth has helped more than 3 million travelers find the best policy for their trip.

Key Travel Insurance Benefits

Most trip insurance policies are comprehensive, including coverage for cancellations, medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost luggage, among other benefits.

What Coverage is the Most Important?

Squaremouth customer reviews.

More than 99% of customers would recommend Squaremouth to others. Read what a few of them had to say about their recent experience buying travel insurance.

Great Experience!

"The Squaremouth website is fantastic! It was very easy to select coverage and find and compare policies. Will recommend it to others."

Savannah from NC 03/26/2024

Great Coverage and Price

"Getting a travel insurance quote online was easy. We have used Squaremouth before and have been pleased each time. It's peace of mind for our travel needs."

Rhonda from IN 03/20/2024

Easy to Use!

"I always use Squaremouth simply because it is so easy to use and offers plans that are affordable to me."

Emily from AZ 03/08/2024

Very pleased!

"They give great service, and the website is so easy to navigate to find just the right insurance plan. I always appreciate working with them."

Don from UT 03/07/2024

The Squaremouth website is fantastic! It was very easy to select coverage and find and compare policies. Will recommend it to others.

Featured Articles

Our topic experts keep a constant pulse on the travel industry so we can provide the most current information and recommendations based on today's traveler needs.

What Type of Insurance Do I Need?

Plans can range in terms of cost and coverage, so it’s important to identify your specific needs before comparing options. Discover the different types of travel insurance policies you should consider for your upcoming trip.

How to Buy Travel Insurance on Squaremouth

If you’re new to Squaremouth, this quick guide can help you identify your needs, start your first quote, and compare your results. If you need additional help, our customer service team is just a phone call away.

Travel Insurance FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from travelers like you.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for International Travel?

While rare, some countries or organized tours may require proof of travel insurance that lasts for the duration of your trip. Our Destination Center is a good starting point to learn about entry requirements and travel insurance recommendations.

While it is typically not mandatory, travelers should consider buying insurance if they want to protect themselves financially from unforeseen events that may impact their travel plans. Many Americans and U.S. residents purchase travel insurance when planning international or high cost trips. View our list of the top international travel insurance providers .

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to cover common disruptions that may impact a trip. Most policies will provide coverage for trip cancellations , medical emergencies , travel delays , missed connections , accidental death and dismemberment , and lost luggage . Travelers that experience financial loss as a result of a covered disruption may be eligible for reimbursement through their insurance policy.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

In general, a comprehensive policy with Trip Cancellation typically costs between 5% and 10% of the total trip cost. The cost of a policy depends on four primary factors: trip cost, traveler age, trip length, and coverage amounts. A policy without an insured trip cost will be significantly less expensive. We recommend comparing plans from multiple providers to find the best priced plan for your trip.

What Should I Look for When Comparing Travel Insurance?

There’s no one-size-fits-all policy when it comes to travel insurance. When comparing plans, you should consider the following:

• Benefits: Travel insurance benefits outline what situations are covered under each plan. Make sure each plan you’re considering includes coverage for what’s important to you.
• Coverage Limits: Plans will set limits to how much reimbursement you’re eligible for, and can vary significantly. Higher coverage limits can result in less out of pocket expenses in the event of a claim.
• Exclusions: Travel insurance companies will list specific activities, equipment, and scenarios that are not covered by their plans in the event of a claim.
• Premium: Higher priced insurance products do not always equate to better coverage. We recommend choosing the most affordable plan that offers the travel protection you need.
• Provider Reputation: All providers on Squaremouth have been carefully vetted and offer 24-Hour Assistance services. Customers are also encouraged to share honest reviews about their experience before, during, and after their trips.

Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover International Trips?

In many cases, primary health care plans, such as Medicare or a policy you have through your employer, are not accepted overseas. If you’re not covered, you may be responsible for unforeseen medical expenses if you get sick or injured while traveling.

To avoid out-of-pocket expenses if you need medical care in the event of an emergency, many travelers opt for travel medical insurance. These plans can cover the cost of treating unexpected medical conditions incurred during your international trip.

Are Pre-Existing Conditions Covered by Travel Insurance?

Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies among travel insurance policies. While many plans won’t offer coverage for existing injuries or illnesses, some plans may offer Pre-Existing Condition waivers if certain conditions are met, such as purchasing the policy within a specified time frame from booking the trip.

Will My Policy Cover Trip Cancellations?

Yes, many comprehensive travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations under specified circumstances, such as sudden illness, injury, or death of the insured or a family member, natural disasters, or unexpected work obligations. Most policies that include the Trip Cancellation benefit offer 100% reimbursement for all prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

What’s the Difference Between Single-Trip and Annual Travel Insurance?

Single-trip travel insurance covers a specific journey for a set duration, offering protection for that trip only. This is the most popular type of travel insurance among Squaremouth users. In contrast, Annual Travel Insurance provides coverage for multiple trips within a year. Annual plans can be cost-effective for frequent travelers and less of a hassle than purchasing multiple single-trip plans.

What's the Process for Filing a Travel Insurance Claim?

To file a trip insurance claim, follow these steps:

• Contact your insurer: Notify them as soon as possible about the incident.
• Gather documentation: Collect relevant documents, such as police reports, medical records, or receipts for expenses incurred.
• Complete the claim form: Fill out the insurer's claim form with accurate details.
• Submit supporting documents: Attach all required documents to substantiate your claim.
• Keep records: Maintain copies of all submissions and correspondence for your records.
• Follow up: Stay in touch with the insurer for updates on your claim status.
• Be honest and thorough: Provide clear and truthful information to expedite the process.

Remember, the process may vary by insurer, so review your policy or contact your insurance provider for specific instructions. Learn more about what can be covered and how to file a travel insurance claim .

Where Can I Buy Travel Insurance?

Travelers can purchase travel insurance directly from providers, through a comparison site like Squaremouth, or directly through a travel supplier when booking. Credit cards and travel agents are other sources to consider. Travel insurance prices are regulated by law, meaning the price of one specific policy must be the same regardless of where it is sold, whether it’s purchased from Squaremouth or directly from the provider.

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Best Travel Insurance Plans for 2024: A Unique and Comprehensive List for Travelers from International Citizens Insurance

Including the Best Plans for Seniors, Global Nomads, Visitors to the USA, Pets, Adventure Sports Addicts and More

BOSTON, May 2, 2024 (Newswire.com) - International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker, has announced the best travel insurance plans for 2024 summer travel. As the cost of airfare and hotels continues to rise along with the increase in flight delays and cruise cancellations, this list could not have come at a better time for travelers looking to protect their travel plans and their finances.

"This summer's travel season promises a high level of demand, increasing costs, and a strong potential for travel disruptions due to political unrest, weather, and other factors," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "Our clients want travel insurance they can trust to help them if they suffer a cancellation, a medical emergency, lost luggage, a natural disaster, or have to change plans due to unforeseen events. With this list, they will be able to find the best overall travel insurers as well as the right plans for their individual needs."

International Citizens Insurance judged each company and plan on six key criteria: the user-friendliness of their site, the ease of policy purchase, the number of countries plans are offered in, how extensive the benefits are, the ease of making a claim and the quality of the company's customer service. The most trusted insurers include WorldTrips , who made history as one of the first insurers to offer plans for purchase over the internet; GeoBlue Travel Insurance , which supports seniors with coverage for people up to 84 years old; and Trawick International, which offers coverage for over 500 adventure sports activities.

To help customers find the best insurance for their specific needs, International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best insurance for several use cases, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, travel medical plans, and insurance with coverage for pets. International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for clients with special needs, including seniors, missionaries and volunteers, U.S. citizens abroad, and digital nomads.

In today's unpredictable world, travel insurance has become the most essential accessory for any international traveler. Travelers want trip cancellation insurance to protect their trip and travel medical insurance plans to protect their health. But with so many companies out there, which ones can you trust?

Learn more about the best travel insurance companies at  https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-insurance/best-companies.php .

About International Citizens Insurance

International Citizens Insurance is the insurance division of International Citizens Group. We provide educational content, reviews, and unique comparison engines that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase global life, travel, and  international health insurance from various carriers.  

Source: International Citizens Insurance

• best travel insurance
• summer travel
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Our mission is to educate clients on the value of global medical, travel, and life insurance while providing a resource to research, compare, and purchase plans for their relocation abroad.

Andrew Blomberg

Vice President, Global Group Benefits

More Press Releases

International citizens insurance — record sales, industry award and new hires.

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Five Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance

Still not convinced? Read on to learn why you should insure your trip.

Nearly 30% of travelers plan to spend more on their trips in 2024. 1 As trip investments grow, so does the need for travel insurance.

Travel Protection for Individuals and Groups

Select from a variety of Trip Protection and Travel Medical plans and MedJet Global Medical Transport memberships.

A robust travel insurance policy provides financial protection for your trip deposits and balances as well as your health and safety. These five reasons illustrate how.

• Medical emergencies abroad . Becoming sick or injured during a trip is the leading concern of travelers. 2 Your health insurance may not cover you overseas, but if you are injured or suffer from a medical emergency during your trip, travel insurance can help you pay for care. Trip interruption insurance will also reimburse you for unused prepaid expenses for flights, excursions, and hotels that could be lost if you need to head home early.
• Trip cancellation. It’s the second biggest concern for travelers. 3 Illness, inclement weather, or happenings at your destination can upend your travel plans. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you if you miss your trip due to a covered issue, which could include death, illness or injury to you, a traveling companion, or a family member, as well as flight cancellations, extreme weather, natural disasters, terrorism, and more. Some polices provide reimbursement if you cancel for work reasons, and some even let you “cancel for any reason,” provided you purchase this added benefit within a specified number of days of booking your trip.
• Trip delays. About 20% of U.S. flights were delayed in 2023. 4 Although airlines sometimes provide meal or hotel vouchers for delays, they don’t provide any accommodation if the delay is due to weather or other factors beyond their control. Trip protection can reimburse you for necessary expenses incurred as a result of a travel delay, including meals, lodging, and items for personal use.
• Delayed or lost baggage. A delayed or missing bag could easily spoil your trip. Baggage delay coverage will reimburse you for the purchase of essential items such as toiletries and clothing for each of the days that you’re without your luggage. Baggage loss coverage will reimburse you for the missing luggage, along with its contents up to a certain dollar amount.
• Evacuation . One in 30 trips ends due to a medical emergency or safety concern. 5 Emergency medical transportation overseas can be extremely expensive — and most of the time, it’s not covered by your health insurance. If you need to be evacuated for health, security, or natural disaster reasons, emergency transportation coverage could save you thousands of dollars.

Travel insurance covers a wide spectrum of issues that can go wrong – before and during your trip. Beyond protecting your trip investment, travel insurance adds peace of mind; it can preserve your plans, and it can literally save your life. Learn more about travel insurance .

1,2,3  “IMG Annual Travel Outlook Survey Results for 2024,” imglobal.com February, 2024 4  “Air Travel Consumer Report: December 2023, Full Year 2023 Numbers,” Bureau of Transportation Statistics, bts.gov. March 2024. 5 Medjetassist.com, accessed April 2024.

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To review other Qualified Health Plan options in your state, visit the Health Insurance Marketplace website at HealthCare.gov.

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Travel Insurance

• Airport lounge access if flight is delayed 1
• Up to £15m emergency medical cover 2
• Up to £5,000 cancellation cover 2
• Over 150 Sports and Activities

Single trip travel insurance is designed to cover one specific holiday or trip. If you plan to travel more than 2 times per year, our annual multi trip policy may be better value.

We can only cover people up to the age of 85, if you are over this age, you can get cover from our partner Goodtogoinsurance.com. To buy a policy from them online click here , or call them on 0330 024 4478.

An annual multi trip policy can save you money if you travel 2 or more times per year. It also means you won't have to set up a new policy every time you go.

We can only cover people up to the age of 74. If you are over this age you could try our single trip policy which has an age limit of 85. Alternatively, you may get cover from our partner Goodtogoinsurance.com. To buy a policy from them online click here , or call them on 0330 024 4478.

We offer our Globetrotter policy to those looking to travel for between 60 and 365 days on one journey.

We can only cover people up to the age of 65. If you are over this age you could try our single trip policy which has an age limit of 85. Alternatively, you may get cover from our partner Goodtogoinsurance.com. To buy a policy from them online click here , or call them on 0330 024 4478.

Our winter sports policy covers you for a range of activities, on or off-piste (within resort boundaries), whether you are a skier or a snowboarder. Check the policy wording for a full list of the winter sports covered. Adding this cover to annual multi trip policies will cover you for up to 17 days per year.

This includes cover for travel to: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man.

This includes cover for travel to: Aland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Channel Islands (including Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark and Herm), Chechnya, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (including Faroe Islands), Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France (including Corsica), Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece (including Greek Isles), Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy (including Aeolian Islands, Sardinia, Sicily), Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway (including Jan Mayen, Svalbard Is), Poland, Portugal (including Azores, Madeira Islands), Romania, Russia (West of the Urals), San Marino, Serbia/Montenegro (including Kosovo), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (including Balearic Islands, Canary Islands), Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia , Turkey, Ukraine, UK Area (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), The Republic of Ireland and Vatican City.

Please note: This policy excludes travel to countries or regions which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against travelling to. It is recommended that, before travelling, you check the foreign travel advice area provided by the FCDO which can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

Travel anywhere in the world. Please note: This policy excludes travel to countries or regions which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against travelling to. It is recommended that, before travelling, you check the foreign travel advice area provided by the FCDO which can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

Travel anywhere in the world, except USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean. Please note: This policy excludes travel to countries or regions which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against travelling to. It is recommended that, before travelling, you check the foreign travel advice area provided by the FCDO which can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

For annual multi trip policies, cancellation cover is provided from the selected policy start date. If you require cancellation cover to begin immediately, please select today as the policy start date.

For single trip policies, cancellation cover is provided from when you purchase your policy.

Please select the traveller who you wish to book insurance for. If there is a group of you, please select the Group type of policy.

A couple who are legally married, common-law partners or living at the same address. All limits and excesses are per person irrespective of one or both travelling on the same trip.

A family is considered to be a legally married couple, a common law husband and wife, a single parent or adult couple who have lived at the same address for at least one year and up to 4 children aged under 18 (or up to 22 if in full time education). Under 2s travel free on an Adult or Couple Policy (please select Family, under Type of policy to set this up).

If your group has more than 8 people, please call us at 0800 068 0060.

Please note: All limits and excesses are per person (unless otherwise stated) irrespective of whether travelling on the same trip or individually.

Plan your next trip today...

At Columbus, we know your holidays are one of the most important times of the year, so why wait? Why not plan that long-awaited holiday today?

If you are planning to explore one of the many European countries make sure you have travel cover in place before you start your journey. If you are visiting Provence in southern France to enjoy the many coastal walks or planning a trip to the Italian Peninsula to visit one of its beautiful cities, don’t leave home without European travel insurance to ensure you have peace of mind during your travels.

If you are going further afield to destinations such as Thailand or Egypt in search of that much needed sunshine or little bit of adventure, don’t forget to make sure you have the right cover in place so you can truly relax while you’re away.

Travelling a few times over the next year? Annual multi trip travel insurance may be the best option to ensure you are covered for all your trips. You can go away as many times as you like, as long as each trip is within your selected trip limited – you can choose a maximum trip duration of 31, 45 or 60 days. So, what are you waiting for, get your quote today!

Get cover for your next trip by choosing from our three levels of cover, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. With additional cover available for gadgets, winter sports and more, you can make sure you have the right insurance in place to suit your needs, so you can relax and enjoy your time away.

• Up to £15 million Emergency Medical Expenses 2
• Up to £2,500 baggage cover 2
• Over 150 sports and activities covered for free
• Free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for 1 hr or more 1
• New COVID-19 upgrade available.
• New Extended Trip Disruption cover available.

Award Winning Insurance

Columbus have been covering travellers for 30 years, with a wide range of policies available, no matter what you want to do, wherever you are in the world, we’ll look after you.

Whether you’re travelling for work and need business travel insurance , off for some fun on the slopes and require winter sports cover , or just heading off to soak up the sun, Columbus will ensure you’re covered. So pack your bags, deliver a killer presentation, find that fresh powder or bag the perfect sun lounger, there’s an adventure waiting, and we’ve got a policy for you!

However, it’s not just all about you - our family travel insurance and group cover also looks after your loved ones and friends, so you’re able to travel with peace of mind. Our flexible policies mean you’re free to explore and be adventurous, because it’s your world, so enjoy it!

Our world is full of beautiful countries, and each country has their fair share of equally beautiful cities. So whether you’re travelling near, and only require European travel insurance , or ticking off cities a little bit further afield, Worldwide travel insurance is there for you too.

Cover for pre-existing medical conditions

If you or someone travelling on your travel insurance policy has a pre-existing medical condition(s), it is important that you declare the condition to ensure that you have full cover in place. We can offer cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions so you can travel with the peace of mind that you’re covered. Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered unless they are declared to us, agreed by us and an extra premium is paid (if required).

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you can also access a directory that has been set up by Moneyhelper on behalf of the Financial Conduct Authority, this provides easy access to details of companies that specialise in providing cover. The directory can be accessed by clicking here or by calling 0800 138 7777.

Take us with you when you visit ski resorts around the world

There are many ski resorts across Europe and the rest of the world, providing plenty of options when deciding which pistes are the best match for you. Popular locations include Austria, Italy, Switzerland and the USA.

France is also known for its world class slopes and scenic views, making it an ideal location if you want to enjoy the snow. Ski resorts like Chamonix , Courchevel and Flaine provide pristine conditions to suit beginner, intermediate and expert skiers.

Before you set off on your winter sports trip, make sure that you have ski insurance in place so that you are protected if you face the unexpected. It can be added to your travel insurance policy and includes cover for search and rescue, piste closures, and if your equipment is lost, stolen or damaged during your holiday.

Terms and conditions apply:

(1) The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay services. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for your flight. View terms and conditions here .  

(2) Benefits shown are for Gold policies.

(3) Where discounts are offered they do not apply to Columbus Direct products purchased through third parties. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion.

Latest from our blog View more

Perfect pancakes from around the world.

Fancy adding a little something extra to your pancakes tonight? We’ve found three pancake recipes from France, Germany and the USA which will ensure your battered treats have a little more bite. Now’s the time to take inspiration from travel and ditch the same old recipe you’ve been using for years... Read more

World landmarks that are searched the most on Google

National landmarks are often among the biggest attractions for tourists, and they can often become a leading reason for why someone might decide to visit a country. Some are known for their long history and impressive architecture, while others provide stunning views and once-in-a-lifetime experienc... Read more

Scenic cities to propose to your partner on Valentine's Day

Many cities, particularly within Europe, are known for their romantic settings. Whether it is the beautiful scenery or the quiet, secluded feel of the area. A lot of us choose these cities to whisk away our partner during Valentine’s Day. Some even take it a step further and choose their trip with ... Read more

The six weirdest ways to get married abroad

Thinking about getting married abroad? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many couples out there are probably getting ready to make the ultimate commitment and get engaged.  We’ve listed our top six most unusual weddings - our favourite one is The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed nuptial... Read more

Travel Insurance tailored for you

Why columbus direct.

• FREE airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for more than 1 hour
• Over 150 sports and activities covered free
• Award-winning products and services
• Over 15 million customers since 1988

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Compare the market, moneysupermarket, admiral insurance.

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Reviews 4.7.

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Brilliant site to recommend

How easy to access the site and get good and reliable information. Having decided on the insurance I needed transferring to the insurers site was seamless. Site highly recommended

Date of experience : April 15, 2018

Reply from Go.Compare

Hello Nigel. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Go compare offered the best prices for…

Go compare offered the best prices for the product I was looking for. They also offered a fast an efficient service, with clear and concise questions and answers that suited my needs. I would defiantly recommend this web site if your searching for any type of insurance.

Date of experience : April 14, 2018

Best Game in Covers

I have a very good experience

Date of experience : April 13, 2018

Easerly acceded site -possibilitys to navigate numerous car insurance sites

Date of experience : April 12, 2018

Hello Geoff. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Well worth the look.

I’ve never used the net to look for insurance of any kind before, until now! And Gocompare are more then up to the task of helping you out.

Date of experience : April 10, 2018

Hello Colin. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Quick and easy excellent service

Date of experience : April 09, 2018

Hi Andrew. Thanks for leaving us a positive review, We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website and we hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Comparison website works well

Comparison website works well. Straightforward, not too many steps and gave me the choice I wanted without needing to phone different insurers.

Excellent easy to use and reputable

Excellent easy to use and reputable. Will use again

Hello Timmy. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Give go compare a try.

I have used go compare several times, looking for hotels, insurance and rail tickets and on every occasion i have found a great deal. Try them you won't be disappointed.

Date of experience : April 08, 2018

Hello Jacqualine. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Had to renew my home contents policy…

Had to renew my home contents policy and looked on Gocompare and found a very competitive price and the new company will be taking over at the end of this month.

Date of experience : April 07, 2018

First site I go to when I want get new credit card or any other commodity

Gocompare takes the struggle out of renewal

Gocompare takes all the struggle out of insurance renewal to a startling extent. Not so long ago it was a case of talking to each one and then jumping in. Now, all are quoting on the same list. I saved over £200 on my renewal - in a matter of minutes.

Comparisons excellent with details…

Comparisons excellent with details available. After a ridiculous quote for renewal from Lloyds received in the post I went to Gocompare - and then a phone call to Lloyds I was given a very competitive quote! I do not understand Lloyds. Gocompare is very helpful.

Hello Brain! Thanks for leaving us a positive review, We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website and we hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Home and contents insurance

very easy to follow and manage to find what i required made phone call and all set up within 20 minutes and saved a whopping £300 pounds on my renewing documents I will be using this site later when car insurance comes due

Date of experience : April 06, 2018

Hello John. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Easy peasy.

Easy site to use,quick results.

Date of experience : April 05, 2018

Hello Bobbie. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

easy site to navigate

Better than a phone call.

Rang our insurers Hastings Direct last night for cover on our new car. In a phone queue for over an hour then it took 50 minutes going through questions with a far from confident telesales lady. Quotation was high - she was not happy that we didn't buy there and then. Over 2 hours on the phone! Popped right on to your site and in 15 minutes had found - and purchased - something far better at half the price! Great result, thanks to Go Compare 😊

Hello Gilly Langton-Hancock. Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Was going with the finance but was made…

Was going with the finance but was made to call as having a conservatory built. Price then shot up and made no major changes to policy. Felt lied to about prices

Hello Dawn. We're sorry to hear about your experience. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us so please email us at [email protected], with your contact details, and further information surrounding the problem you have had, so we can look into this for you. Please quote reference #393412 in your email so we can keep track of your correspondence. Kind regards, GoCompare

We got a good quote and will use go…

We got a good quote and will use go compare again Thankyou

Date of experience : April 04, 2018

Hello Mr and Mrs Ward! Thanks for leaving us a positive review. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve used our website. We hope you'll use us again in the future. Thanks, GoCompare

Car insurance

Aye spot on saved myself about £300 cany argue with that.

Date of experience : April 03, 2018

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Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Leading reasons why consumers bought travel insurance in the U.S. 2023

Almost 80 percent of consumers in the United States who bought travel insurance in 2023 did so for their peace of mind. A further 21 percent made the purchase after it was recommended to them. Meanwhile, the leading reason U.S. consumers did not buy travel insurance was thinking they did not need it.

Leading reasons why consumers bought travel insurance in the United States in 2023

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Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

January 2024

United States

September 12 to 19, 2023

1,000 respondents

18 years and older

nationally representative by age, gender, race, and region

Online survey

Other statistics on the topic

Personality & Behavior

• Participation in Halloween activities in the United States 2015-2023

Food & Nutrition

• U.S. pumpkin prices during Halloween 2017-2023

Retail & Trade

• Annual Halloween expenditure in the United States 2005-2023
• U.S. pumpkin production 2001-2023

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Statistics on " Halloween in the U.S. "

• Leading consumer spending events by expected average spend in the U.S. 2023
• Annual Halloween expenditure in the U.S. 2023, by item
• Americans' planned spending on Halloween-related items 2005-2023
• Americans' planned spending on Halloween-related items by category 2023
• Expected spend among Gen Z for Halloween in the United States 2023
• Expected spend among millennials for Halloween in the United States 2023
• Expected spend among women for Halloween in the United States 2023
• Plans for Halloween celebrations in the U.S. in 2023
• Opinions on when it is still too early to show Halloween items in the U.S. 2023
• Halloween shopping start in the United States in 2023
• Expected change in Halloween spending among U.S. consumers 2023
• Areas of inspiration for Halloween in the U.S. 2023
• Stores in which U.S. consumers planned to make their Halloween purchases 2023
• Stores in which young U.S. consumers planned to make their Halloween purchases 2022
• Timing of Halloween costume purchases among consumers in the United States 2023
• Stores in which U.S. consumers planned to shop for Halloween costumes 2023
• Planned spending on Halloween costumes among consumers in the U.S. 2022
• Leading sources of inspiration for Halloween costumes among U.S. adults 2022
• Leading sources of inspiration for Halloween costumes among Gen Z in the U.S. 2022
• Main social networks used for DIY Halloween costume ideas in the U.S. 2022
• Timing of Halloween candy purchases among consumers in the United States 2023
• Consumer spending on Halloween candy in the United States 2017-2023
• Number of people who planned to carve a jack-o-lantern for Halloween U.S. 2017-2023
• Jack-o-lantern expenditure in the U.S. 2017-2023
• U.S. pumpkin production value 2001-2023
• U.S. per capita consumption of fresh pumpkins 2000-2022

Other statistics that may interest you Halloween in the U.S.

Consumer expenditure

• Premium Statistic Leading consumer spending events by expected average spend in the U.S. 2023
• Basic Statistic Annual Halloween expenditure in the United States 2005-2023
• Basic Statistic Annual Halloween expenditure in the U.S. 2023, by item
• Premium Statistic Americans' planned spending on Halloween-related items 2005-2023
• Premium Statistic Americans' planned spending on Halloween-related items by category 2023
• Premium Statistic Expected spend among Gen Z for Halloween in the United States 2023
• Premium Statistic Expected spend among millennials for Halloween in the United States 2023
• Premium Statistic Expected spend among women for Halloween in the United States 2023

Consumer behavior

• Basic Statistic Participation in Halloween activities in the United States 2015-2023
• Basic Statistic Plans for Halloween celebrations in the U.S. in 2023
• Basic Statistic Opinions on when it is still too early to show Halloween items in the U.S. 2023
• Premium Statistic Halloween shopping start in the United States in 2023
• Premium Statistic Expected change in Halloween spending among U.S. consumers 2023
• Basic Statistic Areas of inspiration for Halloween in the U.S. 2023
• Premium Statistic Stores in which U.S. consumers planned to make their Halloween purchases 2023
• Basic Statistic Stores in which young U.S. consumers planned to make their Halloween purchases 2022

Halloween product shopping

• Basic Statistic Timing of Halloween costume purchases among consumers in the United States 2023
• Premium Statistic Stores in which U.S. consumers planned to shop for Halloween costumes 2023
• Premium Statistic Planned spending on Halloween costumes among consumers in the U.S. 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading sources of inspiration for Halloween costumes among U.S. adults 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading sources of inspiration for Halloween costumes among Gen Z in the U.S. 2022
• Premium Statistic Main social networks used for DIY Halloween costume ideas in the U.S. 2022
• Premium Statistic Timing of Halloween candy purchases among consumers in the United States 2023
• Premium Statistic Consumer spending on Halloween candy in the United States 2017-2023

Pumpkin production & consumption

• Basic Statistic Number of people who planned to carve a jack-o-lantern for Halloween U.S. 2017-2023
• Premium Statistic Jack-o-lantern expenditure in the U.S. 2017-2023
• Basic Statistic U.S. pumpkin prices during Halloween 2017-2023
• Basic Statistic U.S. pumpkin production 2001-2023
• Basic Statistic U.S. pumpkin production value 2001-2023
• Basic Statistic U.S. per capita consumption of fresh pumpkins 2000-2022

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