- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- What is comprehensive travel insurance?
- The Price of Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- What comprehensive travel insurance covers
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage under your existing policies
- FAQ
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive insurance offers wide protection for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage before and during your trip.
2. Price: For one week in Europe, comprehensive cover from the UK typically costs between £20 and £50.
3. Coverage: It usually covers medical care and cancellations but often excludes undeclared medical conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and the GHIC/NHS offer limited cover, often excluding cancellation or high medical cost claims.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check that your specific policy covers them to avoid claim rejection.
6. Other useful info: Your GHIC provides state healthcare in the EU but does not cover repatriation or private medical costs.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in the UK, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans available for UK residents in 2025. These options are among the best due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, ensuring robust protection for your travels.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | £8.5M | £0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | £8.5M | £0 |
|
| Tourist Card | £0.5M | £25, £50 for USA/Canada |
|
| World Travel | £0.7M (USA/Canada), £0.3M (others) | £42 per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | £0.3M | £0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | £0.5M | £0 |
|
- Covers high-risk and adventure sports.
- Immediate teleconsultation access worldwide.
- 24/7 multilingual emergency support.
- Emergency legal assistance included.
- Mobile app access to doctors.
- Free support number 24/7.
- Covers hotel and pet care in emergencies.
- No age-based premium increase.
- Quick refund system.
- Flexible cancellation included.
- Legal help available.
- Recognised support for digital nomads.
- Quarantine hotel coverage.
- Includes psychological support.
- Passport loss assistance.
- Political evacuation included.
- Low-cost for under-40s.
- Paperless enrolment.
- Claim tracking via email.
- Covers long trips (up to 12 months).
- Premium stability after age 60.
- Support in multiple languages.
The best comprehensive travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy that provides broad protection against most unexpected events before and during a trip.
It typically covers medical emergencies abroad, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, personal liability, and travel assistance.
This insurance offers all-in-one coverage, with higher limits and more inclusions than basic or single-risk policies.
Comprehensive insurance is often called full or multi-risk travel insurance and is distinct from standard or basic cover due to its wider range of guarantees.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the UK:
- When travelling outside Europe, where your GHIC is not valid.
- For trips to countries with high healthcare costs like the USA.
- If your trip is expensive or largely non-refundable.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions to declare.
- When travelling with valuable items like cameras or laptops.
- If you plan adventure activities like skiing or scuba diving.
- When travelling with children or dependent family members.
The Price of Comprehensive Travel Insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| City break in Paris (4 days) | £450 | £14 to £30 |
| Two-week tour of Thailand (14 days) | £1,800 | £60 to £110 |
| Family holiday in Florida (10 days) | £3,200 | £100 to £180 |
| Three-week Australia and New Zealand adventure | £4,500 | £140 to £260 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your stay, the higher the price.
- destination: travelling to countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Japan, means higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers often pay more for coverage.
- level of coverage: choosing a premium plan or higher limits will increase the cost.
- selected options: additional cover for valuable items, winter sports or cancellation for any reason can make the insurance more expensive.
What comprehensive travel insurance covers
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to offer full coverage at every stage of your journey: before departure, during travel and while abroad.
It protects your health, belongings, legal rights and finances against the most common travel-related risks.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund if you cancel your trip for a covered reason. | Choose a minimum cover of £1,500 per person and avoid deductibles over £50. Events such as a change of mind, visa refusal, or pre-existing conditions are excluded. |
| ? Missed departure | Extra transport if you miss departure due to delays. | Select at least £250 cover. There should be no deductible. Missed departures caused by lateness or without written confirmation are excluded. |
| ? Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost, stolen or damaged baggage. | Opt for £1,500 or more of cover and a deductible under £30. Unattended baggage and high-value items are often excluded. |
| ? Travel delay | Fixed compensation for long delays of transport. | Ensure cover of £100+ after 4 hours, with no deductible. Delays under 4 hours or without documentary proof are not covered. |
| ? Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Covers medical treatment abroad. | Look for at least £2M cover and a maximum deductible of £50. Routine check-ups, chronic conditions, and alcohol-related incidents are excluded. |
| ? Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Return to UK if medically necessary. | Unlimited cover is best, and it should be coordinated by the insurer. Refusal by the traveller or non-medical repatriation are excluded. |
| ? Emergency dental care | Urgent dental treatment required during your trip. | £250 minimum recommended, with deductible under £30. Cosmetic, routine or pre-planned treatments are excluded. |
| ? Personal liability | Covers injury or damage you cause to others abroad. | £1M+ is advised, with deductible no more than £100. Damage to family or rented property is usually excluded. |
| ? Luggage delay | Compensation for delayed bags (purchase of essentials). | Seek at least £150 after 24 hours delay, no deductible. Return trip or unproven delays are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers legal costs or bail abroad after an incident. | Minimum £3,000 for legal costs and £7,500 for bail. Incidents linked to criminal acts or alcohol are generally excluded. |
Events such as a change of mind, visa refusal, or pre-existing conditions are excluded.
Missed departures caused by lateness or without written confirmation are excluded.
Unattended baggage and high-value items are often excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or without documentary proof are not covered.
Routine check-ups, chronic conditions, and alcohol-related incidents are excluded.
Refusal by the traveller or non-medical repatriation are excluded.
Cosmetic, routine or pre-planned treatments are excluded.
Damage to family or rented property is usually excluded.
Return trip or unproven delays are excluded.
Incidents linked to criminal acts or alcohol are generally excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To activate your comprehensive travel insurance and ensure your cover is valid, several conditions must be met. Here are the most important ones:
- Timing of purchase: the policy must be bought before you leave the UK, usually within a specific period after booking your trip.
- Residency status: you must be a legal UK resident at the time of application for the cover to apply.
- Trip type compliance: only leisure, business or family trips are covered, not permanent relocation or emigration.
- Maximum trip duration: each trip must not exceed the maximum duration stated in your insurance contract, often 31, 45 or 90 days.
- Destination restrictions: trips to countries against UK Foreign Office advice are usually excluded from cover.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: any existing health condition must be declared and accepted by the insurer before travel.
- Incident notification: you must inform your insurer promptly after a problem occurs, such as an accident or hospital admission.
- Evidence requirements: all claims must be supported by original documents, such as police reports, medical certificates or invoices.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming "comprehensive" automatically covers all pre-existing medical conditions. You must declare every condition, no matter how stable or minor, when you buy your policy. Failing to do so can invalidate your insurance, leaving you with huge medical bills if you need treatment abroad.
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
While travelling, even a minor health issue can quickly become expensive abroad. Without insurance, these costs are your responsibility and can exceed the cost of your trip.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100%, if medically approved |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for infection |
| Up to £10,000,000 |
- Europe: £150 to £300
- North America: £800 to £1,200
- Asia: £80 to £200
- Europe: £15,000 to £25,000
- North America: £35,000 to £50,000
- Asia: £20,000 to £35,000
- Europe: £3,000 to £8,000
- North America: £25,000 to £40,000
- Asia: £2,000 to £6,000
- Europe: £200 to £400
- North America: £1,000 to £2,000
- Asia: £100 to £300
- Europe: £100 to £250
- North America: £600 to £1,000
- Asia: £50 to £150
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, comprehensive travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, civil liability abroad, repatriation assistance, legal expenses, and services such as emergency cash advances or teleconsultation.
Good to know
Unexpected medical bills can be staggering—up to £50,000 for repatriation. Comprehensive insurance is vital, covering everything from lost baggage to medical emergencies. Insurers like Chapka can even handle hospital bills directly, so you don't have to pay upfront. Peace of mind is priceless.
How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
Not all comprehensive travel insurance policies are the same: reimbursement limits, deductibles and the small print can differ widely. This makes it important to compare the right criteria so you only pay for cover you actually need.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ? Reimbursement limits | Low limits could leave you out of pocket for big claims | Always prioritise high medical and repatriation limits, especially for USA and Canada. |
| ? Deductible | Higher deductibles reduce claim value | Opt for policies with a low or zero medical excess for minor emergencies and maximum reimbursement. |
| ?? Traveller’s age | Age affects eligibility, premium, or exclusions | If aged over 65, choose insurers with no age limits and medical screening included. |
| ??? Traveller profile | Needs, trip frequency, and type (family, solo, couple) impact cover choice | For families or groups, look for collective policies with generous cancellation and baggage cover. |
| ? Trip duration | Some comprehensive policies restrict single trip length | If you expect long journeys, select plans allowing 60 or 90 days per trip as standard. |
| ? Geographic area | Cover varies between Europe-only and Worldwide plans | If planning visits outside Europe, ensure worldwide cover and check region exclusions. |
| ? Existing cover | Bank card, private health or home cover may reduce the need for extras | Review all your current coverage and avoid duplicate protection, especially for baggage or legal expenses. |
| ? Planned activities | Some policies exclude risky or specific sports by default | For holidays involving activities, disclose these upfront and choose an adventure sports rider. |
| ? Policy conditions | Claims may be invalidated by late purchase or missed documentation | Carefully read the policy conditions and buy insurance soon after booking each trip. |
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage under your existing policies
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurances or the public health system, can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS (National Health Service) | Never | Only covers emergency healthcare within the UK and GHIC in Europe. No cover for repatriation, cancellation, lost baggage, travel delay, or legal expenses at all. | Travel insurance provides medical, repatriation, cancellation, and baggage cover up to £10,000,000. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa UK, AXA PPP Healthcare) | Almost Never | Medical treatment or hospitalization worldwide, up to £1,000,000. No cover for cancellation, lost luggage, personal liability, travel delay, or non-medical repatriation. | Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and personal effects up to £10,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (Barclaycard, Santander) | Never | Purchase protection and some travel accident cover, rarely over £250,000. No cancellation, extended repatriation, adventure sports, high-value electronics, or lost travel documents covered. | Travel insurance reimburses high costs for cancellation, medical and interruption—limits up to £10,000,000. |
| Premium credit card (NatWest Black, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Limited medical, cancellation, or baggage protection, caps of £1,000-£5,000. No full coverage for repatriation, winter sports, valuable luggage, legal expenses, or extended stays abroad. | Travel insurance includes enhanced limits for medical, cancellation, liability, and sports up to £10,000,000. |
No cover for repatriation, cancellation, lost baggage, travel delay, or legal expenses at all.
No cover for cancellation, lost luggage, personal liability, travel delay, or non-medical repatriation.
No cancellation, extended repatriation, adventure sports, high-value electronics, or lost travel documents covered.
No full coverage for repatriation, winter sports, valuable luggage, legal expenses, or extended stays abroad.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance often exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Always read the small print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. For complete peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not always mandatory, but it is required for travel to certain destinations where proof of insurance is a visa condition, such as some Schengen countries. For most other trips, it is not legally required but is highly recommended. For example, on a family holiday in the USA, having insurance can be crucial due to high medical costs abroad.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures you are covered for unexpected events, such as trip cancellation or illness, that may occur before your departure. Early purchase can also maximise the period during which you are protected.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best value for your situation. Next, check the guarantees and exclusions, paying close attention to coverage relevant to comprehensive policies. Then purchase the policy online and receive your insurance certificate directly to your email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually buy comprehensive travel insurance after booking your trip, even up to the day before departure. However, to ensure all potential risks are covered, especially cancellation and pre-travel illness, it is wiser to purchase immediately after booking.
How do I make a claim?
In case of an incident during your trip, contact your insurer as soon as possible and gather all supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, and police statements. Most insurers offer online claims portals for faster processing, but you may also initiate a claim by phone or email.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not always mandatory, but it is required for travel to certain destinations where proof of insurance is a visa condition, such as some Schengen countries. For most other trips, it is not legally required but is highly recommended. For example, on a family holiday in the USA, having insurance can be crucial due to high medical costs abroad.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures you are covered for unexpected events, such as trip cancellation or illness, that may occur before your departure. Early purchase can also maximise the period during which you are protected.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best value for your situation. Next, check the guarantees and exclusions, paying close attention to coverage relevant to comprehensive policies. Then purchase the policy online and receive your insurance certificate directly to your email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can usually buy comprehensive travel insurance after booking your trip, even up to the day before departure. However, to ensure all potential risks are covered, especially cancellation and pre-travel illness, it is wiser to purchase immediately after booking.
How do I make a claim?
In case of an incident during your trip, contact your insurer as soon as possible and gather all supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, and police statements. Most insurers offer online claims portals for faster processing, but you may also initiate a claim by phone or email.
