- The best domestic travel insurance plans
- What exactly is domestic travel insurance?
- The price of domestic travel insurance
- What domestic travel insurance covers
- The conditions of domestic travel insurance
- Why take out domestic travel insurance?
- How to choose the right domestic travel insurance?
- Do my current insurance policies include domestic travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
domestic travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Domestic travel insurance covers risks like cancellation and lost property for trips within the United Kingdom.
2. Price: A week's domestic cover in the UK typically costs between £15 and £35, depending on the policy.
3. Coverage: It usually covers trip cancellation and lost items, but often excludes undeclared medical conditions and certain activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: The NHS provides emergency care, but bank cards rarely cover domestic trip cancellation or lost property adequately.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check that your planned activities, like hiking, are specifically covered.
6. Other useful info: Consider an annual policy if you take multiple UK trips per year for better overall value.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in the UK, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best domestic travel insurance.
The best domestic travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best domestic travel insurance plans available for UK residents in 2025. These policies are recommended for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and straightforward, flexible terms for trips within the UK.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | £2,000 | £25 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | £1,500 | £50 |
|
| Tourist Card | £2,000 | £75 |
|
| World Travel | £1,000 | £25 |
|
| Globe Partner | £1,800 | £60 |
|
| Globe Traveller | £1,800 | £60 |
|
- Quick digital claims processing.
- 24/7 UK support and helpline.
- Covers trip cancellation and lost luggage.
- Family policy options available.
- Multilingual support around the clock.
- Simple online claims.
- Optional coverage for hiking and cycling.
- Outdoor activity cover included.
- Instant WhatsApp assistance.
- Accommodation and transport cover.
- Low excess policy.
- Extra baggage cover.
- Child-friendly policy options.
- Flexible trip length cover.
- Adventure sports options.
- Fast direct settlements.
- Suited for frequent UK trips.
- Covers both family and solo travellers.
- Annual policy discount available.
The best domestic travel insurance depends on your requirements. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find your ideal plan and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is domestic travel insurance?
Domestic travel insurance is a policy that covers trips and holidays taken entirely within the United Kingdom.
It provides protection for events such as trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings, and travel delays while you are travelling in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
This cover is especially useful for UK residents whose standard health or home insurance may not reimburse travel-related costs away from home.
Domestic travel insurance is different from international policies, as it applies only to journeys within national borders.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out domestic travel insurance is especially important for trips within the UK:
- When you have pre-paid for non-refundable accommodation or transport.
- If you must cancel your trip due to unexpected illness or injury.
- When travelling with valuable items like cameras, laptops or sports gear.
- For protection against travel delays or disruption from strikes or weather.
- If your pre-booked accommodation becomes uninhabitable for a covered reason.
- When partaking in adventure activities like hiking, climbing or water sports.
- If you must cut your trip short due to a family emergency.
The price of domestic travel insurance
On average, domestic travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day weekend in the Lake District | £250 | £8 to £15 |
| 1 week in Edinburgh | £600 | £18 to £35 |
| 2 weeks touring Cornwall | £1,200 | £25 to £50 |
| 1 month exploring the Scottish Highlands | £2,200 | £40 to £80 |
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 domestic travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer stays mean higher premiums.
- destination: higher risk or remote areas within the UK can increase costs.
- traveller’s age: older travellers may pay more for coverage.
- level of coverage: more comprehensive cover, higher claim limits or low excess leads to higher prices.
- selected options: adventure activities, cancellation or extra baggage protection can raise premiums.
- pre-existing medical conditions: disclosing medical issues may increase the cost.
What domestic travel insurance covers
Domestic travel insurance is designed for trips and holidays within the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
It provides protection for UK residents travelling away from their main home, whether for leisure, business, or family reasons.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimbursement for non-refundable costs if your trip is cancelled. | Select a minimum of £1,000 cover and keep the deductible below £50. Pre-existing conditions and cancellation by choice are excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Emergency medical treatment during your UK trip. | At least £1,000 cover is required and a deductible no higher than £30. Routine or ongoing care, and planned treatments are excluded. |
| 🎒 Personal belongings | Covers loss, theft, or damage to your luggage and valuables. | Minimum £1,000 cover, maximum £50 deductible. Unattended items and normal wear are usually excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays when delays force you to pay for extra meals or accommodation. | Look for £100+ after 4 hours, with no deductible. Delays under 4 hours or lacking proof are often excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability | Covers if you injure someone or damage property during your trip. | £1 million is the minimum recommended, excess under £100. Acts that are intentional or related to work are not covered. |
| 🏨 Emergency accommodation | Compensates if your booked accommodation becomes unusable. | Aim for £100 per night and under £20 deductible. Poor condition of property before your stay is not covered. |
| 🚗 Travel disruption | Pays if missed connections or transport failures affect your itinerary. | Plausible cover starts at £200, with low deductible. Weather-based cancellations and force majeure may be excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation in case of accidental injury or death while on your trip. | Cover of at least £10,000, with no deductible. Self-inflicted injury or risky activities often fall outside cover. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers the cost of urgent dental treatment during your stay. | At least £250 cover, deductible below £30. Cosmetic or preventative treatments are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal expenses | Fees or lawyer costs if a legal issue arises on your UK trip. | Look for £3,000+ for legal costs, plus £7,000 for bail if offered. Contract issues or criminal actions are both excluded. |
Pre-existing conditions and cancellation by choice are excluded.
Routine or ongoing care, and planned treatments are excluded.
Unattended items and normal wear are usually excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or lacking proof are often excluded.
Acts that are intentional or related to work are not covered.
Poor condition of property before your stay is not covered.
Weather-based cancellations and force majeure may be excluded.
Self-inflicted injury or risky activities often fall outside cover.
Cosmetic or preventative treatments are not covered.
Contract issues or criminal actions are both 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 domestic travel insurance most suitable for your plans, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of domestic travel insurance
To activate your domestic travel insurance and ensure you are covered, several important requirements must be followed.
- UK residency: you must be a UK resident at policy purchase and the trip must take place within England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
- Policy purchase timing: the policy must be bought before you leave home, not after your domestic trip has started.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must not exceed the maximum duration allowed by your policy, typically 30 or 60 days.
- Minimum distance or duration: some policies only apply if your trip is at least a set distance from home or lasts more than two nights.
- Pre-existing conditions: you must declare any known medical conditions and obtain confirmation if cover is provided for them.
- Accommodation booking: policies usually require a pre-booked and paid stay, such as a hotel or rental property, for cancellation cover to apply.
- Incident notification: you must inform your insurer as soon as possible in case of claim, such as loss, theft, or health emergency.
- Supporting documentation: any claim needs original proof, such as booking receipts, police reports, or medical certificates.
Watch out!
Many Brits believe the NHS makes declaring medical conditions for UK trips unnecessary. However, failing to declare can void your policy for related claims like cancellation or private medical transport, leaving you to cover non-refundable costs if your condition forces a change of plans.
Why take out domestic travel insurance?
Unexpected health or travel issues can cause costs on a trip within the UK that are not always covered by the NHS or your bank card insurance.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost in Northern England | Average cost in Southern England | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) | £150-200 | £200-250 | Up to £2,000 |
| Stitches after a fall | £100-150 | £120-180 | Up to £2,000 |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection | £80-120 | £100-150 | Up to £2,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction | £200-300 | £250-400 | Usually up to £300, subject to dental limits |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization | £8,000-12,000 | £10,000-15,000 | Up to £2,000, may require additional health insurance |
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.
Domestic travel insurance may also protect you against other risks: trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability, emergency accommodation, and coverage for travel delays or disruptions providing valuable support away from home.
Good to know
Even in the UK, your bank or the NHS won't cover everything. Domestic insurance protects you from unexpected costs like trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency accommodation. With specialist UK policies from insurers like AVA, you can enjoy your staycation with complete peace of mind.
How to choose the right domestic travel insurance?
Coverage limits and conditions for domestic travel insurance are not the same across all plans. It is important to compare key features to ensure the value suits the type and duration of your trips within the UK.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💷 Reimbursement limits | Limiting the payout on cancellation or belongings could leave you underinsured | Ensure trip cancellation and baggage limits cover your valuables and prepaid costs. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is what you pay per claim before the insurer reimburses the rest | Select a deductible you can afford to pay upfront, balancing premium costs and peace of mind. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Different plans for families, adults, or groups may suit various trip styles | If several people travel together, consider a family or group domestic policy for better value. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some policies only cover short trips or single nights away | Check your cover includes the complete duration and possible extensions. |
| 🏨 Accommodation type | Hotels, campsites, or rentals can all be subject to different claims or exclusions | Confirm the policy covers your choice of stay, including alternative accommodation if needed. |
| 🚗 Transport method | Not all policies protect against travel delay or accidents by every mode | Verify your policy includes your primary transport mode, such as coach, train, or car. |
| 🏦 Existing coverage | Bank cards or home insurance may partially cover some losses | Check for overlap before purchase to avoid paying for duplicate protection. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Some sports or outdoor events need additional cover | Make sure planned activities like hiking or cycling are not excluded from your policy. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Immediate documents and easy comparison | Use online comparison and instant purchase for faster, documented access to your cover. |
Do my current insurance policies include domestic travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurances or the public health system, can offer you a domestic 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 | Domestic travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS (National Health Service) | Never | Emergency treatment anywhere in the UK without direct costs, but no travel delay, lost baggage, or cancellation support. No cover for lost luggage, trip cancellation, accommodation or delay expenses during domestic trips at all. | Travel insurance offers up to £5,000 for cancellations, £3,000 for personal belongings, plus delays. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA PPP Healthcare) | Almost Never | Covers medical emergencies with unlimited or high limits, but not cancellation or lost items. No cover for cancellations, travel delays, lost belongings, or emergency accommodation during a domestic trip. | Travel insurance reimburses for cancellations and lost luggage, plus medical costs up to £2,000. |
| Classic credit card (Barclaycard, Santander) | Never | Sometimes offers limited medical (£250-500) and delay (£200) cover. No cover for trip cancellations, emergency accommodation, or valuables lost or stolen in the UK. | Travel insurance can cover trip cancellation, delays, and lost items up to £5,000 or more. |
| Premium credit card (NatWest Black, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Higher medical (£2,000), luggage (£1,000), but often excludes domestic trips completely or covers only select incidents. No broad cover for cancellations, accommodation interruptions, or extended personal liability in the UK. | Travel insurance covers trip disruption, belongings, accidents up to £5,000 and liability up to £2,000,000. |
No cover for lost luggage, trip cancellation, accommodation or delay expenses during domestic trips at all.
No cover for cancellations, travel delays, lost belongings, or emergency accommodation during a domestic trip.
No cover for trip cancellations, emergency accommodation, or valuables lost or stolen in the UK.
No broad cover for cancellations, accommodation interruptions, or extended personal liability in the UK.
Expert advice
Bank cards and health insurance often exclude trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death. Always read the small print to avoid nasty surprises when you're away. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is not legally required for travel within the UK, but may be mandatory for certain package holidays, events, or specialty activities that require proof of cover. While not compulsory, it is strongly recommended, especially for higher-value trips, adventure holidays, or family breaks, as an unexpected cancellation, accident, or lost baggage could result in significant personal costs that would not be covered by the NHS or standard home insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
The best time to purchase domestic travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, before you pay for any non-refundable accommodation or tickets. Early cover ensures that you are protected for trip cancellation, illness, or other unforeseen events from the moment your plans are confirmed, providing peace of mind and financial security.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
Start by comparing different domestic travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to UK travel, such as coverage for accommodation types and trip interruption. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. You will then receive your certificate by email, usually instantly.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after I have booked my holiday?
Yes, you can still buy domestic travel insurance after booking your holiday, as long as you have not already started your trip. However, purchasing early is best, as it ensures cancellation cover is active from the date of purchase, protecting you against sudden illness, family emergencies, or other disruptions.
How do I make a claim on domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency or claims helpline as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Collect all relevant documents, such as receipts, medical reports, and booking confirmations, then submit these along with your claim—most insurers now accept claims digitally through apps or websites for faster processing.
Does domestic travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness?
Most domestic travel insurance policies include cancellation cover for illness that prevents you from travelling, provided it is unexpected and supported by a doctor’s note. Always read your policy wording, as pre-existing conditions may be excluded, and insurers often require prompt notification to accept a claim.
Is my personal medical insurance (like NHS or private cover) enough for domestic trips?
While NHS and private health insurance cover medical treatment costs within the UK, they do not pay for cancelled accommodation, lost luggage, or travel disruption expenses. Domestic travel insurance fills these gaps, offering financial protection for all aspects of your trip, not just health emergencies.
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is not legally required for travel within the UK, but may be mandatory for certain package holidays, events, or specialty activities that require proof of cover. While not compulsory, it is strongly recommended, especially for higher-value trips, adventure holidays, or family breaks, as an unexpected cancellation, accident, or lost baggage could result in significant personal costs that would not be covered by the NHS or standard home insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
The best time to purchase domestic travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, before you pay for any non-refundable accommodation or tickets. Early cover ensures that you are protected for trip cancellation, illness, or other unforeseen events from the moment your plans are confirmed, providing peace of mind and financial security.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
Start by comparing different domestic travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions specific to UK travel, such as coverage for accommodation types and trip interruption. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. You will then receive your certificate by email, usually instantly.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after I have booked my holiday?
Yes, you can still buy domestic travel insurance after booking your holiday, as long as you have not already started your trip. However, purchasing early is best, as it ensures cancellation cover is active from the date of purchase, protecting you against sudden illness, family emergencies, or other disruptions.
How do I make a claim on domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency or claims helpline as soon as possible and follow their instructions. Collect all relevant documents, such as receipts, medical reports, and booking confirmations, then submit these along with your claim—most insurers now accept claims digitally through apps or websites for faster processing.
Does domestic travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness?
Most domestic travel insurance policies include cancellation cover for illness that prevents you from travelling, provided it is unexpected and supported by a doctor’s note. Always read your policy wording, as pre-existing conditions may be excluded, and insurers often require prompt notification to accept a claim.
Is my personal medical insurance (like NHS or private cover) enough for domestic trips?
While NHS and private health insurance cover medical treatment costs within the UK, they do not pay for cancelled accommodation, lost luggage, or travel disruption expenses. Domestic travel insurance fills these gaps, offering financial protection for all aspects of your trip, not just health emergencies.
On the same topic
