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Worldwide Travel Insurance

Road-tripping around america sailing through the med.

Worldwide travel promises a wealth of new experiences and fun.

Making sure you have the right cover for your travels means you can get busy exploring your chosen destination, rather than worrying about the small print of your travel insurance policy booklet should anything unplanned happen.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

  • you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
  • a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
  • you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
  • an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
  • you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

  • you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
  • any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
  • you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
  • the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

What is worldwide travel insurance?

Worldwide travel insurance isn't a legal requirement, but it's a must when heading overseas so you don’t get left out of pocket by the unexpected.

If you’re travelling to Europe only, it may be cheaper to take out European Travel Insurance as opposed to worldwide – but different insurers define ‘Europe’ differently. Admiral’s policies stretch the boundaries of Europe to include countries such as:

If you’re planning a year of trips spanning Europe and further afield, worldwide multi trip travel insurance could be better suited to your needs.

What countries does worldwide travel insurance cover?

While you’d be forgiven for thinking worldwide travel insurance covers you in every country across the world, this isn’t always the case. Be mindful that the USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico are commonly excluded destinations in some worldwide policies.

Cheap worldwide travel insurance may not be the best cover for your needs. Make sure you read through the terms and conditions of your policy before buying to guarantee your destination is covered.

We break down travel into three zones:

  • Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

Then there are three tiers of cover with increasing coverage and product benefits:

  • Admiral Gold
  • Admiral Platinum

Read the full list of benefits in the policy summary booklet .

worldwide travel insurance uk

Do you need single trip or annual cover?

If you’re travelling to remote corners of the globe, it’s likely you’ll be away for longer than usual. Admiral’s single trip policy covers up to 365 days, making it great for gap years and extended trips.

If you think you’ll be going on multiple trips throughout the year (up to 31 days per trip) then an annual worldwide travel insurance policy could be better for you.

Are you taking a gap year?

If you’re taking a gap year and travelling to multiple countries, you’ll need to consider the areas you plan to travel to. If you’re staying in Europe, a Europe-only policy will cover you. Trips to the USA, Canada and the Caribbean require worldwide cover that includes these destinations too.

Things to consider when travelling

These hints and tips will not only give you peace of mind but will help your worldwide trip run as smoothly as possible.

Book your vaccinations

Sometimes you need multiple vaccines to be fully protected and some can leave you feeling poorly. If you book them in early you avoid suffering side effects as you start your trip. Check out our comprehensive guide on travel vaccinations .

Apply for your visa

Some countries require a visa for entry. Again, apply as early as possible as the process can take time. Not sure if you need a visa? We’ve got you covered in our bumper guide to travelling and visas.

Buy travel money

Swot up on the local currency. Figure out a rough conversion rate in your head per £1 so you know whether prices are reasonable. A money belt and multiple methods of payment are also sensible to improve personal security.

Do your destination research

While preparations for your trip are likely to be jam-packed, try to put some time aside for researching your destination. Include daily costs of accommodation and food, the location and contact details of the British Embassy, and local cultural customs to be aware of such as appropriate dress.

Pay attention to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice

We don’t cover locations where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against “all travel” or “all but essential travel.”

These warnings may be issued for example in relation to a state of political unrest. If you’re concerned your destination could fall into this category be sure to check with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Going skiing on your trip?

If you’ll be hitting up the slopes, you must add our Winter Sports upgrade to be covered for the trip. It offers protection for things like:

  • Lost or stolen equipment
  • Piste closure
  • Replacement equipment hire

Taking a cruise?

If you’re planning a cruise on your holiday, you must add our Cruise Insurance upgrade to be covered for the trip.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

  • Declared them all on your policy
  • Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
  • Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Your questions answered

Should i get travel insurance for dominican republic.

It’s not a legal requirement to have cover, but it’s sensible so you aren’t left footing the bill yourself should something happen. For example, the average cost of treating a broken leg (including repatriation) in Dominican Republic is a hefty £25,000. Take a look at our Getting Ill Abroad page for more information on the true costs of medical treatment across the world .

Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?

Yes, you do – travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Cuba. You may be asked to show proof of travel insurance when you arrive and you’ll need to make sure you’re covered for your whole trip.

Do I need travel insurance for Morocco?

You don’t have to have cover to take a trip to Morocco, but it’s worth having so as not to be left out of pocket should the worst happen.

What does Mexico come under for travel insurance?

If you’re travelling to Mexico, you'll need to select the Worldwide level of cover. 

Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

You can travel to Australia without insurance, but it’s a good idea to have it so you’re covered should something happen. If you were stung by a jellyfish in Australia, it could cost up to £12,000 for you to get home.

Medical costs for treating the sting would usually be covered by the Reciprocal Health Agreement between Australia and the UK, but if you’re denied boarding by the airline and need to upgrade to a business class ticket for more room (the sting may restrict blood flow) or you need to extend your stay until the swelling goes down, you could be looking at parting with thousands of pounds without travel insurance. See our Getting Ill Abroad map for more information on medical costs for common illnesses in holiday destinations .

Does worldwide insurance cover Europe?

If you're travelling to Europe it may be cheaper to get a European travel policy rather than worldwide cover. Check out our European Travel Insurance page to find out more 

Do you provide worldwide travel insurance for over 65s?

Yes, we can provide worldwide cover for customers up to the age of 75 years for annual multi trip policies – and up to 85 years for single trip policies.

However, the age limit and level of cover we can offer will depend on your personal information and details of your holiday.

Please get a quote or contact us to find out more.

Does travel insurance cover assault?

If you need medical treatment after an assault, Admiral Travel Insurance will cover you, unless you’ve put yourself in needless danger (other than to save someone’s life).

Travel insurance is designed to cover you against the unexpected. If you’ve picked a fight with someone and ended up injured because of it, your claim may not be successful as you put yourself at risk.

Is pregnancy a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

Pregnancy isn’t considered a pre-existing medical condition , so there’s no need to tell us before you travel.

However, make sure you tell us about any medical conditions you have because of your pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. If you don’t, you might not be covered should you need medical assistance.

We’ll only cover complications of pregnancy and childbirth abroad (as described in the ‘Definitions’ section of our policy wording) so you aren't covered for routine medical care such as check-ups, pre-natal care, normal childbirth and post-natal care. There’s also no cover if the carrier denies you boarding.

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

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  • Single Trip
  • Annual Multi-Trip
  • Winter Sports & Ski
  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Sport & Leisure
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  • Travel Insurance for Non-UK Residents
  • Group Travel Insurance
  • Travel Insurance for Couples
  • Covid-19 travel insurance
  • About Our Travel Insurance
  • Holiday Cancellation Insurance
  • Emergency Medical Assistance Cover
  • Emergency Medical Cover for Travel Insurance
  • Repatriation Insurance
  • Baggage Cover
  • Travel Insurance for Under 18s
  • Comprehensive
  • What's Covered
  • Excluded Vehicles
  • Range Rover
  • Car Hire Excess Insurance
  • Policy Information
  • File a Claim
  • Insurance Glossary
  • Coronavirus - Annual Multi-trip Policy

worldwide travel insurance uk

Worldwide Travel Insurance

  • Full access to HealthHero - a 24/7 GP via telephone and video based in the UK
  • Up to £10m Emergency Medical expenses covered
  • Personal liability covered over £1m on all policies
  • Over 23,000 UK travellers covered in 2022 for trips worldwide 

What is worldwide travel insurance?

From the historic temples of Japan to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, there's so much to see and experience in the world. You can take the kids on the holiday of a lifetime to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, relax surrounded by luxury and romance on a Caribbean island or even go backpacking around East Asia. Seeing the world is a great thrill and, no matter where you visit; your eyes will be opened to new experiences and adventures. Sadly though, even on the holiday of a lifetime, problems can arise. But thankfully, our worldwide travel insurance will help cover you when things don't go to plan.

Worldwide travel insurance cover is slightly different to European travel insurance because it takes into account the higher cost of medical treatment outside of Europe. The cost of treatment is particularly high in America, where residents have private medical insurance. This means that, if you suffer an injury or fall ill and need medical treatment while on your holiday and you don't have international travel insurance, you could find yourself tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket. But, by choosing the right multi-country travel insurance, you can be protected against these medical costs, so an accident doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

On top of this, world travel insurance can also provide cover if you need to cancel or curtail your trip, if your flights are delayed, or if your luggage is lost or stolen. To get the best protection, you should take out international travel insurance as soon as you can – ideally as soon as you've booked your holiday. This ensures you will be protected with cancellation cover in the event your trip is cancelled.

Below is some more information about our insurance products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

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What does worldwide travel insurance from allianz assistance cover.

Our Single Trip , Annual and Backpacker policies are designed to keep you protected while you travel. We can provide worldwide travel insurance to suit your trip and the level of cover you need.

Single Trip and Annual travel insurance policies also offer three levels of cover: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Depending on the policy you choose, you’ll be covered for: 

  • Cancelling or curtailing your trip
  • Emergency medical and associated expenses
  • Loss of passport*
  • Delayed personal possessions
  • Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
  • Loss of personal money*
  • Personal accident cover
  • Missed departures
  • Delayed departures
  • Personal liability
  • Legal expenses
  • End-supplier failure**
  • *Not available with Bronze level cover
  • **Only available with Gold level cover
  • Terms and Conditions apply.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel insurance for multiple countries.

With our Annual worldwide travel insurance policies, you can choose between two different Worldwide areas of cover: ‘Worldwide (excluding USA and Canada)' and ‘Worldwide (including USA and Canada).' Both of these options provide travel insurance for multiple countries.

If you choose ‘Worldwide (excluding USA and Canada),' the area of cover is anywhere in the world except the USA and Canada. This means you can get cover for an Australian adventure, a tour of Vietnam's history or a Kenyan safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

If you choose ‘Worldwide (including USA and Canada),' the area of cover is anywhere in the world. This means you can enjoy the beaches of Miami, the theme parks of Florida, the city sights of New York and the thrill of Las Vegas, as you tour the USA and beyond.

There are some exclusions that you should be aware of, and you can find these in your   policy documents .

For example, you will not be covered if you travel outside the policy area you have chosen. This is clearly shown on your confirmation email, so please check this if you're unsure. You can also contact us on 0371 200 0428. We're open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

You will also not be covered if you travel to a country or region that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against all travel or against all but essential travel.

Which sports and leisure activities are included?

With our worldwide travel insurance, you’re covered for activities such as safari trekking, camel riding, parachuting, trekking and hiking. If you’re looking to really get the adrenaline pumping, then you’re also covered for selected water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing and waterskiing.

If you’re looking to try winter sports while you’re away, you’ll also need our Winter Sports and Ski add-on to make sure you’re protected. With this optional extra, you’re covered for activities like skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing.

To understand exactly which sports and leisure activities are covered by your policy, and where any exclusions may apply, please take a look at your policy handbook  and our sports and leisure activities list. 

From 5th May 2021 we have not been able to offer travel insurance policies to cover people's pre-existing medical conditions. This is only a temporary measure while we make improvements to our online booking engine. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer this additional worldwide cover again.

Once the updates have been made, you'll need to disclose your medical history, including recurring injuries or illnesses, on-going or lifelong conditions, previous surgeries and any conditions you are currently suffering from. This includes any pre-existing condition that you have received treatment for, including surgery, tests or investigations by a doctor or a consultant/specialist, and conditions you have been prescribed drugs or medication for. This also includes both conditions you're successfully managing and conditions you're unable to manage.

Once pre-existing medical conditions cover is available it's very important that you tell us about any pre-existing medical conditions you have when you apply for worldwide travel insurance. This is because it's unlikely that we will pay any claim for medical expenses, trip cancellation or cutting a trip short if it relates to a medical condition that you have not told us about.

It won't be too long before we're back offering worldwide travel insurance with pre-existing medical condition cover.

Insurance options for worldwide travellers

worldwide travel insurance uk

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

worldwide travel insurance uk

Single Trip Travel Insurance

worldwide travel insurance uk

Backpacker Travel Insurance

worldwide travel insurance uk

Sports & Leisure Insurance

worldwide travel insurance uk

Winter Sports & Ski Travel Insurance

More information about the insurance we offer.

worldwide travel insurance uk

Travel Insurance for people with Medical Conditions

worldwide travel insurance uk

Travel Insurance for the USA

Travel guides and advice.

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Best travel books to read

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Travelling whilst pregnant

Essential advice for mums-to-be on how to keep yourself and baby safe whilst travelling. 

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How to stay safe abroad

worldwide travel insurance uk

Best alternative city breaks

worldwide travel insurance uk

Policy documents

You'll need your policy number to submit your claim to us. This is available in your certificate of insurance which is sent to you when you take out cover. 

It's a good idea to take your policy information with you on your trip so you can provide us with all the necessary details in order for us to help.

worldwide travel insurance uk

Claims assessment

Once we receive your claim, it'll be assessed by our experienced team. 

To speed up the assessment of your claim please make sure to include all applicable information and evidence such as receipts, booking confirmations, hotel reservations and crime reference numbers. If you fail to provide all the necessary information this will cause a delay in processing your claim. 

worldwide travel insurance uk

Your claims outcome

Once our team has assessed your claim we'll be in touch with you via your preferred contact method to confirm the outcome and inform you of any next steps.

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Make A Claim?

Policy documents.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers  featured in the MoneyHelper  directory  of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or Email: [email protected]

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  • Worldwide travel insurance

Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter? Or maybe taking in the sights of Athens or Rome?

While you’re no doubt excited about planning your trip, don't overlook the importance of travel insurance. It could pay towards your medical treatment if you are unexpectedly ill or have an accident abroad. And it can provide other reassurance too.

Tourists taking in the sights of Times Square in New York

Our worldwide travel insurance can protect you in over 150 countries

Whether you take out Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip or Backpacker Travel Insurance, we can cover you almost anywhere on the globe you happen to be providing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have not advised against all travel there.  Check the latest travel updates .

This UK government department provides up-to-date foreign travel advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is to enable you to understand any restrictions, safety issues and quarantine information that may be in place for the destination that you’re travelling to. 

For each individual country the FCDO will list if travel is permitted or not. We recommend checking the latest foreign travel advice regularly as from time to time it can change, sometimes at short notice. 

If the FCDO have advised to only undertake essential travel to a destination and your trip is not essential and you choose to travel, we will only cover a claim if the cause is not linked to the reason for the FCDO advice. This limitation applies even if you have purchased an optional Trip Disruption or Covid-19 upgrade. You may be able to travel with full cover if we authorise in writing that your trip is essential before you depart. Should you like to request this, please email [email protected]  

Our worldwide cover means you can relax while you're away

That's because, if you're unlucky enough to be involved in an accident or become unexpectedly ill on holiday and need emergency medical treatment, we'll be able to help pick up the bill. We'll even be able to monitor your situation to make sure you receive appropriate treatment. 

Our cover even includes repatriation

That's reassuring to know if you're in the USA or Canada. Emergency medical treatment there can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. If necessary, we can even help return you home.

All medical conditions considered

Post Office Travel Insurance covers most pre-existing medical conditions. Get a quote today to see if we can cover you. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition that Post Office Travel Insurance cannot offer cover for, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) have launched a travel insurance directory listing companies that may be able to help you. You can also call 0800 138 7777.

Ehic or Ghic may not provide enough cover

You may have heard if you're travelling in the EU a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) that's yet to expire or its replacement, the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic), can provide you with some state-covered medical care for less. That's true, so make sure you have one for your trip, but remember they don't cover all eventualities.

Neither card covers any additional cost for airlift rescue or to return you to the UK if needed, or for a relative to stay or fly out to be with you. In a medical emergency you may have no control over the hospital you're taken to or the closest hospital may be private. But medical travel insurance may be able to cover some of the cost for you.

Please note that, from 1 January 2021, Ehics will no longer provide access to healthcare services in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland for UK nationals in most cases, so having travel insurance with medical cover for such trips is especially important.

Our worldwide travel insurance protects you in other ways too

If your luggage gets damaged, mislaid or stolen we'll pay towards its replacement. All of our policies offer cover up to £100 for your mobile/smart phone. However, why not take out our  Gadget cover ? For an additional premium, we can provide cover for your mobile phone up to £1000.

We can help out if you have essential documents like passports or travel tickets lost or stolen by paying towards their replacement.

We provide assistance if you miss your departure too. So, for example, if your car breaks down or your train or other public transport doesn't run on time, we may be able to compensate you.

Sort out your travel insurance when you sort out your holiday

Don't leave your holiday insurance to the last minute, have it in place the moment your holiday is booked. That way, you'll be covered for events that might prevent you from travelling such as unexpected illness, injury or even bereavement before you go. 

If your holiday is cancelled, we can help

Our single trip policy protects you from the moment you take out the policy. And our annual multi-trip policy is in place for a whole year, so you can be reassured knowing your holiday is protected from the policy start date you choose. For cancellation cover to begin immediately for any trips you’ve already booked, make sure you choose the date you buy the insurance as the start date for the policy.

So wherever you are thinking of visiting, and whatever it is you want to experience, why not use Post Office to provide your worldwide travel insurance?

The availability of cover options is dependent upon the level of cover you select. Conditions and exclusions apply. For full details of what's included with your cover, check the  Policy Wording .

Definitions

0330 : Calls to 03 numbers will cost no more than calling a standard geographic number starting with 01 or 02 from your fixed line or mobile and may be included in your call package dependent on your service provider.

Small print

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited. 

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

The above details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

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  • Please enter your Home Country to select the right insurance options - we have policies for residents of most countries Worldwide

Single Trip Travel Insurance for short-term travel

Cover for trips from and returning to your Home Country - whether you live in the UK, EU or elsewhere in the World, we have options to suit you.

Get an instant Insurance Quote

This should be your main residency, where you are eligible for healthcare and will depart from and return to at the end of this trip

  • Product Information
  • Medical Conditions
  • Sports & Activities

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Benefits of Single Trip Travel Insurance

  • Easy to arrange each time you travel If you don’t travel often, single trip insurance is the ideal policy. It’s quick and easy to arrange and is perfect for a last-minute city break; beach getaway; a family holiday; romantic mini-break or a business trip, make sure that you’re covered by the Single trip Travel Insurance from Worldwide Insure.
  • High levels of cover, even on the shortest trip Medical emergencies can arise whenever you travel, even on a day-trip . Costs could be huge, so taking out a Single Trip travel policy with high medical cover is essential.
  • 24-hr Multi-lingual Emergency helpline Worldwide Insure travel policies provide high levels of cover for urgent medical treatment from a GP or in hospital. Our Assistance Service can liaise with overseas medical staff and your own doctor so you don't have to. Treatment overseas and repatriation costs to return home after a medical emergency can be costly, so travel safe in the knowledge that your Worldwide Insure policy provides help if something goes wrong.
  • Protection A holiday can be ruined by the theft or loss of personal baggage; a delayed departure; a missed flight – or having to cancel your trip altogether. At least taking out insurance means you won’t suffer the financial impact too.
  • Many Sports & Activities covered A wide range of Sports and Activities are covered, including Wintersports.

Read our Travel Blog

Is a Single Trip Travel Insurance Policy not for You?

Annual multi-trip travel insurance.

If you are a frequent traveller, our Annual Multi-Trip Insurance can cover any number of trips during the year, so it's ideal for last minute bookings. Cover travel in Europe or Worldwide, with options to cover Business as well as holiday trips. Many Sports, including Skiing, covered. Great value family policies!

Longstay Travel Insurance

Wintersports travel insurance.

Don't hit the slopes without the right cover! Our Wintersports Travel Insurance covers your equipment, ski pack etc so you can ski with peace of mind. Ski & Snowboard cover for most destinations, including off-piste. Great value family policies!

Cruise Travel Insurance

If you are planning a Cruise, our Travel Insurance policies offer cover in the event that you need to cancel, and cover for medical expenses if you become ill during the trip. In addition, our policies for UK residents offer optional Cruise cover for risks such as missed port of call; cabin confinement; shore excursions

Already overseas?

If you have already left your Home Country and forgot to arrange cover, or your original policy has expired, don't leave yourself uninsured. We offer policies if you are already away from home for a few days, or to up to 3yrs. We also cover Students studying overseas, and our Private Medical Insurance is available even if you are currently living away from home.

Existing Medical Conditions

Travellers with medical conditions can face obstacles when arranging insurance for a holiday or business trip. We understand the impact that an existing condition can have when planning a trip. Cover is available for most existing medical conditions. We offer a specialised screening service to take you through the options.

Why buy Single Trip Travel Insurance from Worldwide Insure:

  • Single Trip policies are ideal if you travel once or twice a year and don't want to commit to an Annual policy.
  • It is easy to buy online, even if you are travelling soon
  • Cover is available for Wintersports or Cruise holidays and for business trips
  • Worldwide Travel Insurance, a specialist in travel insurance and related products, has over 20yrs experience in offering high quality cover at great prices.
  • All policies purchased online are emailed immediately - ideal for last-minute bookings.
  • Cooling-off Period: You have 14 days following receipt of your documents during which you can obtain a full refund if you have not travelled and no claim has arisen.

Customers with Serious Medical Conditions

If you are resident in the UK, the Money & Pensions Service (MaPs) has developed a directory of specialist Travel Insurance providers to assist UK-based travellers with existing medical conditions to obtain travel insurance that is affordable. If, due to a serious medical condition, we are unable to offer cover and you are having difficulty finding suitable insurance, you can use the MaPs travel insurance Directory to find a Company that may be able to help. Go to www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call 0800 138 7777 (Mon to Fri 8am – 6pm).

A wide range of Insurance Policies to suit your individual needs

Our policies include:, your security with worldwide travel insurance:.

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Globelink

Worldwide Travel Insurance

  • Kids travel for free with Annual Policies
  • People aged up to 89 can be insured
  • Any UK, EU or EEA Resident can be covered
  • Geographical limits

What is worldwide travel insurance?

Worldwide Travel Insurance was designed by Globelink so you could be sure you are safe wherever you go, whether you travel to Europe, Africa or America or to all these continents at once in a Round-The-World Trip.

There are two options available for Worldwide Travel Insurance: Worldwide (including all countries) and Worldwide (excluding United States of America, Canada and all islands in the Caribbean Sea and the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Japan and Mexico).

The cheapest worldwide policy is £ (based on 1 adult aged up to 50 travelling Worldwide (excluding) for up to 5 days).

Worldwide travel insurance key benefits

  • Post Departure Cover
  • Cover for valuables and other extras available
  • 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance
  • If you have Pre-Existing Medical Conditions you can still travel the World, Globelink created a list of no screen medical conditions which are covered as standard
  • We are aware that many Round-The-World Trips are Cruises so we included Cruise Cover as standard with every policy

Attention! The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) / Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides some emergency healthcare within the EU, but it does not cover Repatriation costs, or a doctor or nurse escort home; nor lost or stolen property. You need Travel Insurance for that.

You can get Worldwide Travel Insurance with any policy Globelink provides. Globelink made sure everyone is eligible – kids travel for free with Annual Multi Trips and adults aged up to 89 can be insured.

Get Worldwide Travel Insurance and stay safe anywhere in the world!

We made sure there is an option to include such extras as cover for valuables, increased cancellation and winter sports etc.

Since the World is full of adventure and you surely would like to partake while traveling, Globelink made sure to cover most of Adventure Activities as standard with every policy. You can check the list of activities covered at no extra charge here.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance is designed for people aged up to 89 travelling independently or on a package holiday with a maximum trip duration of up to 15 months.

  • Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £6,000 in total
  • Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £10,000,000 in total
  • Baggage - up to £3,000 in total

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Travelling more than once a year? Take as many holidays as you wish and be covered all year long! 17 days Winter Sports Cover FREE if you take out the 45 days policy.

Designed for most Individuals, Couples or Families who undertake several trips of up to 120 days within a 12 months period. For people aged up to 79 years!

  • Baggage - up to £3,000 in total

Backpacker Travel Insurance

Career breaker? Globetrekker? Globelink Insurance offer the budget solution for long stay journeys.

Aimed at under 51 years old backpackers on a tight budget up to a maximum of 18 months. Most adventure sports covered for free.

  • Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £2,000 in total
  • Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £5,000,000 in total
  • Baggage - up to £1,000 in total

Frequently Asked Questions

What is worldwide travel insurance.

Worldwide travel insurance is designed to cover you while are on a trip in any country in the world.

What countries does Worldwide travel insurance cover?

Worldwide travel insurance covers all countries in the world where you can travel.

How much does it cost to upgrade nationwide travel insurance to worldwide?

It depends on a few factors such as how long you travel, your age and the type of cover you choose. You can buy Single Trip Economy policy for a trip to Europe for £ and you can buy Worldwide travel insurance for £ .

What is the cheapest Worldwide travel insurance?

Globelink offer the cheapest Worldwide policy for £ (based on 1 adult aged up to 50 travelling to our ‘Worldwide Excluding’ Geographical Area for 5 days).

See also: expat travel insurance , gap year travel insurance , international travel insurance , student travel insurance , cruise travel insurance , annual travel insurance to Europe , best travel insurance , best value travel insurance , budget travel insurance , business travel insurance , camping insurance , cheap European travel insurance , cheap holiday insurance for over 65 , cheap travel insurance couples travel insurance , Easter travel insurance , essential travel insurance , extended travel insurance , extreme sports insurance , family travel insurance , fcdo travel advice , global travel insurance , group travel insurance , holiday travel insurance , last minute travel insurance , long stay travel insurance , long term travel insurance , one way travel insurance , yearly travel insurance , quick quote travel insurance , travel insurance for children , travel insurance for Europe , travel insurance for non UK residents , travel insurance for working abroad , travel insurance to America , travel insurance for UK residents

Still have questions?

Globelink team will assist solving any of your questions over the phone 00 44 (0) 1353 699082.

Travel Insurance

Please read your Policy Wording carefully to ensure that it meets with your precise requirements. View and download the relevant Policy Wording* from the links below. If you purchased a Globelink policy previously while you were an EU RESIDENT, or you need to view the Policy Wording we issue to EU Residents, please click here to visit our Globelink EU site.

*If you purchased your Travel Insurance policy prior to Jan 2022, you can view your policy wording by reviewing your Globelink Travel Insurance Documents Purchase email, or obtain a copy by contacting [email protected] with your name and address details.

*if you purchased a STAYCATION Policy please see the *last PDF at the bottom of this page – for the Staycation Policy Wording

Policy Wording for Policies issued to UK residents (Living in the UK only) from from 29th November onwards .

Policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st october 2023 to 28th november ., policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st june 2022 to 30th september 2023 ., policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st feb 2022 to 31st may 2022., policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 30th dec 2020 to 31st january 2022, policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 29th oct - 29th dec 2020, policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st oct - 28th oct 2020, policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st feb – 10th august 2020.

For reliable Travel Insurance, simply complete 5 quick & easy steps. Pay with your Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal and receive your policy documents by email in seconds.

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Best travel insurance UK 2024 guide

worldwide travel insurance uk

We all deserve a break now and then. And the last thing you want to think of when booking your holiday is something going wrong. But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. That’s why you should always consider travel insurance when going on a trip.

But how can you find the best travel insurance policy for your needs? Read our guide below to find out more.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance protects you financially if your trip away doesn’t go as planned and you incur unexpected expenses for delays, losses or medical treatment.

All travellers can benefit from travel insurance. But travel insurance is particularly important if you are going on an independent trip without a tour operator, because if something goes wrong, you will have no other help.

There are three main types of travel insurance:

  • Single-trip cover: this is the most typical form of travel insurance, covering you for a one-off trip or holiday. There will be a time limit on the cover that can range anywhere between one month and 365 days
  • Annual multi-trip cover: this allows you to make multiple trips, or have multiple holidays, in a 12-month period, all under the same travel insurance policy. There may be a cap on how long each individual trip can be
  • Long stay, or backpacker, cover: this is normally used for around the world trips, gap years, and longer cruises, and can last for up to 18 months

To find the best UK travel insurance, compare policies before you go to ensure you get the right coverage for you and the specific trip you’re planning.

How to find the best travel insurance policy

icons8-scales-96

When comparing policies to find the best travel insurance for your trip, you should consider: 

  • Type of cover you need
  • Excess (how much you’ll be expected to pay out yourself before the policy will cover you)
  • Amount of medical coverage, and why pre-existing conditions aren’t included
  • Limit on baggage claims
  • Coverage for specific sports and activities
  • Any potential rewards and discounts
  • Add-ons, such as gadget insurance

Best travel insurance deals and discounts

Looking for the best travel insurance deals from the best travel insurance companies? In most cases, the easiest way to find the best travel insurance deals is to use a comparison website. Travel insurance comparison websites let you compare costs and coverage side by side to find the best UK travel insurance.

The four main comparison websites – Moneysupermarket, Comparethemarket, Confused.com and GoCompare – also often have certain deals and discounts when you buy travel insurance from them, offering some of the best travel insurance deals on the market.

Moneysupermarket : Find the same deal for less, and it will price match and give you a choice of a £20 gift card. Only on annual travel insurance.

Comparethemarket : Two for one cinema tickets with Meerkat Movies and savings at restaurants when you dine out or order pizza in with Meerkat Meals, as well as 25 per cent off coffee and pastries at Caffè Nero every day of the week through the Meerkat app.

(In November 2023, Confused.com and GoCompare had no deals or discounts for travel insurance).

Price is obviously a big consideration when you are looking for the best travel insurance – you’ve probably already spent a lot on your holiday. But you may be able to get much better coverage for just a few pounds extra, so it’s worth scrolling down the comparison site’s list of providers before buying.

Medical costs abroad will undoubtedly be the biggest expense you face if you fall ill abroad, so don’t scrimp on those.

Then think about your next biggest expense (probably cancellation/interruption of your trip) and make sure that you have high-value coverage for that.

If you find you can get much higher coverage (the maximum amount you can claim per type of claim, such as medical or baggage) for not very much more money, go for the slightly more expensive option.

Going direct

Comparison sites won’t always find you the cheapest deals, however. For example, Direct Line offers some of the best travel insurance with Covid cover and is not on comparison websites.

Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer discounts for buying directly from them, as follows:

Bundled coverage options

When looking for the best travel insurance for your holiday, it can make sense to buy a bundle of coverage under one policy.

Comparison websites will often offer add-on gadget cover, winter sports cover or cruise cover all under the one policy. If you need that extra cover, it is typically cheaper to buy your travel insurance this way rather than as separate policies.

What is covered by travel insurance?

The best travel insurance companies will offer you comprehensive coverage across all types of claims. It’s easy to compare the best travel insurance deals using a comparison website.

Medical coverage

This covers you for medical expenses you incur if you become ill or have an accident while away. The best UK travel insurance will have a high level of medical coverage.

For example, medical coverage will pay for any necessary treatment if you come down with severe food poisoning or you fall through a window and have to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

  • Avoid hefty bills or debt for medical assistance outside the UK
  • Access better treatment – for example, at private vs public hospitals
  • Often, as long as you declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests, you are covered if you fall ill during your trip (check policy exclusions)
  • Even the best travel insurance companies will likely charge you more if you have a pre-existing medical condition
  • You might have to pay part or all your medical expenses first, then claim on the policy afterwards
  • Even the best travel insurance companies do not cover events that happen after you have consumed alcohol excessively or taken recreational drugs or other substances

Trip cancellation/interruption

This insurance pays out the cost of your missed trip if you have to cancel or cut your holiday short due to unforeseen circumstances.

Young woman in international airport looking at the flight information board, holding passport in her hand, checking her flight

For example, cancellation insurance would normally pay out if you broke your leg just before you were due to travel and had to cancel your trip.

Interruption insurance would cover you if you had to come home early for certain reasons beyond your control – for example, if the area you were staying in was engulfed in wildfires.

  • Money you would have lost on pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses is paid to you under the policy
  • It can be especially valuable if the trip you are planning is very expensive, as this is money you would lose if you couldn’t go
  • You’ll usually only be covered if your trip is cancelled or cut short for specific reasons listed in your policy
  • You usually won’t be covered if you miss your flight because you are held by customs or cancel because of a work issue or a pre-existing medical condition that is not covered

Baggage cover

This insurance covers the cost of replacing your luggage if it is lost or stolen.

For example, if an airline loses your luggage in transit or your suitcase is stolen from your hostel while you’re away, you can make a claim for the cost of replacing its contents.

You may also be able to claim for costs related to baggage delay if the airline temporarily misplaced your baggage.

  • You can claim for the actual cash value of your belongings or the cost of replacing them (whichever is less)
  • High-value items, such as jewellery or sports equipment, can be very expensive to replace without travel insurance
  • Standard policies usually place per item and total limits on claims.
  • If you are taking very expensive items away, check your policy carefully to ensure that you’re covered (and potentially get a separate policy)
  • Some items could be covered by your home insurance policy, so check your policy carefully to see what is any isn’t. It’s also important to note that, should a lost item be covered by both policies, you can only claim once; an attempt to claim twice would be considered fraud

Personal liability

This insurance covers you if you are held responsible for harming another person or damaging their property.

For example, it covers you in situations where you cause serious damage to your holiday accommodation or accidentally stumble into someone else, causing them to need medical treatment.

  • The cost of defending yourself in a legal case or repairing/replacing damage could be extremely costly without travel insurance
  • Your travel insurance company will take over dealing with a foreign legal system
  • You’re covered for the cost of any compensation (up to certain limits)

Limits: 

  • Not all travel insurance provides personal liability as standard
  • Policies may exclude personal liability while you partake in adventure activities
  • Claims related to you committing a crime or damage by wilful negligence won’t be covered
  • You likely will not be covered if you admit liability or make an offer to pay before talking to your insurer

Finding the best travel insurance with Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance with Covid cover? Many travel insurance policies now include cancellation cover for reasons related to Covid. This often applies within two weeks of being due to travel, according to the Association of British Insurers, but individual policies can vary.

To make a claim, insurers often require proof in the form of a medically approved positive Covid test. A lateral flow test or self-diagnosis is usually not accepted.

What Covid-related cover to look for

The best travel insurance with Covid cover should include the following:

  • Cover if you can’t start your trip because you tested positive for Covid before travelling
  • Cover if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for Covid during the holiday
  • Cover for additional costs, such as alternative flights, accommodation and Covid tests
  • Cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to Covid-19

Travel insurance providers with comprehensive Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance providers with Covid cover? Most travel insurance policies now offer some kind of Covid cover, but Churchill, Direct Line, M&S and Aviva have some of the most comprehensive offerings, with cover for cancellations and expenses related to Covid.

worldwide travel insurance uk

  • Covid covered as standard on travel insurance policies
  • Cover for trip cancellations if you, a close relative or a travelling companion is diagnosed with Covid-19 or another pandemic disease
  • Cover if you or a person you’re planning to stay with must quarantine (abroad or in the UK)
  • Cover if you can’t use pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation affected by Covid-19
  • Cover for quarantine or where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel within 28 days of departure
  • Cover for emergency medical expenses abroad due to Covid-19

Direct Line

worldwide travel insurance uk

  • Cover for travel to a destination where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel 
  • Cover for medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 while you’re away 
  • Cover for additional accommodation and transport if you have to quarantine due to Covid
  • Cover for cancellation costs if you or a close relative get Covid-19 before you go
  • Cover for quarantine or if the FCDO changes its advice after you book your trip
  • Cover if you have to cut your trip short if the FCDO changes its country advice unexpectedly

worldwide travel insurance uk

  • Cover for emergency medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 during your trip
  • Cover for unrecoverable costs up to £6,000 if you must cancel your trip or return early, including if you have to self-isolate or quarantine before you travel due to Covid-19
  • Cover for if you need to cancel your trip due to a positive Covid-19 test or if the FCDO advise against travel to your destination in the 31 days leading up to your trip
  • Providing you haven’t travelled against FCDO advice, you’ll also be covered if you catch Covid-19 while abroad

worldwide travel insurance uk

  • Coverage of up to £5,000 per person if you must cancel your trip due to getting Covid (you’ll need to provide confirmation and evidence of a positive test result)
  • Cover for Covid-related emergency medical treatment and expenses while away
  • Cover if you unexpectedly need to quarantine, including extra travel and accommodation costs to get home (provided a return trip was booked) 
  • Cover for costs for any accommodation and excursions unused due to getting Covid where the costs can’t be recovered elsewhere
  • No cover you if you travel against FCDO advice*
  • No cover if you can’t travel because you don’t meet the entry requirements of a country (such as having had Covid vaccinations)*

* It’s worth noting that these clauses are not unusual and the majority of providers will have something similar

Tips for selecting the best UK travel insurance packages

Need some help picking the best UK travel insurance packages to make sure that you get the best travel insurance deals? Here are some tips for picking the best policy features for you.

Coverage limits

When looking for the best travel insurance companies to go with, check coverage limits. These are the maximum amounts your travel insurer will pay if you need to claim. You’ll see when you compare travel insurance policies that coverage limits vary for each type of claim and between policies.

The government-backed MoneyHelper website recommends that the best UK travel insurance should have the following minimum coverage for each type of claim:

  • Medical: £1m or more for travel to Europe and £2m or more for the US
  • Cancellation/interruption: £2,000 or more
  • Missed departure: £500 or more
  • Delay: £200 or more
  • Baggage cover: £1,500 or more
  • Personal liability cover: £2 million or more

Deductibles/excess

Deductibles, also known as the excess, is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your travel insurance will start paying for your claim.

You have to make a trade-off when it comes to choosing the excess and the best travel insurance policy for you.

The lower the excess on a travel insurance policy, the better for you if you have to claim because you will have less to pay from your own pocket (or, more often, deducted from your claim).

But lower excess travel insurance policies are more expensive because the insurer knows it has more to pay out if you claim. Higher excess policies are cheaper, but you’ll have more deducted from your claim.

An exclusion on a travel insurance policy is an event the policy will not cover you for.

Common exclusions on a standard travel insurance policy may not be obvious. According to the ABTA – The Travel Association, these include:

  • Incidents that occur after drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
  • Theft of unattended possessions
  • Sports, extreme sports and activities such as skiing, white water rafting and bungee jumping
  • Medical treatment resulting from existing medical conditions you have not declared or conditions preventable by vaccine or advisable medication, such as antimalarials
  • Medical costs if you stay abroad after your doctor says you are fit to return to the UK
  • Strikes and industrial action if it was known when you booked your trip
  • Rescheduled flights where the airline has cancelled and then rescheduled your flight
  • Travel to destinations where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel

To get the best travel insurance deals, one way around some of these exclusions is to buy add-ons for adventure activities. In addition, make sure to declare all pre-existing conditions and keep an eye out for any travel disruptions before you book.

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or medical conditions you have and are aware of before you travel.

Travel insurance companies will ask you to disclose any pre-existing conditions. If you use a comparison website, it will be among the first questions you’re asked before it shows you quotes. It’s important to be honest.

Some travel insurance companies, but not all, will offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, while others will offer cover but exclude any claims arising from that medical condition. This will depend on the person being covered and the medical condition.

Most price comparison websites include an option to show insurers who do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, so that would be a good place to start.

The following are likely to be considered pre-existing conditions you should disclose, according to the government-backed MoneyHelper website:

  • A condition where you are on a list for an operation
  • A condition where you are waiting for test results
  • Anything you have been to the doctor about in the last year, including minor things
  • Any serious conditions you’ve ever had – for example, cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems or a mental health breakdown

A good tip for everyone, but especially if you have a pre-existing condition, is to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. If your condition gets worse and forces you to cancel your plans, you’ll be covered from the day the policy starts.

On family group policies, the cost will be determined based on the riskiest traveller (according to insurers), which could be someone with a pre-existing condition or an older individual. In this case, it is often cheaper for the group for that person to get a separate policy.

Add-on options

Add-ons are extras you can purchase in addition to a standard travel insurance policy. They cost a bit more, but you may find you’re not covered without them. 

Gadget insurance

This covers things that a standard policy may not, such as your mobile phone or laptop. If these items are covered, you may find the claim limits are far less than the cost of replacing them.

Close-up of a person holding a phone taking a picture of a beaut

Before you add this option to your travel insurance, check your home insurance policy, because you may already be covered.

Winter sports/adventure activities

Riskier activities, such as skiing or white water rafting, often require extra holiday insurance because insurers think that you are more likely to need to make a claim doing these things.

Winter sports/adventure activities cover is worth getting, or you may find you are not covered for medical expenses if something goes wrong.

Standard travel insurance is generally meant for land-based holidays so you’ll need to opt for a specialist cruise policy if your holiday is a cruise.

European FCDO travel advice extension

Most standard travel insurance policies are invalid if you travel when the FCDO advises against “all but essential travel”.

This add-on allows you to travel to Europe with a valid travel insurance policy, even if the FCDO has advised against it.

This can be an expensive add-on, but if you really must travel to a risky area, you will need this extension in order to make sure you have cover.

Best holiday insurance summary

Choosing the right travel insurance is an essential part of enjoying peace of mind while you are on holiday.

When looking for the best travel insurance deals, don’t just pick the cheapest policy. Instead, look for the cover limits that match your requirements. For example, baggage cover of £5,000 isn’t worth having if your baggage is worth £1,000; cancellation cover up to £10,000 isn’t worth having if your holiday cost you £2,000.

The easiest way to compare the best travel insurance is usually by using a travel insurance comparison website.

Think about the sort of activities you’ll be doing while you’re away. You may need extra holiday insurance for things such as winter sports or scuba diving or if you are going on a cruise.

Be honest about any pre-existing conditions when buying your travel insurance, or you won’t be covered if you have to claim.

The best travel insurance is a safety net for you and your family to enjoy your trip away stress-free, knowing that you’re covered for everything from medical expenses to cancellations if things go wrong.

Frequently asked questions about the best travel insurance UK packages

Is travel insurance necessary for domestic travel within the uk.

Even where medical costs in the UK are covered by the NHS, a sudden illness could lead to other expenses, forcing you to cancel your trip, the costs of which travel insurance would cover.

Lost or stolen luggage and broken gadgets or other claims for damage can just as easily occur in the UK as abroad.

What is annual travel insurance, and is it a good option for frequent travellers?

Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers you for multiple trips away within any 12-month period. It is often cheaper than buying a separate policy for each trip if you are planning to go away multiple times in one year.

Annual travel insurance is also useful if you are planning a long trip visiting several countries, as often insurers require you to buy travel insurance before you leave the UK rather than abroad mid-trip.

Are there any travel insurance companies that specialise in certain types of trips or travellers?

Specialist travel insurers cater to specific groups of people. It can make sense to seek out travel insurers that cover your needs.

Adventures Insurance, Sports Cover Direct and Snowcard tailor their travel insurance to those who enjoy activity holidays and extreme sports, for example.

Senior travellers are the focus of policies from All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance Services, Free Spirit Flex, Good 2 Go Extra, Goodtogo Insurance, Saga, Staysure and Total Travel Protection.

Insurers offering business trip cover include Allianz, Direct Line, Coverwise and Insure & Go.

How do I make a claim with my travel insurance company?

To claim on your travel insurance while you are away, make sure that you take your policy number with you and the emergency number for your insurer. If you are travelling abroad, take any international numbers too.

Call your insurer as soon as you realise you need to make a claim. Keep all receipts and medical expense forms. If you are travelling with other people, make them aware of your policy details and the insurer’s phone number in case they need to call on your behalf.

To make a claim when you return home, check the following:

  • You haven’t left it too late to make a claim
  • What you’re claiming for is covered
  • The excess is not more than the value of your claim (if so, it’s not worth claiming)

Notify your insurer as soon as possible for a claim form, send it back fast and keep a copy of it. You should also include copies of paperwork to support your claim, such as receipts or medical certificates (keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused).

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Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a freelance journalist, editor, and producer. She has a wealth of consumer finance experience, having written about money matters and business for over 15 years.

During her tenure as a freelance writer, she has worked for ITN, Wired, and The Sunday Times, as well as financial institutions such as Aegon, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Pension Bee, where she’s presenter of the Pension Confident Podcast.

Laura has previously held roles at The Times, where she was the Acting Editor of Times Money Mentor, The Telegraph as a senior finance reporter and was the co-host of the It’s Your Money Podcast, which was renowned for making complex finance issues accessible, and The Financial Times, where she worked as a News Editor. Laura has also worked at CNN, Politics.co.uk, and as a producer at Radio 5 Live.

worldwide travel insurance uk

Connor Campbell

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal and business finance writer who has been producing online content for almost a decade. 

Connor is the personal finance expert for Independent Advisor, guiding readers through everything they need to know about car insurance and home insurance. From how much it costs to the best insurance providers in the UK, he’s here to help you find the right policy for your needs. 

In his capacity as writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet , Connor explored a number of topics close to his heart, such as the impact of our increasingly cashless society, and the hardships and heroics of British entrepreneurs. His commentary was featured in sites such as The Mirror , the Daily Express and Business Insider . 

At financial trading firm Spreadex, meanwhile, his market commentary was featured in outlets such as The Guardian , BBC , Reuters and the Evening Standard . 

Connor is a voracious reader with an MA in English, and is dedicated to making life’s financial decisions a little bit easier by doing away with jargon and needless complexity.

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The best travel insurance providers.

Updated March 26, 2024

In this guide

Woman at airport after taking out travel insurance

If you’re looking to escape the UK winter, or if you’re saving your holiday for the height of summer, you may wish to consider travel insurance. We explain what travel insurance is and some of the best policies on the market for your holiday.

In 2022, UK residents made 71 million visits abroad. This was over three times the amount made in 2021, when COVID restrictions kept many people at home. 

So if you’re part of a growing number of people spending time abroad, have you considered travel insurance? By taking out one of these policies you could be protected for lost baggage, delayed flights, and medical emergencies abroad among other unforeseen events.  

In this article we explain:

  • What is travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

The best travel insurance.

  • Travel insurance and medical conditions

Read more: Passport renewal costs and waiting times

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers the cost of unforeseen events and mishaps that either stop you from going on holiday or affect you while you’re away.

Depending on the policy, travel insurance might cover you for:

  • Medical bills if you suffer illness or have an accident while you’re away
  • Cancellation of your trip for reasons outside of your control
  • Lost or stolen baggage

Policies are usually relatively inexpensive and can give you the peace of mind that your costs will be covered if something bad happens while you are on holiday.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, the average claim on travel insurance in 2022 was a little over £970. So while travel insurance won’t stop bad things from happening, but it can prevent you from having to find the money to pay for unexpected costs even after you return from your holiday.

Read more: Ten budget travel tips

Many people opt to take out travel insurance to cover potential medical care while away.

Every week, 3,000 Brits need emergency medical treatment while abroad, according to the ABI. But travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical costs. It can protect you against a range of unplanned events:

  • Cancellation or trip interruption for reasons outside your control
  • Missed transport or delayed departure for reasons outside your control
  • Personal injury and death, including medical evacuation
  • Lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money – check if your home contents insurance covers you
  • Accidental damage or injury caused by you

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

Most travel insurers provide a basic level of cover for cancelled flights. Aviva’s travel insurance, for example, will pay out if your flight is cancelled due to an airport shutdown.

If your airline cancels your flight then you should claim a refund directly with them, so your travel insurance could cover other costs such as hotel bookings, vehicle rentals, and other possible excursions.

What are my rights during strike action?

worldwide travel insurance uk

If your flights are cancelled because air staff are striking, which they have over last summer, you might be entitled to compensation from the airline. But for this to apply, customers must have been given less than 14 days’ notice.

It also depends on whether the airline was at fault or not: so if it’s the airline’s staff who are striking, you should be entitled to compensation.

If you’re worried that your flights might be delayed or cancelled, you should also check your travel insurance policy.

Some policies cover you for a cancelled or delayed flight, provided you took out the policy before the strikes were announced.

But if you haven’t yet bought your insurance, you may be out of luck. This is because most insurers won’t cover you for strikes which were already known about.

Read how travel insurance could catch you out.

Below we’ve listed some of the best travel insurance providers on the market, all of which were nominated in Times Money Mentor awards 2023.

Santander

Times Money Mentor award winning cover

Saga

Best for over-50s

Post Office

Post Office

Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions

Aviva

Best for those wanting substantial medical cover  

LV=

Best for a range of unique add-ons

Looking for a new holiday destination?

worldwide travel insurance uk

Make sure to visit Times Travel for your holiday inspiration this year. From palm beaches in Fiji to the beautiful Italian coastline, Times Travel caters to all different tastes. Unlike other parts of the site, you also don’t need a subscription to enjoy their high-quality content.

Another notable provider

Despite not winning a nomination at the Times Money Mentor awards, this provider also offers a decent level of cover:

Switched On Insurance

Switched On

The best travel insurance for cruises.

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, it’s important to take out special additional cover such as a cruise insurance to protect you.

Cruise insurance is normally offered as an add-on to travel policies, and protects you if you:

  • Miss connections to reach the departure
  • Fail to get back on board after planned stops
  • End up being confined to your cabin

Though if you want a dedicated travel insurance policy for a cruise, here’s an option to consider:

JustTravelCover.com

Just Travel Cover*

Best for cruise holidays

The best winter sports cover

If you’re planning a skiing and snowboarding trip then it’s important you have insurance that will cover you if you’re involved in an accident on the slopes.

Most travel insurers will offer winter sports cover as an optional add-on to their regular cover and will protect you if you:

  • Need to be airlifted off the slopes or rescued and need medical treatment
  • Turn up and there’s no snow
  • Can’t start skiing and snowboarding because of avalanche risk
  • Find out your equipment – such as skis, snowboard and boots – has been stolen

It’s difficult to predict what the next ski season will look like. But if you’re booking now and want cover for the essentials, here’s a policy to factor into your calculations.

InsureandGo

InsureandGo*

Best for winter sports

What should a basic travel policy cover?

When shopping for travel insurance, you should ensure your policy comes with the following seven things as standard:

1. Medical expenses

This covers the costs of any emergency medical and surgical treatment while you’re away.

It usually costs more for cover in the US as medical bills can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Any treatment that can wait until you get home is not usually included.

Most policies offer cover of £1 million for medical costs in Europe. This is usually £2 million in the US.

2. Repatriation

This is where you might need to be evacuated from the country you’re visiting.

Repatriation usually happens when you need to get back home to the UK in the event of a medical emergency and is usually covered as standard in most travel insurance policies.

3. Cancellation/curtailment

This covers any travel and accommodation costs you have paid for and can’t use or claim back.

You need a good reason to cancel your trip, so make sure you double check the terms and conditions of your policy.

4. Missed departure

This covers your extra accommodation costs and travel expenses should you miss your departure due to situations outside your control.

It usually includes your car breaking down or being involved in an accident. Leaving home at the last minute won’t count.

This covers you for delays to your travel plans, such as severe weather conditions.

Delays known about before (such as strikes) won’t be covered.

6. Baggage cover

This should cover you if your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

You might need extra cover for gadgets or valuable possessions as there are usually limits on separate items.

Losses need to be reported within a certain time frame and you must have a written report from your airline if it loses your baggage.

7. Personal liability cover

This should cover you if you are liable to pay damages due to:

  • Accidental bodily injury to someone
  • Or for loss or damage to someone else’s property
  • Claims made by family members or employees won’t be covered

Choose a smooth private healthcare journey with Saga Insurance

worldwide travel insurance uk

• Easy access to a specialist

• Fast tests, scans and treatment

• Comfortable hospital stay

Get a Saga Health Insurance quote

For people over 50. Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers, and it’s only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high standards of quality and service. 

What extra cover can you buy?

To provide a peace of mind you might be able to add the following onto your policy too:

  • Wedding cover – If you’re travelling abroad for a wedding, some providers might include an add-on which covers damage to your possessions. If you think you need something more comprehensive, then consider a separate wedding insurance policy
  • Gadget insurance – While you’re abroad you may wish to cover your laptop, phone, or tablet from theft or damage
  • Golf equipment cover – Planning to tee off abroad? Then consider cover for moving your clubs overseas. This type of add on includes cover for your equipment if it is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged

Read more: Is credit card travel insurance any good?

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance won’t cover you for a risk that is known about.

For example, if you have a long-standing medical condition that means you can’t go on holiday, your insurer might not cover you for the cancellation costs.

Insurers also won’t cover you if you have to cancel your trip for reasons within your control. For example, if you miss your flight because you woke up late, your claim is likely to be rejected.

Travel insurance is also unlikely to cover you if you have been irresponsible. For example, if you leave your valuables in your hold luggage then your policy won’t cover you if these items are damaged.

Each travel insurance policy will have specific things it won’t cover and this will vary depending on the provider. So it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully.

What types of travel insurance can you buy?

There are two main options to choose from when taking out a travel insurance policy:

  • Single trip — covers you for one trip of a specified length only
  • Annual multi-trip — covers you for all your trips for one year (if you travel a lot this can work out cheaper than lots of single policies)

You need to make sure that either option of travel insurance covers you for where you are going, such as:

  • Europe only
  • Or the more expensive, worldwide policies (these either include or exclude the US)

But check first which exact countries providers include in their policies. For example, some policies include Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in their Europe insurance.

There is also specific travel insurance for backpackers, which offers extra cover for those who are likely to be away for an extended period of time or travelling to multiple destinations.

Also bear in mind that if you are doing any extreme sports like skiing or going on a cruise then you might need to buy an add-on.

When should I take out travel insurance?

It’s usually best to take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.

While many people think of travel insurance as something that covers problems while they are away, some policies cover you for issues, accidents and illnesses that stop you from being able to travel.

Cancellation is one of the main reasons that people claim on a travel insurance policy. If the cancellation happens before you have bought insurance then you wouldn’t be able to claim.

How much should I pay for travel insurance?

Your travel insurance premium will depend on a range of factors such as your age, health, type of policy, and destination. This is why an average travel insurance premium will likely be meaningless, so make sure to do your research and get a quote from several different providers before deciding on a policy.

Do I need travel insurance?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, it does come with a host of benefits such as cover for medical expenses.

We’ve already listed the benefits of having protection for unexpected medical costs above, and it remains pertinent if you’re travelling abroad and won’t have access to the NHS. According to the ABI, there is one recorded case in 2022 when a traveller in Thailand contracted a serious blood infection which needed intensive medical treatment. The bill eventually came up to £250,000 which was paid in full by their travel insurance provider.

Also consider that some visa applications require you to have a suitable travel insurance policy in place before you apply. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to travel Europe you’ll need a policy in place which covers medical expenses up to €30,000 during your trip.

FAQs: Travel insurance and medical conditions

Many people solely take out travel insurance to protect themselves from medical expenses. According to the ABI, the average medical claim on travel cover is more than £1,300. Notoriously in the US, these figures run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

So below we’ve answered some of the most common medical related questions on travel insurance:

Q. Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some insurers do provide cover for pre-existing conditions. However, it is vital that youflag these conditions during the application stage. If you don’t it could invalidate your policy.  

Q. Do you need to tell your travel insurance provider if you have a new medical condition?

If there is a significant change to your personal health then you’ll need to inform your travel insurance provider. This includes being diagnosed with a new long-term illness.

Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

Q. Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 75 with medical conditions?

Yes. In fact, there are some providers on the market which tailor their policies towards an older demographic. For example, Saga has dedicated policies for over 50s and 70s.

* All products, brands or properties mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback, and are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. This article contains links from which we can earn revenue. This revenue helps us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. For more, see  How we make our money  and  Editorial promise

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

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What is travel insurance and is it worth it?

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flight delay and cancellations compensation

Am I entitled to flight delay compensation?

In September, hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed due to a “technical issue” with UK air traffic control systems. It left hundreds of passengers stranded. Here we explain your rights when it comes to flight compensation. Air traffic control faults are classified as “extraordinary circumstances” and therefore airlines do not have to give you […]

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We explain how travel insurance on credit card works and look at the pros and cons of using it. Some rewards credit cards offer travel insurance. However, your credit card is unlikely to give you all the cover you need as full medical insurance is not included. This article will cover: Related content: What are […]

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Money blog: Eight things going up in price next week - and six major boosts to Britons' pockets

National Price Hike Day is on Monday, with water bills, broadband, council tax and the TV licence among the things going up. Read this and more in the Money blog - your place for consumer and personal finance news. Leave a comment on the stories we're covering, or a Money Problem, below.

Tuesday 26 March 2024 10:18, UK

  • Eight things that are going up in price next week - and six major boosts to Britons' pockets
  • Grocery inflation eases to 4.5% - but chocolate is soaring
  • We could see adverts on the moon in the next few years
  • Free childcare about to be extended - here's all the support on offer to parents of young children
  • Money Problem : My boss makes me use annual leave for sick days - is this legal?
  • ISA deadline approaching - here's what you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

A black Uber Eats courier has been given a payout to end a legal claim in which he alleged he was unfairly sacked because the company's facial recognition app was racist.

Pa Manjang was dismissed after being told security selfie checks he provided had "continued mismatches". 

Couriers need to provide the photo checks at the start of their shifts, but Mr Manjang said he had been asked to take pictures of himself "multiple times a day" because the AI software failed to recognise him.

He told Uber Eats: "Your algorithm, by the looks of things, is racist."

Mr Manjang was backed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the App Drivers and Couriers Union, who funded his case.

Both said they were concerned by the use of AI in this instance, "particularly how it could be used to permanently suspend a driver's access to the app, depriving them of an income".

Uber Eats has made a settlement in the case, but reports suggest it accepts no liability.

The company said in a statement to The Times that the real-time ID check "was not the reason for Mr Manjang's brief loss of access to his courier account".

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The possibility of a new record high being reached by the most valuable companies of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 has ebbed away. 

The index is down slightly (0.06%) this morning, no longer within touching distance of the all-time high in the combined value of the FTSE 100 companies recorded in February last year, as the rally that came late last week receded. 

The news that Asos sales fell 18% in the six months to March did nothing to dent the share price - it was up 7.6% but comes after a fall of 90% across the last three years. 

Performing well this morning is gambling giant Flutter, the owner of Paddy Power and Betfair brands. Today it announced it is moving its primary stock exchange listing to New York on 31 May, a blow to London. But it also recorded revenue growth of 17.3% in the UK and Ireland as it said its market share grew in the countries. 

Oil prices have fallen from the $87 a barrel cost of Monday and now the benchmark Brent crude oil costs $86.8.

A pound buys $1.2647 and €1.1659.

Chocolate is among the products placing upwards pressure on grocery inflation in the run-up to Easter, according to closely watched supermarket data.

Kantar Worldpanel, which tracks pricing and market share, reported a further slowing in the pace of price growth across the sector over the four weeks to 17 March.

It said the annual rate for grocery inflation eased to 4.5% - down from the 5.3% figure recorded the previous month.

The report credited price matching guarantees across the industry, as shoppers continue to seek out value amid the wider cost of living crisis that is continuing to damage household spending power despite wage growth firmly outstripping the rate of inflation.

Kantar reported that prices were rising fastest in markets such as sugar confectionery and chocolate confectionery.

Global cocoa prices have nearly doubled so far this year. Heavy rains in West Africa, where most of the world's cocoa is grown, have hit production.

Things falling fastest include butter, milk and toilet tissues, it found.

You can read more from our business reporter James Sillars here...

1 April (next Monday) is nicknamed National Price Hike Day, as it's when government bodies and private companies traditionally increase the cost of goods and services ahead of the new financial year.

So what can we expect this year?

TV and broadband

BT, EE, Plusnet and Vodafone customers will be charged 7.9% more from April. These companies pin their prices to December's inflation figure plus 3.9%, which is common practice in the industry.

Virgin Media and O2, which merged in 2021, are upping prices by 8.8%, as they use the retail price index from January plus 3.9%. There are caveats which mean some O2 customers will see prices rise by less than this.

Sky is also implementing price rises, meaning most Sky TV and broadband customers will pay an average of 6.7% more from 1 April.

Council tax

Most people who live in councils with responsibility for social care in England will see their bills rise by the maximum of 4.99%.

In areas where the councils don't oversee social care, the rise for most will be 2.99%.

Birmingham City Council, which has declared effective bankruptcy, has been given permission to hike council tax by 21% over two years due to a black hole caused partly by equal pay claims and a botched IT systems rollout.

Council tax has been frozen by the devolved government in Scotland, while rises in Wales range anywhere from 3% to 21%. Northern Ireland uses a rating system instead of council tax, and rises are also expected here.

The annual cost of a standard colour TV licence will rise to £169.50 from 1 April - an increase of £10.50 on the current price of £159 a year.

Rent for social housing

The CPI rate of inflation in September - 6.7% - is used to determine the yearly rise in rents. 

For 2024-25, the limit will be 6.7% plus an additional 1%.

The average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales will go up by an average of 6% from April . 

Water UK said the increases would leave households with an average annual bill of £473.

Vehicle excise duty will rise on all but the cleanest new and used cars in April.

Increases are generally calculated in line with the RPI rate of inflation and are expected to be about 6%.

Train fares

Rail fares will rise by 8.7% in April for those in Scotland, after the Scottish government argued previous fare freezes were not sustainable. 

For those in England and Wales, fares rose by 4.9% on 3 March. 

The Royal Mail will raise the price of stamps again as the company struggles with a decline in the number of letters being posted.

The price of a first class and second class stamp will increase by 10p to £1.35 and 85p respectively from 2 April.

It's not all bad news in April

National insurance

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced in the budget earlier this month that the starting rate for NI will change from 10% to 8% from 6 April.

This will benefit 27 million workers, he said, and is worth about £450 a year to an employee on an average salary of £35,000.

NI for two million self-employed workers is also being cut.

Their rate will fall from 8% to 6%. The government says that is worth £350 to a self-employed person earning £28,200.

Child benefit

The amount people can earn before child benefit is reduced or taken away is increasing.

At the moment, people lose 1% of the benefit for every £100 they earn over £50,000. At £60,000, the benefit is cut completely.

From April, the benefit won't be reduced until one parent earns more than £60,000. And it will only go completely at £80,000.

Benefits and tax credits that are linked to inflation will rise by 6.7% in April.

That was the level CPI in September.

For joint claimants over the age of 25, universal credit standard allowances will rise from £578.82 to £617.60 per month.

The basic and new state pension will rise by 8.5% in April - to £11,502 a year.

The new state pension is for those reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016. It will rise to £221.20 a week - up from £203.85.

Minimum wage

The National Minimum Wage for those 21 and over will rise to £11.44 - an increase of £1.02, or 9.8%.

There are larger percentage increases for younger age groups -as well as a 21.2% rise for apprentices (going up to £6.40).

Energy price cap

From 1 April to 30 June this year the price paid by a typical household that uses electricity and gas will go down to £1,690 a year.

This is £238 a year lower than the price cap between 1 January and 31 March this year. 

A lunar rover manufacturer has signed a deal to allow businesses to test and advertise their products on the moon's surface. 

Start-up Astrolab is sending its Flex rover to the moon in 2026 - and has partnered with Group of Humans, a network for creative professionals, to allow the testing and advertising to happen.

Nasa is planning to build a base for a permanent presence on the moon, and it's said this new deal could provide opportunities such as Volvo introducing a lunar highway code or Nike developing footwear for the low-gravity atmosphere.

Rob Noble, the founder of Group of Humans, told The Times that his proposal was not particularly new as astronauts wore Omega Speedmaster watches for all six moon landings, and their spacesuits were designed by Prada.

He insisted this new platform would not be used to create gimmicks. 

"It isn't about rubbish stunts to send up Star Trek remains," he said, referring to the memorial spaceflight service that blasted the ashes of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and several former cast members into space. 

"We are focused on making sure that the ­resources of the moon are cared for and preserved. It's about really being thoughtful and an awareness that this is going to be really important for mankind. We want to find the companies that really want to change the world."

The British government is no longer the controlling shareholder in NatWest bank , reducing its stake in the lender to below 30%.

NatWest received several multibillion-pound bailouts at the height of the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, resulting in the government being left with an 84% stake in what was then known as RBS Group.

The government had been slowly selling down its stake but it accelerated the process in recent months.

Read the full story here ...

People who drive SUVs could have to pay higher parking charges in Oxford under plans drawn up by some city councillors.

The motion has been put forward by the city's Green Party.

It follows a new policy in Paris that saw parking charges triple for SUV drivers. 

The Green Party's plan would have to be approved by the Labour-controlled council.

Apple, Meta and Google's parent company are being investigated by the European Union under new laws designed to clamp down on the market power of the world's tech giants.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) came into force at the beginning of March and aims to tackle "gatekeeping" behaviour among tech giants.

If the companies are found guilty of non-compliance, they face fines of up to 10% of their global turnover.

Under the new rules, companies are expected to allow app developers to steer users to products outside their own platforms for no extra charge.

Also, platforms that rank search results must treat all listings fairly and in a way that does not discriminate against services offered by third parties.

The number of under-30s with millionaire salaries has grown to a record high of 830, while more than 15,000 young people earn over £150,000, analysis by accountancy firm Lubbock Fine shows.

Before the pandemic, 650 under-30s had earned at least £1m and 13,400 earned more than £150,000.

Among the highest paid young people in the UK are pop star Dua Lipa, Manchester City star Erling Haaland and actress Millie Bobby Brown.

Lubbock Fine said the rise in £1m-plus earners is being driven by higher pay packages for sports, media and music stars, while the rise in those on more than £150,000 is thanks to higher salaries in the technology and financial services industries.

The average salary for a Premier League footballer is £3.6m a year, with Erling Haaland, 23, the highest earner under 30. 

The star earns £19.5m a year, or £375,000 a week, according to Spotrac. 

Chelsea and England star Raheem Sterling, 29, is on £16.9m, while Jack Grealish, 28, and Marcus Rashford, 26, both earn £15.6m. 

In music, pop star Dua Lipa, 28, is thought to be the richest under 30 with a wealth of more than £75m. 

The highest-paid young British actor is Millie Bobby Brown, known for her starring roles in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes.

She is said to have accumulated a net worth of £20m.

But while football and music and acting is a route to fame and fortune, in cash terms it is dwarfed by tech. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, the wealthiest under-30 in the UK is the 28-year-old builder of the video conferencing app Hopin, Johnny Boufarhat (£1.7bn).

Wealthiest under-30s

  • Johnny Boufarhat, founder of Hopin - £1.714bn
  • Christian Owens, founder of Paddle - £101m
  • Dua Lipa, pop star - £75m
  • Raheem Sterling, footballer - £61m
  • Charlie Morgan, co-founder of Au Vodka - £55m
  • Niall Horan, pop star - £54m
  • Harry Kane, footballer - £51m
  • Daniel Knight, director of Kinetic Games - £50m

Visitors to the popular tourist attractions will pay more at peak times under new plans from owner Merlin Entertainments. 

Surge pricing - which means prices fluctuate depending on demand - will be introduced at the company's top 20 global attractions by the end of this year. 

Scott O'Neil, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, said people would expect to pay more in peak season, for example a Saturday in August, than on a "rainy Tuesday in March".

He told Business Live With Ian King : "One thing I love about dynamic pricing is that it offers an opportunity in the peak times to make sure the queues are down and the guest experience is high. 

"The other part that I really appreciate about dynamic pricing is that in off-peak times, it allows families that might not otherwise have an opportunity to go."

The theme park operator will use machine learning to monitor supply and demand.

Surge pricing is frequently used by hotels and airlines, but the model is being increasingly adopted by entertainment facilities. 

Merlin revealed today it had delivered record revenues of £2.1bn in 2023, up 8% year on year. 

However, visitor numbers have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Roughly 62.1 million people visited its 141 global attractions last year, down from the 67 million recorded in 2019.

A leading buy-to-let lender has cut rates across its range.

The Mortgage Works announcement includes a headline 3.99% deal fixed for five years.

The industry has reacted positively, with Darryl Dhoffer from The Mortgage Expert telling Newspage: "Buy-to-let mortgages have been dropping for some time now. 

"Who would have thought that a headline buy-to-let rate of 3.99% would be cheaper than a standard residential mortgage rate? 

"Fair play to The Mortgage Works. Let's hope big brother, Nationwide, wake up and start reducing residential interest rates."

Three lesser-noted developments at the Bank of England last week have prompted a forecast that 3% interest rates will return next year.

Economists at the respected insight firm Capital Economics have been analysing voting patterns and interviews given by Bank rate setters - and "as a result we have become a bit more confident in our forecasts that interest rates will be cut from 5.25% in June and to 3.00% next year".

Paul Dales, the firm's chief UK economist, explained: "First, for the first time since September 2021, none of the nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to raise rates.

"Second, the minutes to the meeting included a new line that said 'policy could remain restrictive even if Bank Rate were to be reduced'. This may sound innocuous, but at every meeting since interest rates rose to their peak of 5.25% last August, the MPC has said that policy would remain 'restrictive for sufficiently long'. 

"Pointing out that a rate cut is not inconsistent with that guidance implies that the MPC wanted to make it clear it would not necessarily need to remove that guidance before it cuts rates."

Thirdly, Dales has picked out comments by governor Andrew Bailey, who told the FT last Thursday afternoon that market forecasts for cuts this year were "not unreasonable".

Dales said: "Subsequent comments that 'all our meetings are in play; we take a fresh decision every time' imply that the MPC will be actively considering rate cuts at the coming meetings."

Markets are expecting three cuts, from 5.25% to 4.5%, this year, starting in June.

There is a 20% chance, according to markets, a first cut could come in May, when inflation data for the previous month is expected to show a big drop in inflation due to an April cut to the energy price cap.

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