Just because you’re living in the UK rather than holidaying abroad, the risk of the unexpected happening and running out of money can’t be ruled out.
That’s why you should consider travel insurance for your holiday in the UK.
What is travel insurance for holidays in the UK?
‘Staycations’ in the UK have seen a surge in popularity in the pandemic years due to restrictions on international travel.
But other factors, such as warm summers and cost considerations, might encourage people to consider staying on these beaches rather than venturing out to overseas destinations.
Travelers can take advantage of what is on their doorstep, choosing a country retreat, hiking trip or seaside vacation, for example.
One of the most important elements of travel insurance is medical coverage, and this is largely unnecessary for UK travelers due to the availability of NHS services. But there are other key safeguards that make the purchase worthwhile
What does insurance cover for holidays in the UK?
Typically, travel insurance for holidays in the UK covers:
- Holiday cancellation/reduction: pays off if you can no longer take your vacation or have to cut it short for one of a number of reasons, such as unemployment, jury service, divorce, or death
- Loss/theft of baggage and belongings: this can happen anywhere
- Personal responsibility: coverage if you injure someone or damage their property
- Missed departure: it pays off if you miss your train, ferry or flight for reasons beyond your control, like your car breaking down
- End supplier failure cover: compensate if your hotel or accommodation supplier goes into administration.
- Support if you are sick or injured: if you are hospitalized while away from home, your policy may cover the cost of moving you to a facility closer to where you live.
- Sports injury insurance: For thrill-seekers, most policies also come with coverage for sports and activities as standard, with the option to extend this coverage to riskier activities, such as bungee jumping and paragliding for an additional fee.
Does UK holiday insurance cover caravans?
Whether you live in a stationary caravan or will be moving in a caravan, you will need specialist caravan insurance in addition to travel coverage for UK holidays.
Insurance for a static caravan will pay off if the caravan is damaged by fire, or bad weather, for example, or if you lose your keys.
Liability for touring caravans pays for any damage incurred to the caravan, or another person’s vehicle or property, while being towed.
Specialist insurance for motorhomes is also available. Uniquely, it combines covers for issues related to homes, as well as vehicles.
This includes damage caused by burglary, theft of goods, damage caused to other vehicles and injuries to other drivers.
What does travel insurance not cover for holidays in the UK?
Many travel insurance will only cover travel within the UK for at least two consecutive nights. They may also specify that you travel a minimum of miles away from home – say, 25.
Limitations or exclusions to coverage will be listed in the wording of the policy.
Does travel for holidays in the UK cover Covid-19?
Almost all policies cover trip cancellations because you or your travel companion has a virus. All scenarios covered will be listed in the policy terms and conditions.
Is it worth considering annual travel insurance?
If you tend to take several weekend breaks in the UK or enjoy UK holidays as well as overseas trips during the year, you might consider an annual travel insurance policy.
This contract – as opposed to the single journey alternative – covers you for any travel you take over a 12 month period, including within the UK (provided you are away for at least two or three consecutive nights per trip and the journey takes longer than the distance minimum from home).
Annual policies are more expensive than single-trip options, but can be cheaper the more trips you make.
How to compare travel insurance for UK holidays?
It is always best to shop around to get the best price on a cover that will suit you. Using a travel insurance comparison tool like ours, you can easily weigh the policy price, excess – the amount you will have to pay for each claim you make – and coverage levels.