Do I need travel insurance for a UK staycation?
HOLIDAYMAKERS have been turning to staycations during the pandemic due to international travel restrictions and ongoing coronavirus risks.
A UK break may save the hassle of early morning or late night flights and jet lag, but it is still important to consider getting travel insurance even if you aren’t leaving the country.
Most people associate travel insurance with holidays abroad.
But you could still be hit with delays, cancellations and lost or damaged luggage when holidaying around the UK.
It is important to shop around as premiums and the excess you have to pay for claims can vary.
Find out how to find the best travel insurance deals in our guide, and read on for everything you need to know if you’re planning a staycation UK trip in the near future.
What is UK travel insurance?
UK travel insurance works in the same way as international cover.
It can payout to cover the costs if your flight is cancelled or if your hotel closes and you need alternative accommodation.
It can also cover lost or damaged luggage.
UK travel insurance won’t cover medical bills though as you will still be able to use NHS services if you need medical help.
Do you need travel insurance for UK holidays?
Some types of holiday such as a British Isles cruise may require you to have cover in place but it is not compulsory to have travel insurance just for a few days away in a spa or hotel.
Organising travel insurance may be beneficial though if you are taking lots of valuable luggage with you.
For example, you may want to insure against loss or damage of your clubs if you go on a golfing holiday or protect your skis if you are hitting the slopes in Scotland.
Business travellers may have expensive laptops of gadgets that are expensive to replace so insuring them can cover the cost.
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It usually covers flight delays and cancellations, lost luggage and if you need medical help when abroad.
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You will need to make sure the level of insurance you purchase is enough to cover the costs of the product you are replacing.
Travel insurance can also be useful if it includes cancellation cover.
You may need to postpone a trip in the UK due to a family bereavement or illness.
A travel insurance policy with cancellation cover can refund you if you are unable to get the money back from your accommodation.
Some policies may even payout if you cannot travel due to coronavirus or if you have to self-isolate.
Similar to going abroad, you can also use your travel insurance if a UK flight or train is delayed or cancelled although it may be faster to claim from the operator first.
Check the policy terms so you know what you are covered for if you have to cancel.
Do I need travel insurance for the UK from Ireland?
Travellers to Northern Ireland can still use the NHS as it is part of the UK but you may still want to get insurance cover in case your luggage is lost or damaged.
You may also want cover in case your transport is delayed or if you need to find alternative accommodation while away.
However, if you are travelling south to the Republic of Ireland then it is more important to have travel insurance in place for medical needs and if anything goes wrong with your holiday.
The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union so there is no NHS coverage if you are ill and or need to stay in hospital.
Your medical treament may be covered if you had a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) setup before Brexit that hasn’t expired.
Alternatively, you can apply for the UK’s new Global Health Insurance Card, which covers your medical costs while abroad in the European Union.
Does travel insurance cover the UK
One of the first questions when you apply for travel insurance is your destination.
Travel insurance policies typically cover trips either to Europe, Worldwide or Worldwide (excluding USA, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean).
Your destination will influence the price of your policy.
A travel insurance policy covering Europe should include the UK but check the terms and conditions before buying for any exclusions.
Do I already have cover with other insurance policies?
Check your home insurance policy or other products before purchasing travel cover for the UK.
Your home insurance may cover you for items taken outside the home or it could be an optional extra.
There may be a maximum value though so check if this is enough.
If you have breakdown cover you may also be covered so your journey can be completed and your car and family will be taken to your destination.
Do I legally need travel insurance?
There is no legal requirement to have travel insurance wherever you are going.
Some travel companies and operators may insist you have it as part of their terms and conditions and you could be denied boarding if not.
They may even recommend a provider but make sure you shop around to get the best deal.
Paying for travel insurance can also save you money in the long-run as it can provide peace of mind and will be cheaper than replacing lost or damaged possessions.
What type of cover do I need for UK holidays?
There are a few different types of travel insurance to consider depending on how often you are going away and the activites you are doing.
If you are only going away once or twice a year then a single- trip policy should be enough to cover you but these can get expensive if you are doing lots of trips.
Instead, a multi-trip policy can cover you for several trips in a year and should save you money compared with buying insurance for each one separately.
There is also insurance to cover activities with higher cost items such as skiing or if you go on regular business trips.
You may also be able to add extra cover for specific gadgets and valuables.
As with a holiday abroad, make sure the level of insurance is enough to cover the value of your luggage items and the trip itself.
What does UK travel insurance cover?
UK travel insurance can provide the same level of cover as if you were going aboard.
This means you could get repaid if your luggage is lost or damage or if your travel plans are disrupted.
Policies may also provide legal cover if you injure someone while on holiday.
What doesn’t UK travel insurance cover?
The main difference between UK and international insurance is that you won’t get medical cover for a staycation.
This is because you can still access NHS treatment wherever you are in the UK.
Some policies may pay for a transfer to a private hospital or to get you closer to home though if you do need medical help.
Does UK travel insurance cover domestic flights?
UK travel insurance should cover disruption to your holiday.
This includes if your internal domestic flight is delayed or cancelled but make sure this is mentioned in your policy.
The policy should list reasons that you can claim for cancellation such as the death of a close relative and if the airline goes bust.
Your travel insurer may expect you to try to get your money back from the airline first though.
You can find out more on how to find the best travel insurance deals in our guide.
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