Travel Insurance for the United Kingdom

It won’t take long to encounter an Aussie accent on UK shores – 1.2 million visitors travelled there from Australia in 2023. Even though the distance is great, getting to experience the iconic landmarks, breathtaking scenery and fascinating history more than makes up for it. 

However, getting appropriate travel insurance for your journey is wise, even in a country as safe and familiar as the UK. A policy can cover numerous issues, from when your luggage goes missing to weather delays which result in you missing a prearranged tour. 

What can I do in the UK? 

Here are just a few exciting ideas for your trip to Blighty. 

• Castles: The UK is rich in royal history and for many people, a trip just would not be complete without visiting a whimsical castle. A standout favourite is the Tudor-era Hampton Court Palace and its famous maze. 
• The great British seaside: Sure, it’s different to Bondi, but that doesn’t mean the British seaside isn’t worth exploring. Brighton Palace Pier’s restaurants and arcades offer a glimpse into the past, while the Gower in Wales features some of the UK’s best surfing. 
• Get cosy in the pub: What’s a trip to the UK without a pint or two in a welcoming pub? Almost every town, city and village has a prime spot for local ale and a delicious roast beside a roaring open fireplace. 
• A country ramble: The UK is teeming with incredible walking paths, many of which have been used for thousands of years. Get your boots and hike the Lakes District, the South Downs or, for something more adventurous, the multi-day Coast to Coast Walk. 

Whatever you decide to do in the UK, travel insurance is essential. Accidents happen, illness strikes and the unexpected occurs. Expect the best, but be prepared for the worst, and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable UK travel experience. 

Do I need travel insurance for the UK?  

You’ve probably heard the UK has a reciprocal healthcare agreement (RHCA) with Australia, but what does that mean? This agreement says Australians can receive free care in the National Health Service (NHS) system at hospitals and general practitioner surgeries. 

This usually covers out-patient care at NHS hospitals, ambulance travel within the NHS system and prescription medications when treated as an NHS patient (at a small cost). However, the RHCA won’t cover things like non-subsidised medicines and dental services. 

This is where travel insurance can help, as some policies provide additional cover in areas that the RHCA does not. For example, if you require emergency dental surgery overseas, your policy could cover your expenses up to the benefit limit. 

Which popular activities in the UK can be covered? 

There’s an incredible variety of activities to explore in the United Kingdom. Here, we consider some of the best and how travel insurance can help cover your adventure.  

Hiking in the wilderness:

Leaving the city behind for a multi-day adventure in the wilderness is an extraordinary idea. However, if you get injured during the journey, travel insurance can cover your emergency evacuation and treatment costs. 

Encounter fascinating animals:

The UK is home to some of the world’s leading animal sanctuaries, with the Highland Wildlife Park featuring snow leopards, wolves, and even polar bears. If an accident occurs, travel insurance may cover the medical costs. 

Adventurous road trips:

Hop in the car for a cross-country adventure deep into the UK’s stunning scenery. Whether you’re bound for the seaside or inland lakes, travel insurance with rental vehicle excess cover can help reduce your costs if an accident occurs. 

What else can travel insurance cover in the UK? 

Travel insurance can also cover a host of other situations travellers regularly encounter when heading overseas to the UK, including:  

Stolen items 

You must remain aware of your belongings when in the UK, as muggings and pickpocketing occur in more populated areas, especially during the peak summer tourist season. 

Personal liability  

Injuring someone or damaging property can lead to expensive legal costs. Travel insurance can cover personal liability concerns up to the limits specified in your policy.  

Cancellation fees and lost deposits 

Unexpected delays or illness can mean you lose out on deposits and cancellation fees. Some policies can help reimburse these costs up to the specified limit. 

Rental vehicle excess 

Cruising the countryside in the UK is an incredible experience. However, if you damage your rental car, some policies include rental vehicle excess cover to limit your expenses. 

Adventure activities 

Keen to go outdoor rock climbing, snowboarding or skiing? Some insurers make it possible to cover these risky adventure activities by purchasing extra cover. 

Will I be covered for Covid-19? 

Though many travel insurance providers offer COVID-19 coverage, it’s important to read the fine print to understand how each policy offers protection. For example, some providers won’t cover certain medical expenses after you’ve returned to Australia. Always consider the provider’s product disclosure statement (PDS) to see how a policy relates to your needs. 

What won’t travel insurance cover? 

Travel insurance can protect against various situations, but you should always get to know the standard exclusions before you travel. Here are some situations you could encounter that likely won’t be covered:  

Unattended items 

Possessions left behind won’t be covered if they’re stolen, so keep a close eye on your valuables. 

Drug and alcohol accidents 

Injuries and accidents related to alcohol or drugs usually aren’t covered, so go easy on the Pimms and avoid drugs. 

Ignoring travel warnings 

You run the risk of your policy being invalidated if you ignore travel advice from the Australian and UK governments. 

Pre-existing conditions 

Many pre-existing medical conditions aren’t covered by default, so check the fine print and understand the risks and extra costs involved. 

What does travel insurance cost for the UK? 

The expense of travel insurance to the UK differs per provider but expect basic cover for a week-long trip to cost about $35-$90, depending on factors like your age and pre-existing medical conditions. 

If you decide to add cover for snow sports or cruises, the cost of the premium can increase two- or three-fold. While travel insurance for the UK generally costs more than a trip to New Zealand, it’s usually cheaper than most travel insurance policies for the United States.

Helpful Tip

• Declare pre-existing medical conditions: There’s a good chance your travel insurance policy could be invalid if you fail to declare any pre-existing medical conditions. This means  you may have to pay up if you have an accident or become ill

• Tailor travel insurance to your needs: Sometimes basic cover might not be enough for your journey. Reflect on what cover is essential for your needs and whether purchasing optional extras, such as adventure sports cover, can increase your protection.

• Find the best value for your journey: Planning lots of smaller trips in the one year? Many travel insurance providers offer annual multi-trip policies that are worth exploring for frequent travellers.

Can I still get coverage if I plan to work in the UK? 

Working in the UK is a rite of passage for thousands of Australians each year. For example, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows Australians to live and work in the UK for up to three years. During the application process, you’ll need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which offers full access to the NHS. 

Once in the system, the NHS can cover your medical bills if you get sick or have an accident. However, keeping on top of your travel insurance could be a wise decision, as it can come in handy for personal liability, lost luggage, stolen items and rental vehicle excess costs if you encounter them. 

What else should I consider with my travel insurance? 

Most travel insurance providers don’t include winter sports cover in their basic policies, so your expenses likely won’t be covered if you have an accident on the slopes. If you intend to take part in risky winter sports, consider purchasing optional extras that provide cover for these kinds of activities. 

If you’ve bought travel insurance but your travel plans change, it’s important to understand whether you can cancel or amend your policy. Every provider has different requirements, but some have cooling-off periods where you can get a full or partial refund as long as you haven’t started your trip or made a claim. 

Looking for travel insurance for the UK? 

Comparing travel insurance policies is a smart way to potentially save time and money when heading overseas. Explore from iSelect’s range of providers to look for a great policy when planning an incredible trip to the UK.