Travel Insurance for the UK

The United Kingdom is a land of adventure. Encompassing the four distinct nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, each presents a unique opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in a different way of life. 

The promise of a UK adventure can sometimes overshadow elements more practical in nature. Such as, what would we do if something were to go wrong?

Whether you’re on a tight or more flexible budget, travel insurance can help. 

No matter the research you’ve undertaken or the precautions you have put in place, there is always the possibility that things might not go as planned. Think, lost baggage items or a cancelled flight. 

Travel insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, so that in the event of a variety of situations and circumstances, you have options for recourse.

Travelling to the United Kingdom

From the green valleys of Wales and the community spirit of Scotland to the mountains of Northern Ireland and the deep history of England, travelling to the United Kingdom is a once in a lifetime adventure. 

Whether the sun is shining or the rain is threatening to fall, there is a certain allure to the United Kingdom. Making it easy to get lost in the landmarks, the history and the culture.

Health and safety when travelling to the UK

The United Kingdom is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, there are parts of the country where tourists should exercise caution. This is largely because pickpockets tend to target tourist areas such as airports, public transport systems and pubs and clubs. 

While this might sound confronting, it’s important to remember that every country, city and state has areas where crime is more likely to occur. Rather than avoiding tourism altogether, simply look to exercise caution by remaining alert and safety conscious when out and about.

Of course, the UK is known for being cold and wet somewhat daily, however you should be prepared for when the UK’s weather starts to border on extreme. As such, weather events can range from droughts and flooding to storms and extreme cold or heat.

Do you need travel insurance for a trip to the UK?

There are many reasons why obtaining travel insurance for a trip to the UK is a good idea. This is largely because travel insurance, depending on the policy that you choose, can include cover for medical emergencies and baggage and valuables insurance.

With a land as vast as the UK, robust travel insurance policies are incredibly helpful. In a large airport such as Heathrow, a bag containing belongings ranging from electronic devices and jewellery to cash and sports equipment can seemingly quite easily go missing. 

Without travel insurance, you have no recourse and as such, will need to pay the cost of reimbursing these items out of your own pocket. With a travel insurance policy that encompasses insurance for these items, replacement costs may be claimed. You should, however, make sure that you read the PDS as there are terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that will apply, including for example, the requirement for you to protect and secure your valuables at all times. Otherwise, your claim may be denied.

In another example, consider a medical emergency. You might be travelling through the streets of London looking to visit the next landmark or museum when you fall over and hurt yourself. 

Without travel insurance, you will be responsible for covering the full cost of treatment. With a travel insurance policy that includes medical care, if you weren’t engaging in an excluded activity, you may receive help paying the cost.

What’s covered with travel insurance to the UK?

Fast Cover offers different travel insurance policies. This way, you are better placed to find a policy that not only aligns with your personal needs, but also, the nature of your trip to the United Kingdom.

With this in mind, policy options include comprehensive travel insurance, standard saver, basics, multi-trip and one way. 

As each policy provides different levels of coverage, the cost will differ. In addition to this, premiums will also change from person-to-person in order to deal with circumstances such as pre-existing medical conditions.

The benefits of having travel insurance in the UK

The main benefit of travelling to the UK with a travel insurance policy is that you have options should something go wrong. When travelling, you are kind of expecting the unexpected because each experience is new and exciting.

With travel insurance, it can help you be prepared for the unexpected. This may help to alleviate feelings of stress, but also may be able to assist with the burden associated with having to, on your own, bear responsibility for everything from medical costs to replacement costs for damaged or lost valuables.

First time travelling to the United Kingdom?

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, you will find the UK on travel bucket lists for both first timers and seasoned visitors. When it comes to enjoying your first trip to the UK, we have compiled the following list of tips:

• Travel prepared. You will need a passport to visit the UK and, if you are planning on staying for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain the proper travel authorisation in the form of a visa.
• Have a schedule. With four distinct nations to visit, it can be easy to lose time while travelling the UK. By mapping out which landmarks or towns are must visit, you can ensure that you don’t miss anything on your list. 
• Be flexible. The UK and, in particular, London, are a tourist hot spot. This means that crowds will be large almost everywhere you go and prices will rise. If you can be flexible with travel dates, you can get a cheaper and more immersive experience when travelling during the off peak season. 
• Take advantage of free attractions. London in particular has a host of free activities you can enjoy. From the Victoria and Albert Museum to walks in Hyde Park, you can experience the best of London without having to pay for it.
• Treat the weather like another travel companion. Present in all your UK adventures will be the weather. Whether it’s sunny or raining, you will need a jacket and no matter the conditions outside, locals you pass will want to talk about the weather of the day. 

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