A few questions and answers about whether or not you need travel insurance!
In my opinion, the very minimum would be the one way travel insurance that we have links to in our FAQ.
At least it gives you the emotional (and literal) insurance that if anything happens on your way to the UK, then you will have cover!
Here are a few more answers for you for the usual questions!
Why insurance? Isn’t it for old people or those prone to losing stuff?
It’s for ALL! Nobody can predict an accident or know if an airline is going to have a bad day. I know it’s hardly the sexiest thing to add to your holiday costs, but when you see the difference between getting it and paying everything out of your own pocket, you’ll be a convert! These days with competition for this thriving, you can really get some good deals on this!
Do I need travel insurance if I come to the UK ?
Travel insurance is not legally required for New Zealand citizens travelling to the UK on a visa, however as I mentioned, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other potential issues. Since healthcare in the UK is not free for non-residents (like tourists), having insurance will help protect you financially in case of illness or accidents during your a shorter trip for example. (this is for if you are in the UK for a holiday and not on a visa)
You will know once you finish your visa applications that you have needed to pay for an an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for your visa, which allows you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). However, even with the IHS, travel insurance can cover additional situations like flight delays, personal liability, and stolen belongings.
I want to travel/go on a trip outside of the UK, what do I need to do?
Pack! Make sure the passport is all valid and hit up Skyscanner for the best prices and options. I always find that I can forget everything but still have a passport and cash and that is all I need! Then once you have all your dates lined up, get the travel insurance sorted. We even have a really easy travel insurance tool on the right side of the page!
Do I need travel insurance if I travel outside of the UK ?
Again, not compulsory but things can happen! You don’t want to be in a situation where family or friends have to promote a GoFundMe to help you get home or worse – and with the prices of short term travel insurance being so low these days, it’s a no-brainer to at least grab a quick and easy policy! One of the perks of living in London (and the UK) is the easy and super cheap access we get to Europe, and we travel there a LOT!
While you may be covered under the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) if you’ve paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), this only applies within the UK.
How much does travel insurance cost?
How long is a piece of string?! 😉 These days this can vary, but because of the huge competition in the UK and Europe for travel insurance, it’s really competitive! And it’s a lot cheaper than medical bills!
Have a look to the side of this page and you’ll see a great price checker with Safety Wing, in there you can see how little it can cost for those short breaks!
I forgot to buy insurance before leaving, what can I do?
A lot of companies will require that you buy cover before leaving for your holidays. If you’re forgetful or just get that feeling when you arrive to a destination that insurance might actually be a good idea, we know companies like Safety Wing will let you purchase insurance even when you have arrived. It’s good to have that backup just in case you were worrying too much about what to pack!
Surely going to a European clinic is only a few Euros why bother getting travel insurance?
Not quite! The cost for a non-resident to visit a clinic in Europe can vary greatly depending on the country, type of care, and specific medical issue. Here are some general price ranges for non-residents:
General consultation: €50–€150 for a basic doctor’s visit.
Specialist consultation: €80–€250, depending on the type of specialist.
Emergency room visit: €100–€500, without factoring in additional tests or treatments.
Tests (e.g., blood tests, X-rays): €30–€300, depending on the complexity and type of test.
Prices can also be significantly higher in private clinics, especially in Western Europe (e.g., France, Germany, Spain). It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance to avoid these out-of-pocket expenses.
Will insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
This is not something you’d expect any insurance company to cover I’m afraid! However, if you break your arm while travelling and you need care – everything related to the injury—including physio—would be covered!
What happens if I don’t get travel insurance for my trips?
If you don’t get travel insurance, you may face a range of risks and financial liabilities during your trip. Here are some potential consequences:
Medical Expenses
High Costs for Healthcare: If you fall ill or have an accident while abroad, you will be responsible for paying for medical care out of pocket, which can be expensive. For example, emergency medical treatment or hospitalisation in some countries can cost thousands of dollars.
No Evacuation Coverage: In case of a serious injury or illness, emergency medical evacuation (to bring you back home for treatment) can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and without insurance, you’ll need to cover that expense yourself.
Trip Cancellations or Delays
No Compensation for Canceled Trips: If your trip is canceled due to unforeseen events like illness, natural disasters, or travel restrictions, you won’t be reimbursed for your non-refundable expenses, such as flights, hotels, and tours.
Costs for Delayed or Missed Flights: If your flight is delayed or canceled, travel insurance usually covers additional expenses (like meals, accommodation, or alternative travel arrangements). Without it, you’ll have to pay these extra costs yourself.
No Coverage for Lost Luggage: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you won’t be able to claim compensation for your lost items.
No Theft Protection: In case your valuables like phones, laptops, or passports are stolen, you’ll need to replace them at your own expense.
Personal Liability
No Liability Coverage: If you cause accidental damage or injury to someone while traveling (e.g., in a car accident or other incidents), travel insurance often covers legal and compensation fees. Without it, you may be responsible for hefty legal and settlement costs.
No Peace of Mind
Added Stress: Traveling without insurance means you might constantly worry about potential emergencies, disruptions, or financial losses, adding unnecessary stress to your trip.
In short, skipping travel insurance can leave you vulnerable to significant financial losses, especially if an unexpected event occurs. Travel insurance provides an important safety net for these kinds of situations.
Now that’s not designed to scare you or make anybody think travel is a worrying process – I have been travelling Europe for now over 20 years and I have had had to use it a handful of times – usually for the times I didn’t expect to use it! But with the ease and accessibility of travel insurance these days, I make it a part of my basic checklist alongside packing my passport and booking the flights!
My favourite “go-to” for getting travel insurance is Safety Wing! Not only do they have a really easy accessible website to make getting your policy and claims quickly – they make the process simple. You can even purchase a policy when you ARRIVE at your destination and you can talk to them 24/7 if you need anything. Hit the link to see for yourself!