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Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Policies

Forbes Staff

Updated: Aug 27, 2021, 12:10pm

Editorial Note: Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Thinking about squeezing in a trip before the end of the summer? Mulling plans for an autumn break? Whether you’re staying in the UK or venturing overseas, the best travel insurance with cover for Covid-related risks can provide peace of mind that you’ll have financial protection in the event of something going wrong.

To help you find the best cover we’ve analysed 80 policies from 30 insurers (July 2021) and scored them based on data points essential for keeping you protected should a Covid-19-related issue arise. Treatment abroad can be extremely expensive and costs would mount further if it were necessary to medically repatriate you to the UK. All the policies we reviewed have medical cover including repatriation costs.

Coverwise

Plan

Select Platinum

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£6,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Select Platinum

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£6,000

Why We Picked It

Coverwise’s Select Platinum plan provides the top medical cover we found with no excess payment due if a claim is made.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-related risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

Offers some of the highest levels of cover across the board including cancellation cover (£6,000) and curtailment cover (£6,000) and medical cover of £20 million.
£2,000 provided in hospital benefit.
No excess levied on claims.

A higher level of hospital benefit is available elsewhere but this plan is still generous in all areas.

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

Fall ill with COVID-19
Are subject to compulsory quarantine before departing from the UK
Are required to self-isolate, preventing you from leaving your home in your country of residence due to COVID-19
Suffer bodily injury, illness, or an unexpected complication of pregnancy
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation’ of your policy wording

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

You cannot travel or you choose not to travel because the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination due to a pandemic
The cancellation claim is because you will have to quarantine upon return to the United Kingdom (or your country of residence)
Your claim is caused by a reason not listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation of your policy wording
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under ‘What is not covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation’ of your policy wording

Medical Policy Details

Accepted Medical Scenarios

Emergency medical treatment due to injury, illness, disease (including COVID-19), or unexpected complication of pregnancy
Compulsory quarantine due to COVID-19 or other infectious disease
Additional accommodation and repatriation expenses should you be unable to travel home as planned, due to an illness, injury, or unexpected complication of pregnancy (whilst abroad or on a valid UK trip)
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section B – Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording

Rejected Medical Scenarios

The Travel Advice Unit of the FCDO (or other regulatory authority) are advising against all or all but essential travel to your destination when you depart on your trip and your claim is related to the specific reasons for the travel advice/restrictions
For example, if the FCDO advice was issued:
- due to COVID-19 and you contract COVID-19
- due to civil unrest and you are injured because of the civil unrest
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under ‘What is not covered’ in ‘Section B
Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording

Southdowns

Plan

Select Platinum

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£6,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Select Platinum

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£6,000

Why We Picked It

The plan ranked well for medical cover with no excess payment due if a claim is made.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-related risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

Offers some of the highest levels of cover across the board including cancellation cover (£6,000) and curtailment cover (£6,000) and medical cover of £20 million.
£2,000 provided in hospital benefit.
No excess levied on claims.

A higher level of hospital benefit is available elsewhere but this plan is still generous in all areas.

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

Fall ill with COVID-19
Are subject to compulsory quarantine before departing from the UK
Are required to self-isolate, preventing you from leaving your home in your country of residence due to COVID-19
Suffer bodily injury, illness, or an unexpected complication of pregnancy
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A –Cancellation’ of your policy wording

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

You cannot travel, or you choose not to travel because the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination due to a pandemic
The cancellation claim is because you will have to quarantine upon return to the United Kingdom (or your country of residence)
Your claim is caused by a reason not listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation of your policy wording
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under What is not covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation’ of your policy wording

Medical Policy Details

Accepted Medical Scenarios

Emergency medical treatment due to injury, illness, disease (including COVID-19), or unexpected complication of pregnancy
Compulsory quarantine due to COVID-19 or other infectious disease
Additional accommodation and repatriation expenses should you be unable to travel home as planned, due to an illness, injury, or unexpected complication of pregnancy (whilst abroad or on a valid UK trip)
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section B – Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording

Rejected Medical Scenarios

The Travel Advice Unit of the FCDO (or other regulatory authority) are advising against all or all but essential travel to your destination when you depart on your trip and your claim is related to the specific reasons for the travel advice/restrictions. For example, if the FCDO advice was issued:
- due to COVID-19 and you contract COVID-19
- due to civil unrest and you are injured because of the civil unrest
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under ‘What is not covered’ in ‘Section B – Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording”

CoverForYou

Plan

Premier

Medical Cover

£15 million

Cancellation Cover

£6,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Premier

Medical Cover

£15 million

Cancellation Cover

£6,000

Why We Picked It

CoverForYou’s Premier plan ranked well for cancellation cover and curtailment cover.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-related risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

High levels of cancellation and curtailment cover (£6,000 each).
Although this plan does not provide as much medical cover as its competitors above, it is still generous (£15 million).

Medical excess (£50) and cancellation excess (£50) is payable on claims.
A higher level of hospital benefit is available elsewhere but this plan is still generous in all areas.

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

You fall ill with COVID-19 (or other Pandemic illness) at home and cannot travel. Covered as standard. Subject to medical certification / test result. No cover if symptoms or diagnosis occurred prior to your policy purchase
You or a household member has to self isolate at home and cannot travel. Covered as standard. Subject to medical certification / test result. No cover if you were requested to isolate prior to your policy purchase
New Government or other regulatory authority restrictions that did not exist at time of purchasing insurance/booking holiday are later introduced due to a non-pandemic illness and preventing you from travelling. Covered as standard
New travel restrictions which did not exist at time of purchasing insurance/booking holiday are introduced by the Government in relation to a non-pandemic illness requiring you to quarantine upon arrival and you are no longer able to travel. Covered as standard
You are due to stay with family. A family member who you are due to stay with has to self isolate due to pandemic illness
You wish to cancel trip as you no longer have anywhere to stay. Covered as standard. Subject to medical certification / test result
You have been made redundant and cannot afford to travel anymore. Covered as standard. There is no cover under your policy for circumstances known to you at the point of purchase
Your airline goes into administration due to the pandemic. Covered as standard. Subject to your chosen level of cover including Scheduled Airline Failure
Your travel provider (other than an airline) goes into administration due to the pandemic
Covered as standard. Subject to your chosen level of cover including End Supplier Failure

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

You are due to travel but the country to which you are travelling have since introduced a quarantine period upon your arrival. You no longer wish to travel and want to cancel your holiday. No cover. Your policy does not cover any claim due to quarantine requirements at your destination
Government or other regulatory authority restrictions due to a pandemic were already in place at time of purchasing insurance / booking holiday and restrictions remain in place at time of departure preventing you from travelling. No Cover. There is no cover under your
policy for circumstances known to you at the point of purchase or to cancel the trip due to a
pandemic
Current government restrictions are removed but are later reinstated due to COVID-19 pandemic (or other Pandemic illness) and prevent you from travelling. No Cover. Your policy does not cover cancellation due to a pandemic
No government restrictions are in place at time of purchasing insurance/booking holiday. A new pandemic is declared and government restrictions are put in place and prevent you from travelling. No Cover. Your policy does not cover cancellation due to a pandemic
Government restrictions are introduced due to a pandemic that do not restrict you from travelling to your destination but require you to be quarantined on return from your trip. You no longer wish to travel and want to cancel your holiday. No Cover. Your policy does not cover cancellation due to a pandemic or disinclination to travel
You are due to travel but hear that there are a number of cases of a pandemic illness near where you are staying. You no longer wish to travel and want to cancel your holiday. No Cover. Your policy does not cover disinclination to travel
You are or have recently been furloughed and no longer wish to travel. No Cover. Your policy does not cover disinclination to travel
You booked your trip to attend a specific event (i.e. Wedding, Sporting Event, Trade Show) which has been cancelled. You no longer wish to travel and want to cancel your trip.
No Cover. Your policy does not cover disinclination to travel for any reason (including due to event cancellation)
You booked your flight and hotel separately. Your flight is proceeding as planned but your hotel has cancelled your booking, there are other hotels available but you do not wish to travel if you cannot stay at your originally planned hotel. No Cover Your policy does not cover disinclination to travel for any reason (including due to a change of venue)
You are due to travel and your hotel advises that certain facilities may now be restricted or closed during your stay. You no longer wish to travel and want to cancel your holiday. No Cover. Your policy does not cover disinclination to travel for any reason (including lack of advertised facilities at your hotel or venue)
Your holiday has been cancelled due to a pandemic and your provider is only offering you a voucher rather than a refund. No Cover. Your policy only covers irrecoverable losses. Please note that in most cases you will have a legal right to a refund and should take the matter further with your provider
You are due to travel to pre-booked accommodation as a group of households however local restrictions have limited the number of households that may stay in the same accommodation. You are unable to travel and want to cancel your holiday. (i.e. Three households have booked a cottage and government restrictions limit to two households in one accommodation). No Cover This is not an insured peril under your policy

Medical Policy Details

Accepted Medical Scenarios

You fall ill with COVID-19 (or other Pandemic illness) abroad and need to be repatriated to the UK Covered as standard. No cover if travelling against government or other regulatory authority (i.e. FCDO) or medical advice
You fall ill with COVID-19 (or other Pandemic illness) abroad and you need to extend your stay as a result of Coronavirus incurring additional costs. Covered as standard. No cover if travelling against government or other regulatory authority (i.e. FCDO) or medical advice

Coverwise

Plan

Select Gold

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£3,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Select Gold

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£3,000

Why We Picked It

The plan offers generous medical cover and hospital benefit.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-Related Risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

Generous level of medical cover (£20 million)
£2,000 provided in hospital benefit

Lower levels of cancellation and curtailment cover (£3,000 each)
Medical excess (£50) and cancellation excess (£50) payable on claims

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

Fall ill with COVID-19Are subject to compulsory quarantine before departing from the UK
Are required to self-isolate, preventing you from leaving your home in your country of residence due to COVID-19
Suffer bodily injury, illness, or an unexpected complication of pregnancy
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation’ of your policy wording

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

You cannot travel or you choose not to travel because the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination due to a pandemic
The cancellation claim is because you will have to quarantine upon return to the United Kingdom (or your country of residence)
Your claim is caused by a reason not listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation of your policy wording
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under ‘What is not covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation’ of your policy wording

Medical Policy Details

Accepted Medical Scenarios

Emergency medical treatment due to injury, illness, disease (including COVID-19), or unexpected complication of pregnancy
Compulsory quarantine due to COVID-19 or other infectious disease
Additional accommodation and repatriation expenses should you be unable to travel home as planned, due to an illness, injury, or unexpected complication of pregnancy (whilst abroad or on a valid UK trip)
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section B – Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording

Rejected Medical Scenarios

The Travel Advice Unit of the FCDO (or other regulatory authority) are advising against all or all but essential travel to your destination when you depart on your trip and your claim is related to the specific reasons for the travel advice/restrictions. For example, if the FCDO advice was issued:
- due to COVID-19 and you contract COVID-19
- due to civil unrest and you are injured because of the civil unrest
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under ‘What is not covered’ in ‘Section B – Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording”

Insure For

Plan

Premier

Medical Cover

£10 million

Cancellation Cover

£5,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Premier

Medical Cover

£10 million

Cancellation Cover

£5,000

Why We Picked It

The plan provides the highest amount of hospital benefit out of all plans listed, and generous cancellation and curtailment cover.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-Related Risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

£5,000 hospital benefit.
Generous level of cover for cancellation and curtailment (£5,000 each)

Lower level of medical cover (£10 million).
Medical excess (£50) and cancellation excess (£50) is payable on claims

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

You, or the person you have booked to travel with, test positive for Covid-19, which means you are unable to travel & you wish to cancel your trip. You must provide (at your own expense) a positive test result confirming your diagnosis
You, or the person you have booked to travel with, need to self-isolate on instruction of the NHS service or a medical professional, because someone you have been in contact with has been medically diagnosed with COVID-19, which means you are unable to travel & you wish to cancel your trip. You must provide (at your own expense) written evidence, from the NHS or another medical professional, that you need to self-isolate, because someone you have been in contact with has been medically diagnosed with COVID-19

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

You, or the person you have booked to travel with, have symptoms of Covid-19, which means you are unable to travel & you wish to cancel your trip. There is no cover under our policy, unless you can provide a positive test result confirming a COVID-19 diagnosis.
You are due to travel imminently, but the FCO are currently advising British nationals against ‘all but essential international travel’ to your booked destination country, which means you are unable to travel & you wish to cancel your trip. There is no cover under our policy, if you have to cancel your trip for this reason. – It will be for the travel agent/tour operator to reimburse you or offer an alternative. Failing that, you may have protection through ABTA if they are a member, or through your credit or debit card providers, all of which should respond before travel insurance in any event

Medical Policy Details

Accepted Medical Scenarios

You test positive for Covid-19 during your trip. 1. You must contact MAPFRE Assistance.The policy will cover you for:
a) Emergency medical expenses incurred outside the UK
b) The cost of telephone calls to or from the emergency assistance service
c) The cost of any taxi fares to/from hospital relating to your admission or discharge, your attendance at an outpatient appointment or collection of medication prescribed for you by the hospital
d) Funeral expenses abroad or the cost of returning your body/ashes to the UK
e) Reasonable additional transport and/or accommodation expenses you incur, if it is medically necessary for you to stay beyond your scheduled return date
You need to self-isolate on instruction of the NHS service or a medical professional during your trip, because someone you have been in contact with, has been medically diagnosed with COVID-19, which means you are unable to return home on your scheduled return date 1. You must contact MAPFRE Assistance 2. You must provide (at your own expense) written evidence, from the NHS or another medical professional, that you need to self-isolate, because someone you have been in contact with has been medically diagnosed with COVID-19. The policy will cover you for:
a) Reasonable additional transport and/or accommodation expenses you incur, if it is medically necessary for you to stay beyond your scheduled return date

Rejected Medical Scenarios

You have symptoms of COVID-19 during your trip, which means you are unable to return home on your scheduled return date. There is no cover under our policy, unless you can provide a positive test result confirming a COVID-19 diagnosis

Additionally:

We will not provide cover under any other section of the policy for claims caused by or relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2); any mutation or variation of these, or any fear of threat concerning these viruses

RAC

Plan

Premier

Medical Cover

£10 million

Cancellation Cover

£5,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Premier

Medical Cover

£10 million

Cancellation Cover

£5,000

Why We Picked It

The plan provides generous medical, cancellation and curtailment cover.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-Related Risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

Generous level of medical cover (£15 million).
Generous level of cancellation and curtailment cover (£5,000 each) .
Good amount of hospital benefit (£1,500).

Medical excess (£70) and cancellation excess (£70) payable on claims.

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

The necessary and unavoidable cancellation as a result of you, your relative, a member of your household, travelling companion or a friend with whom you had arranged to stay has a diagnosis of COVID-19 within 14 days of your booked departure date, as certified by a medical practitioner following a medically approved test showing a positive result for COVID-19
You are denied boarding on your pre-booked outbound travel due to you contracting COVID-19, as certified by a medical practitioner following a medically approved test showing a positive result for COVID-19

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

Travel or accommodation costs where a credit or voucher has been provided in lieu of a cash refund
Claims arising directly or indirectly from an outbreak of COVID-19 resulting in a national or local lockdown or any restrictions of movement affecting the area where your home is located, the country or specific area or event to which you were travelling to or through, existing or being publicly announced by the date you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under subsection A, started your trip whichever was later
Any claim where you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been told to self-isolate at the time you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance, or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under sub-section A, started your trip whichever was later
Your quarantine when it has been imposed on a community, geographic location or vessel imposed by a government or public authority
Any claim made under the COVID-19 cover section in addition to a claim under either Section 1: Medical emergency and repatriation
expenses or Section 2: Cancellation and cutting short your trip of this policy

Medical Policy Details

Rejected Medical Scenarios

Travel or accommodation costs where a credit or voucher has been provided in lieu of a cash refund
Claims arising directly or indirectly from an outbreak of COVID-19 resulting in a national or local lockdown or any restrictions of movement affecting the area where your home is located, the country or specific area or event to which you were travelling to or through, existing or being publicly announced by the date you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under subsection A, started your trip whichever was later
Any claim where you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been told to self-isolate at the time you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance, or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under sub-section A, started your trip whichever was later
Your quarantine when it has been imposed on a community, geographic location or vessel imposed by a government or public authority
Any claim made under the COVID-19 cover section in addition to a claim under either Section 1: Medical emergency and repatriation expenses or Section 2: Cancellation and cutting short your trip of this policy

Sainsbury’s Bank

Plan

Premier Travel Plus

Medical Cover

£15 million

Cancellation Cover

£5,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Premier Travel Plus

Medical Cover

£15 million

Cancellation Cover

£5,000

Why We Picked It

The plan provides generous cover across all areas.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-Related Risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

Generous level of medical cover (£15 million).
Generous level of cancellation and curtailment cover (£5,000 each).
Good amount of hospital benefit (£1,500)

Medical excess (£70) and cancellation excess (£70) is payable on claims.

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

The necessary and unavoidable cancellation as a result of you, your relative, a member of your household, travelling companion or a friend with whom you had arranged to stay has a diagnosis of COVID-19 within 14 days of your booked departure date, as certified by a medical practitioner following a medically approved test showing a positive result for COVID-19
You are denied boarding on your pre-booked outbound travel due to you contracting COVID-19, as certified by a medical practitioner following a medically approved test showing a positive result for COVID-19

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

Travel or accommodation costs where a credit or voucher has been provided in lieu of a cash refund – Claims arising directly or indirectly from an outbreak of COVID-19 resulting in a national or local lockdown or any restrictions of movement affecting the area where your home is located, the country or specific area or event to which you were travelling to or through, existing or being publicly announced by the date you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under sub-section A, started your trip whichever was later – Any claim where you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been told to self-isolate at the time you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance, or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under sub-section A, started your trip whichever was later
Your quarantine when it has been imposed on a community, geographic location or vessel imposed by a government or public authority

Medical Policy Details

Accepted Medical Scenarios

Reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses, including the cost of the rescue service to take you to hospital; and
Returning you to the UK provided this is authorised by us or the Medical Assistance Helpline; and
The cost of a medical escort where this is deemed necessary by us or the Medical Assistance Helpline, in the event of your emergency repatriation to the UK; and
Reasonable additional travel and accommodation expenses (room only) for you to extend your stay until you are medically fit to return to the UK; and
Reasonable additional travelling and accommodation expenses to repatriate you to the UK when you are denied boarding on your pre-booked return travel due to you contracting COVID-19, as certified by a medical practitioner following a medically approved test showing a positive result for COVID-19; and Confinement benefit: a benefit payment of £30 for each complete 24 hour period up to £300 where you are ordered into self-isolation in your holiday accommodation by a relevant Government authority, as a result of you contracting COVID-19, as certified by a medical practitioner following a medically approved test showing a positive result for COVID-19
Confinement benefit: a benefit payment of £30 for each complete 24 hour period up to £300 where you are ordered into self-isolation in your holiday accommodation by a relevant Government authority, as a result of you contracting COVID-19, as certified by a medical practitioner following a medically approved test showing a positive result for COVID-19

Rejected Medical Scenarios

Travel or accommodation costs where a credit or voucher has been provided in lieu of a cash refund
Claims arising directly or indirectly from an outbreak of COVID-19 resulting in a national or local lockdown or any restrictions of movement affecting the area where your home is located, the country or specific area or event to which you were travelling to or through, existing or being publicly announced by the date you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under sub-section A, started your trip whichever was later
Any claim where you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been told to self-isolate at the time you purchased, renewed or extended this insurance, or at the time of booking any trip, whichever is later, or in the case of claims under sub-section A, started your trip whichever was later
Your quarantine when it has been imposed on a community, geographic location or vessel imposed by a government or public authority
Any claim made under the COVID-19 cover section in addition to a claim under either Section 1: Medical emergency and repatriation expenses or Section 2: Cancellation and cutting short your trip of this policy

Southdowns

Plan

Select Gold

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£3,000

Compare Quotes

Plan

Select Gold

Medical Cover

£20 million

Cancellation Cover

£3,000

Why We Picked It

The plan provides best-in-class medical cover with generous hospital benefit.

Extra Details

Cancellation Cover for Covid-Related Risks: Yes

Pros & Cons

Generous level of medical cover (£20 million).
£2,000 provided in hospital benefit.

Average level of cancellation and curtailment cover (£3,000).
Medical excess (£50) and cancellation excess (£50) is payable on claims.

Cancellation Policy Details

Accepted Cancellation Scenarios

Fall ill with COVID-19
Are subject to compulsory quarantine before departing from the UK
Are required to self-isolate, preventing you from leaving your home in your country of residence due to COVID-19
Suffer bodily injury, illness, or an unexpected complication of pregnancy
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation’ of your policy wording

Rejected Cancellation Scenarios

You cannot travel, or you choose not to travel because the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination due to a pandemic
The cancellation claim is because you will have to quarantine upon return to the United Kingdom (or your country of residence)
Your claim is caused by a reason not listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation of your policy wording
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under ‘What is not covered’ in ‘Section A – Cancellation’ of your policy wording”

Medical Policy Details

Accepted Medical Scenarios

Emergency medical treatment due to injury, illness, disease (including COVID-19), or unexpected complication of pregnancy
Compulsory quarantine due to COVID-19 or other infectious disease
Additional accommodation and repatriation expenses should you be unable to travel home as planned, due to an illness, injury, or unexpected complication of pregnancy (whilst abroad or on a valid UK trip)
Any other reason listed under ‘What is covered’ in ‘Section B – Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording

Rejected Medical Scenarios

The Travel Advice Unit of the FCDO (or other regulatory authority) are advising against all or all but essential travel to your destination when you depart on your trip and your claim is related to the specific reasons for the travel advice/restrictions. For example, if the FCDO advice was issued:
- due to COVID-19 and you contract COVID-19
- due to civil unrest and you are injured because of the civil unrest
Your claim is caused by another reason listed under ‘What is not covered’ in ‘Section B – Emergency medical and other expenses’ of your policy wording

Travel Update

What is the travel traffic light system?

The UK government operates a traffic light system where countries are designated green, amber or red. Travellers returning to the UK from these countries are required to undertake tests and in some circumstances to self-isolate according to the status of the country concerned and whether they have previously had both NHS Covid-19 vaccination injections in the UK.

For more information, including the green, amber and red lists, read the article below and see our guide.

The advice against travelling to countries on the red list remains in force.

Holidaymakers travelling from or through green list countries need to:

complete a passenger locator form before arrival
take a Covid-19 test before arriving in the UK and book a Covid-19 test for, at latest, day two after arrival (at an average cost of around £150 each, depending on the provider).
If the test taken before departure for the UK is positive, the individual should not travel and should follow local protocols for someone with a positive result.
If the test taken on the return to the UK is positive, the person should enter self-isolation.

Those returning from or transiting through an amber list country:

UK residents returning to the UK who have had both vaccinations in the UK will only need to follow the requirements for green list countries. Children under 18 returning from amber list countries will also be treated as if they are returning from a green list country, with those aged 4 and under exempt from isolation and testing requirements.

Those who have not had both vaccinations must:

complete a passenger locator form before arrival
take a Covid-19 test before arriving in the UK (within 72 hours of starting the return journey)
book and pay for Covid-19 tests for, at latest, day two after arrival and day eight or later
quarantine at home or the place they are staying for 10 days with the potential to end quarantine early through the Test to Release scheme (the scheme does not apply to Wales).

Those returning from or transiting through a red list country will need to:

complete a passenger locator form and take a Covid-19 test before arrival in the UK

They will also need to book in advance and pay £2,285 for the first adult, £1,430 for an additional adult or child aged over 11 and £325 for a child aged 5 – 11 to:

stay in a government-run quarantine hotel for 10 days (11 nights) on their return
take a Covid-19 test on, at latest, day two after arrival
take a Covid-19 test on day eight after arrival or later.

What happens if my holiday destination moves to red or amber?

Most insurers are unlikely to cover the costs of a quarantine hotel if your holiday destination is switched from the green or amber lists to red. It’s best to check the details of your policy with your insurer.

Booking a package holiday could provide more peace of mind, as it is likely to be cancelled if the destination is moved to the red list or if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel there, increasing the likelihood of receiving a refund from the tour operator.

Costs lost through holiday cancellations should be sought from holiday providers. Certain companies have adjusted their policies to accommodate destination list changes.

For example, easyJet has a Protection Promise in place for customers travelling before or on 30 September, which allows holidaymakers to make fee-free changes to their bookings and cancellations up to 28 days before departure, in return for refunds or credit notes.

TUI, British Airways Holidays and Jet2holidays provide similar options.

Do any insurers provide cover for red, amber and green list countries?

CoverForYou, Cedar Tree and Outbacker are among the insurers who provide cover for travel to amber, red and green list countries. The change to their existing and new single-trip and annual multi-trip policies came into effect 20 May.

Cover varies as follows:

FCDO advises against all travel No cover
FCDO advises against all but essential travel, and your travel is deemed essential Full cover
FCDO advises against all but essential travel, and your travel is not essential Cover is provided, but excludes any claim arising, either directly or indirectly, from the reason the FCDO advice against travel is in place.

Reasons for essential travel can include:

work
charity work
education
elite sport
legal proceedings
property
medical
providing care, end of life and funerals
weddings
children
elections or referendums

Visiting friends or family, going on a personal holiday and going on a working/volunteering holiday are not deemed essential reasons for travel.

Policyholders travelling to countries where the FCDO has advised against all but essential travel will be covered for claims not relating to Covid-19, such as tripping and breaking an ankle. Covid-19-related claims such as contracting the virus or accommodation becoming unavailable due to the pandemic will not be covered.

Tips for a pandemic-proof holiday

Take out travel insurance when you book

It’s best to buy travel insurance at the same time as you book your holiday. This will ensure that you have cancellation cover straight away.

What to look for when buying travel insurance

Travel insurance that reflects the realities of Covid-19 will provide extra cover such as:

cancellation cover if you or someone in your party tests positive within 14 days of your departure date
cancellation cover if a loved one dies of Covid-19 ahead of your departure date
cancellation cover if you miss your flight because the results of a required Covid-19 test are not returned in time
curtailment cover if you are not allowed entry into your destination country because of a failed test
curtailment cover if you are required to enter quarantine while you are away.

When reviewing what is on offer from various policies, look for sections of the policy documents or ‘key features’ literature that set out the extent of cover for Covid-19-related risks and choose accordingly. It’s worth paying attention to an exclusions that might apply, so you know what to expect.

Many insurers have, say, three levels of cover, which might be presented as Bronze, Silver and Gold, and priced accordingly. A Bronze policy might, for example, provide cancellation cover up to £2,000, while the Gold version might go up to £5,000. You’ll then need to balance the required premium against the amount of cover that would give you adequate protection.

Check the FCDO’s travel guidelines

It’s unlikely you will be covered for cancellation if the FCDO changes its advice on travel to your holiday destination, if an airline or travel company postpones your trip without offering a refund, or if a local or national lockdown prevents you from travelling.

You won’t be able to claim for cancellation if you simply don’t want to travel (called ‘disinclination to travel’).

If your flight is cancelled your airline should offer you a full refund or an alternative departure date.

Check if your destination has Covid-19 restrictions in place

Bear in mind that some destinations insist on coronavirus testing before you leave the UK, or upon arrival, so check the rules of the country to which you’re going.

If you need to quarantine while on holiday, you may be covered if it delays your return to the UK – again, check with your insurance provider.

What else can your insurance cover?

In addition to cover for medical treatment/ Covid-related risks, travel insurance will also cover:

Baggage and possessions: You will be able to claim on your insurance if your baggage or any other possessions are lost, stolen or damaged.

Scheduled airline failure insurance (SAFI): You will be reimbursed the cost of your flight if the airline should go bust.

Personal liability: You will be covered for compensation claims made against you if you’re found responsible for causing injury, death or damage.

Personal accident: If you are permanently disabled or killed in an accident, your policy will make a payment to you or to your estate.

Legal expenses: Your insurer will help cover legal costs to pursue compensation or damages following personal injury or other disputed loss while you’re abroad.

Excess: Most insurance policies require you to contribute a certain amount towards any claim you make, known as the excess. This sum will be deducted from your claim pay-out.

Methodology

We used data from our travel insurance partner CYTI to score the following:

Cover for cancellation due to Covid-19-related risks: We scored insurers five points if they offer some form of cancellation cover for Covid-19-related risks in addition to medical and curtailment cover Covid-19-related risks.
Level of cancellation cover: We reviewed the level of cancellation cover provided under each policy. Insurers were awarded points on a scale of one to five with those offering the most generous pay-out for needing to cancel a holiday earning the maximum of five points.
Level of cancellation excess: Policies were scored points on a scale of one to five. Those with less excess to pay earned more points.
Level of curtailment cover: Policies were scored points on a scale of one to five. Those with a higher level of pay-out for needing to return home earlier than planned earned more points.
Level of medical cover: Policies were scored points on a scale of one to five. Those with a higher level of pay-out for medical costs earned more points.
Medical excess Policies were scored points on a scale of one to five. Those with less excess to pay earned more points.
Hospital benefit: Policies were scored points on a scale of one to five. Those with higher levels of hospital benefit earned more points.

The scores for each company were totalled, with special weighting given to cover for cancellation due to Covid-related risks. Each company has been awarded a Forbes Advisor star rating out of a total five stars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What protection does cover for Covid-19 offer?

Protection for Covid-19-related risks covers the cost of your medical treatment and repatriation as a minimum. Some policies will additionally costs incurred if you needed to cancel your holiday due to Covid. The specific reasons insurers will accept for a Covid-related claim do vary, so be sure to check your policy for the details.

Does my existing travel insurance policy cover Covid-19?

There are no guarantees that your existing insurance policy will cover Covid-19-related risks. Check the details of your policy or contact your insurer for confirmation of the extent of cover provided.

Do all enhanced Covid-19 policies have curtailment cover?

Certain policies have cover if a traveller needs to cut their trip short. The type of curtailment cover available varies depending on provider so be sure to check the details of your policy.

What happens if I contract coronavirus overseas?

Many insurance policies include medical cover should you fall ill with Covid-19 while abroad.

All the insurers available through our travel insurance comparison tool offer emergency medical and repatriation cover for Covid-19-related claims as standard. Check your policy.

Can I get cover for my pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, certain policies will cover claims related to pre-existing medical conditions, but they tend to have higher premiums because of the greater risk of a claim being made.

You will be expected to declare all your pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer so it can assess the potential risks associated with your condition. It’s imperative that you do not withhold any information from your insurer as doing so could invalidate any claim you make.

Will my insurer cover me if my airline goes out of business?

Only certain policies will cover you if your airline goes bust. The Air Travel Organiser’s Licencing (ATOL) which protects most air package holidays sold by travel businesses in the UK, also protects some flight bookings, typically when someone books flights (including UK domestic flights) but does not receive their tickets immediately.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) also provides protection for package holidays to destinations in the European Economic Area (EEA) and cover for linked travel arrangements – the purchase of two or more travel services for one trip.

There are exceptions to what ATOL and ABTA cover so do check their websites before travelling.

How do I claim on my travel insurance?

You should first bear in mind that insurers will only consider your claim after you have checked whether your holiday provider will offer a refund. If you accept a refund, vouchers or a credit note from your holiday provider you will not be able to claim from your insurer. Doing so is known as a ‘double claim’.

If a refund from the holiday provider is out of the question you should contact your insurer to claim for all non-refundable costs. This may include flights and accommodation but also transfer and excursion costs, for example.

Deadlines for claims should be stated in your policy. It may still be worth trying to claim even if the deadline has passed as some insurers have been more flexible with their deadlines during the pandemic.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Candiece Cyrus Forbes Staff

I have been writing for newspapers, magazines and online publications for over 10 years. My passion is providing, in a way that is easily accessible and digestible to all, the knowledge needed for readers to not only manage their finances, but financially flourish.