travel health insurance us to uk

United Kingdom Travel Insurance

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to the united kingdom, how does travel insurance work in the uk, do i need travel insurance for the united kingdom, how much does travel insurance cost for the united kingdom, our suggested axa travel protection plan , traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , does the uk have any covid-19 restrictions for u.s. visitors, do you need car insurance to drive in the uk, are there any other requirements for traveling to the uk.

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.  AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind. 

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for the United Kingdom.

Picture this: You've planned a scenic road trip through the Scottish Highlands, a land of misty glens and ancient castles. You stumble upon the enchanting Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Imagine, a misstep on the slippery terrain, and suddenly you've got a sprained ankle, not the souvenir you had in mind. With AXA Travel Protection, you receive access to our 24/7 emergency hotline.  Speak to a licensed multilingual travel assistance agent, they can help assist and direct emergency transportation if necessary to your location. With an AXA Travel Protection plan, we are here to assist and support you whenever and wherever you may be. Here’s the entire list of benefits travelers can have access to with an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:  

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Americans aren't required to purchase domestic or international travel insurance to visit the United Kingdom. But it’s still highly recommended that you have a travel insurance plan before embarking on your next trip. 

Why? There are several reasons:

Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in New York, travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Flight Delays: Travel disruptions like flight delays can happen. If you miss a connecting flight or incur additional expenses due to delays, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

In general, travel insurance to the United Kingdom costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to the United Kingdom will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that United Kingdom hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.  

The Platinum Plan  is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage aligned with the United Kingdom experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the " Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) " offers assistance when you're out exploring the United Kingdom's stunning landscapes in a rental car. 

Additionally, part of the Platinum Plan is the " Lost Skier Days " benefit, offering potential reimbursement if ski resorts unexpectedly close due to ever-changing snow conditions. These perks make the Platinum Plan an excellent option for anyone seeking comprehensive protection during their exciting United Kingdom adventures. 

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation. 

American visitors can breathe a sigh of relief that the UK no longer has any COVID-19 restrictions for visitors coming from the United States. You do not need to fret over getting a COVID test or submit proof of vaccination upon arrival in the UK. 

It’s illegal to drive in the UK without vehicle insurance. This also applies to those driving on an international license, even if it’s only for a brief period. If you are renting a car, however, we strongly recommend you purchase rental car insurance. AXA Travel Protection can help you with that by offering Rental Car Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver.)  This coverage provides extra coverage for your rental car against damage and theft.

American citizens are considered non-visa nationals in the UK. Therefore, they neither require a visa (for short-term travel) nor need to fulfill any other conditions to visit and travel across the UK.

UK Travel Insurance FAQs

1. can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight.

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) 

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

2. Do Americans need travel insurance for the UK?

UK law doesn’t require U.S. citizens visiting the UK for a short time (up to six months) to carry travel insurance. However, carrying international travel insurance for the United Kingdom for unforeseen events is a good idea.

3. What is needed to visit the United Kingdom from the USA?

U.S. citizens only need a passport and a ticket to travel to the UK. The passport must have at least one empty page and validity for the duration of your trip.

4. What happens if a tourist gets sick in the United Kingdom?

The UK has a National Health System (NHS) that provides medical care nationwide.  If a tourist gets sick in the UK, they can get medical care from an NHS center.  However, it’s important to note that while the NHS services are free for the locals, tourists are charged about 150 percent of the cost of their treatment.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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UK Travel Health Insurance

If you’re planning on visiting the UK, you are advised to take out travel health insurance in order to cover potential healthcare costs during your stay.

For more information about your visit to the UK, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our trusted legal advisors today on  0333 305 9375 , or contact us  online .

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Who Needs Travel Health Insurance When Visiting the UK?

If you’re planning to visit the UK from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for less than 6 months, it is recommended that you take out valid travel insurance cover for the whole duration of your stay to help pay for medical care.

If you’re visiting from the EEA, you are entitled to free healthcare with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) or S2 form.

However, it is also advised that you take out travel health insurance in case of other unexpected expenses and incidents that may occur during your visit, such as repatriation costs or lost or stolen property.

If you’re staying in the UK for more than 6 months, you will have to pay the  Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)  unless exempt. You will normally have to pay the fee for the IHS when submitting your visa application for your stay.

Paying the IHS allows you to access NHS services. However, it may still be advisable to take out private health insurance on top of that for other services not covered by the IHS during your stay in the UK.

Why Should I Take Out Travel Health Insurance When Visiting the UK?

Travel insurance is an important part of any trip, especially if you end up requiring unexpected medical care during your stay.

If you are visiting the UK from a non-EEA country, you will be charged at 150% of the standard NHS rate if you have not arranged insurance. As a result, it’s essential that you purchase travel insurance with medical cover before travelling to the UK so you can reclaim any healthcare costs you are required to pay from your insurer.

Travel insurance is also important as your pre-existing health insurance policy may not cover you outside of your home country, or its international coverage may be limited.

In addition, there is also the possibility of falling ill unexpectedly, suffering accidents, illness, or needing medical care because of pre-existing conditions.

Travel health insurance may also help to cover costs if your travel or accommodation plans change unexpectedly or if you misplace important documents such as your passport or airline tickets. Many insurance policies will provide you with assistance with these matters as well as reimburse you if there will be any financial costs incurred.

What Should My Travel Health Insurance Cover?

Your travel health insurance to the UK should cover most of the following:

• Emergency medical expenses, including ambulance, medication and hospital fees
• Medical treatment for pre-existing medical conditions
• Personal injury  and accidents
• Repatriation costs
• Reimbursement for any unused travel and accommodation costs should your trip be cut short
• Cover for lost or damaged items, including luggage, passports, credit cards, money or airline documents
• Emergency legal aid and translation services
• Assistance in finding suitable medical facilities in the UK

It’s important to check that the travel insurance cover necessary travel and healthcare needs to make sure you can get the treatment and medical care abroad during the period of your visit.

Insurance is particularly important for those with pre-existing medical conditions. You must tell your insurance company about any pre-existing medical conditions you have to make sure you can get the cover you need. In some cases, you may have to take out specialist cover rather than standard cover for this.

It’s advised to speak to your doctor for advice before you travel and make plans for how to care for your condition when you are in the UK. You should also bring your health condition identification or a letter saying what medication you are taking.

What Isn’t Covered By Travel Health Insurance?

Travel health insurance policies often have exclusions, which are specific situations or circumstances that will not be covered by the insurance policy.

For example, not declaring your pre-existing medical condition to your insurer will mean that you won’t be able to claim for medical care related to your condition during your trip.

In addition, you likely won’t be able to claim back costs if you do any of the following:

• Travel against government advice, such as if the country you’re travelling from places an active travel warning on the UK
• Travel despite known events, such as natural disasters or pandemics
• Incur losses due to carelessness or lack of reasonable safety measures, such as leaving your belongings unattended in a public place
• Engage in reckless behaviour, such as ignoring safety protocols, safety instructions, or if you injured yourself under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Break the law, such as violating local traffic laws

In addition to these, if you cancel or change your plans for any reason not listed in your base plan, you won’t be able to claim the costs on your insurance.

However, most insurance providers will provide an optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage to your policy that will allow you to change or cancel plans for any reason and claim back some or all of the money.

It’s essential that you familiarise yourself with the details of your insurance policy carefully before setting off on your trip to the UK. Many travel health insurance policies have strict guidelines on what they do and do not cover, so it’s important to know what these are in order to prevent unexpected costs during your trip.

What Else Should I Look For When Taking Out an Insurance Policy?

As previously mentioned, it’s essential that your insurance policy covers any essential travel and medical expenses that may be incurred during your visit to the UK, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

In addition to this, you should also consider the following:

Who You’re Travelling With

If you’re travelling with other people, it may be cheaper and more convenient to get a single insurance policy that covers the whole party rather than individual policies for each person.

For example, many insurance providers offer travel health insurance for couples, families, or groups of friends.

Note that if a person in your party has a pre-existing medical condition, they may require their own individual specialist cover separate from the rest of the group due to differences in coverage plans.

You may find travel health insurance more expensive if you’re over the age of 65. As a result, you may have to look for specialist policies for older travellers to ensure that you have the coverage you need.

Sports or Recreational Activities

If you plan to take part in sports or recreational activities, you will need to ensure that your travel health insurance covers these. This is especially the case if they’re considered to be high-risk activities, such as surfing, BMX, scuba diving, or winter sports.

Method of Travel

It’s worth noting that some methods of travel such as cruises or budget airlines may be excluded from certain travel insurance policies. You should always make sure that your method of travel is covered by your policy, in case of unexpected delays, cancellations or complications.

Add-ons and Extensions

You may wish to purchase additional add-ons or extensions to your travel health policy. For example, if you’re bringing a lot of expensive gadgets or equipment with you to the UK, you may want to purchase extra gadget cover as part of your insurance policy.

Additionally, you may want to add on additional Cancel For Any Reason cover if you want greater freedom and flexibility in being able to change or cancel your travel plans for reasons not covered by your base policy.

Do I Need Single Trip Cover or Annual Multi-Trip Cover for my Trip?

You can buy either single trip cover or annual multi-trip cover before your departure.

Single trip cover only grants you insurance coverage for a single holiday. Your coverage can start either as soon as you book the holiday or the date of your departure, and will end as soon as you come home.

Meanwhile, annual multi-trip insurance grants you coverage for every single trip you take within a 12 month period. The trips you take during this time may be limited to a certain length of time – for example, 31 days.

It may be cheaper to get annual multi-trip cover if you’re planning to go on several trips in a 12 month period. However, if you’re not planning on making many other trips other than your single trip to the UK, it may be cheaper to stick to single trip cover.

If you’re unsure about how many trips you might take in the next 12 months, it may be cheaper and easier to take out an annual multi-trip policy so you know you are covered if you do decide to go abroad.

It’s always best to carefully examine your own circumstances and plans to see which specific type of cover will be more cost-effective and suitable for you.

When Should I Buy Travel Health Insurance?

It’s usually recommended to buy travel health insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip, or as soon as you’ve made a financial commitment towards it.

This is because it’s best to be covered in the event of your trip being cancelled prior to your departure. Having a valid travel insurance policy will protect you in case any of the following happens:

• Your trip is cancelled due to weather, or other uncontrollable circumstances
• You have to cancel your trip due to personal reasons, such as a bereavement
• You become too ill to travel
• You’re made redundant before your trip

If any of these happen, it may be the case that your insurer could cover some or all of the costs of your trip.

If you’ve left it late to buy travel health insurance before your visit to the UK, it’s still worth looking for insurance providers who will be able to provide you with quick and immediate cover. You just need to ensure that you’ve not yet left home for your trip and that the insurance policy covers everything you need for your visit.

How Much Does Travel Health Insurance Cost?

How much you will have to pay for travel health insurance depends greatly on a number of factors, such as your age, your health, the length of your trip and the complexity of the cover you need.

The specific figures you’ll pay for your insurance will vary based on your country of residence and the insurance company you choose.

Note that the information below uses British travellers buying insurance for trips away from the UK as an example.

The difference between a single trip and annual multi-trip insurance can be reasonably small. For example, British travellers travelling to Europe may pay around £9 for single trip cover but around £12 for annual multi-trip cover.

The average price for older travellers is also much higher. The average price of a single trip cover for British adults travelling to Europe in their 30s, 40s or 50s maybe around £11. However, this figure jumps up to around £30 for people in their 70s, and over £100 for people in their 80s.

How comprehensive your insurance coverage is will also affect the price. A policy that offers higher levels of coverage will cost more than a policy with basic level coverage, as well as offering lower levels of excess.

For British travellers taking our multi-trip cover to Europe, a cover with £1,000 worth of cancellation cover will cost around $17. For £2,000 cancellation cover, this price rises to around £24. For £3,000, it rises again to around £32.

These prices also rise in a similar way when buying couples, group or family travel health insurance cover.

You will also have to pay additional costs on your insurance policy if you have a pre-existing medical condition or choose to add optional extra cover such as for gadgets, winter sports and Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

Which NHS Services Are Free for Visitors?

When you visit the UK, you will be able to take advantage of certain NHS services that you don’t have to claim for on your travel health insurance.

As a result, you will not need to claim on your insurance if you take advantage of these services during your visit. These include:

• A&E services (not including emergency medical treatment if admitted to hospital)
• Family planning services (not including abortions or infertility treatment)
• Treatment for most infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Treatment required for a physical or mental condition caused by torture, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence or sexual violence (does not apply if you have come to the UK to seek this treatment)

In addition, if you’re visiting the UK and need to see a GP, you can register as a temporary patient with a local GP practice.

You will need to be in the area for more than 24 hours but less than 3 months in order to do this.

However, it will be up to the GP practice whether to accept new patients, even if you’re only looking to become a temporary patient.

Other NHS services, such as hospital treatments and prescription medicines, are not free without a valid EHIC, PRC or S2 form or if you’re from a non-EEA country. You should consider travel insurance packages that provide cover for such medical costs and others outside the NHS services.

For assistance with with your visit to the UK, contact us today.

How Can IAS Help?

If you’re planning to travel to the UK, it’s essential to ensure that you have the right coverage to help assist you in the event of accidents, injury or unexpected incidents.

If you have any questions about your trip to the UK, including what type of insurance you need, what type of healthcare you’re entitled to, or what to do in the event of an emergency, IAS is here to help.

We are specialists and immigration lawyers who specialise in advising visitors to the UK as well as assisting them to obtain the right permits and visas and travelling to the UK. We can help advise you on how to get the right insurance cover for your trip, as well as any other concerns you may have about your visit to the UK.

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our trusted legal advisors on  0333 305 9375 , or contact us through our form  online .

We can help you if you need help with your visit to the UK.

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Travel Insurance for USA to UK (2024)

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Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most popular countries for tourism. It welcomed more than 40 million visitors in each of the three years before the coronavirus pandemic. The U.K.’s four Home Nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) feature quaint villages and cosmopolitan cities, accessible natural areas, adventure and winter sports and historical attractions.

The top destinations are well-connected by road and rail, and the use of English makes the U.K. accessible to tourists from the U.S.

Although the U.K. is user-friendly and can be an ideal introduction to international travel, trips there are not without risks. According to the U.S. State Department , petty crime, muggings, traffic accidents and adventure sports injuries are common hazards. As of October 2022, the State Department also issued a Level 2 travel advisory due to the potential of terrorist attacks. Also, though the U.K. has an excellent healthcare system, tourists and short-term visitors must pay for care out of pocket.

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Do I Need Travel Insurance for U.K Travel?

The U.K. does not require U.S. citizens to have travel insurance when they visit. However, coverage can be beneficial for several reasons.

First, a comprehensive or medical emergency policy can pay healthcare expenses if you are injured or ill in the U.K. According to the State Department, tourists may have to pay 150% of the cost of medical treatment received through the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS). A travel policy can limit these out-of-pocket costs.

Also, trip insurance lets you engage in sports activities, such as a trek, cycle, ski or snowboard adventure without worrying about affording injury treatment.

While weather-related problems and natural disasters are relatively rare in the U.K., cancellation insurance could be a good idea. Your trip represents a significant investment, and this coverage can reimburse you for the cost of a transatlantic flight and hotel or holiday rental reservations in the event of a cancellation.

Finally, in 2022, there were 75.88 crimes per 1,000 people in the U.K. and 2.6 million of these crimes involved theft. Insurance can cover the cost of valuables that thieves often target in the U.K.

Even if you do not use your insurance, it will provide peace of mind by covering problems that would otherwise ruin your trip.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

A standard travel cancellation insurance policy reimburses you if your trip plans get derailed by circumstances beyond your control. For example, if you cannot travel due to an injury, or a flood occurs in your chosen U.K. destination, the insurance will pay for your trip. These policies have exclusions limiting coverage for cancellations that aren’t beyond your control.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage lets you cancel your trip even if the circumstances are not beyond your control. If scheduling conflicts arise, such as a wedding or a change in relationship status with your travel partners, you can use CFAR to cover the cost of your trip.

Some tourists may not need this type of coverage. However, groups or people booking well in advance may want to consider CFAR coverage to protect against potential scheduling conflicts.

Gear Theft Protection

In the U.K. and throughout Europe, petty theft is the biggest crime risk for most travelers. Insurance can protect against the loss of a wallet, gadget or device. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include some theft protection for your personal belongings or offer coverage as one of the optional extras.

You should always check the limits of theft protection on your policy documents. Some insurers only have a few hundred dollars of coverage. While this may be enough to replace a stolen phone, it usually isn’t sufficient for expensive devices or valuable sports equipment.

You should make sure the policy has high enough limits to protect your valuables and purchase additional coverage if needed.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

As the U.S. State Department points out, tourists in the U.K. need to pay for any medical services out of pocket and could have additional fees adding 50% to the bill. Though the U.K. does not mandate travel medical coverage, the additional medical costs are a way to strongly encourage visitors to opt for insurance covering medical care.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies is available as a stand-alone product or as part of a comprehensive single-trip policy. Frequent travelers can also get an annual multi-trip policy to pay out for emergency medical expenses.

Most travel medical coverage also includes evacuation and repatriation. These add-ons can cover the cost of a flight back to the U.S. if you require long-term medical care or pass away during your trip.

In a few cases, this coverage may be unnecessary. If you have a European Health Insurance Card, you can access care through the NHS in the U.K. Some U.S.-based insurers may cover medically-necessary care for you or a qualifying family member when traveling abroad. Check your policy documents or inquire about coverage before you leave.

If you purchase insurance, you should look closely at the policy wording to see if it covers pre-existing medical conditions.

Rental Car Protection

All drivers in the U.K. must have third-party auto insurance to cover the cost of damage and accidents. Because of the requirement, car insurance is included in the vehicle rental fees. U.S. auto insurance policies usually do not extend to the U.K., though some premium credit cards offer coverage if you use them to pay the rental costs.

Depending on your travel plans, you might consider getting your own third-party auto insurance or purchasing a comprehensive policy that includes rental protection.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation cover offers reimbursement if your vacation gets canceled due to events beyond your control. If you have a single-trip travel insurance policy , it will pay out if you can’t go on your trip. Acceptable reasons for not traveling include an accident or unexpected illness, jury duty, military service or a death in the family.

Coverage may or may not extend to illnesses caused by pre-existing conditions. However, cancellation policies reimburse you for trips canceled due to unexpected events, like a natural disaster in the U.K.

Most cancellation policies get paired with travel disruption insurance. These policies pay expenses during any delays you experience and cover the costs necessary to get your back on your itinerary.

Because of the expense of transatlantic travel, cancellation insurance is usually a good investment. It can be especially useful if your trip has multiple legs. For example, if the itinerary has a flight and a cruise, you have an increased chance of a delay or cancellation of one leg interfering with subsequent legs.

What is the average cost of travel insurance for the U.K?

According to our analysis of five providers, the average cost of travel insurance for the U.K. is $93 or £74.

Rather than focusing strictly on price, you should look at limits, deductibles, and maximum coverage amounts. Cheap travel insurance options may have lower maximum payouts, so you should review the policy details before purchasing.

Comprehensive coverage with a medical emergency, evacuation, lost baggage , gear theft, cancellation and interruption coverage is often the most convenient option for travelers going to the U.K.

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to UK. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to UK for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

Long-term travelers, such as businesspeople or backpacker-style travelers , may want a travel insurance quote for an annual or multi-trip policy. Annual travel insurance often focuses more on medical costs and emergencies and may have limited options for trip cancellation.

You can gain more insights into the costs of travel insurance here: How Much Is Travel Insurance?

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for the U.K.?

All major travel insurance providers offer policies for U.K. travel, allowing you to select the option with the level of coverage you need.

The key to selecting the right travel insurance is limiting redundancies . For example, if you book your vacation with a credit card offering cancellation insurance, you do not need to purchase a policy from an insurer. However, you would still need medical and evacuation coverage .

Medical-only policies are cheaper than comprehensive coverage, saving you money overall.

If you need additional coverage, such as car rental protection, you can add it on its own.

U.K. Safety Tips

Travel insurance coverage can protect you from the unexpected, but fundamental safety practices can limit the dangers of travel in the U.K.

Crime and Safety

The State Department puts the U.K. on a Level 1 travel advisory, meaning it is safe to travel if you take common-sense steps. The U.K. sometimes has Level 2 advisories due to an increased threat of terrorism.

Violent crime does occur in the U.K., but you can limit dangers by staying in crowded, well-lit areas, avoiding unfamiliar places at night and following advice from trusted locals.

According to the U.S. State Department, the crimes you are most likely to encounter are pickpocketing, bag snatching or muggings. You can leave valuables at your hotel, carry them in zippered pockets or use a money belt or interior pockets to carry money and travel documents.

Day Trips, Tours, and Excursions

The level of coverage you need depends on the activities you plan to engage in during your trip. For example, if you spend time skiing in Scotland or mountain biking in Wales, you may consider adventure or winter sports coverage.

You should always work with reputable outfitters and guides when engaging in these activities. Luckily, the U.K. has a wealth of information about activities, and dangerous areas are marked.

The U.K. has ended all coronavirus-related restrictions and requirements. You do not need to show test results or vaccination status or prove essential travel when entering the country.

Is Travel Insurance for a U.K. Vacation Worth It?

Because of the cost of transatlantic travel and healthcare in the U.K., travel insurance is worth it . A good insurance policy can give you peace of mind and let you focus on enjoying your stay instead of worrying about potential medical costs or trip delays. We recommend getting quotes from a few different providers to make sure you get the coverage you need at the best price.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in the U.K.

How do i claim compensation for cancellations in the u.k..

U.K. law requires airlines to reschedule passengers after cancellation and provide food, accommodations and transport if necessary. In some cases, you will pay for your lodging or food but can apply for reasonable compensation later.

Agencies like the Financial Conduct Authority regulate the activities of service providers in the U.K. These firms ensure fair treatment of consumers.

Can I use my U.S. health insurance in the U.K.?

U.S. travelers cannot access the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) that U.K. residents can use to get care in Europe. If you have annual multi-trip coverage, you may not need additional single-trip medical insurance. However, if you do not, you should purchase coverage to avoid paying expensive healthcare costs out of pocket.

Can I get travel insurance when I am already traveling?

You can purchase travel insurance while you are already on your trip. However, it may not cover events occurring before the policy took effect. For example, if you are already ill, a new policy may not cover the cost of treatment. Many insurers have a 72-hour waiting period before the insurance takes effect.

When does travel insurance coverage start?

Technically, coverage starts on your departure date. However, it can account for events occurring after the purchase date but before departure, if they lead to trip cancellation.

For instance, if you are in an accident two weeks before your trip and are unable to travel because you are still recovering, insurance will reimburse you. However, if you recover before departure, you will not receive compensation.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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Travel health insurance will cover the costs of getting medical attention in case of an emergency abroad. Plans also include medical evacuation, repatriation, trip interruption, and more. This type of coverage is necessary when you’re going outside your country for periods of up to a year or more. Even if you have a domestic medical plan, there is no guarantee that it will be accepted abroad.

Learn more about travel medical policies in this article and get to know which plans for traveling abroad fit your needs.

What is International Travel Health Insurance?

When traveling outside your home country, buying medical insurance as part of your international travel plan is vital to protect yourself against accidents or illnesses. Even if you have private medical insurance issued in your home country, it will most likely not cover you on your trip abroad. And even if it does, there is a chance that the coverage will be insufficient to provide the care you might need during your trip.

What Does Travelers' Medical Insurance Cover?

Depending on the plan you choose, your travel insurance policy can offer:

• Freedom to seek treatment with a hospital or doctor of your choice
• Maximum limits from $50,000 to up to $8,000,000
• 24/7 access to an emergency assistance medical hotline to speak with medical experts
• Deductible options from $0 to up to $25,000
• Renewable for up to 36 months
• Other benefits like travel delay/cancellation, baggage loss/delay
• Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
• Repatriation and emergency evacuation

Is Travel Health Insurance Worth It?

The best travel medical insurance plans combine the benefits of travel insurance plans with additional health and medical coverage. Whenever you travel to another country, it is a necessity to have the right international plan that will cover you in case the unexpected happens.

Recommended Medical Travel Insurance Plans

We offer great options to cover you and your family during travel abroad. The Atlas plan is an affordable policy for travelers from most countries. GeoBlue's Voyager plan is a comprehensive plan tailored to US citizens. The Trawick Safe Travels plan includes comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical, and post-departure travel coverage, among other benefits. Trawick's Safe Travel USA is designed specifically for foreigners visiting the USA .

Pro Tip: Visit our Travel Insurance Guide to find which type of plan is best for your situation.

Recommended Plan for US Citizens Traveling Abroad

GeoBlue's Voyager Travel Insurance plan is designed specifically for US citizens traveling abroad. The benefits are excellent while remaining a very affordable option. Most importantly, the customer service is outstanding, which is essential when you need to reach someone in a medical emergency.

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

Option for All International Travelers

Trawick offers a great plan for all other nationalities traveling abroad to any country in the world. Coverage options are global, benefits are comprehensive, and they have a range of coverage levels to meet all budgets.

Safe Travels International

• Desinged for non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country (excluding the U.S.)
• Coverage for an unexpected recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition
• Coverage from 5 days to 364 days - extensions are available

Recommended Plan for International Visitors to the US

Safe Travels USA from Trawick is the best plan option for international citizens visiting the United States. In addition to those listed above, benefits include limited coverage for wellness visits and "acute onset of pre-existing conditions".

• Desinged for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. and addiitonal countries
• Includes comprehensive medical, evacuation, & repatriation coverage

Affordable Plans with Great Coverage and Benefits

Our suggested plan based on affordability, benefits, and service is the Atlas Travel Insurance Plan. Don't be fooled by the price - the benefits are very comparable to those offered by more expensive insurers.

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

Or See for Yourself: Compare Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does travel health insurance cost.

You can see in the table below that plans can cost from as low as $0.80 per day to as high as $5 a day , sometimes more. Monthly rates, ranging from $40 to $60, are also available, sometimes providing better value. How much an international travel health insurance plan costs will depend on the length of the trip, your age, medical limits, complications, and the deductible you choose by the time you purchase the plan.

Emergency medical plans for travelers are surprisingly affordable. The average cost of an international travel medical insurance plan is $2 per day. It is very affordable compared to the high cost of medical care should something go wrong on your trip.

Plans are often of a sort duration, within the travel period you have indicated, so the risks are less for insurers. As a result, medical insurance costs for traveling abroad are also significantly lower. Travel health policies also do not cover trip cancellations , so their premiums are lower than usual.

Costs and Benefits of a Travel Medical Insurance Plan

The cost of your plan will cover several benefits, all under one policy. For the low price listed here, you get emergency medical coverage abroad, trip interruption benefits, repatriation, medical evacuation, 24/7 travel assistance, and coverage for lost or stolen items. Some plans include personal liability coverage, natural disasters, political evacuation, and more.

How Optional Coverage Adds to the Cost of Your Policy

Many plans offer additional optional benefits for an additional cost. For example, you can add coverage for adventure trips, mountaineering, or Accidental Death and Disability (AD&D). Each additional benefit will increase the price of your plan. In general, the increase in premiums is affordable and worth the added expense if you feel you need that additional coverage.

What Are the Different Levels of Health Insurance for Traveling Abroad?

There are various levels of international travel health insurance plans from some of today’s leading insurers. These plans can range from very basic emergency health coverage to comprehensive health care, including prescriptions, medical evacuation, and insurance for high-risk activities.

• The most basic level of travel insurance covers emergency medical needs while you’re away from home. If you fall ill or get injured while traveling, this type of policy will usually cover your treatment. Some plans let you add higher maximums for medical coverage so you can get care for significant medical expenses.
• You can add features to your policy like prescription plans, repatriation, emergency evacuation, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Depending on the plan, some of these might already be covered. 
• You can also add riders for so-called “extreme sports,” which cover you if you want to paraglide, climb mountains, or do zipline tours in the jungle. 
• Yet another type of travel insurance is trip cancellation, which pays you back if your vacation is interrupted or called off for a set list of reasons. A more expensive version of this is called Cancel For Any Reason or CFAR, which reimburses your trip costs if you suddenly can’t go for a reason that’s not otherwise covered. These plans include medical coverage, but you should check how much and whether you need more.

Among our most popular plans for US citizens is the GeoBlue Voyager Plan , which allows travelers to customize their coverage with different medical maximums and deductibles. You can be confident that your coverage, benefits, and service will be excellent.

Atlas Travel Insurance is a comprehensive travel medical policy that includes hospitalization and doctor coverage. It also includes coverage for lost luggage. You can customize the policy to include optional coverage for extreme sports .

The Patriot Platinum Insurance provides optional coverage for extra riders, including personal belongings and and extreme sports. This is perhaps the best medical policy for traveling abroad because it provides world-class coverage and access to the best service and assistance for traveling outside your home country.

You can review the list we made of the Best Travel Insurance Companies to get a better idea of which provider to choose.

For long-term travelers, expats, or individuals moving abroad for a year or longer, an international medical insurance plan might be a better option. These plans provide more comprehensive medical benefits but lack some of the coverage offered in travel health plans, such as trip interruption.

What Is the Cheapest Travel Medical Insurance Plan?

We offer a variety of medical plans for traveling abroad, and they come at a range of different price points.

When it comes to medical coverage, the best value travel insurance plan is one that covers specific benefits you need at a price you can afford. Some inexpensive plans do not cover the most important benefits or cover them with limited value. Other low-cost policies provide considerable travelers' medical insurance coverage, but their service is not as good, so it will be frustrating to use it in emergencies.

International Citizens Insurance has filtered the best insurance providers that offer affordable plans with good coverage and excellent service. For the most affordable and reliable plans, we recommend the following options:

How Do I Purchase an International Travel Medical Policy?

Applying for a travel health plan is easy. Just answer a few questions about yourself and the planned trip to get the initial quote. From there, you can refine the plan and see how much the travelers' medical insurance will cost by selecting and deselecting different benefits and their maximum coverage amounts. You can also tweak the deductibles, optional add-on features, and other portions of the policy, if possible.

Use our Plan Picker to get started!

When you are satisfied with the quote after adjusting the cost and benefits of the plan, you can proceed with the online application and pay for the plan using your credit card. A confirmation email will be sent along with policy documentation and relevant contact details should you need emergency medical assistance on your next trip.

We have listed some of the best medical insurance for international travel. Just follow the links on each one to learn more about the plan.

Do These Plans Cover My Visa Requirements?

In most cases, they do. The short term medical insurance plans we offer are designed to meet, and even exceed, most visa requirements of most countries. We also have plans that can meet Schengen Visa Insurance requirements.

Before traveling to a country, check the visa requirements to ensure you purchase the maximum benefit and deductible amounts required. Most countries require at least $50,000 of coverage in medical benefits, along with a specific deductible amount.

Check the visa requirements for the country you are traveling to, and then when purchasing your policy, you can select the level and benefits that meet those requirements.

Read More: Insurance for Your Travel Visa

Can You Buy Just Travel Medical Insurance?

Yes, definitely.

International travel medical insurance plans are designed to cover emergency medical expenses should you get sick or injured while traveling abroad. Suppose you are in an accident and need medical care. In that case, these plans are designed to help you find a doctor, get you treated in the best facilities available, cover necessary medical prescriptions, and provide continuous care.

Note: These plans will typically not cover any pre-existing conditions you might have. Before you sign up for a policy, check the part pertaining to pre-existing conditions to clarify any questions or concerns regarding that portion.

Your policy may not cover treatment for accidents or illnesses that occur while participating in certain dangerous activities. Some plans offer adventure sports coverage as an optional add-on. If you plan to partake in hazardous activities or sports events that pose a high risk of getting injured, it is best to get this add-on on top of your base-level coverage.

Some policies, known as trip cancellation plans , also cover the cost of your trip if you have to cancel, and are typically more expensive. If you only want coverage for medical emergencies, a travel medical plan is right for you.

Not sure where to start? Use our Pick a Plan tool.

How Does International Travel Medical Insurance Compare to Trip Insurance?

With the wide variety in names and coverage of travel, trip, and medical plans, it can be confusing to select which one is the most appropriate for your needs. Different service providers offer several levels of coverage, so a travel insurance plan provided by one insurer could be completely different from those offered by competitors.

Trip insurance is a short-term solution that covers trip cancellation, protection, and limited emergency medical coverage. This type of policy is usually available only for up to 62 days.

A travel health insurance plan is more comprehensive. It provides increased medical coverage from what a regular trip or travel insurance policy does. This type of policy is best for travel periods lasting from 5 days up to a year.

If you are considering longer-term coverage or more comprehensive medical benefits, read these guides to help you see the available options:

• Expatriate Insurance or Travel Insurance: What is the Difference?
• Overseas Health Insurance Coverage

Do I Need to Buy Health Insurance for Traveling Abroad?

Travel health insurance is a short-term solution for those who are traveling outside their home country anywhere between 5 days and a year. Whether it is for business or pleasure purposes, getting adequate coverage is an essential part of ensuring safe travels.

Having a health plan at home will not guarantee you coverage when you travel to other countries. And usually, if it does provide coverage, it will be limited and will not cover the most important areas that need to be addressed.

The plans we offer can work for a broad range of traveling individuals, including international vacationers, immigrants, relatives visiting from overseas, and foreign au pairs and nannies.

The best part about global travel health insurance policies is that they are available to all nationalities traveling abroad.

Which Countries Require Travel Medical Insurance to Enter?

Most countries that were requiring medical travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage at the height of the pandemic are no longer requiring it. However, it is still highly recommended. (Read our guide for more specific details on the latest travel insurance requirements.) Double-check all requirements before booking your travel policy. Below is a list of countries that still require travel medical insurance as of December 2023.

• Saudi Arabia
• the Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• the Netherlands
• Switzerland

Recommended Travel Medical Plan Options for US Citizens

The following rate tables below show the cost per day for U.S. citizens traveling outside of the U.S.

GeoBlue Voyager Choice

IMG Patriot International

WorldTrips Atlas International

Trawick Safe Travels Outbound

Rates were last updated on March 4, 2024

Recommended Travel Medical Plan Options for All Nationalities

The following rate tables below show the cost per day for international (non-U.S.) citizens traveling abroad, including trips to the U.S.

The plans, IMG Patriot America, WorldTrips Atlas America and Seven Corners Travel Medical, provide coverage worldwide, including inside the U.S. and outside the U.S.

Trawick Safe Travels USA only provides coverage inside the U.S.

IMG Patriot America

WorldTrips Atlas America

Seven Corners Travel Medical Plus

Pro Tip: Visit our Plan Picker to find the best plan at the right price for your trip.

How Much Travel Medical Insurance Do I Need?

It depends on where you’re going, what your home coverage is like, and what you plan to get up to!

• For shorter trips, you can probably get away with less coverage. But if you’re traveling extensively, you might think about a more thorough policy. If you are taking several trips throughout the year, consider annual travel insurance so you’re always covered.
• How’s your health? If you have conditions that need regular treatment or medications, make sure your policy is up to the level of care you need while abroad. Most plans will exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, so be aware of that. 
• If you’re going somewhere with a high level of medical care easily available, you probably don’t need medical evacuation or repatriation. Consider adding it if you’re going into the wilderness, staying somewhere rural and far from care, or making an adventure trip.
• Speaking of, what are you planning to do on your vacation? You might be surprised by some things insurance companies consider “extreme sports.” If you’re planning anything outdoorsy, check if your activity requires special coverage.
• Some countries require a travel policy to get a visa. For instance, the Schengen visa requires a minimum of $50,000 in medical coverage. Check the visa rules for the place you’re traveling to.

Different Types of Health Plans for Travelers

Here at International Citizens Insurance, we provide a wide range of travel health plans from some of the leading insurers. Among our most popular plans are the Atlas and Patriot Plans, which have different levels to choose from, each designed to suit the needs of various travelers.

Atlas Travel Insurance is a comprehensive policy that includes hospitalization and doctor coverage. It can also include insurance on lost luggage. You can customize the policy to include optional coverage for extreme sports .

With Patriot Platinum Insurance , you can get coverage for extra riders and extreme sports when you add them. This is one of the best travel medical insurance plans for traveling abroad, providing world-class coverage and access to the best service and assistance for traveling outside your home country.

Annual, Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Plans for Frequent Travelers

International coverage for travel is available as a single-trip plan that covers a specific trip for a specified number of days.

But a multi-trip or annual travel insurance plan can cover all trips outside your home country during the year. This is usually valid for a year and up to a certain number of days per trip. This is a more cost-effective medical insurance for traveling abroad, especially if you are a frequent traveler.

If you are looking for one of the best travel health insurance policies we offer, consider the GeoBlue Trekker annual travel insurance plan. See the link below for more details on the policy and how you can get a quote before your purchase online.

Annual Plan for any Nationality

Seven Corners Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip

• Buy annually and travel as often as you want.
• Choose from 30-, 45-, and 60-day trip lengths.
• Emergency medical evacuation benefit of $1,000,000.

GeoBlue Trekker Plan for US citizens

Trekker MultiTrip Travel Insurance

• Up to $500,000 for sickness and accidents
• $500,000 medical evacuation benefit
• Unlimited Trips Outside the U.S. for trips up to 70 days

Buy One of Our Recommended Travel Medical Plans

Atlas Travel Insurance: Learn More | Free Quote / Apply (Best for All Nationalities Traveling Abroad)

GeoBlue Travel Insurance: Learn More | Free Quote / Apply (Best for US Citizens Abroad)

A message from the Center for Disease Control : Severe illness or injury abroad may result in a financial burden on you and your family. Although planning for every possible contingency is impossible, travelers can reduce the cost of a medical emergency by considering the purchase of 3 types of insurance for their trip: trip insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance. These insurance policies can be purchased before a trip to provide coverage in the event of an illness or injury and may be of particular importance to individuals with chronic medical conditions. Basic accident or travel insurance may even be required for travelers to certain destinations.

Author: Joe Cronin , Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance . Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter .

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• Best overall
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for trip interruption
• Best for medical-only coverage
• Best for family coverage
• Best for long trips
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Best International Travel Insurance for June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Best International Travel Insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured

Best for medical-only coverage: GeoBlue Travel Insurance

• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Compare the Best International Travel Insurance Companies

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most US health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allianz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms

GeoBlue Travel Insurance offers policies that covers emergency medical treatments when you're abroad. While GeoBlue lacks trip cancellation coverage, that allows it to charge lower premiums than the other companies on this list. 

GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs. 

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

How to Find the Right International Travel Insurance Company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

Your needs for travel insurance will depend on the type of trip you're taking. You'll need to consider your destination and what you'll be doing there, either business, leisure, or adventure traveling. Policies covering adventure sports and activities will cost more. Longer, more expensive trips will also cost more. 

Research the reputation of the company 

When researching a company, you'll want to closely review the description of services. You'll want to see how claims are handled, any exceptions, and limitations.

You'll also want to look at the company's customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, BBB, and Squaremouth, as this will provide insight on the quality of customer service and the claims process. You should also take note of whether companies respond to customer reviews.

Compare prices

You can get quotes through a company's website or travel insurance aggregators like InsureMyTrip and VisitorsCoverage. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information about your trip:

• Trip destination(s)
• Travel dates
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age/birthday
• State of residence
• Total trip cost

For companies that offer travel medical insurance, you'll also want to play around with the deductible options, as they can affect your policy premium. 

Understanding International Travel Insurance Coverage Options

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the Best Price for International Travel Insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed International Travel Insurance Companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

International Travel Insurance FAQs

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

You should pay attention to any limitations regarding covered cancellations, pre-existing conditions, and adventure activities. For example, if you're worried you may have to cancel a trip for work reasons, ensure that you've worked at your company long enough to qualify for cancellation coverage, as that is a condition with some insurers. You should also see if your destination has any travel advisories, as that can affect your policy. 

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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Travelling From the UK to the US? Here Are 3 Health Insurances to Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Hopping across the pond to USA is an easy and exciting trip for most Brits, regardless of whether it's for business, to visit friends or family, or to see the famous Times Square, Grand Canyon, or Golden Gate Park And while travelling to the US can be an accessible, it's worth remembering that out-the-pocket healthcare costs are the most expensive in the world, so it's not just a good idea, but essential, to arrive in the country with travel health insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to the US and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats alike.

US Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for the US:

Best Travel Insurances for the US

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for the US? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance from the UK to the US scroll down

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory From the UK to the US?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travel to, or through, the United States of America from the United Kingdom.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to the US or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for the USA from the United Kingdom:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for visitors from the UK travelling to the USA. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to the US, including coverage for emergencies, doctor's visits, and other medical-related expenses. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies, and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for the US:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /person /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another good travel insurance provider for the US, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance from the UK with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /person /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for young people or digital nomads from the UK because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind in the USA knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /person /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travelling

Compare For Yourself

In this post, we explored three travel insurance providers you should consider for your next trip to the US from the UK. That being said, there are many more providers out there, some of which might make even more sense for you depending on your travel needs and preferences. To compare the top providers on the market, run a search on Monto's travel insurance comparison engine below 👇

Find travel insurance for you:

How do they compare.

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to the US? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 14/02/2023

FAQ About Travel Insurance from the UK to the US

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travel to the USA. However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel to the US. For what's usually an affordable cost, taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to visitors worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the insured, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent tourists.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Travel Insurance for the USA 

Experience the American Dream with a holiday to the USA

From theme parks to National Parks, the USA is a destination that can suit almost every pace of holiday. You can experience the thrill of Las Vegas, witness the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon or take a city tour of New York and snap photos with the Statue of Liberty.

You can also take in the iconic sights of Washington DC and brush shoulders with the president, or see some of America’s history in the Deep South. You can also enjoy an adventure in Texas, where you can get a real sense of the Wild West.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that road trips across America are so popular. The Pacific Coast Highway takes in the very best of San Francisco and Los Angeles, while the Overseas Highway shows you some of America’s best scenery on the way to Miami. Road trips don’t get more iconic than Route 66 though. It takes you all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles and you’re close to Santa Fe, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas if you’d like to take a few detours.

Don’t forget about the food, too. America’s culinary history is so great that the country’s towns, cities and states have a number of delicacies named after them, such as the Philly cheesesteak, Buffalo wings, New York cheesecake, California rolls, baked Alaska and even Mississippi mud pie. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a food for you in America.  

Whatever you plan on doing in the USA, it’s important that you get travel insurance for the USA to help protect yourself against unforeseen eventualities.

Below is some more information about our insurance products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

Healthcare for visitors to the USA

If you need any medical attention as a tourist in America, it can be incredibly expensive.  An EHIC or GHIC card will not cover you in America because this is a reciprocal agreement the UK has only with other European countries.

In America, many residents have their own private medical insurance that covers them if they fall ill or get injured. For this reason, if you don’t have travel insurance for the USA, it can be very expensive for you to receive treatment, so even a minor fall or illness could end up costing you a significant sum of money if you’re not covered by USA travel insurance.  

What does Allianz Assistance travel insurance for the USA cover? 

• Cancelling or curtailing your trip
• Emergency medical and associated expenses
• Loss of passport*
• Delayed personal possessions
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
• Loss of personal money*
• Personal accident cover
• Missed departures
• Delayed departures
• Personal liability
• Legal expenses
• End-supplier failure**
• *Not available with Bronze level cover
• **Only available with Gold level cover
• Terms and Conditions apply.  

Plus, you can also purchase add-ons to ensure you have cover for any activities you’re taking part in. For example, if you’re hitting the slopes in the Rockies, our Ski and Winter Sports insurance could help protect you against avalanche closures and unused ski-pack costs.

Please note for Annual policies, if you’re travelling to America, you’ll need to select ‘Worldwide (including USA and Canada)’ as your area of cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although America’s healthcare is some of the most sophisticated in the world, it’s also one of the world’s most expensive healthcare systems. This makes travel insurance for the USA essential because, without it, you are unlikely to receive treatment and, even if you do, it may cost you tens of thousands of pounds.

Plus, even when heading somewhere relatively safe like the USA, you’ll still encounter other risks while you travel. For example, you’ll need to be vigilant against theft, pickpocketing, burglary and other street crimes in big cities. Thankfully, if you lose your possessions or you’re the victim of a theft, your USA travel insurance could protect you.

In addition, your travel insurance can also protect you for a number of other things that could go wrong while you’re away, including lost luggage, cancellations and travel delays. 

If your stateside visit is the only trip you're planning to take this year, our  Single Trip  travel insurance for the USA will probably suit you best. If you're managing to get away more than once, then our Annual cover could work out to be a cheaper option.

Depending on how many countries you travel to, and whether you choose to buy any additional cover, costs for Backpacker insurance to the USA can vary. Get a quote online to find out how much it could cost to cover your stateside trip.

The exact price you’ll pay for your travel insurance for the USA will vary depending on:

• The type of policy you choose
• Your level of cover
• The duration of your trip
• Whether you need any pre-existing conditions to be covered
• Whether you require an add-on such as Ski and Winter Sports insurance

The price of your policy will also depend on how many people are travelling. For example, if you’re taking the family to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, then you can place everyone on the same policy with our Family Travel Insurance for the USA. This is often a more cost-effective solution than buying multiple Single Trip policies for everyone. 

Due to the improvements we are currently making to the booking engine of our website, we are currently unable to offer travel insurance to cover people’s pre-existing medical conditions. However, this is only a temporary measure and we plan to reintroduce this offer not only under our Single Trip or Backpacker policies, but also extending it to our Annual policies. Our Single Trip travel insurance policies for the USA can provide you with cover for up to 180 days, while our Backpacker cover can last for up to a full year, depending on how long you’re travelling for.

Once the website improvements have been made, it will be easy to declare your pre-existing medical conditions with our medical screening process. Simply click ‘Get a Quote’ and select your policy type. Then, provide us with some basic information about you and the trip you’re planning.

You’ll then be asked to declare your pre-existing medical conditions. All you need to do is type the first three letters of the condition into the box and then select your condition from the dropdown menu. Once you’ve declared all of your conditions, press ‘Finish’.

It won’t be long before we’ll be able to provide you with a quote again for travel insurance, to see if we’re able to cover you. You can read our policy documents online to see the full cover and exclusions. If there is anything you don’t fully understand, please get in touch. 

America is home to some of the best winter sports resorts in the world. You can go skiing in the Rocky Mountains, snowboard in Lake Tahoe or even go sledging down the slopes of Alaska.

If you’re planning on trying any of these activities during your American holiday, then additional cover will be required. From lost ski equipment and piste closures to mountain rescues and repatriation, our Winter Sports and Ski  add-on is designed to give you peace of mind and protect you if things don’t go to plan. 

Cover options for your trip to the USA

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Backpacker Travel Insurance

Family Travel Insurance

Winter Sports & Ski Travel Insurance

Feel supported during your stateside visit, with travel insurance from allianz assistance.

Travel Insurance for Seniors

Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions

Need help? Call us on: 0371 200 0428

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• Travel insurance for USA

The famous cliché of America is that it's big. And it is. Across its six time zones are examples of virtually every type of geography on earth, from the baked deserts of Nevada to the mountains of Colorado. There's something for everyone.

Many are attracted to its warm welcomes and iconic metropolises. Whether you’re sampling wine in Napa Valley, beer in Boston or trekking through canyon country, read our guide to medical care, getting around and the importance of travel insurance in the USA.

Medical care for Brits in the USA

America’s healthcare is some of the most sophisticated in the world, however it is also notoriously expensive and privatised. This means that having good medical travel insurance is an imperative. Without it, you are unlikely to receive treatment or, if you do, it could run to tens of thousands of dollars.

You may be asked to pay an amount up-front by a hospital or treatment centre as a gesture of good faith. If this happens, contact your travel insurer to find out whether this is something they will cover. It’s important to make sure you have available funds for healthcare emergencies in addition to your holiday insurance policy to be on the safe side.

The emergency service number in the USA is 911. There are few diseases associated with travel in the USA, however it’s important to follow the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)  advice on health and travel in the USA to make sure you know whether there are risks local to where you’re going and can take all necessary precautions.

Protect what matters when you go with good travel insurance

Travel risks in the usa.

The travel risks associated with the USA are the kind common to visiting any country. Be vigilant against theft, pickpocketing, burglary from home or car and other street crimes. If you are going to be in unfamiliar areas, always travel in groups and try not to walk alone at night in areas where crimes are more prevalent.

It’s unusual for crime to target tourists, particularly when outside of large cities. There are greater concerns about the risks of crime in states that border Mexico due to the illegal drug trade, however this too is unlikely to specifically target tourists.

Regional considerations

The laws of the USA vary by state, and it’s important to understand how they differ depending on where you will be visiting. Some have strict alcohol laws, such as Utah, while others such as California have very strict laws about smoking and littering. Fireworks are legal in some states and illegal in others, so carrying anything that could cause controversy across state borders is very unwise. This can include things you might normally consider safe, such as beer and wine.

The USA is a land of contrast, including culturally. Some areas are very religiously conservative while others are highly liberal and cosmopolitan. Even within states, cultural norms can vary by area. It’s important to research the locality you’re visiting to avoid any faux pas.

Despite that, the USA is famously a cultural melting-pot and you are likely to find people from all walks of life in most areas.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is an automatic visa waiver programme designed for people from participating countries who are visiting the USA for leisure or business for up to 90 days. It needs to be completed online and is often instant, however it can take as long as 72 hours.

Make sure you have allowed time to get your ESTA, as the process can take longer if your application is rejected. In that situation, you will need to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa and this can involve trips to the US Embassy, which is by appointment and may take a long time. It’s always a good idea to apply for your ESTA in plenty of time to allow for this eventuality.

Getting around

It may have been your lifelong dream to rent an open-top car and cruise down Route 66. Indeed, with much of the USA being so spread out, driving is often one of your only transport options. But have a mind to driving laws. These vary by state and may have different requirements. For instance, in some parts of America, having a valid UK driving licence is sufficient to rent a car and drive, however others will require you to have an International Driving Permit . For the sake of safety, it may be a good idea to apply for an IDP if you plan on driving in the USA.

Speed limits are set by state and even local municipality. They can vary significantly between built up areas and motorways, so make sure you know what the maximum (and, in some cases, minimum) speed limits for the areas you’ll be driving in are. You may find that there are different speed limits depending on time of day and weather type. Importantly, it is common for the maximum speed limit to be lower than in the UK, with some areas such as Washington D.C. having a maximum speed of 55mph. Be aware of what the maximum is for the road you’re travelling on.

Remember that your travel insurance may not cover many aspects of car rental, and this will need to be done by having a separate insurance policy. It is likely that this insurance will come as part of your rental agreement, but it is always wise to make sure.

For long distance travel, flying is one of the most common ways of getting around in the USA and is more popular than trains. However, people have reasons besides speed for seeing the USA by rail, and there are some combination tickets (rail and air) available. America’s spellbinding geography can be taken in wonderfully if you take the Amtrak, however it could be more expensive than air travel.

Public transport in cities differs depending on where you are, with some systems more up-to-date than others. Some large cities such as Los Angeles are renowned for having very limited public transport, so research before you go to see whether you need to make arrangements like renting a car.

Other travel considerations

Remember that alcohol in drinks is often (but not always) measured by its weight rather than its percentage volume, which is different to the UK. The alcohol-by-weight is also expressed as a percentage, though – so a beer that reads 3.2% alcohol by weight is in fact slightly over 4% alcohol by volume. Remember that if you're involved in an incident while under the influence of alcohol your travel insurance policy may not cover you.

Is travel insurance compulsory for the USA?

While travel insurance is a compulsory requirement for visiting some countries and territories, the USA is not one of them. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking out. Just consider what an unexpected incident while you were there could end up costing you if you weren’t’ covered.

For one thing, the United States is one of the most expensive countries in the world for healthcare. And while it may seem unlikely you’ll need to call on its medical services on your visit, you could be looking at a hefty bill if you do.

With travel insurance in place before you go, it’s one less thing to think about. You’ll have the reassurance not only that any emergency medical expenses and repatriation (transport home) are covered if you need them but also that other protection’s in place too.

Good quality travel insurance should cover trip cancellation and delays in some circumstances, replacement of lost or damaged belongings , and even access to emergency assistance if you need to call on it while you’re exploring Stateside.

How much travel insurance do I need for the USA?

It’s important that your travel insurance for America provides good medical cover, enough to pay for any healthcare treatment you may need if you fall ill or are injured while there. Don’t underestimate how much treatment can cost there. From getting stitches to a ride in an ambulance, it soon mounts up.

The level of cover you choose should be sufficient to reimburse you for the holiday if it’s cancelled for one of the reasons set out in the policy wording. Make sure it will also reimburse you for the cost of lost, damaged or stolen belongings – so work out their value and keep the receipts handy if you have them.

Remember, for some activities or types of holiday you may need additional or specialist cover. For instance, winter sports cover for skiing, snowboarding, etc, sports travel insurance or cruise cover . You may need additional gadget cover for the devices you take on your trip. And you should make sure you have the level of coronavirus cover you need. Some insurers enable you to add more covid-19 cover to your policy.

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Your Health To-Do List When Traveling to the UK

Last Updated on January 6, 2024

Health and fitness holidays in the UK have gained immense popularity in 2023. With The Guardian’s  extensive catalog  of wellness travel featuring everything from invigorating running breaks in Scotland to serene mindful walking weekends in Wales, the spotlight on traveling for your well-being has never been stronger. However, as tourists increasingly seek vacations that align with their health goals, prioritizing well-being beyond simple wellness retreats is equally important.

A proactive approach to health ensures you can enjoy the mainland and different islands of the UK without worrying about getting sick along the way. To maximize your health outcomes, preparation must begin long before the first boarding call. Below, we take a closer look at four health to-dos before traveling to the UK in 2024.

Update your vaccines

Traveling increases your chances of spreading diseases that are rare in your home country. Hence,  updating your vaccines  is not only a preventive measure for your well-being but also a responsible action to protect the communities you visit.

For example, there are routine vaccines that are recommended for anyone going to the UK, such as chickenpox, shingles, or the flu. You can always have additional vaccines for certain conditions if you think you’re more likely to be exposed to them. For instance, hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travelers who plan to visit smaller villages and rural areas. Otherwise, it’s crucial to check for any travel health notice regarding current health issues in your destination. As of September 2023, the UK was placed under Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions for poliovirus, so it would be wise to be up to date on your polio vaccines.

Check your eye health

Vision health can significantly impact your adventures. Yet, the process of safeguarding your eye health can vary across different locations. For one, eyeglass wearers who lost their glasses may struggle to find a new pair in rural areas, leading to blurry and uncomfortable vision for the rest of the trip. In that case, it’s best to have spare eyeglasses on hand.

However, there are various accessible options for vision care. If you need to immediately replace your eyewear, then you can find affordable options for different types of  glasses  at eyewear retailer Glasses Direct, with deals such as 2-for-1 designer frames from £69 (approximately $88). This can be ordered online and delivered directly to your accommodations. If you need a new prescription, then you can easily book an eye test at the multiple branches of Asda Opticians or Vision Express. You might also qualify for a free eye test from the NHS in Scotland as an overseas visitor, so try to register with a general medical practice as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Check your oral health

Maintaining good oral health is vital on international journeys, especially longer trips. Similar to eye health maintenance, however, this process can be a little difficult in a new location. This can be particularly challenging in the UK, which has had a  shortage of dentists  since 2021, with dental tourism at record highs. In fact, UK-based consultancy Medical Travel Market received over 1,500 inquiries in 2023, up more than 450% from 2022.

Thus, consulting with a dentist before any extended trip is crucial, especially for those with ongoing treatments, such as braces or retainers. Your dentist may need to adjust your braces to a safer setting before your travels or equip you with an extra retainer. These will help you avoid the inconvenience of seeking orthodontic treatment during your travels. If it comes down to it, then you may have to find a private clinic in the UK or line up for NHS dental services if eligible.

Secure travel insurance

As you embark on the journey of a lifetime, it’s crucial to have a safety net in place. Factors such as trip duration or destinations should be taken into account when securing  travel insurance . For instance, annual contracts normally cover up to 30 days maximum, whereas backpacking insurance can range from three months to a year. A helpful tip: most travel insurance comes with a deductible that you must pay beforehand. Clarify this policy when making any purchase.

That being said, take your time to compare several insurance companies, then, upon your selection, inform your provider about your travel plans. Understanding your coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected events will provide peace of mind throughout your journey.

By prepping in advance, you lay the foundation for a journey to the UK filled with memorable moments and peace of mind. Remember, taking care of your health is not only a personal responsibility but also a commitment to fostering a healthier global travel community.

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

On a similar note...

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General election latest: Sunak issues warning ahead of Farage's 'emergency' news briefing - where he may announce he's standing

Nigel Farage is holding an "emergency" news conference at 4pm where he could announce he's standing at the general election. Rishi Sunak has warned that any vote for a non-Tory candidate increases Keir Starmer's chances of becoming PM.

Monday 3 June 2024 15:39, UK

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Election news

• Farage could announce he's standing at election
• Starmer 'prepared to use nuclear weapons' if needed
• Tories pledge to protect 'biological sex' as characteristic
• Poll to reveal projected election winner at 5pm
• Be in the audience for our election leaders event
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch

Expert analysis

• Rob Powell: Tories put Labour on the spot over biological sex
• Adam Boulton: 'Starmtroopers' are purging Labour

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• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
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Reform UK's honorary president Nigel Farage has announced that he will be giving an "emergency" news conference at 4pm.

Sources have suggested to Sky colleagues that he could announce plans to stand as a candidate in this general election.

If he did make such an announcement, it would be a significant U-turn, having said less than two weeks ago that having "thought long and hard" about it, it was "not the right time".

Sunak: Only two people can be PM

Rishi Sunak was asked earlier about the possibility of Mr Farage standing, and he told broadcasters: "At the end of the day, on 5 July, one of two people will be prime minister: either Keir Starmer or me.

"A vote for anyone who's not a Conservative candidate is just a vote to put Keir Starmer in Number 10."

We're still waiting for YouGov's massive poll at 5pm .

But before that, we've had another big survey come in.

Redfield and Wilton Strategies asked 10,000 people between 31 May and 2 June how they plan to vote in the general election.

Here are the results, with the change from the previous survey in brackets:

• Labour 46% (–) 
• Conservative 20% (-3) 
• Reform 14% (+1) 
• Lib Dem 10% (+1) 
• Green 5% (–) 
• SNP 2% (-1) 
• Other 2% (-1)

In total, Labour has a lead of 26 points. 

The Conservatives have dropped three points, while Reform UK gained one point and the Lib Dems gained one point.

The SNP lost a point, as did the "other" group.

Redfield and Wilton says it is the joint lowest score for the Tories with Rishi Sunak as prime minister.

Spotting and sorting awkward backdrops is an essential skill for any party campaign official.

That can be difficult though when the backdrop is water-based and moving.

Rishi Sunak found this out today when a group of Liberal Democrats photobombed his visit to the banks of the Thames by sailing a placard-laden boat into shot in full view of a pack of TV cameras.

The party has been driving home one of their key campaign messages in the area, on the filthy state of the UK's waterways.

Speaking to some rowers at the Henley club, you do wonder if water quality would have been a more tailored campaign message than the Tories' announcement around gender today.

As Rishi Sunak cleaned a boat, one woman said he didn't really need to do that as it hadn't been in the water recently - pointedly adding that if it had been in the water, it would be covered in "poo" because the Thames is so bad in the area.

Some of the rowers who met the prime minister also seemed in the dark about the gender policy announcement, saying they'd just been told it was a visit connected to women's sports.

Indeed, Rishi Sunak didn't chat to the female athletes about the planned changes to equality law – instead keeping the conversation on rowing.

But when asked, most of the athletes seemed broadly sympathetic to the changes – with some expressing concern about the potential advantage transgender women may have in physical sports like their own.

Rishi Sunak has been facing questions on his party's plan to overhaul the Equality Act and ensure "biological sex" is a protected characteristic. 

Speaking from the Leander Club in Berkshire, he was asked whether his goal is to ensure no transgender woman can access female-only spaces.

The PM said there was a "lack of clarity in the law" that is "risking the safety of women and girls". 

He said sex should mean biological sex, and that providers of single-sex spaces will be "able to protect women and girls and ensure their safety and security". 

Mr Sunak hit out at the SNP's plan to make gender recognition on a self-ID basis, saying it "wasn't right".

But he denied the Tories were "stoking culture wars" on the issue.

"It builds on our track record of treating these issues sensitively and with compassion, as of course we should," he insisted.

But he said protecting women and girls was "paramount in all of our minds".

Veterans minister Johnny Mercer has just responded to Sir Keir Starmer's speech pitching Labour as the "party of defence".

He pointed to the party's previously leader and now independent candidate, Jeremy Corbyn, "who said we should turn the army into a peace corps".

"Keir Starmer supported him not once, but twice. So the idea that a leopard can change its spots in this way is obviously taking the British public for fools."

He also hit out at the Labour leader for not matching the Conservatives' commitment to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, and instead saying they'll do it when economic conditions allow.

And on the nuclear deterrent, Mr Mercer noted that the shadow foreign secretary and deputy Labour leader voted against renewing Trident eight years ago.

"If you're serious about nuclear deterrent, if you're serious about defence, you're serious about veterans, I think voting for Labour is extremely dangerous."

The Scottish first minister has criticised Sir Keir Starmer's defence speech this morning, where Labour reaffirmed its commitment to the nuclear triple lock. 

Speaking from a dairy farm in Stirling, John Swinney said the SNP believes there is not a place for a nuclear deterrent in our society.

The party has always opposed nuclear weapons, he said. 

Nuclear deterrent 'never going to be used'

Mr Swinney said it was "not acceptable" to spend money on the Trident nuclear missile system while conventional defence forces were being "starved" of funding. 

We are now living in a "dangerous world", he said, and conventional forces are there to defend us. 

He argued Trident is a system "that's never going to be used". 

Labour should "get their priorities right", he said, adding it should be investing in conventional weaponry, getting out of the Trident system and ending years of Conservative austerity. 

It's lunchtime - here's what you need to know as the second full week of campaigning gets under way.

Sir Keir Starmer has been pitching his party as strong on national security, while Rishi Sunak is focusing on gender issues.

Let us get you up to speed on everything you may have missed today…

• Labour  has been pitching itself as the "party of defence" as it hammers home the message that it has "changed" since the Jeremy Corbyn era;
• Sir Keir Starmer  delivered a speech saying that "a new age of insecurity has begun", and that under Labour, "national security will always come first";
• He said he would be "prepared to use nuclear weapons" if needed to defend the UK;
• But he was put on the defensive when it was noted that a number of members of his shadow cabinet - including his shadow foreign secretary and deputy party leader - previously voted against renewing the Trident nuclear deterrent submarine programme;
• Our  political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh  said Labour "clearly have it in their mind that they don't want to go into this election - like they did in 2019 - with a wavering view on the nuclear deterrent";
• Sir Keir was also questioned on the war in Gaza, and he said, if elected, he would request fresh legal advice on Israel's compliance with international law to see if arms sales should be halted.
• The Conservative Party  has announced plans to change the Equality Act to ensure "biological sex" is a protected characteristic;
• The aim is to make it "simpler for service providers for women and girls, such as those running sessions for domestic abuse victims, to prevent biological males from taking part";
• Speaking to Sky News, cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch was put on the spot about why the government had not already done that, and she said the "biggest reason" was the SNP's controversial gender recognition legislation that "took up quite a lot of bandwidth"
• Our political correspondent Rob Powell  said the party is "targeting the traditional Tory core vote", as well as trying to "stop leakage to Reform".
• The Liberal Democrats have been out and about promoting their pledge to expand marine protected areas and bring in a new Blue Flag status for rivers, which would set legally binding targets to prevent sewage dumping in those sites;
• SNP  leader John Swinney has been out on the campaign trail meeting voters and getting his party's message out;
• Reform UK  have also been campaigning - and Nigel Farage has announced an "emergency" news conference for 4pm. Follow Sky News for the latest.

And set your alarms for 5pm when Sky News will be publishing the first YouGov poll-based projection of the campaign.

It will be a seat-by-seat poll, so we'll bring you YouGov's projected election winner and the size of the majority - plus the names of any big beasts set to lose their seats.

Here are a couple of other stories that may interest you:

Our essential political podcast,  Politics At Jack And Sam's , is going out every week day through the election campaign to bring a short burst of everything you need to know about the day ahead as this election unfolds - here is today's edition .

Tap here to follow Politics At Jack At Sam's wherever you get your podcasts .

Stick with us for all the latest throughout the afternoon.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper is on the campaign trail in Henley-on-Thames, an area that she says has been affected by raw sewage dumping.

She says it is an "environmental catastrophe" that has been damaging wildlife as well as affecting the popular Henley Royal Regatta. 

"When people pull up their boats here, they have to wash them down," she tells a crowd of supporters. 

Ms Cooper says her party has a plan to tackle the crisis and will "put an end" to raw sewage dumping. 

She adds that people are "sick of this Conservative government". 

Our political correspondent Rob Powell is following the Tory campaign in Oxfordshire, where the PM is focusing largely on sports clubs. 

This is linked to the policy announcement today that the Conservatives will shake up the Equality Act and ensure "biological sex" is a protected characteristic. 

Rob explains that under the changes, places such as prisons or rape crisis centres could say they are solely for people whose biological sex is female. 

He says the party is "targeting the traditional Tory core vote", as well as trying to "stop leakage to Reform". 

But he also believes the Tories are trying to "put Labour on the spot to find out what they would do". 

Labour have said they wouldn't amend the Equality Act as they don't think there's a need, but that guidance should be updated. 

Supporters of Labour are much more split on the issue than Conservative voters, Rob says. 

He adds the Tories want to "pose that question to Labour" and are "setting up for the head-to-head debates in the coming days".

Labour has today launched an attack on Rishi Sunak, saying he earned a fortune working at a hedge fund that engineered a deal that was described as "extremely risky" around the financial crisis.

Sir Keir Starmer is asked by a journalist from The Guardian why Labour has waited so long to scrutinise the PM's record in his past career in finance.

He replies: "We have raised this before. I think it is relevant at this election for the voters to know what did the two candidates for prime minister do before they came into politics.

"I was working for the Crown Prosecution Service … trying to protect those who live in the United Kingdom from crime - Rishi Sunak was making money betting against the country in the financial crisis.

"I think that's for him to answer as to what he was doing before he came into politics."

That concludes the news conference with the Labour leader.

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