Travelling with your family is the perfect way to make lasting memories. Although we don’t like to think about anything going wrong whilst we’re going on holiday, it’s always best to take out family travel insurance to protect your loved ones against any unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance is important for anyone going abroad, but it can be especially helpful when travelling with children or elderly family members.
What is family travel insurance?
Family travel insurance policies typically cover one or two adults who reside at the same address, along with at least one child aged 18 or under who permanently lives with them. Policies can cover up to 8 children, and many policies can also cover stepchildren, foster children and adopted children. However, you will need to check individual travel insurance policies on whether it covers children who don’t permanently live with you. Some policies will cover grandparents, which is suitable for those taking a multi-generational holiday.
Regardless of your family dynamic, you’ll be able to find a family insurance policy to suit your needs; however, it's crucial to read the policy details to check exactly what you’re covered for.
If you’re embarking on a family holiday, it makes sense to buy a family travel insurance policy to ensure everyone is covered under one convenient plan.
Benefits of family travel insurance
Convenience
You will have one set of documents to keep track of, and one place to make claims.
Lower cost
Family travel insurance is more cost-effective compared to taking out individual plans.
Add younger children for free
Some providers allow you to add younger children for free.
Protection
Protect against pre-existing conditions, medical emergencies, lost or stolen possessions, and trip disruptions.
Flexibility
Some annual multi-trip policies will cover trips throughout the year, where the entire family isn’t going. This saves you from having to take out additional policies.
Peace of mind
Family travel insurance provides peace of mind for your family trip.
What does family travel insurance cover?
Disruptions and cancellations
If you must cancel or cut your holiday short, missed departures, delayed flights, cancelled flights, or accommodation that is out of your control.
Medical treatment abroad
If you or a member of your family becomes ill or has an accident, medical insurance can protect some or all of the costs of emergency medical treatments abroad.
Repatriation
If you need to end your trip in the case of an emergency, travel insurance will help cover the cost of arranging your repatriation.
Lost or stolen belongings
Personal items will be covered if they haven’t been left unattended.
Lost of delayed baggage
Reimbursement for lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage.
Personal Liability
Legal expenses may be covered if you are found liable for accidental injury or damage to others while traveling.
Lost or stolen passports
Covers the cost of lost or stolen passports, including replacement fees, emergency travel documents, and potentially additional costs such as extra accommodation or flights.
What isn’t covered?
Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions that haven’t been disclosed.
Children travelling without the adults on the policy
For instance, children being taken abroad by family friends, or unaccompanied on a school trip.
Accidents whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you have an accident or injury as a result of being under the influence, you won’t be covered.
Injuries or accidents caused by extreme activities
This refers to extreme sports, which aren’t covered by your policy.
Traveling to unsafe places as advised by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Missed flights that are within your control
Cancelling a trip before departure.
This may not be covered unless you have taken out trip cancellation cover.
Stolen cash
Types of Family Travel Insurance Policy
Single-trip family travel insurance policies cover one trip for specified dates.
Annual multi-trip policies cover multiple trips taken over a year, often with a maximum duration per trip. Annual policies may cover adult family members traveling separately, but children may need to be accompanied by an adult to ensure their coverage is valid.
European travel insurance covers destinations in Europe and is typically cheaper than worldwide travel insurance.
Worldwide travel insurance covers you for almost all destinations, including the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. These destinations have costly medical expenses, resulting in higher premiums.
UK travel insurance is typically covered under annual multi-trip policies. It covers lost or stolen luggage and trip cancellation. Internal flight disruption may be covered, but check the policy wording.
Family travel insurance with pre-existing conditions
You can get family travel insurance for family members travelling with pre-existing medical conditions. Each family member must disclose all pre-existing medical conditions when taking out their policy. Failure to do so will result in the policy being void should you need to make a claim.
When applying, you will need to inform the insurance provider of:
Any condition for which you are waiting for an operation or investigation.
Any medical condition for which you’re currently awaiting test results.
Any medical condition, even a minor one, that you’ve seen a doctor about in the past year.
Any serious condition – cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems – you’ve ever had.
Been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Typically, pre-existing medical conditions increase the cost of a policy, due to the increased likelihood of medical treatment being required while abroad.
Pre-existing conditions include:
Diabetes
Heart conditions
Asthma & respiratory problems
Mental health issues
Chronic illness – Crohn’s, IBS, Cancer
You must declare if you are pregnant to cover yourself for any emergencies that may arise
How much does family travel insurance cost?
The cost of family travel insurance can vary, but tends to cost between £29 for a single-trip policy to £74 for an annual multi-trip policy.
Factors affecting cost:
The number of family members travelling.
The more people on your policy, the higher the premium tends to be.
Ages of family members
Young children may be free with some travel insurers, and elderly travellers tend to be more expensive due to increased health risks.
The destination
Travelling to the US, Canada or The Caribbean will be more expensive compared with European destinations.
Length of trip
Pre-existing medical conditions
Type of policy
Depending on how many trips you plan to take, an annual multi-trip policy may work out cheaper than taking out single-trip cover each time you travel.
Add-ons
Taking out additional cover for gadgets, trip cancellation, winter sports, or missed flights will increase the cost.
Which travel insurer is best for my family holiday?
We've compiled some of the best family travel insurance policies to help you choose the best coverage for you.
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Insure & Escape 'Essential' |
Insurefor.com 'Economy' |
Coverwise 'Silver Plus' |
Tesco 'Bronze' |
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*Based on a family of 4, travelling to Spain on a single-trip policy
Tips for family travel insurance
Make sure you and your family have all the necessary vaccinations prior to travel.
Pack a small first aid kit that includes any necessary medication, and basic first aid supplies.
Make sure you obtain GHIC and EHIC for every family member.
Prioritise medical coverage when taking out insurance as children can be unpredictable.
Look for family travel insurance that offers 24/7 support to help with paediatric-specific needs.
Check trip cancellation benefits as children tend to pick up illnesses.
FAQs
Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions when buying family travel insurance?
Yes, it is essential to declare all pre-existing conditions for each family member.
Can I buy family travel insurance for a single trip, or do I need an annual policy?
Yes, you can buy a single-trip policy for a family holiday.
What is the difference between single-trip and annual multi-trip family travel insurance policies?
Single-trip policies cover you for one family trip. Annual multi-trip policies cover you for multiple trips over 12 months, with the added benefit of some policies covering adult family members who need to travel separately during those 12 months.
Will each family member need the EHIC/GHIC?
Yes, each family member will need an EHIC/GHIC card.
Can I get a family policy for winter sports?
Yes, it is possible to get winter sports cover for the whole family. You may need to choose a specialist winter sports policy or select this as an add-on.
Does family travel insurance cover individuals?
Yes, family travel insurance typically covers individuals traveling separately, particularly if it’s an annual multi-trip policy. Adults covered are generally insured to travel independently. However, in most cases, children will need to be traveling with an adult named on the policy for coverage.
Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to a family illness?
Most family travel insurance policies will cover you for non-refundable expenses when cancelling due to family illness. You will need to provide a medical certificate or other documentation from the doctor to support your claim.
Can I get family travel insurance as a divorced or separated parent?
Family travel insurance is available to separated or divorced parents. These policies cover either one or two adults and their children. Some policies require the adults to reside at the same address, however, some travel insurers do offer single-parent policies.
Are my stepchildren covered under my family travel insurance policy?
Stepchildren living at the same address or are financially dependent on the policyholder, are typically covered under your family travel insurance policy. If not, they may need to get separate travel insurance for the child.
Are there age restrictions for children covered under family travel insurance?
Most policies will cover children under the age of 18, with some extending this to 23. Age limits will vary depending on the travel provider, so please check the policy details.
Do I need family travel insurance for a holiday in the UK?
It is not required, but it is recommended to cover you against lost or stolen luggage, trip disruptions or cancellations and provide you with peace of mind.
How do I choose the best travel insurance provider for my family’s needs?
Make sure you do your research and compare providers using GoCompare, Compare the Market, or Money Saving Expert.
Ensure you declare all pre-existing conditions, check the age limits of children and any elderly travellers, and if you have any specialist requirements it’s worth looking for a specialist travel provider or selecting an add-on that meets your needs.
Check the policy wording and all details you’ve provided on the policy are correct.
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