What is single trip travel insurance?

Single trip travel insurance is a one-off policy that covers you for one trip away from home. Whether it’s a beach holiday, city escape or a longer adventure, this type of insurance is designed to protect you just for that one trip. Once you’re back, the cover ends, with no ongoing cost.

It can be ideal if you’re not planning multiple holidays in the year ahead. You can tailor your policy to the trip, with cover for things like medical emergencies, cancellations and lost luggage. You can also include cover for other people you’re travelling with – whether that’s your partner, family or a group of friends – so everyone’s protected under one policy.

Single trip policies are often cheaper than annual travel insurance policies. And because they’re focused on just that one getaway, you’re not paying for cover you don’t need. It’s a straightforward, flexible option that lets you get on with enjoying your trip.

Why choose single trip travel insurance?

If you’re heading off on a one-off holiday, a single trip travel insurance policy is a simple, affordable way to get the cover you need. Whether it’s a quick city break or a longer trip abroad, it protects you from the unexpected — like a cancelled flight, lost suitcase or medical emergency.

Single trip cover might be ideal if you don’t travel that often, or if you just want to match your insurance exactly to the dates and destination of your next trip. There’s no need to pay for a whole year of cover you won’t use. You just get what you need, when you need it.

Here’s why single trip travel insurance might make sense for you:

  • Pay-as-you-go cover: Save on cover by just getting insurance for the one trip you're taking. No extras, no waste.

  • Tailored to your travel plans: Choose exactly where you’re going, when you’re going, and what you want covered.

  • Add travel companions: You can include your partner, family or friends on the same policy to keep things simple.

  • Flexible trip lengths: Choose the cover you need, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a fortnight holiday or a three-month cruise.

  • Tailor it: Add extras to match your travel style and plans.

What does single trip travel insurance cover?

With single trip travel insurance, you’re usually covered for all the basics you want for peace of mind on your trips. Depending on the insurer, you’ll typically be protected against unexpected medical emergencies, travel hiccups and more, including:

  • Emergency medical treatment: Covers hospital stays, surgery and treatment for injuries and sudden illnesses listed in the policy.

  • Trip cancellations: Protection if you can no longer travel due to reasons covered by the policy.

  • Travel documents, money and delayed luggage: Compensation for personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.

  • Missed departure: Cover for additional travel and accommodation costs if you miss your scheduled transport due to an unexpected delay, provided it’s for a reason included in the policy.

  • Covers UK breaks too: Some insurers include domestic trips, subject to their terms and conditions.

  • Emergency repatriation: Getting you safely back home if you need urgent medical care abroad or due to a bereavement.

  • Cover for sporting activities: Some policies include cover for a range of listed sports and activities at no extra cost, though some exclusions will apply, especially for high-risk sports.

If you want more tailored cover, many providers let you add extra benefits like:

  • Winter sports cover for skiing, snowboarding and other snowy adventures.

  • Cruise cover for holidays on the water.

  • Gadget insurance for phones, cameras, and laptops.

  • Adventure activity cover for things like scuba diving, hiking or zip-lining.

  • Business travel cover for work trips abroad.

  • Golfing cover insures your golf clubs and equipment if they’re lost, stolen or damaged, plus extras like cover for non-refundable green fees if you’re too ill or injured to play.

What isn’t covered?

Even the best travel insurance has its limits, so it’s good to know what’s not usually covered. Here are a few examples of when you probably won’t be able to claim, depending on the insurer.

  • Changed your mind? Unfortunately, you can’t usually claim if you just decide not to go.

  • Travelling somewhere risky? You won’t be covered if you head to a country the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) says not to visit.

  • Drinking or drugs involved? Accidents that happen while under the influence often aren’t covered.

  • Pre-existing conditions not declared? If you haven’t told your insurer about a medical condition, claims might be rejected.

  • Caught a tropical disease without jabs? You’ll need the right vaccinations, or your claim could be denied.

  • Doing extreme sports? Activities like skiing or scuba diving might not be covered unless you add them on.

If you’re unsure what is or isn’t covered, always check with your insurer or refer to your policy documentation.

How long can a single trip travel insurance policy last?

Single trip travel insurance covers the duration of one specific holiday or journey, from the day you leave home until you return. The length of time it covers a single trip for can vary between providers, with examples including 90 and 120 days.

That said, some insurers offer cover for a trip of up to a year. Bear in mind the maximum length of cover for a single trip might reduce as you get older, so do check the small print before deciding.

Planning a longer trip? At least one provider offers long stay travel insurance, which provides cover for a trip of up to 18 months!

It’s important to check the maximum trip length allowed by your policy before purchasing, especially if you’re planning an extended holiday or long stay abroad. Staying longer than your policy covers – even by a day – could invalidate your insurance and leave you without protection.

How much does single trip travel insurance cost?

The cost of single trip travel insurance varies based on factors like your age, medical history, where you are travelling to, and the level of cover you go for. It also depends on whether you’re taking out a policy just for yourself or for a couple, family or group.

Here are some of the key influences on the cost of your single trip travel insurance:

Your age

Premiums typically rise with age, as insurers tend to view older individuals as more likely to make a claim. But it’s worth comparing providers to see who has the best deal. Note also that some insurers may impose an upper age limit for their policies – say for example 75 – although some providers offer single trip cover with no maximum age.

Pre-existing medical conditions

These may lead to higher premiums, but they don’t necessarily prevent you from getting cover. It’s important to declare any conditions honestly when applying, otherwise your insurer may be unable to pay out for claims relating to them. While the upfront cost may be more when you’re honest, it’s a safer option than risking large medical bills abroad or being left uninsured when you need help most.

Where you are going

The world is organised into five different regions by travel insurance companies, and each may be priced differently.

Policy excess

This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your premium, but make sure it’s an amount you could afford to pay if something goes wrong. Likewise, lower excesses may mean higher premiums but smaller out-of-pocket costs if you need to claim.

Travel insurance guides

Answering your questions about single trip travel insurance

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Page updated on 11th July 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom