Single trip travel insurance
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RACWhat is single trip travel insurance?
Single trip travel insurance covers one trip for a set amount of time. It provides protection against unforeseen events like medical emergencies, cancellation or curtailment, and lost luggage.
Single trip travel insurance can be tailored for domestic (UK), European, or worldwide travel.
How much is single trip holiday cover?
The average cost of a single trip travel policy is £3.63*. How much you pay for single trip holiday cover depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Level of cover: If your policy has higher cancellation or luggage limits, you can expect to pay more.
- Duration: Longer trips increase the cost of the policy.
- Destination: Trips to the USA, Canada and the Caribbean are usually more expensive because medical treatment costs more in these destinations.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions can increase the cost of your policy.
- Age: Older travellers may pay more due to added risk.
Single trip cover is usually cheaper if you only plan to take one trip a year, as you only pay for the specific dates and destination.
However, annual multi-trip cover is almost always more cost-effective if you travel twice or more per year, because you avoid paying for multiple separate policies.
*Cheapest price for single trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions, travelling to Spain for 3 nights. Uswitch data, May 2026.
Why choose single trip insurance?
Single trip travel insurance is ideal for infrequent travellers who only plan to take one or two holidays a year.
If you're only taking one or two trips, this type of policy is typically more cost-effective than an annual/multi-trip policy. You can also tailor the policy to your destination (e.g., a specific country).
Single trip vs annual multi-trip - which is best for me?
Whether to take out single trip or multi-trip insurance depends on how often you travel. If you plan to take one or two trips, single-trip insurance is likely your best option. But if you're planning on taking multiple trips within a 12-month period, annual or multi-trip insurance is a more cost-effective choice.
If you are taking multiple trips within a year, annual travel insurance might also be more convenient, as it saves you from taking out multiple policies. With single trip cover, you’ll need to buy a new policy each time you travel.
What does a single trip policy usually cover?
A single trip policy covers one holiday or journey and can include:
- Emergency medical expenses: Medical treatment, hospital fees and repatriation if you become ill or injured abroad.
- Cancellation or curtailment: Cover if you need to cancel, cut short or delay your trip due to illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances like bereavement.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged possessions: Financial protection for your luggage, personal items, and some gadgets. Check the single-item limit carefully, as you may need to take out separate, more comprehensive cover for expensive tech or valuables.
- Travel disruptions: This can include missed departures, severe delays and flight cancellations.
How to get cheap short-trip travel insurance
Here are some ways to reduce the cost of short-trip travel insurance:
Compare providers
The best way to save is to compare. With Uswitch, you can compare a wide variety of providers to help you find cover that suits your needs and budget.
Increase your voluntary excess
This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Increasing your voluntary excess can lower your premium, but make sure the amount is still affordable, as you'll need to pay it in the event of a claim.
Consider group policies
If you're travelling with family or as a couple, getting a joint policy is often cheaper than separate individual policies.
Only pay for what you need
Avoid unnecessary add-ons and ensure your cover is tailored to include only what you need.
"A good single trip policy should include emergency medical cover (ideally £10 million or more for places like the USA), cancellation cover in case your trip is cut short, and cover for baggage, personal belongings, and travel delay. Check to see if your insurer offers 24/7 emergency assistance, which connects you to support wherever you are in the world.
The good news is that comprehensive cover doesn't have to be expensive. Because you're only paying for one trip rather than a whole year of travel, single trip policies are usually the most affordable level of cover, and perfect if you're just going on one holiday a year. Through Uswitch, the average cost of a single trip policy is just £3.63*"
Short-term travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions
Short-term travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions is available, but you must declare all conditions before taking out a policy. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy and leave you to cover the cost of medical fees yourself.
You'll need to declare all diagnosed conditions, medications, and recent treatments. If you're struggling to find a policy that covers your condition, specialist policies are available, though your premiums will typically be higher because of the increased risk.
When should I buy travel insurance?
The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after you book a trip. This means you're covered for cancellations or problems before you travel.
Travel insurance can become more expensive closer to your departure date, so it's worth buying early. Getting your travel insurance sorted as soon as possible means less added stress, providing financial cover against unforeseen events.
How do I get a quote?
Getting a quote with Uswitch is quick and simple. We just need a few details from you to start comparing single trip quotes, including:
Where and when you are travelling
Personal details including your name, date of birth and email address
Who you want cover for (Individual, a couple, family or group)
Any optional extras you want to add to your policy?
Any medical conditions that you need cover for
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Compare single-trip policies from UK leading providers for your next trip.
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