The Best Travel Insurance Plans for UK in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for UK
- Is it currently safe to travel to the UK?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter the UK?
- Why take out travel insurance for the UK?
- What should travel insurance for the UK cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for UK
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to the UK?
- Will my current insurance cover me in the UK?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for UK: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the UK covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended to cover potential high medical costs.
3. Healthcare cost: A single night in a UK hospital can easily cost foreign visitors over $1,500 CAD.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the UK typically costs between $30 and $70 CAD.
5. Good to know: Canadians now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the UK.
The best travel insurance plans for UK
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | Ideal for trips to UK with broad coverage and high ceiling. - excellent medical limit- emergency repatriation- coverage for epidemic risk |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Reliable for UK. Sound protection for emergencies and health events. - large ceiling- 24/7 assistance- covers hospitalisation costs |
| Tourist Card | 750k CA$ | Suitable for basic UK travel needs and tourist visits. - strong core cover- emergency and illness- transparent pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | Well-balanced for longer or family stays in the UK. - substantial medical coverrepatriation- works for all regions of the UK |
| Globe Partner | 450k CA$ | Good option for students and work stays. - all essential guarantees- reimbursement for outpatient care- civil liability included |
| Globe Traveller | 750k CA$ | Good value for short and risk-limited trips. - essential medical cover- easy claims process- rapid payout in the UK |
- excellent medical limit- emergency repatriation- coverage for epidemic risk
- large ceiling- 24/7 assistance- covers hospitalisation costs
- strong core cover- emergency and illness- transparent pricing
- substantial medical coverrepatriation- works for all regions of the UK
- all essential guarantees- reimbursement for outpatient care- civil liability included
- essential medical cover- easy claims process- rapid payout in the UK
Is it currently safe to travel to the UK?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting the UK. This is because of a persistently elevated threat of terrorism and ongoing public health concerns.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the terrorism threat remains at “substantial” across the UK, meaning an attack is a strong possibility. Public spaces such as airports, transport hubs, and tourist sites in London and Manchester have been targeted in past incidents.
- Health risks: ongoing measles outbreaks have been reported in several regions, with over 100 confirmed cases monthly this spring. All travellers should ensure their MMR vaccinations are up to date, and note that healthcare for non-residents is subject to charges.
- Legal requirements: all Canadian citizens now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entry, with a mandatory £16 fee. Border officials may also request proof of sufficient funds and onward travel on arrival.
- Environmental hazards: tick-borne encephalitis is present in wooded areas from April to November, particularly in rural Scotland and the South of England. Travellers should be alert when hiking and use appropriate protection.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in UK.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter the UK?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Canadian travellers entering UK.
It is strongly recommended because while the UK healthcare system is excellent, non-residents must pay for most medical services, which can be extremely expensive in private clinics or for emergency care. Travel insurance protects against unexpected health expenses, hospitalization, repatriation, lost luggage, and trip cancellation, especially during current health risks and ongoing public health alerts.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to UK, mainly due to the high cost of medical care and the unpredictability of personal emergencies during short or extended visits.
Why take out travel insurance for the UK?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to UK.
In UK, non-residents from Canada must pay for medical treatment through the National Health Service or private facilities. Serious illness or accidents may require private care at clinics such as The Wellington Hospital in London, where costs can be substantial. Emergency services, specialist treatments, or repatriation are not free and often require immediate payment.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada for major incidents.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in UK.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at The Wellington Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | £5,200 (approx. 8,900 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | £3,200 (approx. 5,500 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | £90,000 (approx. 154,000 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | £13,000 (approx. 22,200 CAD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for the UK cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for UK.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Covers urgent treatment, hospital fees and medical consultations in case of accident or illness. For UK, a minimum reimbursement limit of 250,000 CAD is recommended. |
| 🏨 Hospitalization | Pays for hospital stay, surgeries and any related medical care if you are admitted. A limit of at least 250,000 CAD is advised for UK. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Reimburses the cost of prescribed medications during your trip. A package covering up to 5,000 CAD is recommended for UK. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation & repatriation | Covers air ambulance or emergency transfer to Canada if necessary. A reimbursement limit of 250,000 CAD is recommended due to distance and costs involved. |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal effects | Protects against loss, theft or damage of your luggage and personal items. Aim for at least 2,000 CAD of coverage for UK. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered reasons. A reimbursement limit of 5,000 CAD is recommended. |
| 👨⚖️ Civil liability | Protects if you unintentionally cause injury or damage to others. A minimum coverage of 1,000,000 CAD is generally advised, especially in countries like UK. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance services | Provides ongoing support and help in emergencies, including translation, referrals and legal help. This service should always be included and available at no extra cost. |
For UK, a minimum reimbursement limit of 250,000 CAD is recommended.
A limit of at least 250,000 CAD is advised for UK.
A package covering up to 5,000 CAD is recommended for UK.
A reimbursement limit of 250,000 CAD is recommended due to distance and costs involved.
Aim for at least 2,000 CAD of coverage for UK.
A reimbursement limit of 5,000 CAD is recommended.
A minimum coverage of 1,000,000 CAD is generally advised, especially in countries like UK.
This service should always be included and available at no extra cost.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with bank cards often covers only basic situations, with low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer offering full coverage. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for UK
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 35 CAD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 56 CAD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 82 CAD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 160 CAD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for the UK is influenced by several key factors: your age, trip duration, desired coverage amount, and any pre-existing health conditions. Including options like trip cancellation will also affect the final price. Considering these points helps you select a policy that fits your needs and budget without any surprises.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to the UK?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to UK while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip duration | Shorter trips require less coverage and lower total premium. Targeted dates help reduce unnecessary costs for the UK. | Match your insurance to your real trip dates. Avoid automatically adding extra buffer days to your policy. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age can significantly affect premiums, especially for those over 60 visiting the UK’s urban and rural areas. | Compare insurers by age. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | UK medical care is high-quality but non-residents pay full charges. High ceilings may not be needed for standard tourism. | Pick a mid-range medical limit if you have no chronic conditions. This is often enough in the UK. |
| 🧳 Baggage cover | Luggage theft or loss can occur in transport hubs, but higher baggage ceilings increase overall cost. | Reduce baggage coverage ceilings if not traveling with expensive items or electronics to the UK. |
| 🏠 Accommodation cover | Some plans include extra fees for lost deposits or hotel issues, which increases premiums. | Skip “accommodation cover” if your hotel or rental provider already offers cancellation or protection services. |
| 🚶♂️ Activities insured | Adding sports or adventure coverage makes your policy more expensive. Most UK trips need only basic health and travel insurance. | Choose only the basic plan. Add extra sports or leisure only if planning uncommon activities in the UK. |
| 👨👩👧 Family or group | Policies for several people are often cheaper per traveler for single trips to the UK. | Use family or group contracts if traveling together, as it can provide overall savings and simpler management. |
Will my current insurance cover me in the UK?
It is completely reasonable to question whether your Canadian public health plan, private health insurance, or credit card coverage will protect you during your stay in the UK. Unfortunately, these protections are often limited or insufficient, especially for major emergencies or long stays.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in UK? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ, MSP, etc.) | Never | No UK coverage. Only possible partial reimbursement after return to Canada. | Travel insurance covers 250,000 CAD+ for medical care and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life) | Limited coverage | Some eligible medical expenses, often with a limit of 10,000–25,000 CAD. | Travel insurance covers 250,000 CAD+, including hospital stay and meds. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Classic, TD Classic Visa) | Limited coverage | Medical fees up to 5,000–10,000 CAD, limited trip interruption, baggage delay not covered. | Travel insurance can cover 250,000 CAD+ and travel disruptions. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Up to 100,000–150,000 CAD for medical, time-limited coverage, minimal for lost luggage. | Travel insurance may include 10M CAD, trip cancellation, 24/7 assistance. |
Example
While visiting London, David had a severe allergic reaction requiring an ambulance and emergency care, costing CA$9,000. His premium Visa card's insurance had a high deductible and only covered CA$1,500. With his provincial plan covering little abroad, he faced an unexpected CA$7,500 bill for a single, critical incident.
Expert advice
Many credit cards and provincial health plans exclude key coverages like trip interruption for a family emergency. Scrutinize your policy's fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored specifically to your trip and needs.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to UK?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to the UK lasting up to 6 months. However, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, at a cost of £16. Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay, and be prepared to show return travel documents and proof of sufficient funds.
How do I purchase travel insurance for UK?
First, compare available insurance policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review coverages and exclusions, making sure they are suited to travel in the UK. Then, purchase your preferred policy securely online. Finally, your insurance certificate will be emailed to you right away.
What should my travel insurance for the UK include?
Your travel insurance should cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation, as non-residents must pay for treatment through the National Health Service. Look for benefits such as trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability to ensure complete protection while visiting the UK.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance for the UK?
Some insurance policies will cover pre-existing medical conditions if they are declared at the time of purchase or if they are stable according to the insurer's definition. Always confirm the terms, disclose your condition honestly, and understand any related exclusions or extra premiums that may apply.
Will my travel insurance cover sports or adventure activities in the UK?
Standard travel insurance may exclude injuries from activities such as golfing, hiking, or cycling. If you are planning to take part in sports or outdoor pursuits, choose a policy that specifically includes coverage for these activities, or consider adding an adventure sports rider to your insurance.
Can I get travel insurance for multiple trips to the UK and Europe?
Many insurers offer multi-trip (annual) travel insurance plans designed for frequent travellers. These plans usually provide coverage for unlimited journeys, up to a maximum trip length per visit, and can cover both the UK and Schengen countries. Review the geographical and time limits before purchasing.
Do I need a visa to travel to UK?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to the UK lasting up to 6 months. However, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, at a cost of £16. Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay, and be prepared to show return travel documents and proof of sufficient funds.
How do I purchase travel insurance for UK?
First, compare available insurance policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, carefully review coverages and exclusions, making sure they are suited to travel in the UK. Then, purchase your preferred policy securely online. Finally, your insurance certificate will be emailed to you right away.
What should my travel insurance for the UK include?
Your travel insurance should cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation, as non-residents must pay for treatment through the National Health Service. Look for benefits such as trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability to ensure complete protection while visiting the UK.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance for the UK?
Some insurance policies will cover pre-existing medical conditions if they are declared at the time of purchase or if they are stable according to the insurer's definition. Always confirm the terms, disclose your condition honestly, and understand any related exclusions or extra premiums that may apply.
Will my travel insurance cover sports or adventure activities in the UK?
Standard travel insurance may exclude injuries from activities such as golfing, hiking, or cycling. If you are planning to take part in sports or outdoor pursuits, choose a policy that specifically includes coverage for these activities, or consider adding an adventure sports rider to your insurance.
Can I get travel insurance for multiple trips to the UK and Europe?
Many insurers offer multi-trip (annual) travel insurance plans designed for frequent travellers. These plans usually provide coverage for unlimited journeys, up to a maximum trip length per visit, and can cover both the UK and Schengen countries. Review the geographical and time limits before purchasing.
