- The best travel insurance plans for United Kingdom
- Is it safe to travel to the United Kingdom?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter the United Kingdom?
- Why take out travel insurance for the United Kingdom?
- What should travel insurance for the United Kingdom cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for United Kingdom
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to the United Kingdom
- Will my current insurance cover me in the United Kingdom?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for United Kingdom: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the UK covers medical costs, cancellations, and other unexpected travel-related incidents.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is vital for costs not covered by the reciprocal agreement.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical evacuation from the UK can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the UK typically costs between AUD $40 and $80.
5. Good to know: Australian citizens must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 42 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the United Kingdom.
The best travel insurance plans for United Kingdom
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Strong, well-rounded cover for United Kingdom travel. - high medical ceiling - hospitalisation abroad - covers COVID-19 risk |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Good for business or family trips to the United Kingdom. - 24/7 support - cancellation options - clear exclusions |
| Tourist Card | AUD 0.8M | Solid choice for holidays or city visits. - competitive medical ceiling - includes theft protection - user-friendly claim process |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Comprehensive for active or longer stays. - repatriation covered - travel disruption - multiple trip cover |
| Globe Partner | AUD 0.5M | Suitable for budget-conscious travellers wanting essential cover. - hospital and GP costs - public liability coverage - simple documents |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 0.8M | Accessible plan for short United Kingdom visits. - quick setup - good basic medical - fast assistance and claims |
- high medical ceiling
- hospitalisation abroad
- covers COVID-19 risk
- 24/7 support
- cancellation options
- clear exclusions
- competitive medical ceiling
- includes theft protection
- user-friendly claim process
- repatriation covered
- travel disruption
- multiple trip cover
- hospital and GP costs
- public liability coverage
- simple documents
- quick setup
- good basic medical
- fast assistance and claims
Is it safe to travel to the United Kingdom?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australian travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in United Kingdom, primarily due to the persistent threat of terrorism and incidents of petty theft in major cities.
- Security risks: terrorism remains a credible risk across the country, especially in areas like London and Manchester with large public gatherings, transport hubs, and stadiums. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common around tourist sites, train stations, and busy shopping districts.
- Health risks: medical facilities are broadly comparable to those found in Australia, but not all costs are covered for visitors. The reciprocal healthcare agreement covers emergency GP and hospital visits for short stays but will not pay for ambulance transport or medical evacuation, which can be costly.
- Legal requirements: from 2025, Australian citizens must have an ETA before travel. UK authorities enforce strict identity checks at the border. It is illegal to carry or use personal protection sprays such as pepper spray.
- Cultural norms: respect local customs in places of worship, including removing hats or covering shoulders. Drinking alcohol is prohibited on some forms of public transport, such as the London Underground.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in United Kingdom.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter the United Kingdom?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian travellers to enter United Kingdom for stays under six months.
Travel insurance is still highly recommended because the reciprocal healthcare agreement only covers basic GP and hospital treatment. Costs for ambulance services, private treatment, and medical evacuation from United Kingdom can be very high.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to United Kingdom. This high percentage is primarily due to the expensive healthcare system and the risk of needing emergency medical support.
Why take out travel insurance for the United Kingdom?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to United Kingdom.
While United Kingdom offers high-quality healthcare, not all services are free for foreigners. At private hospitals like The London Clinic or Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London, costs can accumulate quickly for emergency care or surgery. Even public care is usually limited for short-term visitors from AU outside emergency situations, with ambulance or private treatment billed separately.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in United Kingdom.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at The London Clinic | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | £4,000 (approx. AUD 7,600) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | £2,500 (approx. AUD 4,750) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | £30,000 (approx. AUD 57,000) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | £6,500 (approx. AUD 12,350) | 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 United Kingdom cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for United Kingdom.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital, surgery, and doctor's fees in case of illness or accident. Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000. |
| 💊 Medications | Covers prescription drugs if needed during your stay. Recommended limit: minimum AUD 1,000. |
| 🚑 Ambulance and evacuation | Pays for road ambulance and emergency evacuation to AU in serious cases. Recommended limit: AUD 200,000. |
| 🛬 Repatriation | Covers return to AU for medical reasons or following a major accident. Recommended limit: AUD 200,000. |
| 👛 Theft and loss of luggage | Compensation for lost or stolen baggage, personal items, or travel documents. Recommended limit: AUD 3,000. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or interruption | Refunds travel costs if you must cancel or return early due to illness, family emergency, or other valid reasons. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000. |
| 👧 Personal liability | Covers costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended limit: AUD 1,000,000. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Provides legal help if needed. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000. |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000.
Recommended limit: minimum AUD 1,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 200,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 200,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 3,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 1,000,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000.
Travel insurance from banks, airlines or basic card providers often comes with reduced coverage limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive coverage. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe instantly online for immediate certification.
The cost of travel insurance for United Kingdom
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 55 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 80 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 120 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 195 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
Heading to the UK? Your travel insurance cost depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, level of cover, pre-existing medical conditions, and any extras like cancellation cover. Considering these will help you, as an Aussie traveller, find the right policy for your British adventure and avoid any nasty 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 to pay less for your travel insurance to the United Kingdom
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to United Kingdom while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip duration | The longer your stay, the higher the premium. Only pay for the days you’re actually in United Kingdom. | Choose coverage matching your exact travel dates and avoid adding extra days you won’t use. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Age influences premiums, with higher pricing for older travellers. Senior coverage is essential if needed. | Compare quotes between insurers, as Heymondo does not increase rates for over 62s. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | High medical limits are important given UK costs, but extra add-ons may raise the price unnecessarily. | Select only essential coverage like medical and repatriation, and skip unnecessary extras. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group policies might offer lower average costs per person. | Opt for group or family plans to benefit from bundled rates instead of separate solo plans. |
| 🏄♂️ Activities covered | Some sports or risky activities raise premiums. Choose cover based on planned activities in United Kingdom. | Exclude high-risk activities if not relevant, as this lowers your basic travel insurance cost. |
| 💳 Payment method | Some credit cards in AU include basic cover for overseas trips, which can supplement a custom plan. | Check your card’s included insurance and adjust your paid policy to fill only the gaps. |
| ⏱️ Advance booking | Insurers sometimes offer better rates for booking early, especially outside peak travel times. | Book early and compare offers well ahead of your trip for possible discounts. |
Will my current insurance cover me in the United Kingdom?
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or Australia’s public health system—can cover you during a trip to United Kingdom. Unfortunately, these types of insurance rarely provide adequate protection abroad.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in United Kingdom? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Yes, partly | Some public GP/hospital care via reciprocal agreement. Excludes medical evacuation, routine dental, private care | Travel insurance reimburses up to AUD 1,000,000 medical and emergency evacuation, including private facilities and evacuation to Australia. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, HCF) | Yes, partly | Limited emergency overseas cover (usually AUD 50,000), no repatriation, excludes trip cancellation or baggage | Travel insurance includes up to AUD 1,000,000 for medical, plus lost luggage and trip cancellation. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Westpac Low Rate, NAB Classic) | Yes, partly | Generally up to AUD 20,000 to 50,000 for medical. Often excludes tech, valuables, trip curtailment | Travel insurance protects up to AUD 1,000,000 and always includes higher limits and wider coverage. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude, NAB Platinum) | Yes, partly | Medical usually capped at AUD 200,000, some trip delay/baggage loss. Card use conditions apply. | Travel insurance provides AUD 1,000,000+ for emergencies, with cover regardless of how you paid for your trip. |
Example
After a serious fall in the Lake District, Liam needed an air ambulance to London, costing AU$45,000. The reciprocal health agreement didn't cover medical evacuation, and his CommBank credit card insurance only paid AU$2,000. Without specific travel insurance, he faced an unexpected AU$43,000 bill for the flight alone.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance coverage. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to United Kingdom?
If you are an Australian citizen travelling to United Kingdom for tourism for less than 6 months, you do not need a visa. However, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you go. The ETA is required for each traveller, costs £16, and is valid for multiple visits over two years.
How do I purchase travel insurance for United Kingdom?
To purchase travel insurance for United Kingdom, start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review what each policy covers and check for exclusions relevant to United Kingdom, including medical and theft-related guarantees. Buy your chosen policy online, then download or receive your insurance certificate by email.
Are there medical risks for Australians travelling to United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has a high standard of healthcare similar to Australia. Through the reciprocal agreement, limited care at public hospitals is available for Australians, but it does not include medical evacuation or private facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised to cover emergencies, private treatment, and costly evacuation, which are not covered by public arrangements.
What should I look for in a travel insurance policy for United Kingdom?
Focus on key benefits such as high coverage for medical expenses, hospitalisation, personal liability, and theft. Check that the policy includes medical evacuation and 24/7 assistance. Select a policy that also covers cancellation and delays, as these situations may occur, especially due to strikes or adverse weather.
How much does travel insurance to United Kingdom typically cost from Australia?
Travel insurance prices for United Kingdom vary depending on the traveller's age, trip length, and coverage selected. For a two-week trip, expect to pay between AUD 60 and AUD 150 per traveller for a comprehensive policy. Compare multiple offers and read the product disclosure statement to make sure you are getting value appropriate to your needs.
What should I do if I lose my passport or belongings in United Kingdom?
If your passport or valuables are lost or stolen, notify the local police and your travel insurer as soon as possible to get a report. You should also contact the Australian High Commission in London for assistance with replacement travel documents. Your travel insurance may cover costs for lost or stolen items up to specific claim limits.
Do I need a visa to travel to United Kingdom?
If you are an Australian citizen travelling to United Kingdom for tourism for less than 6 months, you do not need a visa. However, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you go. The ETA is required for each traveller, costs £16, and is valid for multiple visits over two years.
How do I purchase travel insurance for United Kingdom?
To purchase travel insurance for United Kingdom, start by comparing policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review what each policy covers and check for exclusions relevant to United Kingdom, including medical and theft-related guarantees. Buy your chosen policy online, then download or receive your insurance certificate by email.
Are there medical risks for Australians travelling to United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has a high standard of healthcare similar to Australia. Through the reciprocal agreement, limited care at public hospitals is available for Australians, but it does not include medical evacuation or private facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised to cover emergencies, private treatment, and costly evacuation, which are not covered by public arrangements.
What should I look for in a travel insurance policy for United Kingdom?
Focus on key benefits such as high coverage for medical expenses, hospitalisation, personal liability, and theft. Check that the policy includes medical evacuation and 24/7 assistance. Select a policy that also covers cancellation and delays, as these situations may occur, especially due to strikes or adverse weather.
How much does travel insurance to United Kingdom typically cost from Australia?
Travel insurance prices for United Kingdom vary depending on the traveller's age, trip length, and coverage selected. For a two-week trip, expect to pay between AUD 60 and AUD 150 per traveller for a comprehensive policy. Compare multiple offers and read the product disclosure statement to make sure you are getting value appropriate to your needs.
What should I do if I lose my passport or belongings in United Kingdom?
If your passport or valuables are lost or stolen, notify the local police and your travel insurer as soon as possible to get a report. You should also contact the Australian High Commission in London for assistance with replacement travel documents. Your travel insurance may cover costs for lost or stolen items up to specific claim limits.
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