UK Travel Insurance

Is London calling? If you’re pining for all things Pommy you’re not alone. Over 500,000 of us Aussies are drawn there each year!

Do you have a craving for Pimm’s and pies? Bet you can’t wait to explore cosmopolitan London, or take in the sights of Stonehenge. Perhaps you’ve got a touch of Welsh wanderlust or a hankering for bonnie Scotland? With more history than you can shake a stick at, the UK is perfect for those seeking a peek at times gone past. The UK keeps it in the family too, with four fascinating countries all within reach for the price of one. Plus, with Europe right on London’s doorstep, Paris is just a hop, skip and a jump away! C'est tres bon!

Now we don’t like to think of holidays as risk-taking ventures, but the truth is, new (slightly chillier) environments and unfamiliar territory can throw any traveller for a loop.

But when you’re a whopping 15,000 kilometres away from home a lot can go wrong. Flight delays, missed connections and lost luggage can muck up your trip faster than a London taxi!

Don’t let bad luck sour your experience - make sure you pack travel insurance along for the ride.

What does UK travel insurance cover?

If your trip takes a downward turn for any of the following reasons, comprehensive cover will keep you in ship shape.

• 24/7 Medical assistance: You can never predict when accidents or illness will strike and while your medical bills may be covered while you’re in the UK, they wouldn’t be in Europe. Fancy a spur-of-the-moment sojourn to Switzerland? A split-second accident could send your holiday overboard.
• Cancellation cover: Travel insurance will cover unforeseen cancellations for events such as natural disasters, as well as accidents, hijackings, severe sickness or injury. Incidents that are beyond your control will usually be covered.
• Lost or damaged Luggage: Anything’s worth getting that perfect picture of Wills and Kate at Buckingham palace until you drop and break your camera. Your travel insurance policy will reimburse you for lost, stolen or damaged luggage.
• Travel delays: The UK is a very long way away! Even booking direct flights with the same airline means there are high risks of travel delays and cancellation. Although travel insurance wouldn’t pay for new flights if your flight was delayed (your airline is responsible) your cover will reimburse you for any delay expenses. Conditions apply.
• Travel documents: No doubt you'll also be traversing around Europe whilst being in Blighty. How fun! However, lots of travelling means more opportunities to lose your essential travel documents. Luckily your travel insurance can cover to get them replaced if they are lost or stolen.
• Personal liability: If you injure someone or are held accountable for damaged property in the UK (like crashing your hire car into a parked car for example) the consequences would be less than brilliant. In such an event, your policy will cover your liability costs to a degree.

What it doesn't

• High risk activities: Ready to get undone in the UK? The region is full of high-octane adventure sports. From rock climbing in the Brecon Beacons, windsurfing on the Thames, to canoeing in the Cotswolds, there’s plenty of choice for adrenaline junkies seeking a fix. But watch out, as participating in particularly risky activities such as climbing (where ropes are needed), or open water sailing may not be covered by your policy. Be sure to scan your policy’s small print to check out which of your preferred heart pounding activities are covered!
• Pre-existing conditions: Medical conditions that exist before you travel are generally not covered, but it pays to check. You can sometimes pay a bit extra to get some conditions covered. Check your policy wording to see what conditions are covered automatically, and which ones require a medical assessment first.
• Unattended items: Staying in a hostel, or travelling in a group? Keep a strong hold over all your belongings as leaving your stuff unsupervised will not be covered for. That also means not leaving your stuff with your brand new chums!
• Being intoxicated: Rarely a social occasion goes down in the UK without a pint. Planning a big British bender? Keep in mind that all claims related directly to alcohol and drugs will not be paid.
• Terrorism and travel warnings: While the chances of getting caught up in riots or an act of terrorism are small, it’s still a good idea to keep up to date with travel advisories on sites like smarttraveller.gov.au. Generally travelling against DO NOT TRAVEL warnings from the Australian Government will jeopardize your cover.
• Unreported items: You need to report theft or loss to the relevant authority ASAP (and your travel insurance provider) within 24 hours.

Reciprocal healthcare

Under the reciprocal healthcare arrangements, Australians may be covered for medical costs by the UK public system, the NHS. To be eligible for free treatment you’ll need to show both your Australian passport and your Medicare card.

You’re covered for:

• Care from an NHS doctor or nurse at a GP surgery - you need to register as an NHS patient
• Care in a public ward of an NHS hospital
• Out-patient care at an NHS hospital
• Ambulance travel to an NHS hospital or other NHS facilities
• You might have to pay for prescriptions.

Youth Mobility Scheme visa travel insurance

Generally speaking, Aussies don’t need a visa to travel to the UK, provided you’re not staying longer than 6 months. However, if you’re one of the thousands of young Australians heading to Blighty for the two-year youth mobility scheme visa you’ll need to do some additional research in terms of getting cover.

Most standard single trip policies in Australia only provide cover for a maximum of 12 months in duration. If you do some research, you’ll find some policies will cover for longer - up to 18 months to two years in duration. Aussies eligible for the two-year visa can apply if:

• You hold an Australian passport
• You are aged between 18 and 35 years (inclusive) at the time of applying
• You have no dependent children accompanying you
• You have a return ticket, or sufficient funds for a return or onward fare
• You have £2,350 (about $4,900) in savings

Brexit (& schengen countries)

Brexit won't directly affect your ability to work or travel within the UK. Currently, all the usual rules continue to apply.

The Schengen system still remains which gives Australians a 90-day travel visa to 26 countries. Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers 26 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

How to save on uk travel insurance

Choose your destination wisely – You might be able to save yourself a few quid by finding an insurer that classes the UK in its own price bracket, rather than grouped within Europe.

Consider how often you travel - If you travel a few times per year, you could save by purchasing an annual multi-trip policy rather than purchasing a policy each time you take off.

Combine policies - If travelling with your family or a companion, a joint policy is often cheaper than purchasing separately.

Increase your excess - Most insurers allow you to lower your premium by opting to pay higher excess in the instance that you need to make a claim.

Shop around - You'll be amazed at how much travel insurance quotes can vary. Offers by travel agents or airlines usually have commissions added on. In fact, you can save up to 50% by shopping around, so it pays to buy your travel insurance direct. Doing your comparison online will allow you to compare loads of travel insurance quotes in seconds. Yippee!

Pick the right level of cover - Whether you're a budget-conscious backpacker, or after the posh experience, it's important to pick the right cover for your trip, or you could end up paying more later.

Compare your travel insurance - The cost of travel insurance can vary enormously! Say you’re 30 (ish) years old and you’re going to the UK for a three-week holiday. Depending on your preferred level of cover, you can expect to pay anywhere from $48 to $600. Remember, when comparing policies, it's important to consider benefits, as well as costs.

Getting around the UK

With 4 countries to discover on the British Isles, you’re going to want to cover some distance to make the most of your time in the UK. How do you get from London, to Glasgow, to Cardiff and Belfast? We’re here to help!

• Car: if you’re travelling with a group and hoping to see all the great British countryside has to offer renting a car may be a great option. The cost of car rentals will vary greatly depending on what type of car you choose and how long you keep it for, but there will be loads of options at the airports and in the major cities.To drive in the UK, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid Australian licence.
• Train: The UK has a vast rail system, reaching into England, Scotland and Wales, providing an efficient way to get around the UK. Head over to Trainline to check out pricing for your trip, as pricing can vary depending on the season.
• Coach: this is probably one of the cheapest way to get around the UK. Local public buses will get you around within a city or area. When moving locations checkout Megabus for cheap, efficient options.
• Boat: If you fancy seeing the islands dotted along the British coast, then boats and ferries are they way to go. This is also the cheapest way to head across to Northern Ireland and soak up some history.

Must-do’s in the UK

• London: this is probably the most obvious suggestion, but it bares repeating. London is calling! The capital of the UK, London boasts endless tourist attractions, cultural sites, Westend shows, foodie experiences and so much more!
• Bath: tucked away in Somerset this town was named for its Roman style baths. These baths are now a UNESCO heritage site, and the town boasts a wealth of history, museums and more.
• Belfast: the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is dripping with history and culture. Head over to see Belfast’s City Hall, St George’s Market, and the Shankill Road murals. Another must see in Belfast is the Titanic Museum, where you can see where the Titanic was built and learn all about its tragic voyage.
• Edinburgh: calling all Harry Potter fans! This city boasts the magnificent Edinburgh castle, which famously inspired JK Rowling as she penned the Harry Potter series. Old meets new in Edinburgh, head down the Royal Mile or stroll the grounds of the castle.
• Stonehenge: this 4,500 year old monument is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK. This rare opportunity to see a piece of prehistoric work should not be missed.

UK Travel facts

Found yourself in a spot of bother? The following emergency contacts should come in handy.

• Australian High Commission, London Australia House The Strand London WC 2B 4LA +44 20 7379 4334 uk.embassy.gov.au

• London Information Centre Leicester Square London Greater London +44 20 7292 2333 londoninformationcentre.com

• Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre 3 Princes Street Edinburgh Lothian
  EH2 2QP +44 845 22 55 121
  edinburgh.org

• Cumbria Tourism Windermere Road Staveley
  Kendal
  Cumbria
  LA8 9PL
  +44 1539 822 222
  golakes.co.uk

8 fast facts about the UK

• Capital: London
• Currency: Pounds Sterling
• Language: The main lingo is the Queen’s English of course. But you can practice your Gaelic too if you’re a couple of pints deep…
• Country calling code: +44
• Nature: Natural wonders in the UK are plentiful. For spectacular scenery check out the Scottish Highlands, the Devonshire Moors, the Gower in Wales or the quaint Cotswolds - all are big Aussie tourist attractions you shouldn't miss.
• History – Edinburgh Castle, The Tower of London, Warkworth Castle to name but a few...the UK has more castles to explore than hot dinners! Got a touch of royal fever? Wales is believed to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world.
• Food & drink: You can’t pass up the classics when you’re in Blighty. Make sure to snag some proper fish and chips (wrapped in newspaper of course), or cozy up for a country pub roast beside a roaring fire. Those wanting to grow a few hairs on their chest shouldn’t pass up the chance for some haggish when in Scotland, or a pint of Guinness in Ireland.
• The most famous Welsh town name is Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Yep, that’s a real place