Best Travel Insurance for UK BRP Holders 2026
Compare policies, understand your rights and find the right cover for your next trip
Why BRP Holders Need Travel Insurance
As a UK BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) holder, travel insurance is not just recommended -- it is essential. Unlike British passport holders who can access reciprocal healthcare agreements in some countries, BRP holders may face additional complications when seeking medical treatment abroad.
The good news is that most UK insurance providers treat BRP holders the same as any other UK resident. However, there are important nuances to understand, particularly around travelling to your country of origin, pre-existing medical conditions, and ensuring your policy covers the specific requirements of your visa status.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, comparing and purchasing travel insurance as a BRP holder in 2026.
Key Considerations for BRP Holders
Residency Requirements
Most UK travel insurance policies require you to be a permanent UK resident. As a BRP holder, you meet this requirement. Key points:
- You must be registered with a UK GP
- Your primary address must be in the UK
- Some insurers require you to have lived in the UK for 12+ months
- Your BRP must be valid for the duration of your trip
- Digital immigration status (eVisa) is accepted by most insurers
Pre-Existing Conditions
Declaring medical conditions is crucial. Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions can void your entire policy. Consider:
- Always declare all conditions, even minor ones
- Specialist insurers like AllClear cover most conditions
- Premiums vary significantly -- always compare 3+ quotes
- Medication you take regularly must be declared
- Conditions diagnosed in the last 2 years are most scrutinised
Country of Origin Travel
Travelling to your country of nationality requires special attention:
- Some policies exclude or limit cover for your home country
- Medical cover may be reduced for country of origin trips
- Check if repatriation cover applies (returning to UK, not home country)
- Trip cancellation may not cover family emergencies in your home country
- Always read the "country of origin" clause in your policy
Documentation to Keep
Have these documents ready when purchasing and if you need to make a claim:
- Valid BRP card or digital immigration status printout
- Your passport with all relevant visa pages
- UK GP registration details
- Proof of UK address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Travel itinerary and booking confirmations
| Feature | Budget Policy | Mid-Range Policy | Comprehensive Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost (single trip) | From £8-15 | From £20-40 | From £50-100+ |
| Medical Cover | £2-5 million | £10 million | £15-50 million |
| Cancellation Cover | £1,000-2,000 | £3,000-5,000 | £5,000-10,000 |
| Baggage Cover | £500-1,000 | £1,500-2,000 | £2,500-3,000 |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Usually excluded | Available with screening | Comprehensive screening |
| Country of Origin Cover | Often excluded | Limited cover | Full cover available |
| Annual Multi-Trip Option | Rarely available | Yes, 31-day trips | Yes, up to 90-day trips |
| 24/7 Emergency Helpline | Yes | Yes | Yes + Concierge |
| Best For | Short European trips | Most travellers | Long trips, medical needs |
Types of Cover You Need
Medical Emergency Cover
This is the most important element of your policy. Medical treatment abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds, especially in countries like the USA, UAE and Singapore. Aim for at least £5 million in medical cover. This should include:
- Emergency hospital treatment and surgery
- Ambulance transport
- Emergency dental treatment
- Medical repatriation to the UK
- Accommodation for a travelling companion if you are hospitalised
Trip Cancellation & Curtailment
This covers you if you need to cancel your trip before departure or cut it short. As a BRP holder, pay attention to what counts as a valid cancellation reason. Good policies cover:
- Illness or injury to you or a travel companion
- Death of a close relative
- Jury service or court witness summons
- Redundancy (if employed for 2+ years)
- Home emergency (fire, flood, burglary)
- FCDO advice changes for your destination
Baggage & Personal Belongings
Covers loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal items. Important for BRP holders: if your BRP card is lost or stolen abroad, replacement costs may be covered under personal documents cover. Check for:
- Single item limit (usually £200-500)
- Valuables limit (electronics, jewellery)
- Delayed baggage allowance (for essentials)
- Personal documents replacement
How to Choose the Right Policy
Assess Your Needs
Consider your destination, trip length, activities planned, and any medical conditions. Travelling to the USA or Canada requires higher medical cover than European destinations.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Use comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket, CompareTheMarket and GoCompare. Also check specialist providers directly, as they may not appear on comparison sites.
Read the Small Print
Pay attention to: excess amounts, exclusions for country of origin travel, adventure sports cover, and the claims process. A cheap policy with high excess may cost more in a claim.
Declare Everything
Be completely honest about medical conditions, planned activities, and your travel history. Non-disclosure is the number one reason claims are rejected.
Insurance Tips by Destination Type
European Destinations
Countries like Albania, Georgia, Montenegro and North Macedonia are popular visa-free destinations for BRP holders:
- GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) provides basic cover in EU countries but NOT in non-EU European countries
- BRP holders may not be eligible for GHIC -- always check and get private insurance regardless
- Medical costs in Eastern Europe are lower but still warrant insurance
- Adventure activities (hiking, skiing) need specific cover
Caribbean Destinations
Many Caribbean islands are visa-free for BRP holders. Insurance considerations:
- Hurricane season (June-November) may affect cover
- Medical facilities vary greatly between islands
- Air ambulance cover is essential for remote islands
- Water sports cover for diving, snorkelling and jet skiing
Middle East & Asia
Destinations like UAE, Qatar, Oman, Singapore and South Korea:
- Medical costs in UAE and Singapore are among the highest globally
- Aim for at least £10 million medical cover
- Check if your policy covers desert activities or extreme heat conditions
- Some countries require proof of insurance at immigration
Americas
Mexico and Panama are visa-free for BRP holders:
- Mexico: ensure cover for altitude sickness if visiting high-altitude areas
- Panama: tropical disease cover is advisable
- Both countries have good private hospitals but costs add up fast
- Check cover for natural disasters (earthquakes, tropical storms)
Never travel without insurance. A single medical emergency abroad can cost £50,000 or more. Even a simple broken leg in the Caribbean can result in a £15,000 bill. The cost of a travel insurance policy is tiny compared to the financial risk of travelling uninsured.
Making a Claim: Step by Step
Contact Your Insurer Immediately
For medical emergencies, call the 24/7 emergency helpline on your policy documents. For non-emergency claims, contact them within 28 days of the incident.
Gather Evidence
Collect police reports (for theft), medical reports, receipts, photos of damaged items, and any correspondence. The more evidence you have, the smoother the claim.
Complete Claim Forms
Fill in all forms accurately. Include your BRP number and immigration status details. Attach all supporting documents including your travel itinerary.
Follow Up
Claims typically take 2-8 weeks to process. If rejected, you have the right to appeal. The Financial Ombudsman Service can help if you believe a claim was unfairly rejected.
Yes, UK BRP holders can get travel insurance. Most major UK insurers cover BRP holders who are legally resident in the UK. You may need to declare your visa status and residency type when applying. Some specialist providers cater specifically to non-British passport holders living in the UK.
Many travel insurance providers cover pre-existing medical conditions for BRP holders, but you must declare them when purchasing a policy. Expect to pay a higher premium. Providers like AllClear, Staysure and InsureandGo specialise in covering pre-existing conditions. Always compare multiple quotes as prices vary significantly.
To make a travel insurance claim as a BRP holder, you typically need:
- Your policy documents and reference number
- Your BRP card or digital immigration status proof
- Your passport
- Medical reports or police reports (depending on claim type)
- Receipts for all expenses incurred
- Boarding passes or travel itinerary
Travel insurance for BRP holders is generally comparable in price to insurance for British passport holders. The main factors affecting price are your age, destination, trip duration and medical history rather than your visa status. However, if you are travelling to your country of origin, some insurers may charge more or exclude certain coverage.
Your travel insurance remains valid for the duration of your policy regardless of your BRP status. However, if your BRP expires while abroad and you cannot return to the UK as planned, resulting additional costs may not be covered. Always ensure your BRP or digital immigration status is valid for the duration of your trip plus a buffer period.
Yes, annual multi-trip insurance is available for BRP holders. This is often the most cost-effective option if you travel more than twice a year. Most policies cover unlimited trips of up to 31 days each, with some offering 45, 60 or 90-day trip limits. Check that your policy covers all the countries you plan to visit.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Travel insurance products and prices change regularly. Always read the full policy wording before purchasing and verify current terms directly with the insurer. Information is current as of February 2026.