Travel Insurance for UK eVisa Holders
Complete 2026 guide to choosing the right travel insurance as a UK resident
Travel insurance is essential for international travel
While not always a legal requirement, travel insurance protects you against medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage. Some destinations, including Schengen Area countries, require proof of insurance as part of the visa application.
Why UK eVisa Holders Need Travel Insurance
As a UK eVisa holder, your NHS entitlement does not extend to most international destinations. Without travel insurance, a medical emergency abroad could cost thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds. A broken leg in the United States could cost over 20,000 pounds, while an air ambulance repatriation from Southeast Asia could exceed 50,000 pounds.
Beyond medical coverage, good travel insurance protects against trip cancellation, flight delays, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability, and legal expenses. For UK eVisa holders applying for a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory and must meet specific minimum requirements.
What Your Policy Should Cover
| Coverage Type | Minimum Recommended | Schengen Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | 1,000,000 pounds | 30,000 euros minimum |
| Repatriation | Included in medical | Must be included |
| Cancellation | 2,000-5,000 pounds | Not required |
| Baggage | 1,500-2,000 pounds | Not required |
| Personal liability | 1,000,000 pounds | Not required |
| Coverage area | Worldwide or regional | All Schengen states |
Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Applications
If you are applying for a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must meet these specific requirements:
- Minimum medical coverage of 30,000 euros
- Coverage valid across all Schengen member states
- Must cover the entire duration of your trip
- Must include medical repatriation
- Must be from a reputable provider recognised in the EU
Without valid travel insurance, your Schengen visa application will be refused. Make sure you have the insurance certificate ready before your visa appointment.
Types of Travel Insurance
Single Trip
Covers one specific trip from departure to return. Best if you travel once or twice a year. Prices typically range from 15 to 50 pounds per trip for European destinations and 30 to 80 pounds for worldwide coverage.
Annual Multi-Trip
Covers unlimited trips within a 12-month period, usually with a maximum trip duration of 31 to 90 days per trip. Best value if you travel three or more times per year. Annual policies cost 50 to 150 pounds for comprehensive worldwide cover.
Long-Stay or Backpacker
Designed for extended trips of several months. Useful for UK eVisa holders taking advantage of long visa-free stays in countries like Georgia or Mexico. These policies typically cost 100 to 300 pounds for 3 to 12 months of coverage.
Important Considerations for UK eVisa Holders
- Check residency requirements — most UK travel insurance policies require you to be a UK resident. Your eVisa confirms this status
- Declare pre-existing conditions — failure to disclose medical conditions can void your entire policy
- Check activity exclusions — standard policies often exclude water sports, skiing, and adventure activities. Add these as extras if needed
- Read the excess carefully — the excess is what you pay before the insurance kicks in, typically 50 to 150 pounds per claim
- Keep emergency numbers handy — save your insurer’s 24-hour emergency number in your phone and keep a physical copy
- Check destination-specific exclusions — some policies exclude countries with FCDO travel warnings
For destination-specific advice, see our country guides: Turkey, Dubai, Morocco, Georgia, Egypt, and Thailand. For the full list of destinations, visit our visa-free countries page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: February 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.