Insurance is probably the last thing that you want to think about when you are planning a solo trip but travel insurance is definitely something that you shouldn’t travel without. With more than twenty five years experience of using various travel companies, if you’re looking for the best insurance for solo travelers, I share my favourites below.
- True Traveller – For UK and European residents and adventure solos.
- World Nomads – For U.S and worldwide citizens.
- Safety Wing – For digital nomads and long term travels.
N.b. All of these insurance providers are affiliate links. This doesn’t cost you any extra and Girl about the Globe donates 10% of all affiliate sales to War Child, protecting children in war zones. Thanks for helping x
What To Look For In Travel Insurance
You may want to tick it off your list but getting the wrong cover can work out a lot more costly especially if you find yourself needing to claim. When you’re travelling alone, it’s even more important to get the right cover, especially medical cover when you only have yourself to look after. With so many insurance companies and so many pages of small print to read through, how do you know what to look for in travel insurance?
1. Excess
You should check and confirm the much you will be eligible to claim if you had to cancel your trip or lost your wallet or any other unexpected thing. You do not want to claim on your travel policy only to discover that you are not covered for that specific loss. Know what it is you are bringing with you during your travels and make sure you have the right amount of cover. It can be as follows:
- £1,500 to cover your baggage
- £250 for lost cash
- £3,000 cancellation cover; it can also be enough to cover the total cost of the trip
The excess is the amount you need to pay if you have to claim. Generally speaking, the higher the excess the lower the insurance premium. If you pick a policy with a cheaper excess of just £50 then the premium you have to pay will be more expensive than one with an excess of £100. If you’re on a budget look for a higher excess for the cheapest price but be prepared to pay that cost if you need to claim.
2. Duration
Check the number of consecutive days the policy will cover you for during your trip especially if you’re away for more than 30 days Keep in mind that your insurance will not be valid once this limit is met, even if it is only one day after.
If you are planning to travel several times a year, take out an annual policy. An annual policy can cover you up to 90 days at a time over a 12-month period. Some companies allow you to extend your duration when you’re away, which is perfect if you decide to stay somewhere longer. Just don’t forget to contact them.
3. Personal Items
Your insurance providers expect you to be reasonable and be keen on the safety of your belongings. For instance, some policies will not cover any money that was stolen or went missing if it was not locked away in a safety deposit box or when on your person. That means you will not be able to claim anything if you mistakenly forgot your wallet at the pool or left money lying about in the hotel room.
If you are taking your laptop, tablet or smartphone, make sure that the personal items cover the full amount of your valuables. Some only cover up to a certain amount per item, so if your phone is worth more (and whose isn’t?), then make sure it will cover the full value.
The stated figure is the amount the insurer will pay for it when you make a claim irrespective of the amount of cover you have taken for your personal belongings. In most cases, the single item limits are about £300, but some policies can increase this if you pay a certain fee. Some insurance providers don’t include mobile phones in their travel policies so you may have to pay an additional fee or policy to cover it.
4. Activities
If your travel itinerary includes activities such as bungee jumping, kayaking, scuba diving, or horse riding, you should ensure that your insurance policy covers you if you have an accident when engaging in such things. Some plans deem certain activities as “hazardous” and will not cover them. Others may include them, but if you pay a bit extra.
If you’re an adventurous solo check the small print to see if the activities you want to do are included. Some companies don’t cover extreme adventure sports such as bungee jumping and will only insure you up to the standard 2000 metres for trekking which is not ideal if you’re looking to go to Everest Base Camp for example.
5. Medical
Travel insurance can be one of the most expensive costs for your trip but it is necessary. If you can’t afford the full cover and don’t mind if your flight gets delayed or have no valuables in your luggage then look at reducing it down to just include the medical expenses instead. Here are some key medical coverages to look for:
- Emergency Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of medical treatment if you fall ill or get injured while traveling. Look for a policy that offers a high coverage limit to ensure you’re adequately protected.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: This coverage pays for transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility if you require emergency evacuation due to a serious illness or injury that cannot be adequately treated at your location.
- Repatriation of Remains: In the unfortunate event of your death while traveling, this coverage pays for the transportation of your remains back to your home country.
- Hospitalization Expenses: Covers the costs associated with hospital stays, including room charges, nursing services, and other medical expenses incurred during your hospital stay.
- Emergency Dental Treatment: This coverage pays for emergency dental treatment resulting from an injury during your trip.
- 24/7 Assistance Services: Access to a helpline that provides assistance in finding medical care, arranging emergency medical transportation, and communicating with healthcare providers if needed.
- Medical Cover for Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, check if the policy covers medical expenses related to pregnancy complications or childbirth during your trip.
- Coverage for Prescription Medications: Some policies provide coverage for the replacement of lost or stolen prescription medications during your trip.
6. Destinations That Might Be Excluded
Make sure that your destination is included. Some providers can offer a European cover that includes countries such as Egypt and Turkey whilst others won’t. And taking worldwide cover does not necessarily mean that it will include every country as many exclude the USA and Canada. Australia & New Zealand can be separate destinations too. Make sure to include all the destinations that you are planning to go to to ensure you are covered for each one.
7. Pre-Existing Conditions
You’ll need to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions that you may have. You may not have experienced any issues recently, but it is still wise to mention them when applying for the travel policy. Should you need medical treatment while you were away and you then make a claim, then your insurance provider will request to review your medical records. They may decline to pay out the claim if they find anything that you failed to declare.
8: If You Miss A Flight
Missing your flight due to a delayed train or traffic is a common worry. But if it’s not your fault and you have insurance, some insurers might not cover the costs for new flights.
If your policy covers this, there are things you need to do when making a claim. Some insurers may ask for proof that you left home on time and had enough time to catch your flight. They might also have specific timeframes for when you can make a claim.
9. Cancellations
While it is possible to purchase travel insurance on the day you are to head out; it pays to buy it when you are making your holiday bookings. It will ensure that you are covered if you must cancel your travels due to unforeseen circumstances.
11. How You Should Report A Theft
You must report your stolen belongings to the polices as soon as possible. Most insurers expect you to do this within 24 – 48 hours when you discover your things missing. You risk voiding your cover if you fail to report the matter to the police or do so later than the stipulated period.
What About Your Credit Card Insurance?
Everybody loves freebies, especially if it is available as a travel insurance on a credit card. But is free travel insurance worth it? Can you rely on a credit card travel insurance policy to secure your journey and shun the idea of purchasing a separate policy? Will the travel insurance available on a high-end credit card be enough, or would you be better off purchasing an independent international travel insurance policy?
How Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Work?
Some bank accounts or credit cards offer free insurance but it’s usually not comprehensive enough for your trip.
While many credit card insurance companies popularise their credit card as a free or complimentary gift, usually, it is offered only on high-end cards that charge hefty annual fees. Paying that annual charges entitle you lots of card benefits, and insurance is one of them. It means you are not getting anything for free!
Now how does it work? In order to get coverage under your credit card travel insurance, you must comply with certain terms and conditions. For instance, some credit card companies activate the cover only if you pay for departure ticket, while other cards would require you to cross the minimum spending threshold limit of trip expenses before that trip is covered.
Independent travel insurance is a better option when it comes to offering extensive coverage. So, if you want to get the coverage for a wide range of situations at a high level, I recommend taking out your own travel insurance.
Best Travel Insurance For Solo Travelers
True Traveller
Who for: UK and European residents (good for adventurers!)
True Traveller offers comprehensive coverage for a range of travel-related risks including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. This ensures peace of mind for travelers, knowing they’re protected against unexpected events during their journey.
They understands that travelers have diverse needs, so they offer flexible policies that can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Whether you’re embarking on a short weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, True Traveller can provide a policy that fits your specific travel plans.
True Traveller provides round-the-clock assistance to travelers in need. Whether you require medical advice, assistance with a travel emergency, or help navigating a foreign healthcare system, True Traveller’s support team is always available to offer guidance and assistance.
They aim to offer competitive premiums without compromising on coverage quality. Travelers can enjoy the benefits of robust insurance protection without breaking the bank, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers.
True Traveller aims to make the claims process as simple and hassle-free as possible. With easy-to-understand procedures and responsive customer support, travelers can quickly submit their claims and receive prompt reimbursement for eligible expenses, minimizing stress and inconvenience during an already challenging situation.
* Check prices for True Traveller insurance polices
Safety Wing
Who for: Digital nomads and long term travels
SafetWing Nomad Insurance offers comprehensive coverage tailored to your travel medical needs. With a focus on providing peace of mind wherever you go, it covers medical expenses up to $250,000, ensuring that you’re protected against unforeseen emergencies no matter where your adventures take you.
Enjoy the flexibility of SafetWing Nomad Insurance’s pricing model, which operates on a pay-as-you-go subscription basis. Starting from just a few dollars per day, it’s one of the most affordable options on the market, allowing you to travel with confidence without breaking the bank.
3. Hassle-Free Purchase Process
With SafetWing Nomad Insurance, purchasing coverage is quick and easy. There’s no need for pre-approval, and the entire process takes just 5 minutes. Whether you’re flying out on the same day or your trip has already started, you can get covered hassle-free, giving you the freedom to focus on your travels.
4. Global Coverage and Support
Wherever your travels take you, SafetWing Nomad Insurance has you covered. With coverage in over 180 countries and 24/7 online customer care with a response time of less than 1 minute, help is always just a click away. Plus, you can add on electronic theft insurance for up to $3000 worth of electronic valuables, keeping your devices safe and secure on the go.
5. Peace of Mind with Zero Deductibles
Say goodbye to deductibles with SafetWing Nomad Insurance. With $0 deductibles, you’re covered even for the smallest claims, ensuring that you can travel with peace of mind knowing that your expenses are taken care of.
* Check prices for Safety Wing insurance policies
World Nomads
Who for: U.S. & Worldwide residents
They are super easy to use. Everything is explained simply so you can focus on what you need in your insurance such as your iPhone or camera, and leave out what you don’t. You don’t have to be a UK resident either as they provide cover for travellers from 140 countries. They even have language guides that you can download to learn the lingo before you go.
You can buy their insurance even if you are already travelling. This is great if you are travelling last-minute and completely forgot to get insurance before you went. You can also change your plans and buy more cover online if you decide to stay longer. This is a bonus for me as I never know what my plans will be and they can always change last-minute.
3. They have 24 hour assistance
They have 24 hour emergency assistance if anything goes wrong on your trip. Plus a high level of support if you need to claim. Even if you have a question you can still get in touch with them at any hour, no matter which time zone you are across the globe.
World Nomads seem to understand the way us backpackers travel. They have designed their insurance for adventurous travellers and cover a range of adventure sports and activities. If you want to go white-water rafting in Australia or snowboard in the Alps you can.
What I love is that you can join the other 85% of their travellers to help change lives when you travel and donate between £1 – £5 to a choice of 3 communities such as ending childhood malnutrition in remote Indonesia, conserving Mekong ecosystems in Cambodia, or creating safer cities for girls in Hanoi.
Plus they have a great reputation and are a trusted brand by numerous big travel names. World Nomads are now my go-to insurance for each solo trip.
For more information on why you need insurance for your trip, find out why travel insurance is important here.
Conclusion
Travel insurance is a vital safety net for solo travelers, offering protection against unforeseen events that can disrupt your journey. From lost belongings to unexpected medical expenses, it provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on exploring new destinations without worry and any unpleasant surprises.
Taking part in activities that your insurance doesn’t cover, like sledding without extra winter sports coverage, can put you at risk. Also, reckless behaviour, such as driving under the influence, can void your coverage. Making sure you have everything covered will ensure you have the most amazing solo trip knowing that you are protected and supported if anything does go wrong.
