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How to find family travel insurance
A good family travel insurance policy means you can relax on holiday, knowing that you have suitable cover for you and your loved ones
![Happy multigeneration family on summer holiday, walking by lake.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/financial-services/family%20travel%20insurance%202023.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Holidays with our children and grandchildren create some of our happiest memories. But even meticulously mapped-out breaks can have hitches, so it’s essential your family travel insurance covers medical emergency costs, cancellations, lost luggage and more.
In fact, with 65 per cent of families who have dependants aged five or over saying that family holidays are more important to them now than before the pandemic, finding travel insurance for your children and yourself has become more of a key consideration. But for now relax – this article explains all you need to know about family holiday insurance.
What is family travel insurance?
Family travel insurance typically covers up to two adults and between one and five children, who will need to be under 18 years old and live permanently with the policyholder. So there’s no need to take out separate travel insurance for children.
All families are different, so it’s important to read your policy carefully to check whether it includes stepchildren and foster children or whether there are different rules when you travel separately. Family holiday insurance may not cover travelling with grandchildren if they do not live with you full-time.Â
What does family travel insurance cover?
A single-trip or annual family travel insurance policy covers you and your children for everything you would expect on a standard policy. This includes:
Holiday cancellation
If you have to cancel your family holiday due to unforeseen circumstances, cancellation cover is designed to reimburse any money you have already spent (minus the excess).Â
Example: If you have bought long-haul flights for your entire family and one of you suffers an accident that prevents you from travelling, adequate cover can reimburse you for the cost of the flights you were unable to take.Â
Lost luggage
If your luggage is lost, delayed, damaged or stolen while on holiday, family travel insurance can cover the cost. You should also check your policy covers possessions that families often travel with, such as buggies.
Illness
A sick child can be a cause for concern at any time, but even more so when you are on holiday. If any member of your family falls ill while you are away, family travel insurance can reimburse you for the medical bills you pay while abroad. Â
You may even need extra accommodation during a hospital stay, and, in extreme cases, repatriation. A good travel insurance policy can ensure this doesn’t leave you out of pocket.
TIP: When you buy a policy, make sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions that you or your family have.
Types of family travel insurance
Your family holiday insurance policy will be personalised according to the usual travel insurance considerations: the duration of your holiday, the geographical regions you visit and the number of people the policy covers.Â
However, you may also want to consider whether a single-trip or multi-trip annual travel insurance policy would better suit your family:Â
- If you only have one family holiday planned over the next year, a single-trip policy is probably the better option as it will simply start and end on the dates you specify.
- Alternatively, if you and your family plan to go away more than once in the next year, annual family travel insurance allows you to enjoy 12 months of trips, safe in the knowledge you are covered wherever and whenever you go away. This can also be tailored to cover members of your family when they travel separately, as well as group trips.Â
Pros and cons of family travel insurance
When considering whether taking out family travel insurance is right for you, there are a number of considerations to bear in mind:Â
How much does family travel insurance cost?Â
The cost of family travel insurance will vary depending on the type of coverage you choose, the length of your trip, the number of family members included in the policy and any pre-existing medical conditions.Â
Often, however, you may find a family travel insurance policy more cost-effective than several individual policies, especially if several of you are travelling.Â
FAQs
Does family travel insurance cover individuals travelling alone?
If you have a family policy and one family member wants to take a trip on their own, your policy may cover them for independent travel, but you will need to check this as policies may vary. If your child (under the age of 18) is not covered for independent travel, they will need to travel with the adult(s) named on the policy.Â
Does this cover family ski trips?
If you or your children plan to take part in sports or outdoor pursuits while you’re away, make sure your policy covers those activities. Skiing is a key example of one of these additional activities, so it’s crucial that you check that your family policy covers winter sports. Trips to theme parks or water parks may also need specific cover.
Should I get single-parent travel insurance?
Many family travel insurance policies allow you to opt for one or two adults, so they can be suitable for single-parent families. This still may be easier than individual policies if you are travelling with several children. However, it’s important to check the details of both policies before you book depending on your circumstances.
Insuring your next family holiday
If you’re looking for cover for your next trip, consider the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service, provided by AllClear. You’ll also be able to find cover for over 1,300 different medical conditions, with no upper age limits and cover for the holiday activities that will bring you and your family together.
Does your travel insurance cover the whole family? Pack peace of mind on your next trip - Get a quote today.
Read more:Â
- When should I book travel insurance?
- Why you need cruise travel insurance before you set sail
- How to find the best travel insurance for diabetics
- What travel insurance do I need for Australia?
Telegraph Media Group Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited, a company that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a trading name of The Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions click here.