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Cheap Travel Insurance – What It Means and How to Find the Right Cover

If you're looking for cheap travel insurance, you may want a policy that feels like good value but still gives you the protection you need. This page explains what "cheap" usually means in the UK travel insurance market, what affects the price, and how to choose cover that suits your trip.

Prices can change based on your destination, age, medical history and how long you're away. The term 'cheap' is commonly associated with policies that offer a simpler level of cover.

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What Does Cheap Travel Insurance Usually Mean?

"Cheap" doesn't refer to one specific product or provider. Instead, it typically describes:

  • Policies with a lower level of cover compared to premium options
  • Higher excesses
  • Restrictive limits or fewer optional add-ons
  • Base-level protection suitable for simple, low-risk trips

People searching for budget-friendly cover are usually comparing prices before looking at what's actually included, however, the cheapest policy might not always be the best fit. It's important to choose travel insurance that suits your individual needs.

At Holiday Extras, we offer straightforward travel insurance with clear cover levels. This helps you choose the policy that suits your travel plans without any fuss.


What Affects the Price of Travel Insurance?

Premiums can vary widely depending on personal and trip-specific factors, including:

  • Destination: Countries with higher medical costs typically mean higher premiums.
  • Traveller age: Older travellers may see increased premiums due to higher levels of risk.
  • Medical conditions: Declaring pre-existing medical conditions can affect the price of your quote.
  • Type of trip: Cruises often require specialist cruise cover. Annual multi–trip insurance also prices differently compared to single-trip policies.

Cheap Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

"Cheap" medical travel insurance doesn't always mean reduced medical cover. Instead, you could be looking for a policy that balances affordability with the correct level of cover.

Anyone with a pre-existing condition should always:

  • Declare conditions upfront
  • Check excesses and expense limits

One of the most important things to consider is finding cover that provides the right level of protection in the event of a medical emergency. If you're looking for more information on travelling with medical conditions, the information below can help.

Senior man lounging in a deck chair on a tropical beach under a parasol, enjoying a drink by the sea—highlighting the importance of annual travel insurance covering medical conditions for relaxing and stress-free holidays abroad.

Travel Insurance with Medical Conditions

It's important to get the right level of cover for your trip, especially when travelling with pre-existing medical conditions. We believe everyone deserves a hassle-free holiday. That's why we consider most medical conditions.

When booking travel insurance including pre-existing medical conditions, you'll need to declare any conditions that you have. This can be done through our simple online screening. Our friendly UK-based team are also on hand to help, should you need it. To find out more, visit our page dedicated to travelling with medical conditions.


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Cheap Travel Insurance for Seniors & Over 70s

Many insurers offer cover for older travellers, though premiums may vary depending on medical history, destination and trip length. When comparing policies, seniors can look for:

  • Clear medical cover limits
  • 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Cruise-specific protection if required
  • A simple way to declare any medical conditions

At Holiday Extras, we offer travel insurance for seniors and travellers aged 70+ with clear cover levels. Prices vary based on your needs, but our policies are easy to understand. This helps you choose the cover that supports your trip. To learn more, visit our dedicated page on travel insurance for over 70s.


Cheap Cruise Travel Insurance

Cruise holidays often require a different type of travel insurance because of the unique nature of travelling at sea. Policies designed for cruises typically include additional protection that standard travel insurance may not cover, such as missed port departure, cabin confinement and itinerary changes due to weather or medical emergencies.

Instead of choosing a policy only for its price, it's worth making sure it includes the cruise-specific features you may need, such as:

  • Missed-port & itinerary disruption
  • Cabin confinement
  • Unused excursions
  • Extra baggage & evening wear protection
  • Emergency medical cover
A large cruise ship sailing across calm open water at sunset.

Are you going on a cruise?

At Holiday Extras, we offer cruise travel insurance that includes these specialist benefits, helping you find cover that suits your itinerary and travel plans.

If you're preparing for your next cruise, you can read more about what's included on our dedicated cruise travel insurance page.


Let us answer your questions


Still unsure? Simply ask SYD (Search Your Documents), our AI travel insurance expert. SYD can search your documents and quickly tell you what is or is not covered.

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Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.

Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.

Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk

Our flight delay cover is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited and serviced by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.