Travel Insurance for 16-year-olds

Can I get travel insurance just for my 16-year-old?

Yes, you are now able to get travel insurance for 16's and under. You can purchase a family or group policy, if travelling with other people. Or if travelling alone, Holiday Extras now offers child only policies.

The thought of your child travelling without you can likely feel daunting, and it's only natural to worry. But with travel insurance that comes with things like, cover for unexpected illness, lost belongings and 24/7 medical support abroad - you can relax a little knowing they're covered.

Whilst we sell 'child only' policies, these must be purchased by their legal guardian online or over the phone.

Can a 16-year-old child travel alone?

Yes, children under 16 can often travel unaccompanied, but the rules vary depending on their age and the type of transport. For instance, airlines and train operators set their own requirements for the minimum age a child can travel alone. To help you understand the details, we've put together guides on children travelling solo by plane, train, and taxi.

Can you fly alone under the age of 16?

In most cases children under the age of 16 can fly alone, however, the age requirements vary depending on the airline. Some airlines charge an extra fee for an unaccompanied minor service, where staff keep a watchful eye on your child during their journey.

It's best to check the age limits directly with the airline before booking. They can also confirm what documentation you will need and if you will need to pay for the unaccompanied minor service. For more details, take a look at our guide below on children flying alone, where we provide age limits for popular airlines.

What is a parental consent letter for children travelling abroad?

A child under the age of 18 will need a travel consent form if they are travelling domestically or internationally. This applies if they are travelling alone, with one parent or legal guardian, as part of a group or organisation (such as a school trip), or with an adult who is not their legal guardian (for example, an aunt or family friend). This is to ensure the child's safety and prove that the child has permission to travel.

You can create a child travel consent form yourself using the below details. If you need legal advice and your situation is a little more complex, you can get help from a solicitor.

• Child's Information -  Name, date of birth, and passport number if applicable.
• Travel Details -  Destination, duration of the trip, and travel dates.
• Accompanying Adult's Information -  Name, relationship to the child, contact information, and passport number if applicable.
• Parent/Guardian Information -  Names and contact details of the parents or guardians giving consent.
• Consent Statement -  A clear statement granting permission for the child to travel with the specified adult.

For more detail on travel consent forms, take a look at our guide on Travel Consent Forms for Under-18s.

Tips for travelling as a 16 year old

Below are some handy tips for your child, either taking their first trip alone or without parents.

Prepare documents - make sure your child has any documents they need, like passport, visas and a travel consent form. Make copies of these to help in case something gets lost. For more information on what documentation you might need to travel, take a look at our  visas and passports page.

Stay connected - If your child is old enough, consider getting them a phone with emergency contacts so they can stay in touch if they need to. If they do not have a phone then make sure they travel with contact numbers. It's a good idea to write these down in multiple places. To learn more about protecting your gadgets whilst you're away, take a look at our page dedicated to  travel insurance with gadget cover.

Check in with the transport provider - It's a good idea to check in with the transport provider before they travel to make sure that they can travel alone.

Get travel insurance - With protection for things like cancellation, lost baggage and flight delays too, getting a good travel insurance policy is a must.

Familiarise them with the journey - run through each step so that they know what to do and when, you could even write this down, along with names and addresses for them to keep.

What to do in an emergency - write down any local emergency contact numbers and make sure your child knows how to call them in the event of an emergency.

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