Travel Insurance for Children | Under 18s

What is children's travel insurance?

If your child is heading off on a trip without you, then having adequate children’s travel insurance cover in place for them is key to ensuring peace of mind for you and the necessary protection for them as they embark on their journey. Below we’ll explain how travel insurance for under-18s works and all the key details you need to know to get the cover they need.

Why your child needs under-18s travel insurance

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office recently identified that young travellers are more likely to head abroad without travel insurance than other age groups, and that this is more common for those travelling to Europe.

No matter where your child is visiting, travel insurance adds a layer of protection in case the unexpected happens – whether that be medical emergencies, cancellations, lost possessions, stolen passports or much more.

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What type of children’s travel insurance do you need?

There are a few options on how to cover your child depending upon if they are travelling alone or with adults.

If your child is travelling with relatives, then our family travel insurance policies may represent a good choice to cover all of your loved ones on one more easily manageable policy.

If your child is travelling with a group of friends or with non-family members then our group travel insurance allows you to cover the entire group under one policy. Or else you can elect to take out an individual travel insurance policy just for your child.

For children under 18 travelling alone our single trip travel insurance and backpacker travel insurance policies may represent the best fit. Single trip policies cover travel for up to 90-day holidays within any 180 day period and there is no lower age limit so no matter when they plan to travel they’ll be protected.

Our backpacker travel insurance is more suitable for gap year students or those planning a lengthy trip away. There is no lower age limit with these policies and they provide up to 365 days of continuous cover

We also offer annual multi-trip travel insurance, however, you should be aware that under-18s may only travel independently if travelling with at least one adult aged 18 or over and with the full knowledge and consent of an insured parent or guardian. This could be a good option for families travelling twice or more per year as it usually works out cheaper and the knowledge of knowing your covered for every trip you take in a 12 month period.

Importantly, remember that an adult over 18 will need to purchase the policy on behalf of the child.

What does our under-18s travel insurance cover?

Having a good travel insurance policy in place is important particularly where your children are concerned, and no matter how responsible they are sometimes the unexpected happens, and that’s where children’s travel insurance could help. Below are just some of the benefits of our policies for those under 18.

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Emergency medical associated expenses

£5,000,000

£10,000,000

£2,000,000

Repatriation

Cancellation

£2,500

£5,000

£1,000

Curtailment

£2,500

£5,000

£1,000

GP 24/7 Online

Personal Accident

£15,000

£20,000

£5,000

Personal Possessions

£1,500

£2,000

Sports and Activities

Up to 78 activities (including winter sports and ski cover)

For full details of the cover we offer, including terms, conditions and exclusions please read the policy documents.

Extra cover to consider alongside children’s travel insurance

If there are specific activities that your child plans to take part in whilst your away then you may need extra cover to ensure they are protected, this may be the case for winter sports and skiing holidays. Below are a few considerations worth looking into to make sure they've got the cover they need.

Popular insurance types that may interest you

Winter Sports and Ski Travel Insurance

If your child is heading on a ski trip, then our winter sports and ski add on helps protect them against delayed ski equipment, piste closure, loss of ski pass and much more.

Winter Sports and Ski Travel Insurance

Sports and Leisure Travel Insurance

Many sports and leisure activities are covered on our standard travel insurance policies at no additional premium. From 5th May 2021 we will not be able to provide cover while you take art in riskier Category 2 and Category 3 sports and leisure activities like kite surfing or rugby. This is only a temporary measure while we make improvements to the booking engine of our website. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer these additional covers again.

Sports and Leisure Travel Insurance

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

If you’re planning the journey of a lifetime, then let us protect you fo ryour next adventure with our backpacker travel insurance.

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

What is not covered

There are some circumstances or events where your children's travel insurance policy may not be able to provide cover, these include:

Undeclared medical conditions: Any existing conditions that you have which your child has which haven’t declared and accepted will not be covered.
Extreme sport and activities not listed in the policy wording: There are some more adventurous activities which we may be unable to cover. A full list of activities included on our policies is available in the policy documents. Additional cover can be purchased for winter sports and skiing insurance.
Being under the influence or negligent behaviour: If your child needs to make a claim resulting from negligent behaviour, for example leaving their bags unattended, or from being under the influence or alcohol or non-prescription drugs then we may not be able to accept the claim.
Any travel against FCDO advice

For more information on what isn't covered, please see the policy documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide travel insurance for children travelling alone?

Yes. With our single trip and backpacker policies there is no requirement for children to be travelling with an adult. However, an adult will need to purchase the policy on behalf of the child travelling.

Can I get children's travel insurance for a baby?

Yes, no matter their age everyone who is planning to travel should be covered. Family travel insurance could be a good fit to ensure that everyone heading on your trip has the cover they need. We may also be able to cover travel cot, buggies, prams and all manner of personal possessions you need to take with you to ensure your baby has a great trip.

My child is going on a school trip abroad, do I need to buy travel insurance for them?

Usually this is something that it organised by your child’s school, so it is worth checking with them as to what protection they have in place. In some cases, school policies may only cover third party liability.

If this is the case you may wish to purchase a separate policy for them to ensure that medical conditions, cancellations, loss or theft of belongings are covered, this is particularly important if you child has an existing medical condition.

What destinations can I get covered for?

Our under 18s travel insurance policies can cover you for destinations across the world, just enter the destinations you’ll be visiting when getting a children’s travel insurance quote. If you are looking for annual multi trip cover then you’ll be asked to choose the region of travel from:

Europe
Wordwide excluding the USA and Canada
Worldwide including the USA and Canada

You should be aware that if you travel to a destination that the FCDO advises against travel to then you will not be covered.

HealthHero 24/7 GP telephone and video consultations

Our travel insurance policies provide you access to HealthHero – a 24/7 GP telephone and video consultation service* – which connects you with a UK GP to provide the reassurance and professional medical advice you need while you’re travelling abroad.

*For video consultations, time restrictions apply and UK Bank Holidays are excluded.

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How to ensure you have the right cover

Does your bank or credit card company provide cover?

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked.

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

Are you covered by ABTA or ATOL?

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

What is an EHIC or GHIC and what can it offer you?

Having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will entitle you to the government-provided healthcare of the European Union country you are visiting and lowering the medical costs you would normally expect to pay. Although this is a good addition to take on holiday, it should not be seen as a replacement for travel insurance which could provide you with further protection and peace of mind whilst you are abroad. Our travel insurance policies can protect you against many unforeseen eventualities.

Guide to GHIC cards