direct line travel insurance uk

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Information

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited. Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ Registered in England and Wales No.1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registration number 202810. The Financial Services Register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk

Your details - Travel Insurance

Tell us about yourself.

• Have suffered or are suffering from a heart- or cancer-related condition.
• Have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication (whether or not it was taken) in the last 12 months, including repeat prescriptions.
• Are awaiting medical investigation, awaiting a diagnosis, receiving treatment or awaiting treatment.
• Cross-country skiing (on recognised tracks)
• Dry slope skiing or snowboarding
• Skiing or Snowboarding (on piste, or off piste with a qualified guide)
• Snowmobiling, ski-dooing or ski-bobbing
• Snow shoeing
• Tobogganing
• Any hazardous activity unless we have specifically agreed to it in writing
• Any activity you do as a professional, or in a race or competition
• Any activity carried out against local warnings or advice
• Any activity if it is not carried out in a safe way
• Any activity if you act irresponsibly or put yourself in needless danger
• Certain activities if the activity is the sole purpose of your trip

We will use your information to assess your insurance application and the terms on which cover may be offered. We may exchange your information with other insurers, reinsurers or other carefully selected third parties in order to manage your policy and offer you the best possible service. We will also obtain information about you from credit reference agencies to check your credit status and identity. The agencies record our enquiries but your credit standing will not be affected.

Direct Line insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited (UKI). The information you give us may be used by owned brands within UKI to submit to and check your details with fraud prevention agencies and other organisations. If you provide false or inaccurate information, we will record this. We and other organisations may use and search these records to prevent fraud and money laundering.

• Everyone insured under the policy is a resident of the United Kingdom
• Cover is only available for trips that haven't yet started when cover is purchased, and that both start and end in the United Kingdom
• There are no known reasons why anyone would need to cancel or curtail the journey
• Nobody insured under this policy has had any insurance cancelled or declared void by an insurer
• Is currently taking or should be taking prescribed medication for an existing condition
• Is currently suffering from or has suffered from a heart condition (including heart attack) or cancer related condition
• Is awaiting a medical investigation, surgery or treatment
• Is suffering from any other medical condition
• Accessibility
• Telematics privacy

©1999-2021 U K Insurance Limited

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited. Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ Registered in England and Wales No.1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registration number 202810. The Financial Services Register can be accessed through www.fca.org.uk .

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Direct Line Travel Insurance Review: The Best Plan for You?

• Cover for natural disasters & End Supplier Failure
• Trip Delay/Cancellation/Curtailment
• Cover for replacement cost of used points/miles
• Older travellers
• Personal Belongings/Baggage (costs extra)
• High limits on Valuables
• Delayed departure cover

Editor's Rating

The guidance on this site is based on our own analysis and is meant to help you identify options and narrow down your choices. We do not advise or tell you which product to buy; undertake your own due diligence before entering into any agreement. Read our full disclosure here .

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According to our analysis, Direct Line travel insurance can be a bit expensive, especially since you have to pay extra for Personal Belongings/Baggage cover (it's not included as standard); but we like that all policies include cover for End Supplier Failure and Natural Disasters, plus cover for the replacement cost of used points or miles in case of Cancellation/Curtailment for a trip bought with air miles or another rewards structure. Read through our analysis of Direct Line travel insurance to help decide if it's right for your needs.

In This Review

• Direct Line Travel Insurance Price Comparison

Notable Features

• Policy and Coverage Options
• Comparing Direct Line to the Competition
• Policy Wording and Claims

Direct Line Travel Insurance Review: What You Need to Know

Direct Line offers one tier of Travel Insurance that includes Trip Cancellation /Curtailment, Emergency Medical, Trip Delay/Missed Departure, Legal Assistance and Personal Liability—generally speaking the policy has a really solid set of features, with a few exceptions like baggage costing extra.

In addition, Winter Sports and Personal Belongings/Baggage cover can be added to Direct Line travel insurance policies for an additional cost. Winter Sports cover will cost start roughly from £9 to £50 for a healthy, young individual traveller or from £20 to £115 for a family of four. Expect baggage cover to cost in the range of from £3.50 to £7.50 extra for the individual or £8 to £15 for a family.

Direct Line policies cover trips up to 42 days (Single trip policies for those aged 60+ and Annual, Multi-Trip policies for all ages) or up to 90 days (Single trip policies for those under 60 years of age).

Does Direct Line Travel Insurance Cover Trips in the UK? Holidays in the UK are covered under Direct Line policies, so long as you stay in pre-booked, commercially-operated accommodation for at least 2 consecutive nights.

Pre-Existing Conditions: You must declare any pre-existing conditions . Direct Line will either cover your medical condition without any extra premium, cover your condition with an extra premium or exclude cover for that condition.

Over 65s: The maximum Single Trip duration is shorter at 42 days for those aged 60+ (vs. 90 days for travellers under 60 years of age).

Covid cover: Direct Line offers pretty good cover for medical and cancellation costs related to Covid, such as:

• Medical expenses if you catch COVID-19 while you’re away.
• Additional accommodation and transport costs if you have to quarantine because you catch COVID-19 while you’re away.
• Cancellation costs if you or a close relative are diagnosed with COVID-19 before you go, you have to quarantine or the FCDO change their advice after you booked your trip.
• Cover to cut short your trip if the FCDO change their advice unexpectedly regarding the country you’re visiting.

Direct Line Travel Insurance Key Points

• Annual, Multi-Trip : trips up to 42 days each
• Single Trip : trips up to 90 days (except those aged 60+ have a 42-day trip limit), no upper age limit
• Optional extras: Winter Sports and Baggage
• End Supplier Failure cover
• Natural disasters cover
• Personal Belongings/Baggage not included as standard
• Lower-than-average limits on Valuables
• Delayed departure cover only kicks in after a 12-hour delay

Direct Line Travel Insurance Prices

Data analysis showed that Direct Line prices may be roughly 10% more expensive than average without inclusion of Direct Line’ Baggage extra; if Baggage is included then Direct Line prices may be around 20% more expensive than the average cost of travel insurance , but as you can see in the following charts there is a difference between Single and Annual Multi-Trip policies. We gathered sample quotes of Direct Line Travel Insurance for a sample healthy, 30-year-old individual traveller, to quantify the value found in Direct Line travel insurance policies.

Insurance quotes can vary significantly from day to day and according to your individual details, so please use this data for general educational purposes only; your quotes may reflect a large degree of variation to quotes listed here. When deciding upon the best travel insurance policy for you, don’t just look at price—features, benefits and exclusions potentially have a much larger impact than the premium you pay.

Direct Line Travel Insurance for a Family

Travelling with a family of four will more than double the cost of an individual travel insurance policy with Direct Line. To get an idea of what you might pay, we’ve gathered sample quotes for parents and children aged 8 and 10 across geographical locations like Europe and America .

How Expensive is Direct Line Travel Insurance for a Family?

Cost of direct line winter sports and baggage add-ons.

We've also gathered quotes across geographies to give you an idea of Winter Sports and Baggage travel insurance add-on costs for a healthy, 30-year-old individual traveller.

How Expensive are Direct Line Winter Sports & Baggage Add-On Costs?

Here are some highlights of features available on Direct Line travel insurance policies. Standard features like Medical and Personal Liability are also included on Direct Line policies, limits for which can be found below in the limits section. For complete details like inner limits and exclusions, please refer to the policy documents .

Types of Direct Line Travel Insurance Policies

Direct Line offers one tier of Annual, Multi-Trip or Single Trip cover, plus "Discoverer Trip" backpacker/long stay cover for longer journeys up to 18 months long.

Direct Line Single Trip: Direct Line Single Trip travel insurance covers trips up to 90 days abroad. There is no upper age limit, however those aged 60 or older are limited to a 42-day maximum trip length.

Direct Line Annual Multi-Trip: Direct Line Annual, Multi-Trip policies cover trips up to 42 days in length. Within each policy year, you can travel as many time as you want provided your total time abroad doesn’t exceed 90 days.

Direct Line Discoverer Trip Cover: Cover for backpackers, gap years and those going on longer journeys from 3 months up to 18 months long. Trip Abandonment and Delayed or Missed Departure are not covered on Discoverer policies, but Baggage cover is included as standard up to £1,500. Winter Sports cover is NOT available as an add on.

Here are some Direct Line cover limits (Single & Annual Multi-Trip Policies)

Cover limits for optional winter sports travel insurance, limits for optional personal belongings/baggage cover.

Please read some of our Travel Insurance Guides if you're trying to decide between Single Trip or Multi-Trip policies, learn about What May Not be Covered by Travel Insurance or decide if you Need Travel Insurance or Not .

How does Direct Line Travel Insurance Compare to Competitors?

To better understand the value of Direct Line travel insurance you need to look at it in the context of other available options. We compared it to other plans in the market so you can see which may be more suitable for you.

Direct Line Travel Insurance vs AXA Travel Insurance

AXA travel insurance offers good value for money, with all plans including Insolvency, Baggage, Cancellation/Delay/Curtailment and Catastrophe. Those who ski or snowboard will get longer Winter Sports cover with AXA (over 30 days, depending on the plan).

Bottom Line: If you really want cover for End Supplier Failure and Baggage included as standard, or you spend more than 22 on Winter Sports trips per year, then AXA might be a more comprehensive travel insurance option for you.

Direct Line Travel Insurance vs AA Travel Insurance

AA travel insurance is another provider offering good value. In particular, we like their higher-tier Standard plan as it offers higher limits plus includes Abandonment and Financial Failure, may cover pre-existing conditions and you can add extended Travel Disruption protection. Personal Belongings and baggage are covered on all policies, although cover limits may be too low for some travellers. When purchased online, customers can lock in a 20% online discount for the first year.

Bottom Line: If you want Baggage included and an online discount, AA offers 20% off to new customers.

Direct Line Travel Insurance vs Holidaysafe Travel Insurance

Holidaysafe offers travellers a vast array of Annual and Single Trip travel insurance plans, with varying cover limits to suit most needs. Prices are very competitive and solid value can be found amongst plans that can be customized to cover your particular activities, such as Sailing, Scuba, Mountain Biking, Motorcycling, Golf, Running & Triathlon, Cycling, Marathon and Winter Sports. The Premier Plus plans come in at market average prices, and include financial failure and natural disaster cover.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for customizable travel insurance cover, Holidaysafe offers many options to get the cover you need.

Other Useful Information

• Direct Line Travel Insurance Policy Documents

Erin Yurday is the Founder and Editor of NimbleFins. Prior to NimbleFins, she worked as an investment professional and as the finance expert in Stanford University's Graduate School of Business case writing team. Read more on LinkedIn .

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What cover do Direct Line travel insurance policies provide?

Direct Line is a relatively young company, having started in 1985 and began what became an online insurance revolution. While the company's travel insurance policies are not focused wholly on the over 50s, they offer a wide range of travel cover. Single trip, annual multi-trip cover and even backpack cover are available to different age groups. But do the policies provide value for money?

Direct Line travel insurance: FAQs

Does direct line travel insurance have additional cover for covid-19.

Yes. Overall, the travel insurance industry has been relatively quick in adapting both policies and premiums to consider Covid-19 and future pandemics. There is a separate section for Covid-19 cover on the Direct Line insurance website.

Do I need to declare any medical conditions?

Yes. If a policyholder fails to declare any medical conditions, this may result in curtailment of cover or the policy being cancelled and cover withdrawn. The vast majority of medical conditions are covered by Direct Line  travel insurance , but the company need to be aware of specific conditions.

How much does it cost to insure children?

If children travel with an insured person (an adult), who has a Direct Line  travel insurance policy , they will be covered at no extra cost. This relates to children under the age of 18.

How is Direct Line travel insurance protected?

As a financial services provider, Direct Line's and its parent group UK Insurance Limited are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority.

While the history of some established insurance companies goes back hundreds of years, Direct Line was born in 1985. Originally part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, the company was sold off and floated on the stock market as a stand-alone operation. As well as  travel insurance , traditional  home insurance  and  car insurance , Direct Line offers insurance for pets, businesses and landlords. Servicing more than 10 million customers, Direct Line insurance is the leading online insurance company. The group now includes an array of other companies such as Churchill Insurance.

There are several factors to consider and a certain degree of flexibility when it comes to Direct Line  travel insurance policies . We will now look at the detail you can expect to find in your policy documents, and the level of travel insurance cover offered.

Whether you're looking for single-trip, multi-trip, or specialist cover, or need assurance about pre-existing medical conditions, our panel of travel insurance providers has you covered. Click on your chosen provider below to get started.

• Some restrictions based on age

Am I eligible for Direct Line travel insurance cover?

Unlike  travel insurance companies focused on the over 50s market, like Saga , there are various conditions for Direct Line travel insurance. For example, there are some  age restrictions , and the level of insurance cover available varies with different policies.

The standard conditions when applying for Direct Line travel insurance are as follows:

• You must make the company aware of any pre-existing medical conditions
• Cover is only available to permanent residents of the UK
• Your trips must start and end in the UK
• Trips within the UK must be for at least two consecutive nights, pre-booked with commercial accommodation
• Cancellation cover will not be available if you suspect the trip might be cancelled at the time of booking

There are also some age-related conditions when looking to acquire Direct Line travel insurance:

• Those looking to take out an annual multi-trip policy must be under 75 years of age
• You must be less than 54 years of age for the backpack cover
• The single trip cover is reduced from the standard 90 days to 42 days for those aged 60 and above

Consequently, when comparing and contrasting  travel insurance for the over 50s , it is crucial to be aware of curtailment on some elements of cover. What might seem good value on the surface may look slightly different on further investigation!

Different types of Direct Line travel insurance

Three main types of travel insurance are available through Direct Line instead of the traditional annual multi-trip and single trip cover. In addition, travellers under 54 can apply for backpack cover when travelling the world. It is also important to note that you can add additional people to your travel insurance policy. Children travelling with an adult are covered as standard. Let's look at the three types of Direct Line travel insurance policies available, what they have to offer, and any restrictions or conditions to be aware of.

Annual multi-trip cover

Direct Line annual multi-trip cover is perfect for frequent travellers. Under this type of insurance policy, you will be afforded annual cover for trips up to 42 days in duration. Unfortunately, yearly multi-trip cover is only available to those under 75 years of age.

Annual multi-trip insurance policies offer comprehensive cover that includes:

In the event of end supplier failure, you will be covered for additional expenses not protected elsewhere in the policy documents. For example, children under 18 will be covered when travelling with an adult insured under a Direct Line  travel insurance policy .

It is also essential to be aware of specific exclusions not covered by the standard Direct Line travel insurance policy. Annual multi-trip cover includes:

• Personal belongings (optional extra)

While not standard, you can add personal belongings insurance to your policy to cover your bags and their contents. The maximum payout is £1,500 for valuables lost, stolen or damaged while travelling.

• Winter sports cover (optional extra)

You can take out additional winter sports insurance, which will cover your skiing or snowboarding equipment for theft and damage. You will also be covered for injuries and piste closures.

• One night UK trips

Annual multi-trip insurance only covers UK trips for a minimum of two consecutive nights, pre-booked in commercial accommodation.

• Non-UK residents

Direct Line travel insurance is only available to those permanently resident in the UK.

• One-way trips

This type of travel insurance does not cover one-way trips; they must be return trips, starting and ending in the UK.

• Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions

Only declared pre-existing medical conditions will be covered as part of your travel insurance policy. Any claim made on an undeclared medical condition will be rejected.

Single trip cover

Single trip insurance cover offers standard protection for one-off trips lasting up to 90 days anywhere in the world. If you're over 60, the duration of your trip is reduced to 42 days anywhere in the world.

The level of cover provided by a Direct Line single trip insurance policy is the same as that for annual multi-trip policies.

Backpack cover

Sometimes referred to as "Discoverer Trip" cover, Direct Line backpack travel insurance cover is available to those under 54 for trips lasting 3 to 18 months. The specifics of backpack travel insurance cover are as follows:

You are also covered for end supplier failure, where costs have not been protected elsewhere under your policy. Children travelling with an adult insured under a Direct Line travel insurance policy will also be covered.

There are also some additional exemptions. Due to the nature of "backpacking trips", you will not be covered for an early end to your trip. Consequently, you will not be able to claim if you are forced to abandon your journey or change your travel arrangements for whatever reason.

Am I covered for Covid-19 with Direct Line travel insurance?

Unfortunately, we are likely to experience many Covid-19 spikes in different areas of the world in the short to medium-term. Consequently, Direct Line has made several changes to its policies. From 5 October 2021, all Direct Line travel insurance policies cover Covid-19 and other pandemics related to bookings made but yet to take and future trips.

There is cover in place for trips cancelled as a consequence of:

• You, a party in your travelling group, or person you're planning to stay with, having to quarantine or self-isolate either in the UK or abroad
• You, or any insured person, travelling companion or a close relative being diagnosed with Covid-19 or another pandemic disease
• The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advising against all but essential travel to your holiday destination within 28 days of departure - however, this advice must not have been in place when the holiday was booked or Direct Line travel insurance was acquired
• Covid-19 or another pandemic diseases, resulting in pre-booked/prepaid accommodation not being available or restrictions in the surrounding area

You will also be covered if forced to cut your trip short due to:

• A change in the FCDO advice, which you were not aware of when you travelled
• A change in circumstances, such as a lockdown, affecting your pre-booked accommodation because of Covid-19 or a pandemic - you must not have been aware of this advice when you travelled

Last but not least, there is also emergency medical cover for overseas expenses when diagnosed with coronavirus or another pandemic disease while on your trip.

While consumer attention is on Covid-19, Direct Line is referencing pandemics, in general, in its policy documents. We will all need to consider potential pandemics in the future concerning travel plans and life in general.

Standard features of Direct Line travel insurance policies

While Direct Line travel insurance policies are relatively flexible and can be tailored to your specific requirements, there are some standard features. Therefore, it is essential to check with each type of policy to see which features are included:

Cancellation cover

There is cancellation cover up to a maximum of £5,000 per trip. Valid if you are forced to cancel due to illness, unemployment or another unexpected issue.

Medical emergency cover

While the headline figure of £10 million for medical expenses insurance has caught the attention of many consumers, there is more to consider. In addition, medical emergency cover will pay up to £2,500 for a loved one or friend to travel and stay with you while undergoing treatment. There is also a daily allowance of £25 for phone calls, transport and food.

Personal liability cover

Suppose you're found legally liable for an incident resulting in physical injury, death, accidental loss or damage to property. In that case, there is personal liability cover up to a maximum of £2 million. This is crucial as the associated costs can vary widely in different countries.

Legal expenses and a 24-hour helpline

While there is advice available 24/7, the legal cost cover up to £50,000 can prove helpful. This may be used to claim damages or compensation for injury, illness, death or a dispute about an agreement relating to your journey.

If you are arrested overseas, there is cover of up to £250 for the first meeting with a local solicitor.

Abandoned journeys

If you experience a delay of at least 12 hours and have to abandon your journey, you will be paid up to a maximum of £5,000.

Delayed or missed departure

If your departure is delayed, you will receive up to £200 per person or up to £600 for a missed departure. This element is reduced to a maximum of £200 for UK-only trips.

Children's insurance cover

All children under 18 will be covered if travelling with an adult insured under a Direct Line travel insurance policy. This will also take in organised activities such as snorkelling, beach games, swimming, and other events supervised by adults.

Personal accident

If you are injured due to an accident, where no third party is liable, there is a maximum of £10,000 payment if this results in your death. The figure is reduced to £1,500 for those under 18 travelling with an adult with a Direct Line travel insurance policy. Loss of sight or loss of a limb will lead to a maximum £10,000 payout and up to £25,000 if you cannot work after two years.

Lost or stolen passport

Losing your passport, for whatever reason, can be extremely daunting, more so when in a foreign land. Consequently, Direct Line travel insurance includes up to £500 for any extra travel/accommodation expenses incurred while waiting for replacement documentation.

Disaster cover

If pre-booked accommodation, or the surrounding area, has been impacted by a natural disaster, you are covered for extra travel and additional accommodation expenses up to £1,000. This is because you may decide to continue your trip or return to the UK. Natural disasters could include fires, explosions, earthquakes, tidal waves, avalanches, hurricanes, medical epidemics or a pandemic, and more.

Delayed personal belongings

There's nothing worse than losing your belongings, be it via your airline or a third-party travel provider. If the return of your belongings is delayed by more than 12 hours, you would be eligible for up to £200 to replace any personal belongings you need to buy.

Cost of Direct Line travel insurance policies

It is difficult to calculate an "average" Direct Line travel insurance premium because there are so many variables, including:

• Destination
• Type of policy
• Additional extras
• Medical conditions
• Excess payments

As detailed above, some of the policies have age restrictions, while  Saga , focusing specifically on over 50s, have no such conditions. On the plus side, you will see introductory offers on the Direct Line insurance website from time to time. One of the more common offers is a 25% discount off annual multi-trip travel insurance cover, which is certainly worth considering!

Does Direct Line travel insurance offer value for money?

It isn't easy to compare Direct Line travel insurance with the likes of Saga , which is focused solely on the over 50s market. That said, there are several options available to reduce your Direct Line travel insurance premiums, such as reducing the excess and taking advantage of online offers. In addition, the standard cover on Direct Line travel insurance policies is both flexible and comprehensive. The key is to ensure that the travel insurance package you purchase is moulded around your particular requirements.

There may also be options to buy pet insurance, home insurance and other Direct Line products alongside your travel insurance, which may provide a discount.

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Best travel insurance UK 2024 guide

We all deserve a break now and then. And the last thing you want to think of when booking your holiday is something going wrong. But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. That’s why you should always consider travel insurance when going on a trip.

But how can you find the best travel insurance policy for your needs? Read our guide below to find out more.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance protects you financially if your trip away doesn’t go as planned and you incur unexpected expenses for delays, losses or medical treatment.

All travellers can benefit from travel insurance. But travel insurance is particularly important if you are going on an independent trip without a tour operator, because if something goes wrong, you will have no other help.

There are three main types of travel insurance:

• Single-trip cover: this is the most typical form of travel insurance, covering you for a one-off trip or holiday. There will be a time limit on the cover that can range anywhere between one month and 365 days
• Annual multi-trip cover: this allows you to make multiple trips, or have multiple holidays, in a 12-month period, all under the same travel insurance policy. There may be a cap on how long each individual trip can be
• Long stay, or backpacker, cover: this is normally used for around the world trips, gap years, and longer cruises, and can last for up to 18 months

To find the best UK travel insurance, compare policies before you go to ensure you get the right coverage for you and the specific trip you’re planning.

How to find the best travel insurance policy

When comparing policies to find the best travel insurance for your trip, you should consider: 

• Type of cover you need
• Excess (how much you’ll be expected to pay out yourself before the policy will cover you)
• Amount of medical coverage, and why pre-existing conditions aren’t included
• Limit on baggage claims
• Coverage for specific sports and activities
• Any potential rewards and discounts
• Add-ons, such as gadget insurance

Best travel insurance deals and discounts

Looking for the best travel insurance deals from the best travel insurance companies? In most cases, the easiest way to find the best travel insurance deals is to use a comparison website. Travel insurance comparison websites let you compare costs and coverage side by side to find the best UK travel insurance.

The four main comparison websites – Moneysupermarket, Comparethemarket, Confused.com and GoCompare – also often have certain deals and discounts when you buy travel insurance from them, offering some of the best travel insurance deals on the market.

Moneysupermarket : Find the same deal for less, and it will price match and give you a choice of a £20 gift card. Only on annual travel insurance.

Comparethemarket : Two for one cinema tickets with Meerkat Movies and savings at restaurants when you dine out or order pizza in with Meerkat Meals, as well as 25 per cent off coffee and pastries at Caffè Nero every day of the week through the Meerkat app.

(In November 2023, Confused.com and GoCompare had no deals or discounts for travel insurance).

Price is obviously a big consideration when you are looking for the best travel insurance – you’ve probably already spent a lot on your holiday. But you may be able to get much better coverage for just a few pounds extra, so it’s worth scrolling down the comparison site’s list of providers before buying.

Medical costs abroad will undoubtedly be the biggest expense you face if you fall ill abroad, so don’t scrimp on those.

Then think about your next biggest expense (probably cancellation/interruption of your trip) and make sure that you have high-value coverage for that.

If you find you can get much higher coverage (the maximum amount you can claim per type of claim, such as medical or baggage) for not very much more money, go for the slightly more expensive option.

Going direct

Comparison sites won’t always find you the cheapest deals, however. For example, Direct Line offers some of the best travel insurance with Covid cover and is not on comparison websites.

Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer discounts for buying directly from them, as follows:

Bundled coverage options

When looking for the best travel insurance for your holiday, it can make sense to buy a bundle of coverage under one policy.

Comparison websites will often offer add-on gadget cover, winter sports cover or cruise cover all under the one policy. If you need that extra cover, it is typically cheaper to buy your travel insurance this way rather than as separate policies.

What is covered by travel insurance?

The best travel insurance companies will offer you comprehensive coverage across all types of claims. It’s easy to compare the best travel insurance deals using a comparison website.

Medical coverage

This covers you for medical expenses you incur if you become ill or have an accident while away. The best UK travel insurance will have a high level of medical coverage.

For example, medical coverage will pay for any necessary treatment if you come down with severe food poisoning or you fall through a window and have to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

• Avoid hefty bills or debt for medical assistance outside the UK
• Access better treatment – for example, at private vs public hospitals
• Often, as long as you declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests, you are covered if you fall ill during your trip (check policy exclusions)
• Even the best travel insurance companies will likely charge you more if you have a pre-existing medical condition
• You might have to pay part or all your medical expenses first, then claim on the policy afterwards
• Even the best travel insurance companies do not cover events that happen after you have consumed alcohol excessively or taken recreational drugs or other substances

Trip cancellation/interruption

This insurance pays out the cost of your missed trip if you have to cancel or cut your holiday short due to unforeseen circumstances.

For example, cancellation insurance would normally pay out if you broke your leg just before you were due to travel and had to cancel your trip.

Interruption insurance would cover you if you had to come home early for certain reasons beyond your control – for example, if the area you were staying in was engulfed in wildfires.

• Money you would have lost on pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses is paid to you under the policy
• It can be especially valuable if the trip you are planning is very expensive, as this is money you would lose if you couldn’t go
• You’ll usually only be covered if your trip is cancelled or cut short for specific reasons listed in your policy
• You usually won’t be covered if you miss your flight because you are held by customs or cancel because of a work issue or a pre-existing medical condition that is not covered

Baggage cover

This insurance covers the cost of replacing your luggage if it is lost or stolen.

For example, if an airline loses your luggage in transit or your suitcase is stolen from your hostel while you’re away, you can make a claim for the cost of replacing its contents.

You may also be able to claim for costs related to baggage delay if the airline temporarily misplaced your baggage.

• You can claim for the actual cash value of your belongings or the cost of replacing them (whichever is less)
• High-value items, such as jewellery or sports equipment, can be very expensive to replace without travel insurance
• Standard policies usually place per item and total limits on claims.
• If you are taking very expensive items away, check your policy carefully to ensure that you’re covered (and potentially get a separate policy)
• Some items could be covered by your home insurance policy, so check your policy carefully to see what is any isn’t. It’s also important to note that, should a lost item be covered by both policies, you can only claim once; an attempt to claim twice would be considered fraud

Personal liability

This insurance covers you if you are held responsible for harming another person or damaging their property.

For example, it covers you in situations where you cause serious damage to your holiday accommodation or accidentally stumble into someone else, causing them to need medical treatment.

• The cost of defending yourself in a legal case or repairing/replacing damage could be extremely costly without travel insurance
• Your travel insurance company will take over dealing with a foreign legal system
• You’re covered for the cost of any compensation (up to certain limits)

Limits: 

• Not all travel insurance provides personal liability as standard
• Policies may exclude personal liability while you partake in adventure activities
• Claims related to you committing a crime or damage by wilful negligence won’t be covered
• You likely will not be covered if you admit liability or make an offer to pay before talking to your insurer

Finding the best travel insurance with Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance with Covid cover? Many travel insurance policies now include cancellation cover for reasons related to Covid. This often applies within two weeks of being due to travel, according to the Association of British Insurers, but individual policies can vary.

To make a claim, insurers often require proof in the form of a medically approved positive Covid test. A lateral flow test or self-diagnosis is usually not accepted.

What Covid-related cover to look for

The best travel insurance with Covid cover should include the following:

• Cover if you can’t start your trip because you tested positive for Covid before travelling
• Cover if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for Covid during the holiday
• Cover for additional costs, such as alternative flights, accommodation and Covid tests
• Cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to Covid-19

Travel insurance providers with comprehensive Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance providers with Covid cover? Most travel insurance policies now offer some kind of Covid cover, but Churchill, Direct Line, M&S and Aviva have some of the most comprehensive offerings, with cover for cancellations and expenses related to Covid.

• Covid covered as standard on travel insurance policies
• Cover for trip cancellations if you, a close relative or a travelling companion is diagnosed with Covid-19 or another pandemic disease
• Cover if you or a person you’re planning to stay with must quarantine (abroad or in the UK)
• Cover if you can’t use pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation affected by Covid-19
• Cover for quarantine or where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel within 28 days of departure
• Cover for emergency medical expenses abroad due to Covid-19

Direct Line

• Cover for travel to a destination where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel 
• Cover for medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 while you’re away 
• Cover for additional accommodation and transport if you have to quarantine due to Covid
• Cover for cancellation costs if you or a close relative get Covid-19 before you go
• Cover for quarantine or if the FCDO changes its advice after you book your trip
• Cover if you have to cut your trip short if the FCDO changes its country advice unexpectedly

• Cover for emergency medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 during your trip
• Cover for unrecoverable costs up to £6,000 if you must cancel your trip or return early, including if you have to self-isolate or quarantine before you travel due to Covid-19
• Cover for if you need to cancel your trip due to a positive Covid-19 test or if the FCDO advise against travel to your destination in the 31 days leading up to your trip
• Providing you haven’t travelled against FCDO advice, you’ll also be covered if you catch Covid-19 while abroad

• Coverage of up to £5,000 per person if you must cancel your trip due to getting Covid (you’ll need to provide confirmation and evidence of a positive test result)
• Cover for Covid-related emergency medical treatment and expenses while away
• Cover if you unexpectedly need to quarantine, including extra travel and accommodation costs to get home (provided a return trip was booked) 
• Cover for costs for any accommodation and excursions unused due to getting Covid where the costs can’t be recovered elsewhere
• No cover you if you travel against FCDO advice*
• No cover if you can’t travel because you don’t meet the entry requirements of a country (such as having had Covid vaccinations)*

* It’s worth noting that these clauses are not unusual and the majority of providers will have something similar

Tips for selecting the best UK travel insurance packages

Need some help picking the best UK travel insurance packages to make sure that you get the best travel insurance deals? Here are some tips for picking the best policy features for you.

Coverage limits

When looking for the best travel insurance companies to go with, check coverage limits. These are the maximum amounts your travel insurer will pay if you need to claim. You’ll see when you compare travel insurance policies that coverage limits vary for each type of claim and between policies.

The government-backed MoneyHelper website recommends that the best UK travel insurance should have the following minimum coverage for each type of claim:

• Medical: £1m or more for travel to Europe and £2m or more for the US
• Cancellation/interruption: £2,000 or more
• Missed departure: £500 or more
• Delay: £200 or more
• Baggage cover: £1,500 or more
• Personal liability cover: £2 million or more

Deductibles/excess

Deductibles, also known as the excess, is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your travel insurance will start paying for your claim.

You have to make a trade-off when it comes to choosing the excess and the best travel insurance policy for you.

The lower the excess on a travel insurance policy, the better for you if you have to claim because you will have less to pay from your own pocket (or, more often, deducted from your claim).

But lower excess travel insurance policies are more expensive because the insurer knows it has more to pay out if you claim. Higher excess policies are cheaper, but you’ll have more deducted from your claim.

An exclusion on a travel insurance policy is an event the policy will not cover you for.

Common exclusions on a standard travel insurance policy may not be obvious. According to the ABTA – The Travel Association, these include:

• Incidents that occur after drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
• Theft of unattended possessions
• Sports, extreme sports and activities such as skiing, white water rafting and bungee jumping
• Medical treatment resulting from existing medical conditions you have not declared or conditions preventable by vaccine or advisable medication, such as antimalarials
• Medical costs if you stay abroad after your doctor says you are fit to return to the UK
• Strikes and industrial action if it was known when you booked your trip
• Rescheduled flights where the airline has cancelled and then rescheduled your flight
• Travel to destinations where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel

To get the best travel insurance deals, one way around some of these exclusions is to buy add-ons for adventure activities. In addition, make sure to declare all pre-existing conditions and keep an eye out for any travel disruptions before you book.

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or medical conditions you have and are aware of before you travel.

Travel insurance companies will ask you to disclose any pre-existing conditions. If you use a comparison website, it will be among the first questions you’re asked before it shows you quotes. It’s important to be honest.

Some travel insurance companies, but not all, will offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, while others will offer cover but exclude any claims arising from that medical condition. This will depend on the person being covered and the medical condition.

Most price comparison websites include an option to show insurers who do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, so that would be a good place to start.

The following are likely to be considered pre-existing conditions you should disclose, according to the government-backed MoneyHelper website:

• A condition where you are on a list for an operation
• A condition where you are waiting for test results
• Anything you have been to the doctor about in the last year, including minor things
• Any serious conditions you’ve ever had – for example, cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems or a mental health breakdown

A good tip for everyone, but especially if you have a pre-existing condition, is to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. If your condition gets worse and forces you to cancel your plans, you’ll be covered from the day the policy starts.

On family group policies, the cost will be determined based on the riskiest traveller (according to insurers), which could be someone with a pre-existing condition or an older individual. In this case, it is often cheaper for the group for that person to get a separate policy.

Add-on options

Add-ons are extras you can purchase in addition to a standard travel insurance policy. They cost a bit more, but you may find you’re not covered without them. 

Gadget insurance

This covers things that a standard policy may not, such as your mobile phone or laptop. If these items are covered, you may find the claim limits are far less than the cost of replacing them.

Before you add this option to your travel insurance, check your home insurance policy, because you may already be covered.

Winter sports/adventure activities

Riskier activities, such as skiing or white water rafting, often require extra holiday insurance because insurers think that you are more likely to need to make a claim doing these things.

Winter sports/adventure activities cover is worth getting, or you may find you are not covered for medical expenses if something goes wrong.

Standard travel insurance is generally meant for land-based holidays so you’ll need to opt for a specialist cruise policy if your holiday is a cruise.

European FCDO travel advice extension

Most standard travel insurance policies are invalid if you travel when the FCDO advises against “all but essential travel”.

This add-on allows you to travel to Europe with a valid travel insurance policy, even if the FCDO has advised against it.

This can be an expensive add-on, but if you really must travel to a risky area, you will need this extension in order to make sure you have cover.

Best holiday insurance summary

Choosing the right travel insurance is an essential part of enjoying peace of mind while you are on holiday.

When looking for the best travel insurance deals, don’t just pick the cheapest policy. Instead, look for the cover limits that match your requirements. For example, baggage cover of £5,000 isn’t worth having if your baggage is worth £1,000; cancellation cover up to £10,000 isn’t worth having if your holiday cost you £2,000.

The easiest way to compare the best travel insurance is usually by using a travel insurance comparison website.

Think about the sort of activities you’ll be doing while you’re away. You may need extra holiday insurance for things such as winter sports or scuba diving or if you are going on a cruise.

Be honest about any pre-existing conditions when buying your travel insurance, or you won’t be covered if you have to claim.

The best travel insurance is a safety net for you and your family to enjoy your trip away stress-free, knowing that you’re covered for everything from medical expenses to cancellations if things go wrong.

Frequently asked questions about the best travel insurance UK packages

Is travel insurance necessary for domestic travel within the uk.

Even where medical costs in the UK are covered by the NHS, a sudden illness could lead to other expenses, forcing you to cancel your trip, the costs of which travel insurance would cover.

Lost or stolen luggage and broken gadgets or other claims for damage can just as easily occur in the UK as abroad.

What is annual travel insurance, and is it a good option for frequent travellers?

Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers you for multiple trips away within any 12-month period. It is often cheaper than buying a separate policy for each trip if you are planning to go away multiple times in one year.

Annual travel insurance is also useful if you are planning a long trip visiting several countries, as often insurers require you to buy travel insurance before you leave the UK rather than abroad mid-trip.

Are there any travel insurance companies that specialise in certain types of trips or travellers?

Specialist travel insurers cater to specific groups of people. It can make sense to seek out travel insurers that cover your needs.

Adventures Insurance, Sports Cover Direct and Snowcard tailor their travel insurance to those who enjoy activity holidays and extreme sports, for example.

Senior travellers are the focus of policies from All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance Services, Free Spirit Flex, Good 2 Go Extra, Goodtogo Insurance, Saga, Staysure and Total Travel Protection.

Insurers offering business trip cover include Allianz, Direct Line, Coverwise and Insure & Go.

How do I make a claim with my travel insurance company?

To claim on your travel insurance while you are away, make sure that you take your policy number with you and the emergency number for your insurer. If you are travelling abroad, take any international numbers too.

Call your insurer as soon as you realise you need to make a claim. Keep all receipts and medical expense forms. If you are travelling with other people, make them aware of your policy details and the insurer’s phone number in case they need to call on your behalf.

To make a claim when you return home, check the following:

• You haven’t left it too late to make a claim
• What you’re claiming for is covered
• The excess is not more than the value of your claim (if so, it’s not worth claiming)

Notify your insurer as soon as possible for a claim form, send it back fast and keep a copy of it. You should also include copies of paperwork to support your claim, such as receipts or medical certificates (keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused).

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a freelance journalist, editor, and producer. She has a wealth of consumer finance experience, having written about money matters and business for over 15 years.

During her tenure as a freelance writer, she has worked for ITN, Wired, and The Sunday Times, as well as financial institutions such as Aegon, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Pension Bee, where she’s presenter of the Pension Confident Podcast.

Laura has previously held roles at The Times, where she was the Acting Editor of Times Money Mentor, The Telegraph as a senior finance reporter and was the co-host of the It’s Your Money Podcast, which was renowned for making complex finance issues accessible, and The Financial Times, where she worked as a News Editor. Laura has also worked at CNN, Politics.co.uk, and as a producer at Radio 5 Live.

Connor Campbell

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal and business finance writer who has been producing online content for almost a decade. 

Connor is the personal finance expert for Independent Advisor, guiding readers through everything they need to know about car insurance and home insurance. From how much it costs to the best insurance providers in the UK, he’s here to help you find the right policy for your needs. 

In his capacity as writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet , Connor explored a number of topics close to his heart, such as the impact of our increasingly cashless society, and the hardships and heroics of British entrepreneurs. His commentary was featured in sites such as The Mirror , the Daily Express and Business Insider . 

At financial trading firm Spreadex, meanwhile, his market commentary was featured in outlets such as The Guardian , BBC , Reuters and the Evening Standard . 

Connor is a voracious reader with an MA in English, and is dedicated to making life’s financial decisions a little bit easier by doing away with jargon and needless complexity.

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Direct Travel Insurance   Reviews

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Reviews 4.6.

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DO NOT BUY INSURANCE FROM THIS COMPANY.

DO NOT BUY INSURANCE FROM THIS COMPANY. They did not pay out for my unexpected travel return so I could see my terminally ill dad (with a 1-3 month prognosis) before he sadly passed away. I was disgusted by this decision alone, but to make it worse, I had to pay an EXTRA £50 just to obtain a form to submit the claim which they subsequently denied. They denied this despite the Doctor confirming there was no way this could have been predicted / known prior to travel. I would tell family and friends to categorically avoid this company. I would have preferred to deal with them directly but it was all via third party. I will update this if contacted directly and resolved.

Date of experience : 29 February 2024

Annual travel insurance done - fantastic!

Had been thinking on taking out an annual travel insurance policy for years but I retired two months ago and hoping to travel more now. Was surprised how easy to navigate the online form and even more surprised at the price as I did have a medical condition to declare. Feel so satisfied that I have insurance in place now for a whole 12 months.

Date of experience : 08 August 2023

Reply from Direct Travel Insurance

Many thanks for taking the time to share your positive feedback on your recent experience! The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

Mid priced policy covering medical conditions

I spoke to two agents about my policy requirements and both were very friendly and efficient as well as patient. Insurance is increasingly expensive but this provider was midway when it came to cost and provided the cover I needed for medical conditions. Overall I was very happy with the service provided.

Date of experience : 05 September 2023

That is great to hear! Thank you for choosing Medical Travel Insurance!

I used the phone to renew my insurance

I used the phone to renew my insurance. The automated introduction was reasonably quick and easy to follow, taking me to a very helpful and polite lady (Kelly I think was her name). Due to my age (76) there were some changes needed to the policy but she explained and sorted all of this and answered some questions about future cover. Overall the best experience I have had in sorting things out over the phone. I was almost sorry when the call ended. Thank you.

Date of experience : 09 January 2023

That is fantastic to hear. We are delighted to hear that you are more than happy with the service you received from our team. We will pass your positive comments onto our call team. Many thanks for taking the time to share your positive feedback on your recent experience. The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

Travel Insurance September 2023.oked our travel Insurance through…

I booked our travel Insurance through Confused.com. The process was smooth and relatively easy. I opted for Direct Travel because they appeared to be offering a competitive Insurance product at a good price. It was easy to purchase online.

Date of experience : 17 September 2023

Thank you for your positive comments! We are glad you had a great experience! The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

It would have been five stars

It would have been five stars but when I first tried the various offers displayed disappeared before I could select one and only the most expensive one remained. I tried again and was then told there was no cover available. Third time lucky. I got quotes made my selection and booked.

Date of experience : 09 October 2023

Many thanks for taking the time to share your positive feedback on your recent experience. The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

Easy purchase.

This review is based on my buying travel insurance from Direct Travel. I haven’t travelled yet. So, this was the cheapest option for me and it met my requirements. Purchase was simple enough and my policy was sent immediately via email.

Date of experience : 25 August 2023

I needed to adjust my policy

I needed to adjust my policy, the young girl who helped me sort out was very helpful couldn’t have asked for anymore. All the staff that l have dealt with have been helpful will continue to book with them in the future

Date of experience : 22 September 2023

We are delighted that you received great customer service from our team! Many thanks for taking the time to share your positive feedback on your recent experience. The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

Great prices and very easy and…

Great prices and very easy and straightforward to get insurance to cover all my medical conditions and my gadget cover. This is my second time coming back to use them with no hassle whatsoever. I would highly recommend this company. 10/10

Date of experience : 26 February 2023

We are pleased that you had such a great experience! Thank you for your positive feedback! The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

ski insurance cover

Phoned to arrange ski insurance cover for several trips. The consultant I spoke to was very helpful as I had medical conditions which had to be declared before insurance cover could be arranged. All of this was handled very well, and all policies are now in place. Highly recommended.

Date of experience : 03 October 2022

Lauren made the whole process so easy…

Lauren made the whole process so easy for me answering all my questions so nicely. It’s the second time I’ve taken out holiday insurance with Lauren to help and will certainly contact her again for my next holiday

We are pleased that you received great customer service from our team! Thanks for your feedback! The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

First of all thank you for competitive…

First of all thank you for competitive travel insurance however a number of the online questions do not give you a very clear picture of a medical condition. For example I had a cardiac arrest some eight years ago and was given stents but have been fine ever since - why is this fact not asked? Also the query about being able to walk 200m without being out of breath - surely a more greater distance would be more significant? I just feel that this area needs to be addressed (by all companies) to make it clear how able an individual is.

Date of experience : 07 September 2022

Many thanks for your feedback. We constantly review feedback, in order to make improvements where possible. Thank you for purchasing with Direct Travel Insurance. The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

We have used Direct Travel before and…

We have used Direct Travel before and found them to be very professional and helpful. The system used to get a quote is very straight forward and easy to navigate.

Date of experience : 06 August 2023

That is great to hear! Thank you for choosing Direct Travel Insurance! The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

A good and fair deal from Direct Travel

I found a good quote from Direct Travel on a comparison website. They appeared not to load the premium as my partner has a pacemaker - which makes her a good deal more healthy than most. The process of form filling was quick and efficient. Good value.

Date of experience : 26 September 2022

We are delighted that you found our website easy to use. Thank you for your positive feedback! The Direct travel Insurance Team.

Happy to choose Direct Travel

On an online search process this was one of the options available which suited my purpose and which I was happy to take up. I received a prompt response and subsequently the policy documents. Unless a claim is required I cannot really add anything else.

Date of experience : 14 February 2023

We appreciate your feedback. The Direct Travel Insurance Team.

I've used direct travel for years and…

I've used direct travel for years and always been happy with them. Had to contact them as my holiday had had to be cancelled and they were really helpful supporting me to transfer my insurance to the replacement location which I didn't realise was possible

First Class

The lady I spoke to on the phone was very helpful. There was a choice of silver, gold and platinum polices. The payment process was easy. I am recommending Direct Travel to some friends.

Date of experience : 27 January 2023

Holiday insurance

Well informed and informative sales assistant. Used this company three times and have recommended to others. Who also are very happy with service.

Travel insurance at a reasonable price

Filled in information required In minutes, it gave me a quote that covers what I need at a reasonable price. Sorted. Thankyou.

Date of experience : 05 February 2023

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Direct Line Business Insurance Review

Many or all of the products and brands we promote and feature including our ‘Partner Spotlights’ are from our partners who compensate us. However, this does not influence our editorial opinion found in articles, reviews and our ‘Best’ tables. Our opinion is our own. Read more on our methodology here .

Direct Line business insurance: at a glance

You’re probably familiar with Direct Line offerings for general insurance, such as car and home. But this large UK insurer, established in 1985, provides business insurance too.

Its business protection is built to suit a large range of professions – from photographers to retail – and businesses of all sizes, from contractors to start ups.

There is some flexibility, as you can build the type of cover your business needs and leave out what it doesn’t. Although you’ll find this approach with most providers.

Direct Line Business Insurance

• Maximum Cover Amounts Public Liability: £10m | Employers Liability: £10m | Professional Indemnity: £5m | Personal Accident Insurance: £50k

Always check terms & conditions for suitability before applying.

Learn more about how we bring you our review.

Direct Line business insurance pros and cons

• You can save and retrieve quotes and manage your policy online.
• There is phone support for policy management and a virtual assistant. 
• You can make a claim by phone.
• You can shop by specific industry, with optional add-ons for typical risks.
• You can pay your premium annually or in monthly instalments.
• You can’t call customer services after 6pm on weekdays or 3pm on Saturdays, or on Sundays.

These pros and cons are based on a survey of UK business owners on what they found important when selecting a range of business products, conducted by NerdWallet in December 2022.

Direct Line business insurance key features

• Extensive range of cover types available
• No admin fees for policy changes
• Online policy management and claims

Direct Line business insurance full review

Direct Line offers an extensive range of business insurance, ranging from core cover, including public liability insurance, to more specialist insurance, such as cyber insurance.  

Find out more about Direct Line business insurance – including how it measures up to the key priorities of business owners, according to our NerdWallet survey.

What types of business insurance does Direct Line offer?

Direct Line offers a range of standard business cover as well as more specialist cover:

• Public liability insurance (up to £10 million): This covers legal fees and compensation costs if a member of the public is injured or their property is lost or damaged and your business is at fault.
• Employers’ liability insurance (£10 million): This covers legal and compensation costs if a permanent or temporary employee gets injured or is ill due to their work.You can add cover for death as an optional extra.
• Professional indemnity insurance (£100,000 to £5 million): This is protection for legal and compensation costs if you or your business make a mistake, are negligent, or offer advice that costs your client money or damages their reputation.
• Product liability insurance (up to £10 million) : This covers legal fees and compensation costs for claims about a product you’ve sold or supplied that has caused a customer to be ill or injured, or has damaged their property. This includes online sales.
• Commercial van insurance: This is cover for using your van for work, such as carrying stock or tools to other locations. It can pay out if you are involved in an accident or your van is stolen or destroyed, depending on the level of insurance you choose.
• Buildings insurance: If you own your business premises (outright or with a mortgage), this covers the cost of rebuilding it after damage by fire, flood or storm, for example.
• Commercial landlord insurance: This covers the building if you rent out your property for business use, along with other risks, such as the cost of relocating tenants after a fire, for example t.
• Contents and stock insurance: This is cover for your business belongings or stock if they are stolen or damaged.

Direct Line also offers:

• cyber insurance
• landlord insurance
• business interruption insurance 
• theft of takings 

For trades, you can also get cover for:

• tools and business equipment
• hired-in plant
• contract works

You can buy one type of cover or build a package with optional extras, such as no claims discount protection, depending on the protection you need and the premium you can afford. 

Direct Line business insurance features

Below, you can find out more about what Direct Line business insurance features. We’ve considered what business owners said was most important to them in our NerdWallet survey.

Professions and trades covered

Direct Line covers a range of business types. Some trades have individual pages on Direct Line’s website, including:

• accountants
• contractors
• freelancers
• dog groomers and walkers 
• estate agents 
• home businesses 
• market traders 
• offices retailers 
• trades  

If you can’t see your trade or business on the website or in the list, you can check if it is covered over the phone. 

Payment options

Business insurance premiums can be paid annually or in monthly instalments. Having this choice was key for a number of business owners in our survey, with the option to pay monthly the second most important factor and annual payment ranking fourth. 

A bonus with Direct Line is that if you choose to pay monthly, you won’t pay interest in your first year, which might be a useful way to budget. Just make sure that you can afford it when interest does kick in, if you don’t plan to switch providers once the year is up. 

Online policy management

You can log in to your online account to add, view, amend or renew your business insurance policies, or to save and retrieve quotes. 

While its self-service portal lets you do a number of things, bear in mind that, depending on the cover type, you may need to ask for some changes over the phone. Web-based policy management was the third most important factor in our survey, so this ticks that box. It’s also worth knowing that you won’t pay admin fees for making changes to your policy.  

Phone support

You can call Direct Line customer service about your cover or to get a quote. Lines are open 9am to 6pm on weekdays (not including bank holidays). 

In our survey, being able to call customer services to make policy changes was ranked eighth in importance, with the majority seeing the self-service, online route as a higher priority. But it’s perhaps about having options, as some also wanted to be able to speak to a person about their cover.

Making a claim

You can make a claim online, through your account, or over the phone, though you may need to call for certain types of claims. Opening hours and numbers vary depending on the cover type, and lines are open on weekdays, except bank holidays, or 24/7 where it’s emergency cover. A dedicated claims handler will be assigned to your case.

In our survey, being able to make a claim online was important for nearly half of business owners and was the top ranking factor.  

Customer reviews

Direct Line has a Trustpilot rating of 3.9 out of 5, based on over 11,600 reviews, as of 7 March 2023.

Keep in mind that these reviews aren’t exclusively about business insurance.

Can you shop by profession with Direct Line?

Direct Line details a number of professions, as well as the type of cover that might be suitable, on its website. 

You don’t have to take this route, though, and consider that not all types of cover mentioned will be relevant to your individual business – if you don’t have employees, for example.

However, you might find it useful to see the types of risks your profession typically faces in one place – such as tools and van cover for a carpenter – and find a straightforward route to building cover and getting a quote to match. 

Shopping by your trade can also help highlight relevant optional add-ons for the job you do (at an additional cost). For example, treatment liability insurance for businesses that provide beauty treatments, or tech essentials that sorts a replacement item within 24 hours of a successful claim.

In our NerdWallet survey, being able to shop by industry was only ranked seventh out of 10 in importance, but speed and ease and potential industry expertise were certainly factors for some. 

How to choose the right business insurance

The business insurance policies or package you choose needs to address the risks your business faces. There’s a wide choice available, but some businesses might need the following cover to be able to operate:

• You need employers’ liability insurance by law if you employ anyone in the UK who isn’t close family. Though if you employ family and your business is a limited company, you will need it. 
• Professional indemnity insurance is required by their governing body or regulator for some professions, such as solicitors and accountants.
• You may be asked to have a specific level of public liability insurance to carry out some work, including government contracts. 
• If you use a vehicle for work (other than commuting), you must have motor insurance and should consider business car or van insurance, or commercial vehicle insurance. 

If you’re not sure which types of cover you need, an independent business insurance broker can help. Membership and trade bodies may also help you work out the minimum level of cover you need.  

How to get Direct Line business insurance

You can get a quote for Direct Line business insurance online or by phone.

You can add the cover you need as you go through the quote process. You will need to supply information about your business, including when it started trading, estimated annual turnover, the nature of your business and where you operate, along with how many employees you have.

You will also need to state the type and level of cover you want your policy to include. Once you have a quote, you can apply online or over the phone if you’re happy with the price and cover features, or compare the quote details with other providers. 

How to save money on Direct Line business insurance

Direct Line offers a price guarantee where it promises to beat any quote for the same level of cover from another insurer, provided it’s a quote for a new policy rather than a renewal. This might help you get a competitive rate, especially if you’ve found the lowest quote from a number of other insurers for the same level of cover. Though there are some exclusions, such as van insurance.

Other benefits it offers that might save you money are that:

• You won’t pay any admin fees if you need to make changes to your policy, no matter how many changes you make. 
• If you pay monthly by direct debit, you pay no interest on your premiums in your first year.

Review methodology

At NerdWallet UK, we base our reviews and our ‘Best’ pages on the results of surveys we undertook about what was important to people who use these products. This allows us to look at products impartially of any commercial arrangements we have and fairly rate the products on the same set of criteria. Best means our ‘Best’ and is based only on what products we have aligned to our surveys, which form the basis of our reviews and ratings. This means that there will be other products on the market that we have not included in our ‘Best’ pages. Best does not mean it’s best for you, nor does it mean the ‘cheapest’. Our reviews may display lenders’ rates. This additional information has not been included in our evaluations but is still very important when choosing a product. Rates offered can depend on circumstances, amount and term. Always check details before proceeding with any financial product. Product details reflect the information that was available at that time but may have changed since. We strive to give you a review on as many products as possible, but there will be products not included on the market. The review is our opinion, but it does not constitute advice, recommendation or suitability for your financial circumstances. You can view our full review methodology here .

About the Author

Holly champions clear, jargon-free writing. She’s been creating finance content for leading organisations for over 10 years.

Politics latest: Sunak facing questions from Trevor Phillips - as he refuses to rule out July election

Rishi Sunak will be answering questions on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, as he refuses to rule out a July general election. Meanwhile, a summit headed by Alex Salmond will meet later to discuss a key vote that could bring down Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Sunday 28 April 2024 09:48, UK

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• Watch the prime minister answer questions on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips from 8.30am
• Sunak refuses to rule out July general election
• Lone MSP with likely deciding vote in no-confidence motion to discuss demands
• Yousaf tells Sky News he is optimistic of winning
• Connor Gillies:  First minister must reset relations with very people he's burned bridges with
• Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
• Tap here to follow Electoral Dysfunction
• Sam Coates explains why the local elections matter
• Live reporting by Brad Young

Alex Salmond asked Alastair Campbell to negotiate on behalf of Scotland with the UK government in the event it voted for independence in 2014, Mr Campbell tells Sky News.

The proposal was made when the pair were in Scotland ahead of the referendum, making tributes to Tony Benn, the former Number 10 communications director says.

"If Scotland had become independent, then that would have been a massive, massive thing for the country, so I would have been very happy to do that.

"I would want people who weren't necessarily pro-indpendence to be part of that team."

As Humza Yousaf fights to maintain leadership of Scotland, the Alba Party's Alex Salmond joins Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

Meanwhile, Ash Regan, the Alba Party's sole MP and potentially the deciding vote in a no-confidence motion in Mr Yousaf, is expected to meet with the first minister.

Ms Regan will "make a set of reasonable proposals to help him out of a very tight corner", says Mr Salmond.

"Scotland is lucky that somebody like Ash Regan is in that position."

Independence forces should be "cooperating together to try and get independence back as a priority in Scottish society".

Asked if an agreement can be reached with the SNP, Mr Salmond says Mr Yousaf is "in a very difficult position" but he will be in a "listening mode".

"He wouldn't have sacked the Greens from his administration unless he wanted a significant change in direction," says Mr Salmond.

"One possible outcome of this political crisis is there might be a Scottish election."

Earlier this week, Labour pledged to nationalise the railway system.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting says the plan is a "reflection of the failure of privatised rail and the absence of competition".

If you bring the franchises back into public ownership as they come up, the profits can be reinvested into better services and fairs, argues Mr Streeting.

"There is already enormous public ownership of our railways, but they are owned by French, German, Dutch and Italian taxpayers, and our profits go into their countries."

"It's time that we had public ownership of our railways so we can reinvest."

Trevor Phillips continues to put questions to shadow health secretary Wes Streeting.

He is about Keir Starmer's pledge to maintain the triple lock, with Phillips raising statistics showing median wealth for those in their early 60s was nearly nine times higher than those in their early 30s.

"I don't buy into that intergenerational conflict argument. We need to give pensioners the reassurance to know that as they have planned for retirement... that Labour will protect the triple lock."

Wes Streeting is asked about the possibility of a July election, which the prime minister has refused to rule out.

The shadow health secretary says: "He should get on with it. We are not just ready, we are, as with the rest of the country, fed up of waiting."

People are "crying out for an opportunity to deliver their verdict on this government and vote for change", he says.

"That's why the prime minister bottled an election earlier this year, that's why he's bottled it now, and that's why he will have to be taken out of Downing Street by his fingernails."

Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting is next on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

He says Dan Poulter's defection to Labour is a reflection of the "disillusionment of millions of Conservative voters", as well as of a "changed Labour party" because "only Labour can be trusted with the NHS".

Mr Poulter defended and carried out NHS reforms under the Conservative government.

Rishi Sunak's defence spending increase is "Trump-proofing" the UK, should the former president return as American leader in November, says CNN's chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour.

She says it is also indicative of the fact that all Ukrainian allies will need to put themselves on more of a war-footing.

Alastair Campbell adds Labour is in the same place on defence spending, and he believes both party leaders should be putting foreign policy at the heart of the next election.

Labour "understand they have to be very strong on defence", he says.

But this is boxing the next administration in because "there is no money", says former Number 10 communications director, Sir Craig Olive.

"These are major spending decisions and they stop you being able to spend on other things," 

The prime minister is asked whether - if he loses the next general election - he will have any regrets.

"You’re again focused on all this personality stuff. I'm focused on delivering for the country.

"What I'm doing is getting up every single day and working my hardest to deliver for people on the things that matter to them and matter to me. 

"That's what we're doing: significant reforms to our welfare system to support people into work, because that's good for them, because there's dignity and purpose and hope in work, and the current system is simply financially unsustainable.

"Massive investment in our defence, because the world we're living in is more uncertain. 

"A landmark piece of legislation to get our Rwanda scheme up and running to stop the boats, a tax cut worth £900 next week."

The prime minister is pressed several times on whether there will be an election in July, but he refuses to rule out a vote.

"You're going to try and say you're ruling this out, you're ruling that in," says Mr Sunak.

"I just need to know when to book my holidays. July is possible?" responds Phillips.

"Actually, Trevor, it's more important than your holiday or anyone's holiday."

Philips says: "Just answer my question about July and we can move on. So, it could be July?"

The prime minister won't budge: "I'm not, I'm not going to do that."

Trevor Phillips turns the prime minister's attention to the Rwanda scheme, and the fact the number of small boats has increased this quarter compared to the same period last year.

"Almost the entirety of that increase comes from one country: Vietnam, because last year we dealt with the problem that was illegal migrants from Albania," responds Rishi Sunak.

"We returned thousands. We saw the numbers drop. That shows you that deterrence works."

Mr Sunak is asked about comments from Ireland's deputy prime that people coming across in small boats are now finding their way into Ireland. 

"Are we simply exporting the problem now? Is that the deterrent?" asks Phillips.

Mr Sunak says it shows that the Rwanda scheme is"already having an impact" as a deterrent.

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