For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.

• Do I need travel insurance for the United Kingdom?
• Travel insurance for activities in the United Kingdom
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the United Kingdom
• Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in the United Kingdom
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the United Kingdom
• Tips for traveling to the United Kingdom from the US
• Tips for traveling to Japan from the United States

Famed for its high tea and theater (hello, Shakespeare!), historic cities like Edinburgh and Bath, edgy nightlife in East London, idyllic countryside, and the remote, rugged islands of Scotland like the dreamy Isle of Skye, the United Kingdom draws millions of Americans every year.

You can taste smoky whisky across Scotland’s Speyside, pub hop in Manchester, relax in a stone cottage in the Cotswolds, celebrate at Notting Hill Carnival in West London, and amble through castles and along coasts in Wales.

While a trip to the United Kingdom is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to look into travel insurance* to protect your adventures to the United Kingdom.

Do I need travel insurance for the United Kingdom?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like stumbling across centuries-old ruins along the Scottish coast.

Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you fall and injure yourself while hiking in Cairngorms National Park, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for the United Kingdom.

World Nomads has four plans to select from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.

Travel insurance for activities in the United Kingdom

You may be planning some hikes in West Midlands or hoping to catch some waves in Cornwall. The United Kingdom is filled with all sorts of adventures such as stargazing in Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to the United Kingdom and includes things like surfing, camping, and hiking.

Before you get a quote for your travel insurance for the United Kingdom, it’s a good idea to have an idea of which activities you’d like to do. Each insurance plan covers different activities so with a rough itinerary, you can select the best insurance for your adventure.

For example, rock climbing in the Peak District is covered under all World Nomads insurance plans. Kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding in the Lake District, among other water sports, are covered as well. If you’re planning to cliff jump in scenic Port Gaverne off the coast of North Cornwall, though, you’ll need to upgrade from the Standard Plan and purchase the Explorer or Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the United Kingdom

While the United Kingdom doesn’t have as high as peaks as some other destinations, accidents can still happen. You might be trying to ascend Snowdonia—a popular climbing area in Wales—and slip and fall. If you need to seek emergency medical attention, your travel insurance for the United Kingdom may help you get the care you need.

If you have a medical emergency when traveling to the United Kingdom, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. In general, the United Kingdom has reliable health care, and your World Nomads travel insurance can help you navigate the system.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for the United Kingdom may cover the costs to get you there.

To streamline your experience seeking medical treatment in the United Kingdom we recommend signing up for Portable Health Records before your trip. This non-insurance service partner makes your documents, prescriptions, test results, and emergency contacts accessible in one place anywhere in the world. Whether you need to refill a prescription or deal with a more serious injury, FootprintID expedites the process.

Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in the United Kingdom

Nobody plans for lost bags, but it happens. If you’re planning to climb Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, you probably packed your new pair of hiking boots. If you get to Glasgow and realize that your bag hasn’t arrived, your travel insurance for the United Kingdom may reimburse you for the cost to replace your hiking boots and other belongings.

If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact our non-insurance service partner that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.

Generally, the United Kingdom is a safe destination. Pickpockets can happen occasionally, though, especially in larger cities. You’ll especially want to be careful with public transportation like the Tube in London, which can get super crowded. If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim and get reimbursed for stolen goods with your travel insurance for United Kingdom.

You’ll need to do your part in keeping your belongings safe as well. If you have a few too many pints of Guinness during a pub crawl in Belfast and lose your wallet, World Nomads travel insurance won’t cover your loss.

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the United Kingdom

Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip. Before you get a quote, make sure your insurance plan for the United Kingdom covers trip cancelation and interruptions so you can be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if something unexpected happens.

Sometimes unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans. What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for the UK? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for the United Kingdom that includes cancelation coverage may reimburse you for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.

With the Explorer or Epic Plan, several travel inconveniences are covered as well. For instance, if you’re on a road trip through the colorful villages and wild coast of Northern Ireland and your rental car breaks down, causing you to be at least 12 hours late to your scheduled destination or return destination, you may be reimbursed for covered expenses incurred.

Tips for traveling to the United Kingdom from the US

Although the UK is typically a safe country, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for the United Kingdom before you leave for your trip. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.

If you purchase travel insurance for the United Kingdom, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

Not exactly known for its sunny skies, the weather in the UK can change at the drop of a hat. Come prepared for rain, sun, and chilly, windy days. While a change in weather might just mean ducking into a cozy pub if you’re wandering around London, be careful with weather in Wales, Scotland, and other coastal and mountainous regions. Weather can change without notice, which can create dangerous conditions if you’re on a slippery peak or windy cliff.

Consider exploring the United Kingdom by train! The region is well-connected by short- and long-distance routes. Train travel is a fun way to slow down and reduce your carbon footprint, while watching the green pastures of farms and forests flicker by.

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are waiting to be explored. Whether you’re off to hike the Scottish Highlands or kayak in the Lake District, or discover the art, nightlife and culture of London, Glasgow and Bristol, we hope that your trip is drama free.

However, if you want to protect yourself and loved ones you may want to consider travel insurance, especially if you run into trouble or are sick or injured when it can save you a lot of money and headaches.

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance as soon as your trip is locked in or while you're traveling (waiting periods apply); it’s entirely up to you.

• Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover
• Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events
• Access to our Emergency Assistance Team around the clock
• Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

World Nomads has two plans – Standard and Explorer - which cover an array of activities including mountain biking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving.  We also offer cover for other key events including:

• Medical evacuation and repatriation back to your country of residence
• Cancellation/trip interruption
• Delays or missed flights
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
• Travel curtailment
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

When planning a trip to the UK the most common issues international travelers face are lost or delayed luggage, or unexpected medical issues. And now you can add Coronavirus to the list of common issues that travelers are dealing with.

What should I look out for when traveling to Great Britain?

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover

It can throw a massive spanner in the works to arrive at Heathrow and find yourself alone at the baggage carousel, watching it go around waiting for your bags to appear. You could also get your gear stolen on public transport or from your accommodation, which is why baggage insurance is a good idea. 

Note: All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy.

World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal items depending on your specific situation, see below:

• Bags stolen or damaged: as soon as you’ve realized your bags have been stolen or damaged please report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). In the case of a theft you’ll also need to report it to the local police or relevant authority, as theft is a crime. Insurance won’t cover things such as losing bags or valuables that were left unattended; this includes if they were left unattended in a car (even if the car is locked). Remember to always keep originals or copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.

• Bags delayed: you may be covered if your bags were lost in transit. You’ll need to report the incident and get a Property Irregularity Report or a similar official report in writing and make a claim directly with the carrier first. You may be able to claim your expenses for any essentials you have to buy to keep you going until your bag turns up. You must get copies of all written reports, luggage checks and tickets, travel documentation and all correspondence with the carrier or service provider if you need to make a claim.

You may also need to take depreciation into account and some policies, depending on your country of residence and the plan you purchase, may also have an excess applicable to any claim made. Details on how depreciation works can be found in your policy.

Travel insurance tip 1: never leave your bags and valuables out of your sight and reach. Try and carry your portable electronic devices (tablets, laptops, photographic and video equipment, mobile phones and other hand-held devices), jewelry, specified high value items, travel documents, cash and credit cards with you at all times. If you can’t, then leave them in a secure place such as a locked safe. Remember that if you buy anything, before or during your trip, to keep all receipts.

Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events

When traveling to the UK, medical insurance is a good idea in case of an accident or sudden illness. You don’t want to be left out of pocket if you have to visit a local doctor, go to hospital, need an urgent trip to the dentist, or even worse, have to be repatriated back to your country of residence.

With Coronavirus causing travel disruptions globally it’s also important that you follow any government guidelines while in the UK. It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when visiting any of the UK’s popular hotspots, even in open-air places such as Stonehenge, London’s parks and palace grounds, or when strolling through the bustling streets of Edinburgh.

The level of cover you’ll have for any Coronavirus-related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. Check out our Travel Insurance cover for Coronavirus article which goes into more detail on all the benefits, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.

Travel insurance tip 2: many countries now require proof of vaccination before you can enter and some have introduced visas and travel insurance minimum requirements.  Do your research before you go as travel insurance does not cover expenses you incur because you don’t have the correct visas to enter your intended destination(s). Make sure you have the required proof of any vaccinations so you can easily produce them while traveling overseas.

Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock

Dealing with a medical emergency can be frightening and confusing, but you don’t have to go through this experience on your own. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can direct you to nearby appropriate care, talk to doctors, help out with admin and arrange for payment of expenses if necessary. If your situation is life-threatening, seek medical help immediately and let us know when you can so we can help with medical assistance and keeping your friends and family informed.

Travel insurance tip 3: in some parts of the UK (including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) signage, including road signs, are written in the local Gaelic, Welsh or Irish language. However, English is still widely spoken and it is relatively easy to find medical assistance. 

Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline levels up and you go hiking in Snowdonia, or camp and mountain bike in the Scottish Highlands, World Nomads offers travel insurance cover for 150+ activities and sports. Please check your Policy Wording when choosing any activities or sports as you may need to upgrade the policy and sporting level to ensure you’re covered for everything you plan to do.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration for Great Britain? World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics on Great Britain or check out our articles if you need the latest safety travel alerts.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Kiwi nomads planning to visit the UK will be in for unlimited adventure and tradition with four diverse countries to explore its history, culture and plethora of beautiful landscapes. From the iconic White cliffs of Dover to enchanting Edinburgh, and cosmopolitan London, whatever your plans, we hope your trip is drama free.

However, if you need to protect yourself and loved ones while abroad, you can purchase travel insurance, in case you run into trouble or are sick or injured.

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance as soon as your trip to the UK is locked in or while you're travelling (waiting periods apply); it’s entirely up to you.

What's covered

If you head south for the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival in Cornwall, which celebrates all things nautical, travel insurance may provide coverage if you are struck down with food poisoning or suffer a boating related injury that lands you in hospital. 

World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) for:

• Overseas emergency medical: the charms of the UK can’t prevent life’s surprises. You can submit a claim to recover unexpected medical expenses while travelling around the UK. 
• Baggage protection: if your gear is damaged or snatched from under your nose, our gear cover may help with replacing covered items (policy excess applies).
• Family plans: our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on one policy.
• Your plan can be extended while still travelling for up to 12 months from your departure date (terms and conditions apply)

What should I look out for when travelling to Great Britain?

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover

A Scottish summer is full of surprises, sea kayaking the sheltered sea lochs of the Western Highlands or even snorkelling the Outer Hebrides Island chain (yes - you’ll need a thick wetsuit!). But if your gear is delayed, damaged or stolen on public transport before you even arrive, our baggage cover can help.

• Bags stolen or damaged: as soon as possible report any theft to the police, and if stolen from your private, locked accommodation, there must be visible evidence of forced entry. You must also report any damage to the relevant authority and make a claim directly with the carrier first. Remember you’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.

• Bags delayed: if your checked-in baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, there is cover to replace those essential items and toiletries while you wait for your bags to arrive.

Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events

No one likes being left out of pocket from unexpected medical costs while travelling. If your hike along the beautiful Seven Sisters coastal walk leaves you hobbling in pain and you need to find a doctor or a hospital, our plans have got your back to recover medically necessary expenses such as hospital stays, prescriptions, outpatient treatment and emergency dental treatment.

If you’re injured or get sick during your trip, World Nomads Travel Insurance may cover your medical treatment, hospitalization and emergency transport including medically necessary repatriation back to New Zealand.

However, you must notify our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities, and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.

Our travel insurance plans include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with Coronavirus while travelling, but terms, conditions, limits, exclusions apply and vary between plans. It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when visiting any of the UK’s popular hotspots but if you do get sick, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team so they can help direct you to local medical facilities if needed and help you understand your options. 

For all the details including benefit limits and exclusions under our Coronavirus cover, check out our Coronavirus cover article.

Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock

It’s good to know with World Nomads travel insurance, you can call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team if you suddenly find yourself in a crisis overseas. The EA 24/7 team can help get you to the nearest medical facility, provide help navigating language barriers, or assist with evacuation for medical reasons.

For injuries where treatment costs are not expected to exceed NZD$2000, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement. If you are hospitalised or if your treatment expenses as an outpatient are likely to go above NZD$2,000, you must call our Emergency Assistance Team who will work with us to confirm cover and they will liaise with the hospital on your behalf to arrange payments.

Traveller tip 1: don't forget when travelling overseas, some countries may require your New Zealand passport to be valid for at least six months before it's expiry date as a condition of entry.

Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

Whether it’s caving in the limestone dales of Yorkshire or a canoe trip down the Thames, the UK is a haven for adventure lovers. Whatever the activity, both our Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for level 1 sport and adventure activities that include hiking up to 2,000 metres, and activities such as kayaking, horse riding and cycling.

For more adventurous pursuits, you may need to upgrade your cover if you’re hiking up to 6,000 metres, for example if you’re going mountain biking or skiing in Scotland. Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply, check your Policy Document for details or contact us.

If you manage to get some sweet sunshine, the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales has some of the UK’s best beaches as well as being much quieter than the English coast. If you hire a car for a self-driven holiday, the Explorer Plan has cover for the rental vehicle insurance excess if you’re involved in an accident. Check out the article on how travel insurance can help you when on a road trip.  

What's not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything. Some things we don’t cover include:

• Unattended baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
• Any pre-existing medical conditions as per your Policy Document. Check your Policy Document carefully.
• If you do not use a professional, qualified and licensed guide and operator for activities where required.
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
• The policy excess per person per insured event where applicable (check the Summary of Benefits in your Policy Document).

Traveller tip 2: the number 9, 11 and 24 bus routes in London will take you past some of the best sights the city has to offer for just a few pounds – don’t forget to buy an Oyster card to tap on and off - buses don’t take cash.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.