Expert warns Brits staying in the UK over Easter to make sure they don't make this costly mistake

Millions of Brits are expected to hit the road this Easter. And with the UK bathing in glorious sunshine and the cost of living still climbing, many of us are understandably deciding to stay in the country.

With so many of us not going abroad, it is understandable that you might not even think about travel insurance. After all, why would you need it if you are staying in the UK?

With searches for ‘Staycation travel insurance UK’ surging by 300 per cent in the last month, and those searching ‘Do I need travel insurance when travelling within the UK’ increasing by 50 per cent in the last year, Alicia Hempsted, a travel insurance expert at , has all of the answers when it comes finding the right cover, helping parents to enjoy a stress-free break this Easter.

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Do I need travel insurance when holidaying in the UK?

“While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for holidaying in the UK, it’s highly recommended as protection against unexpected events. Just like the travel insurance you’d purchase to go abroad, it can protect you against cancellations, strikes and lost baggage - no matter how many hours down the road you're travelling,” Hempsted says.

“Many people assume that travel insurance isn’t necessary for staycations because you can still access free healthcare via the if you fall ill or become injured. But travel insurance protects you against much more than medical emergencies. Even when travelling within the UK, there are still things that can go wrong that could spoil your trip, such as transport issues, trip cancellations that are out of your control or theft.

“Figures analysed by MoneySuperMarket revealed that mobile phone and accessory thefts on the London Underground have risen over 400 per cent since 2021, with suitcases making up one of the top five most stolen items. Travel insurance offers protection and peace of mind for your luggage and belongings when you’re away from home. ”

What type of cover do I need for travelling within the UK?

“Purchasing travel insurance for holidaying in the UK is no different to abroad. The type of insurance you need depends on the specifics of your trip, but in most cases basic travel insurance will cover holidaymakers for trip cancellation, travel delays and lost or stolen luggage.

“Various factors that could affect the level of cover you need include pre-existing medical conditions, the length of your trip and what activities you have planned. Common holiday activities that could affect your insurance include:

• Participating in high-risk water sports (White-water rafting, wakeboarding, water skiing, windsurfing and parasailing)

• Outdoor rock climbing

• Quad biking

• Off road mountain biking”

Hempsted adds: “To ensure you have the right protection, it’s essential to check the cover of your policy and declare any pre-existing medical conditions or high-risk activities before purchasing, whether it’s one member or all of the family who plan on participating.”

Is it cheaper to get travel insurance for UK holidays?

“While travel insurance for UK trips can be cost-effective, it's not always cheaper than insurance for overseas trips. The cost depends on the type of policy, the level of cover you need and number of people included on the policy," Hempsted says.

“Family travel insurance is a type of insurance that will cover all of your family under one policy. For an Easter staycation with the kids, this can be a great alternative to buying separate policies for each family member, as it's easier to manage and can often work out cheaper.”

There are multiple options when it comes to finding the best price for your cover, but experts at MoneySuperMarket recommend the following:

Single trip insurance:

Single trip policies provide coverage for a single holiday and can be a more affordable choice if you do not have any other family trips planned. Depending on the level of cover, these policies can last from a few days to up to three months.

Annual multi-trip insurance:

If you have more than one holiday planned, an annual policy may work out more cost effective. In most cases, you will be covered for any trips you take over the course of 12 months.

Hempsted adds: “If you have an annual travel insurance policy, make sure to double check your existing cover, as some policies may require a minimum stay of a certain number of nights in booked accommodation and require you being a certain distance from home to offer cover for a UK holiday.

"Single parents who do not have their child live with them may also need special travel insurance if the non-resident child has a different address - so, before you buy, check the details of the policy to make sure it’s right for your circumstances.”

Is it too late to buy insurance for the Easter break?

Hempsted explains: “The best time to purchase travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip, ensuring you're covered for unexpected events like illness, accommodation cancellations, or transport strikes before your holiday begins. If you haven’t arranged insurance in advance, last-minute policies are usually available up until the day you leave. However, these typically only cover essentials such as travel delays and emergency medical expenses.

“With that being said, any cover is better than none - so whatever your Easter plans, if you're staying in the UK, securing travel insurance now will give you peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.”