Travel insurance when visiting Great Britain
What to know when planning your British getaway.
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Ahh, Great Britain - home to the British royals, countless unique castles, stunning scenery, and a rich history which spans from Stonehenge to Shakespeare and beyond. Before you book your trip to visit Great Britain, you may want to consider travel insurance, so the only drama is on stage with the actors.
- Lost 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
When planning a trip in and around the UK the most common issues Irish travellers may face are lost or delayed luggage, or unexpected medical issues. And now you can add Coronavirus to the list of common issues that travellers 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 should be considered.
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 realised 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 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.
Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events
When traveling around Great Britain, you should consider medical insurance 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 Ireland.
With Coronavirus causing travel disruptions globally it’s also important that you follow any Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and UK 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 the plan you choose. 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.
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.
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.
This is not a full list of what’s covered and what’s not covered. Please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
Did you know travel insurance can cover...
- Trip cancellation
- Emergency medical
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Lost or damaged gear
- Delayed baggage
- Death overseas
- Terrorism
- And more...
You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.
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), jewellry, 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.
Travel insurance tip 2
The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has not affected the rights of Irish citizens within the Common Travel Area. The right to live, work and access public services in the Common Travel Area is protected. Your Common Travel Area rights do not extend to your family. This means that if your spouse or partner, or other relative, is not an Irish or UK citizen, they may have to apply for residence in the UK.
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.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest suitable medical facility is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Disruption
- 24-Hour Medical Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
True Claims Stories
24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.