What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance helps protect you while you’re travelling or on holiday. It can cover medical costs, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. With this cover, you can relax and enjoy your trip. You’ll know that you’re protected if something goes wrong. Whether you’re travelling in the UK or going abroad, travel insurance can save you time, stress, and money.
If you need urgent medical assistance abroad, or need to cancel your trip due to specific unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance can pay for medical treatment, or help you recover costs that can't be claimed back elsewhere.
We’ve partnered with Hood to offer travel insurance that gives you peace of mind wherever your travels take you.
Cancellation cover
Emergency medical expenses and 24/7 helpline
Lost and delayed luggage
What’s covered?
RAC Travel Insurance cover includes cancellation, gadget and emergency medical cover as standard. How much cover you need will depend on your trip. What you plan to do while you’re away can make a difference to the cover you need, too. You can choose single trip cover, family travel insurance, annual travel insurance or travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions at the checkout.
RAC Travel Insurance has three levels of travel insurance for you to choose from.
Orange cover
Up to £3,000 cancellation cover
£10m emergency medical & repatriation expenses
£1,250 for personal possessions
£500 hospital benefit (max £20 per day)
£500 gadget cover
£400 personal money
£25,000 legal costs & expenses
£100 excess
Silver cover
Up to £5,000 cancellation cover
£15m emergency medical & repatriation expenses
£2,000 for personal possessions
£1,500 hospital benefit (max £50 per day)
£500 gadget cover
£400 personal money
£25,000 legal costs & expenses
£50 excess
Black cover
Up to £7,500 cancellation cover
£20m emergency medical & repatriation expenses
£3,000 for personal possessions
£2,000 hospital benefit (max £80 per day)
£500 gadget cover
£750 personal money
£25,000 legal costs & expenses
£0 excess
Limits and exclusions apply to each cover level. For example:
- Excesses apply to Orange and Silver cover levels, unless you purchase excess waiver cover when you take out your policy.
- Personal money is excluded from baggage cover.
- Gadgets are covered under gadget cover for up to £500 as standard, depending on the level of cover chosen.
- If you decide to cancel your trip for a reason other than those listed in the policy wording, your cancellation claim will not be covered.
You should refer to your policy wording for all the limits on cover, conditions and exclusions.
What’s not covered?
Here are some of the things that aren't covered:
- Your insurance won’t be valid if you try to claim for an event, circumstance or incident that you already knew about prior to your trip.
- Medical conditions unless Hood have approved them in writing.
- Any claims where you don’t have the proper passport, visa, and travel permissions to be covered.
- Cancellations for reasons that aren’t listed in your policy.
Why do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is there to help you if something goes wrong with your holiday, letting you focus on the important things. If you need urgent medical assistance abroad, or need to cancel your trip due to specific unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance can pay for medical treatment, or help you recover costs you can't claim back elsewhere.
We've partnered with Hood Group, specialists in travel insurance, to give you cover that offers peace of mind for as long as you need it.
Boost your cover with optional extras
When buying RAC Travel Insurance, you can choose from a number of optional extras. Simply add these on to your cover at the checkout.
Enjoy complete peace of mind® for your next trip.
Enhanced gadget cover
Get enhanced gadget cover for additional cover against accidental damage, theft or loss of your gadget or devices. Terms apply.
Winter sports cover
With winter sports cover, get extra cover for ski equipment, piste closures, accommodation issues and more. Terms apply.
Cruise cover
You’ll be covered for medical cabin confinement, missed ports, unused excursions and more. Terms apply.
Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
We don’t think travelling with a pre-existing medical condition should hold you back. That’s why RAC Travel Insurance offers cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions. This can include long term conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes and asthma, even if they’re being managed or controlled.
Pre-existing conditions are defined as any illness, injury, or change in health you had before or at the time of taking out your policy and before your trip begins.
Travel insurance for over 70s
If you’re planning to travel over the age of 70, it’s important to get the right kind of travel insurance for you. With the RAC, our single trip travel insurance has no age limit. When you choose our travel insurance, you can have peace of mind that you’ll be covered for emergency medical treatment, a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions, and lost or delayed baggage.
We always try to offer competitive prices for senior travellers, but age is a factor in how much a policy costs. However, with travel insurance in place, you can start your holiday with complete peace of mind®, knowing you'll be protected against any unexpected issues.
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Commonly asked travel insurance questions
This depends on what you want to be covered for and who you're travelling with.
If you're only planning to travel once in a year, then single trip travel insurance could be more appropriate for you. Single trip policies do cover you to travel to multiple destinations, but you'll need to ensure that you advise us of all destinations when you get a quote.
If you're planning to go on holiday more than once in a year, then annual multi-trip travel insurance could be more cost effective and save you having to take out a new policy each time you travel. You'll also be covered for cancellation from the start date of your annual multi-trip policy, offering you value and peace of mind from the start.
You may want to consider how much your holiday has cost you and whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions that you could potentially need emergency treatment for abroad. Read more about travelling with a pre-existing medical condition.
You should ensure that each of the holidays you're planning will be covered by the policy you have selected.
Yes, our single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance covers holidays in the UK. You're covered for any trip not exceeding the maximum trip length as confirmed in your policy schedule. For annual multi trip policies you must have at least 2 consecutive nights’ pre-booked accommodation at least 70 miles away from your home for cover to apply.
Medical costs are not covered for UK holidays due to NHS treatment being available. Travel delay isn't covered for any trips within the UK (except for trips to the Channel Islands).
Provided you have not already started your holiday, RAC Travel Insurance policies will provide you with cover as soon as your purchase has been confirmed. However, if before you buy your policy something has already happened, or could reasonably be expected to happen, we will not be able to pay any claims related to this.
We offer 3 different travel insurance products from our RAC website. That way, you can tailor cover to suit your plans.
The benefits, limits, and excesses within your RAC Travel Insurance policy are per person, per incident, per trip. Therefore, if you have a couple, family or group travel insurance policy, the limits and excesses will be for each of you individually.
You can find a full list of what your policy covers in the policy wording.
You should ensure that each of the holidays you're planning will be covered by the policy you have selected.
We offer cover to travel on a cruise under the standard sections of cover on both our single trip and annual multi trip policies.
We offer an optional cruise cover add on that provides cover for the specific activities and risks associated with cruise holidays such as cover if your cruise misses a scheduled port, if your cruise is interrupted due to insufficient or excess water, if you're confined to your cabin, if excursions are missed, or you are denied boarding.
If you’re planning on driving in Europe, don’t forget our RAC Car Insurance can cover you for up to 60 days in the EU.
Need breakdown cover too? Our European breakdown cover can provide cover for roadside assistance, garage labour costs, accommodation costs and getting your car back to the UK. Choose from single or annual European breakdown cover.
Also, take a look at our European travel information guide, which will tell you whether you need an international driving permit and how to get one, plus tips on driving in France and the rest of Europe.
You can also purchase European travel kits and accessories via our online RAC Shop.
The best travel insurance for over 70s depends on various factors, such as the activities you plan to do while you're away, whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions, and the level of cover you want.
It's crucial to compare different levels of cover to find travel insurance that best suits your individual needs. The RAC's single trip cover doesn't have an age limit, making it a flexible option for older travellers. For those looking at annual policies, the RAC provides coverage up to the age of 80.
When you choose RAC Travel Insurance, we consider a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions and always try to offer the best quotes based on your needs – helping you have complete peace of mind® for your next trip.
It’s important to accurately disclose your medical history when applying for travel insurance, for all travellers. This helps to ensure that any potential issues with claims are avoided.
With the RAC, you’ll need to declare if you’re currently experiencing any medical conditions. Please note, cover is not provided for any conditions that are:
- diagnosed as terminal
- awaiting tests, investigations, treatment, surgery, or are awaiting the results of any tests or investigations
You’ll need to let us know if in the last 12 months you or any person insured have/are:
- been prescribed medication (including regular medication)
- received treatment for or consulted with a doctor about any medical condition
- attended a hospital or clinic as an out-patient or in-patient for any reason
Travel insurance works by giving you financial protection against issues that can happen while travelling. You buy a policy and pay a premium based on your destination, trip length, and the level of cover you choose. Our standard policy covers things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
If something goes wrong, you will need to file a claim and provide necessary documents like medical reports or receipts. We will then review your claim and, if approved, reimburse you for covered expenses according to your policy's terms and limits.
Our travel insurance does not cover certain situations, including:
- Pre-existing medical conditions not disclosed or excluded by the policy.
- Travel to destinations against government travel advisories.
- Losses due to negligence, such as leaving belongings unattended.
- Routine medical check-ups or treatments not related to emergencies.
- Claims arising from illegal activities or reckless behaviour.
Always review your policy's exclusions to understand what is not covered.
For more information on what isn’t covered, always check the policy wording.
Additional questions
I have not received my travel insurance documents, what should I do?
If you haven't received an email from us with instructions on how to register for our online customer portal and view your travel insurance documents, please email us at [email protected]. We'll email your documents to you within 1 working day. Please note, for data protection reasons, we can only send the documents to the email address provided at point of sale.
You can view your important travel insurance documents online 24/7 here.
I want to cancel my policy.
You can speak with one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button, email us at [email protected], or call us on 0330 159 0409 to cancel your policy. We'll give you a full refund of your premium if you cancel within the 14 days of the receipt of your documentation and you have not started a trip, made, or intend to make a claim.
Your cancellation rights are no longer valid after this initial 14 day period. You can still cancel your policy outside of the 14 day cooling off period, however, no refund will be issued.
Please note, for data protection reasons, we can only cancel a policy if the request is made via the same email address used to purchase the policy.
We are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
What happens if my medical conditions change after I have purchased a travel insurance policy?
If any of your details change then you'll need to contact us on 0330 159 0409 as soon as possible to update your policy. Please note, an additional premium may apply.
If your details have changed and you travel without informing us of the changes then we may be unable to honour any claims which arise.
We are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
How do I amend my policy or change/extend my travel dates?
If you want to amend any of your personal details, you can do so in the customer portal or you can speak with one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button.
If you want to make a change to your policy cover, including changing your dates or extending your trip, please contact our Customer Services team on 0330 159 0409. Please note, any amendment on your policy may result in a change in premium. We are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
Do your family policies cover children over the age of 18?
Our family policy covers up to 2 adults and up to 5 children age 17 and under. If your children are 18 years or over, you may want to think about buying a group annual multi-trip policy. We can only offer a group annual multi-trip policy over the phone. Call us on 0330 159 0409, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
If I buy a couple, family, or group annual multi-trip policy, can I travel alone?
You can travel alone on all our travel insurance policies if you're 18 years of age and over. Children aged 17 years or under must be accompanied by at least one insured adult or another responsible adult aged 18 years or over with the full approval of the parent/guardian, for cover to apply.
Does RAC Travel Insurance have an age limit?
If you purchase your policy through the RAC Travel Insurance website, we have no upper age limit for single trip policies. For our annual multi-trip cover you must be aged 80 or under at the start of the policy period.
Children aged 17 years or under must be accompanied by at least one insured adult or another responsible adult aged 18 years or over with the full approval of the parent/guardian, for cover to apply.
Are the benefit limits per person under the policy?
The benefits, limits and excesses within your policy are per person, per incident, per trip. Therefore, if you have purchased a family or group policy, the limits and excesses will be for each of you individually.
The airline I am travelling with has cancelled my flight due to staffing issues, am I covered?
When an airline cancels a flight, you're entitled to certain refunds and compensation from the airline.
The policy does not cover cost arising from flight cancellations. You should directly approach your airline, tour operator or packaged holiday organiser for this.
If you're unable to get a refund or compensation from any of the above companies and you paid for your trip with a credit card, you may also be able to recover your costs through section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or via a 'chargeback claim'.
How do I make a claim before or after my holiday or when I am abroad?
You can contact us on the following numbers should you need assistance abroad.
To make a claim before or after your holiday, please use the contact details below (details can also be found in the policy wording):
- Medical emergency assistance (24 hour): +44 (0) 20 8603 9159
- Claims, excluding gadget (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday): +44 (0)20 8603 9143
- Gadget claims (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday): call 0330 880 1751 or email [email protected]
What is the maximum trip duration I can take?
For annual multi-trip cover the maximum trip duration for any individual trip is 31 days for Orange and Silver policies and 45 days for Black policy. Trips within the UK are covered when you have pre-booked accommodation for a minimum of 2 nights at 70 miles away from home.
For single trip cover, the maximum trip duration is 90 days.
Do I need the extra gadget cover to insure my gadgets?
All policies offered via our RAC Travel Insurance website provide you with gadget cover as standard. The amount of cover will vary depending on what cover level you purchase. All benefits are per person, per claim.
If you think you'll need additional cover for your gadgets, we offer an optional enhanced gadget cover, for an extra cost, that you can select when you get a quote with us.
The policy wording will provide you with what cover your policy provides as standard and what our enhanced gadget cover will increase these limits to. Please see section gadget cover (including enhanced gadget cover) for further details.
Can I buy RAC Travel Insurance if I live overseas or if my journey starts from another country?
No, only UK residents (excluding Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) who are registered with a UK GP can purchase travel insurance from the RAC. You must purchase travel insurance before leaving the UK (excluding Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), if you purchase a policy after leaving the UK there will be no cover and the policy may be void.
I am pregnant, will I be covered for medical costs?
With RAC Travel Insurance you're covered for bodily injury and illness whilst travelling when pregnant. Please check your transport provider's guidelines before travelling as they may have restrictions.
There is no cover available for any costs associated with normal complication-free pregnancy or childbirth. This policy is designed to provide cover for unforeseen events, accidents, illnesses and diseases and a normal pregnancy or childbirth would not constitute an unforeseen event.
An activity or sport that I want to take part in on holiday is not covered under your policy, what can I do?
If you want to know more about the activities our travel insurance covers, or if one that you're looking to take part in is not listed within the policy wording, you can speak to one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button, email us at [email protected] or call us on 0330 159 0409 and we'll see if there's anything we can do.
We are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
What activities am I covered for as standard under your policy?
You can find a full list of activities covered within the policy wording.
If an activity or sport that you're looking to take part in is not listed within the policy wording, you can speak with one of our agents via the 'chat with us' button or call us on 0330 159 0409. We are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
Please note, you won't be covered under this policy whilst taking part in winter sports unless you select this cover which will incur an additional premium. Winter sports insurance provides cover for emergency medical treatment caused by your participation in winter sports activities, the delay, loss, theft or damage to your ski equipment, cover for ski pack expenses and piste closure.
Page reviewed by: David Buxton