Travel insurance for non-UK residents: Complete guide

If you’re expecting visitors from abroad, or you’re visiting the UK yourself, having adequate travel insurance can help protect you from unexpected costs and stress. For non-UK residents, healthcare can be expensive, and unexpected medical costs could quickly ruin your trip.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything about travel insurance for non-UK residents. We’ll explain whether insurance is required, what you should look for in a policy and provide tips for staying safe while you’re here.

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Who counts as a non-UK resident?

If you’re just visiting the UK for a short period, it’s clear that you’re not considered a UK resident. However, if you spend a portion of the year here, whether on a visa or an extended visit, your residency status might be less clear.

You might be able to receive treatment as a resident if you meet the following conditions:

• You’ve lived in the UK for at least six months in the past year
• You’re registered with a GP in the UK
• You have a visa allowing you to live, work or study in the UK¹

Some insurers may also have additional requirements, so it’s important to check your status with both your insurance provider and the relevant authorities if you’re unsure.

Is travel insurance required when visiting the UK?

You’re not required to have travel insurance when entering the UK and it’s not a condition for obtaining a UK visitor visa.

However, it’s strongly recommended that you take out a policy, since this can save you from a range of unexpected costs, from medical emergencies to travel disruptions.²

What does travel insurance for non-UK residents cover?

The exact coverage on your travel insurance policy depends on several factors, including your age and the circumstances under which you require medical treatment. However, travel insurance isn’t just essential for covering medical expenses, it can also help you in many other situations while you’re away from home.

This can include:

• Lost luggage
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Weather-related delays
• Missed connecting flights
• Theft²

Even if you don’t plan on taking part in any high-risk activities during your stay, such as extreme sports, travel insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and help you make the most of your trip.

What’s not covered?

Travel insurance generally covers unexpected health issues and other unforeseen circumstances. However, your policy may not include self-inflicted injuries, accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol or routine checkups. Elective procedures and pre-existing conditions are also usually excluded.²

It’s essential to read the fine print carefully and be aware of any limitations in your travel insurance.

Types of travel insurance for non-UK residents

In most cases, you’ll need to take out travel insurance in your country of residence before leaving for the UK. There are several types of cover available depending on your circumstances and the provider, but some common options include:

• Single-trip insurance
• Annual multi-trip insurance
• Backpacker insurance³

Single-trip travel insurance covers you for a one-off trip, usually within the coming year. Annual cover is best if you’re planning multiple trips, as it can be more cost effective than buying separate policies for each journey. Finally, backpacker travel insurance usually provides cover for longer durations.³

Limits, requirements and costs all vary between providers, so it’s important to check the details with your chosen insurer.

Visitors eligible for free healthcare

Some visitors from Europe may be eligible for free healthcare in the UK. If you’re a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland and have a valid EHIC, you can receive care through the NHS. If you’re visiting from Norway, your passport alone is enough.⁴

Your EHIC will cover necessary medical care, pre-existing conditions and routine maternity care. However, if you don’t have a valid EHIC, you may be charged 150% of the standard NHS rate.⁴

It’s important to remember that using your EHIC isn’t a replacement for adequate travel insurance. It won’t cover private healthcare, lost or delayed baggage or other travel-related expenses.⁴

What to look for in a travel insurance policy

When choosing a travel insurance policy, it’s important to look beyond the price and focus on what’s actually included. Although it’s not pleasant to think about everything that could go wrong, it’s better to be prepared.

The most important factor is medical coverage, including hospitalisation, emergency surgery and ideally dental emergencies. You should also consider repatriation cover, which pays for your transport back home if you’re unable to travel normally due to illness or injury.

If you plan on taking part in extreme sports or similar high-risk activities while in the UK, check whether you can pay extra for that type of coverage. This is especially useful if you’re going skiing or snowboarding, but be aware that some sports or activities may not be covered.

Don’t forget about non-medical situations that could disrupt your trip. Protection against trip cancellation or delays is crucial, as it can help cover any accommodation or alternative travel arrangements you might have to pay for out-of-pocket.

Before you buy travel insurance, read the policy wording carefully to check for any exclusions. If you skip this step, your insurer might refuse to cover your treatment.

Tips for staying protected during your trip

Having travel insurance is one of the best ways to stay protected during your visit to the UK. However, there are also a few practical steps you can take to make sure you’re fully covered and prepared for any unexpected issues.

You should start by arranging your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures you’re covered for cancellations and reduces the chance of forgetting to get a policy.

Once you arrive in the UK, keep an eye on your belongings and important documents. Most insurers cover theft and loss, but they also expect you to take reasonable care of your possessions.

Finally, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them and bring enough medication for the duration of your stay. It’s also a good idea to carry a doctor’s note outlining your diagnosis and the medication you’re taking.

Wise - A smart way to manage your money while travelling

To help make your trip to the UK worry-free, make sure you get adequate travel insurance. A comprehensive policy will cover you if you need medical treatment, but it can also protect you against theft, lost baggage or flight delays.

If you’re looking for a way to pay for travel insurance or other travel costs, Wise can be a great option. With the Wise account, you can send, spend, hold and convert money in 40+ currencies, for low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rates.

You can also get a Wise card and use it to spend in 150+ countries, including the UK. It will automatically convert your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny currency conversion fee. Or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 10-Nov-2025