Family Travel Insurance

A family policy covers parents and their children on one travel insurance policy, for a single holiday or for a year of trips. It can be simpler than buying separate policies, and it may cost less, so it is worth comparing both.

Which family travel policy fits how you travel?

How often you go away and who comes with you decide the best set-up. Start with the row closest to your family.

Who counts as family on a travel policy?

Each insurer sets its own definition of family, so two policies with the same name can cover different people. These are the points to compare:

• The upper age for children, and whether students living at home still count.
• Whether stepchildren, foster children and grandchildren can be added.
• Whether children are covered when they travel without you.
• Whether the cover limits apply per person or are shared.

Documents for travelling abroad with children

The right paperwork can save a stressful wait at the border. GOV.UK says you must get permission from everyone with parental responsibility, or from a court, before taking a child abroad (GOV.UK: permission to take a child abroad).

There is one exception. If a child arrangement order says the child must live with you, you can take them abroad for 28 days without permission, unless a court order says you cannot.

• A letter from the other parent is usually enough. Include their contact details and the trip details.
• Carry evidence of your relationship, such as a birth or adoption certificate.
• A marriage or divorce certificate helps if you are a single parent with a different surname from your child.
• Every family member needs their own GHIC for state healthcare in the EEA, and the card is free (NHS guidance on the UK GHIC).
• For the USA, anyone aged 17 or under needs their own ESTA or visa. They may also need a consent letter if travelling with only one parent (FCDO USA entry requirements).

Cancellation cover when someone in the family is ill

Cancellation cover matters for families, because one sick child can stop the whole trip. Choose a limit that covers the full cost for everyone, not just one person.

Declare every traveller’s medical conditions, including the children’s. The FCDO says failing to declare something may invalidate your policy, and that includes tests still under investigation (FCDO foreign travel insurance guidance).

Ways to keep family holiday insurance costs down

Cheap family holiday insurance starts with the right type of policy, but the price still depends on the choices you make. These steps can help without cutting cover you need:

• Price annual family travel insurance if you go away in more than one school holiday.
• Pick the smallest cover area that includes every trip you have planned.
• Choose an excess you could pay, and check whether it applies per person or per claim.
• Check whether your bank account or home policy already includes travel cover for the family.

What you need before you get a family quote

• The names and ages of everyone travelling.
• Medical conditions for each person.
• Your travel dates, or the number of trips you expect this year.
• Every country you will visit.
• Activities such as ski school or water sports.

Tiger.co.uk compares quotes from up to 15 travel insurance providers, so you can see prices for the whole family in one place.

Are children covered free on family travel insurance?

Some insurers include children at no extra cost, while others add a charge for each child. Compare a family policy with individual policies to see which works out cheaper for you.

Can a single parent get a family policy?

Some insurers offer family policies for one adult and their children, while others need two adults on the policy. Check the family definition, the age limit for children and how the policy defines a dependant.

Compare family travel insurance quotes with Tiger.co.uk and check the family definition before you buy. You can also read about European travel insurance or go back to the travel insurance hub. Packing tablets for the flight? Family gadget insurance can cover them. Leaving the dog with friends? Make sure your pet insurance is up to date. Policies vary, so check the wording or ask the insurer.