Travel Smart, Travel Together
Planning a family holiday is one of the most exciting ways to make lasting memories, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. From cancelled flights and misplaced luggage to sudden illnesses abroad, there’s always a risk that things might not go according to plan. That’s where family travel insurance comes in — giving you and your loved ones peace of mind wherever your travels take you.
What is Family Travel Insurance?
Family travel insurance is a single insurance policy that covers you and your immediate family members while travelling together. It is typically designed for two adults and their dependent children, though coverage specifics may vary depending on the provider. Rather than purchasing separate policies for each person, family travel insurance lets you simplify and save with just one plan.
Most policies allow children to be added at no extra cost, making it a cost-effective solution for families of all sizes. If you’re planning to travel together, it’s a convenient and reliable way to ensure everyone is protected — without the hassle of managing multiple policies.
Why You Need Family Travel Insurance
There are several key benefits to choosing a dedicated family policy:
One policy, one plan: Simplifies coverage by bundling everyone under one policy.
Kids included for free: Most providers include children in the policy at no extra charge.
Medical emergencies abroad: Covers hospital visits, medications, and repatriation for all family members.
Trip cancellation and delay: Get reimbursed for prepaid expenses if your trip is cancelled or delayed due to illness, emergencies, or other unforeseen events.
Lost or delayed baggage: Reimbursement for essentials if your luggage is delayed or goes missing.
24/7 assistance: Access to support and help lines any time of day, anywhere in the world.
For families, travel insurance isn’t just about protecting against the unexpected — it’s about preserving your time together, your experiences, and your peace of mind.
What Does Family Travel Insurance Cover?
Coverage can vary between providers and policy levels (basic, standard, or premium), but most family travel insurance plans include:
Emergency medical expenses and hospital care abroad
Emergency medical repatriation or evacuation
Trip cancellation or interruption due to illness or emergencies
Travel delays, missed connections, or extra accommodation costs
Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
Lost travel documents or passports
Personal liability for accidental damage or injury
Coverage for COVID-19-related issues (depending on policy)
Optional add-ons are available for specific activities or travel types, such as winter sports, adventure travel, cruises, or gadget protection.
Who Is Considered a Family?
Family travel insurance is typically designed for up to two adults and their dependent children. Children are usually considered eligible if they are under 18 (or under 21 if in full-time education) and live at the same address.
Some policies allow grandparents, foster children, or even nannies to be included, provided they are travelling together as part of the household. Be sure to review the policy’s definition of “family” before booking.
Types of Family Travel Insurance
There are two main types of family travel insurance: single-trip and annual multi-trip.
Single-trip family insurance is ideal for one-off holidays. It covers your family for one specific trip and is best suited to occasional travellers.
Annual multi-trip family insurance offers coverage for multiple trips within a 12-month period. It’s perfect for families who travel more than once a year and want continuous protection. Most annual policies allow unlimited trips, although each trip must typically not exceed a set duration (such as 30 or 60 days).
How Much Does Family Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of a family travel insurance policy depends on a few factors:
Number of travellers and their ages
Destination(s)
Length of the trip
Level of coverage (basic, standard, or premium)
Optional extras or add-ons
Families often save money with bundled policies that include children for free. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s important to consider what’s included — especially if you’re travelling to countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Canada.
Common Real-Life Scenarios Where Family Travel Insurance Helps
Your child falls ill on holiday and needs hospital treatment. With insurance, you’re covered for medical bills, transportation, and emergency support.
You miss a connecting flight and have to rebook hotels for the night. Your policy reimburses the added costs.
Your stroller and baggage go missing on arrival. Insurance helps cover the replacement of essentials.
A family emergency forces you to cancel your holiday days before departure. With cancellation cover, you get your prepaid travel expenses refunded.
How to Choose the Right Policy
Here are some tips for selecting the best family travel insurance for your needs:
Review coverage details. Not all policies cover the same events. Check for exclusions around pre-existing conditions or risky activities.
Pick a policy that matches your travel style. If you’re planning multiple trips, an annual multi-trip policy may be more cost-effective.
Consider your destination. Travelling to countries with high medical costs requires higher coverage limits.
Check age limits for children. Ensure all dependents fall within the provider’s age criteria.
Save proof of purchases. If you need to claim, receipts for cancelled bookings or lost items will help speed up the process.
Use providers with good customer service. Quick, helpful responses in emergencies can make all the difference.
When to Buy Travel Insurance
It’s best to purchase family travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip. That way, you’ll be covered for cancellations or interruptions that occur even before you depart. Many providers offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to adjust travel dates if your plans change.
Can You Get Family Travel Insurance for Domestic Trips?
Yes, some providers offer travel insurance for domestic travel as well. While you may not need medical coverage in your own country, domestic insurance can still cover trip cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, and rental car excess — all useful for road trips and local holidays.
What About Adventure Holidays or Sports?
If your family enjoys skiing, hiking, scuba diving, or other adventure activities, make sure your policy includes adventure sports coverage. Not all standard policies cover these activities, and exclusions may apply.
