Dipesh Sanghrajka is a seasoned product leader shaping Defaqto’s Star Ratings strategy. He is focused on helping consumers make confident, informed decisions about financial services products.
You've booked your holiday - but now it's time to find the right travel insurance for your upcoming trip. Whether it’s covering unexpected delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies, the right travel insurance can make all the difference.
Whilst the idea of comparing policies can be a little daunting, travel insurance is an important item to tick off your packing list to ensure that you are protected should the worst happen. That’s where Defaqto can help. By looking for the stars, you can make comparing travel insurance more straightforward.
In this blog, learn more about how Defaqto can help make comparing travel insurance even easier.
What is Defaqto?
Here at Defaqto, our team of dedicated financial experts meticulously analyses and evaluates the latest financial products available on the market, including a wide range of travel insurance policies.
Our aim is to help make you the smartest shopper out there. Using our practical star rating system, we assess each product against a comprehensive and strict set of criteria, helping you to identify which policies are more comprehensive than others.
LEARN MORE: What is Defaqto?
What do Customers Think of Defaqto?
In our latest Customer Awareness Survey, 79% of people said they feel reassured when they see the Defaqto Star Rating badge, and 57% said it improves their trust in the brand displaying it.
That reassurance matters even more if you have medical conditions or complex travel plans. Star Ratings help you choose with confidence, knowing your cover has been independently assessed for the things that matter most.
They make travel insurance clearer, showing at a glance how comprehensive each policy really is.
Choosing Travel Insurance Can Be Tricky
Policies often look alike, but the protection they offer can vary widely. For anyone with ongoing treatment, medication or mobility needs, finding dependable cover is essential.
Defaqto Star Ratings simplify comparisons and highlight genuine quality — helping you see which policies offer strong, reliable protection.
Keeping Travel Insurance Relevant in 2026
Every year, Defaqto reviews more than 43,000 financial products, including every valid UK travel insurance policy. Each is rated from 1 to 5 Stars for the quality of its cover and benefits.
A 5 Star rated policy usually includes:
- higher medical-expense limits
- stronger cancellation protection
- extras such as missed-departure or baggage-delay cover
A 3 or 4 star rated policy offers solid protection, but with fewer or lower limits.
Keeping Pace with Travellers’ Needs: Updates from the 2026 Star Ratings Review
Each year, Defaqto’s Customer Appeal surveys capture how people’s priorities and travel habits are changing. These insights inform the annual review of the criteria on which our experts assess Star Ratings criteria.
The 2026 review reflects shifts in travel behaviour and healthcare expectations, including:
- Parametric flight and baggage delay benefits – automatic payouts once a delay is verified (for example, when a flight or luggage is officially confirmed as delayed), with no receipts or lengthy claims needed.
- Access to GP consultations abroad, now assessed for availability, quality and whether any excess applies.
- A minimum insured limit for dental emergencies, strengthening protection for unexpected treatment costs.
- Clearer benefit-limit definitions, so it’s easier to understand what’s covered.
These updates ensure Star Ratings continue to reflect what matters most — particularly for travellers managing health conditions or seeking hassle-free protection when plans change.
Listening to What Travellers Value
Every year, thousands of people tell us what matters most in their protection, helping us refine the criteria that drive Star Ratings. From our 2025 research, we learned that:
- 94% find Star Ratings easy to understand
- 83% say they influence their decision
- 72% would still choose a Star-rated policy even if it cost more
These findings show that people value independent, trusted information — especially when health and peace of mind are priorities.
That independence is what sets Star Ratings apart:
- Independent: Every valid policy is assessed.
- Objective: Ratings are based on measurable features.
- Consistent: The same criteria apply across all providers.
- Fair: Each policy is judged on its own merits.
While reviews reflect personal experiences and comparison sites focus on price, Defaqto Star Ratings give you a clear, expert view of quality — helping you compare with confidence.
Choosing the right travel insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Defaqto’s Star Ratings provide an independent, trusted guide to help you compare policies with confidence, highlighting the quality and comprehensiveness of each option.
Whether you have specific medical needs, complex travel plans, or simply want peace of mind, using our Star Ratings ensures you can make an informed choice. By looking for the stars, you can travel knowing you’re properly protected - and focus on enjoying every moment of your trip.