How to Update Your Travel Insurance Policy

Getting travel insurance sorted is just the first step. Life changes, plans evolve, and sometimes you need to adjust your policy to match your new circumstances. Whether you've discovered an error in your details, your health situation has changed, or you simply want to add extra cover for that dream cruise, updating your travel insurance doesn't have to be complicated.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about making changes to your travel insurance policy. We'll cover what changes you can make, how to spot and fix mistakes, and when updates are essential for your cover to remain valid.

Can I Make Changes to My Policy?

The short answer is yes. Most travel insurance providers allow you to update your policy, though the rules vary between insurers. The key is understanding what changes are possible and acting quickly when needed.

Your ability to make changes often depends on when you bought your policy and whether you've already started your trip.

What Changes Can I Make?

Travel insurance policies can be updated in several ways, depending on your needs and circumstances.

Personal Details Incorrect

Spotted a typo in your name or got your date of birth wrong? These mistakes happen more often than you'd think, but they can cause serious problems when making a claim. A good approach is to make sure your details match your passport and travel documents. 

Adding Individuals to Your Policy

Most providers allow you to include additional people when you purchase the policy, or even later if plans change. It’s important to ensure everyone’s details are accurate and that their specific needs, such as pre-existing medical conditions, are disclosed.

This not only ensures comprehensive protection but also avoids potential issues if a claim needs to be made. Keep in mind that adding more individuals will increase the total premium; however, this is often more economical than purchasing separate policies for each traveller.

READ MORE: Travelling as a Group

Add or Amend Declared Medical Conditions

Your health can change after you've bought your policy, and it's crucial to tell your insurer about any new medical conditions or changes to existing ones. This might include a new diagnosis, changes to medication, or if a condition worsens.

READ MORE: Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Destination and Trip Information

Changed your mind about where you're going? Many insurers allow you to update your destination, travel dates, or trip duration. However, these changes can impact your premium significantly.

For example, switching from a trip to Spain to one to the United States will likely increase your costs due to higher medical expenses in America.

Add Additional Cover

Decided to book that cruise or fancy a bit of skiing? You can often add specialist cover to your existing policy. Popular add-ons include:

Cruise Cover: Protects against cabin confinement, missed excursions, and cruise-specific risks.

Winter Sports: Essential for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities.

Gadget Insurance: Extra protection for expensive electronics like cameras and smartphones

Adding these extras usually involves paying an additional premium, but it's often more cost-effective than buying separate specialist policies.

How Do I Update My Travel Insurance Policy?

Discovery of an error in your policy details can be worrying, but most travel insurance providers have straightforward processes for corrections.

First, check your policy documents - your travel insurance provider will advise on the best steps to take to get your policy corrected.

Most insurers offer multiple ways to report errors: online customer portals, dedicated phone lines, or email. When contacting them, have your policy number ready and clearly explain what needs correcting.

How Do I Contact My Provider?

When you need to amend your policy, quick communication with your insurer is essential. Most providers offer multiple contact methods to suit different preferences and urgencies.

Phone support is usually the fastest option for urgent changes, especially when you're close to your travel date. Most insurers have dedicated customer service lines with trained staff who can make immediate changes to your policy.

Email is suitable for non-urgent queries or when you need written confirmation of changes. However, response times can vary, so don't rely on email for last-minute alterations.

Contact information for your provider can be found within your policy documents. If you can't find your documents, you can see our list of contact telephone numbers for the providers on our panel, at the link below.

READ MORE: How Do I Contact My Travel Insurance Provider?

Do I Need to Update My Travel Insurance if My Health Changes?

Yes, absolutely. Changes to your health after purchasing travel insurance can significantly impact your policy. Insurance is based on the information you provided when you applied, so any material changes must be reported.

You should contact your insurer if you experience a new medical diagnosis, changes to existing medication, hospital admissions, or if your doctor advises against travel. Even seemingly minor changes can be important – what seems insignificant to you might be crucial information for your insurer.

The good news is that most insurers understand that health can change and have processes in place to assess and incorporate new medical information. You might face additional questions or a premium increase, but you'll have the peace of mind that comes with proper cover.

Failing to report health changes can result in claims being rejected, potentially leaving you with enormous medical bills abroad.

Can I Extend My Policy?

Life sometimes throws curveballs, and you might need to stay abroad longer than planned. The ability to extend your policy depends on whether you have single trip or annual multi-trip cover.

Single Trip Policies

Most single trip policies can be extended, but you usually need to arrange this before your original policy expires.

There will be a cost should you wish to extend your policy, and payment will be required upfront. Bear in mind that single trip polices do still have a duration cap, meaning an extension may not always be granted. 

Annual Multi-Trip Policies

Annual policies are designed for multiple trips within 12 months, with each trip usually limited to 31, 45, or 90 days, depending on your policy.

Some annual policy providers allow extensions for individual trips. Your travel insurance provider will advise on what they can offer to get your policy for your current trip extended. Remember, you must contact them before your trip duration is met. 

READ MORE: Travel Insurance Policy Types and Benefits

Will I Be Charged to Update My Policy?

The cost of updating your policy depends on the type of change you're making and when you make it.

Administrative corrections (like fixing a misspelt name) are often free, but this can vary between providers.

However, changes that affect risk – such as updating a date of birth, adding medical conditions, changing destinations, or extending trip duration – typically incur a premium increase.

Medical condition additions usually require a new health assessment, and your premium may increase based on the additional risk. Destination changes can result in higher premiums if you're moving to a region that has more expensive medical care.

Adding extra cover, like winter sports or cruise cover, will involve an additional premium for the enhanced protection. The cost varies between insurers and depends on the level of cover you choose.

READ MORE: How is the Policy Premium Calculated?

How Do I Cancel My Policy?

Sometimes you need to cancel your travel insurance entirely. Perhaps your trip has been cancelled, or your circumstances have changed.

You might also be tempted to switch if you’ve spotted a cheaper deal elsewhere. If you do, don’t just look at the price tag - make sure the new policy gives you the same level of cover (or better) than your current one.

Check the small print for any exclusions or benefits that may have been removed and be certain it still covers everything you need before you cancel.

Is There a 14-Day Cooling-Off Period?

Yes, UK regulations require insurance providers to offer a 14-day cooling-off period for most travel insurance policies. This gives you two weeks from the date you receive your policy documents to review the terms and cancel if you're not satisfied.

During this period, you can cancel and receive a full premium refund, provided you haven't started your trip or made any claims. This cooling-off period is particularly valuable as it gives you time to check your policy details and ensure everything is correct.

Can I Cancel Outside the 14-Day Cooling Off Period?

In most cases, you can cancel your policy outside of the 14-day cooling-off period, providing your holiday has not started (or for an annual policy, you have not yet been on a trip since your policy started), and you have not made any claims.

Some insurers offer pro-rata refunds for unused portions of annual policies, while others might charge cancellation fees.

To cancel, you'll typically need to contact your insurer by phone or email, providing your policy number and reason for cancellation.

How Do I Make a Claim?

To make a claim, start by reviewing your policy documents to find the exact process required by your insurer. In most cases, you will be required to contact your travel insurance provider directly by phone.

Most insurers have a dedicated claims department that you can contact via phone, email, or an online portal. It’s important to report the claim as soon as possible to avoid delays and be prepared to answer follow-up questions if needed.

READ MORE: Guide to Making a Travel Insurance Claim

I haven't Purchased My Policy Yet. Can I Update My Quote Details?

Yes, you can update your quote details before purchasing a policy. If you've noticed any errors or your circumstances have changed, it's important to ensure the information provided is accurate and up to date.

If you have obtained a quote from our site, we will send you a link to your quote results. Once you have clicked the link, you will be taken to your quote results page. From here, you can click "Trip Details", where you will be able to update/amend your quote information.

Additionally, should you need to update your pre-existing medical conditions, you can click "Medical" at the top of the page, too, where you can then update and amend your medical information.

When making updates, double-check all the information to ensure it reflects your current situation. Remember, honesty and accuracy are key to avoiding complications later.

Protecting Your Peace of Mind

Travel insurance isn't just about ticking a box – it's about ensuring you can enjoy your holiday with confidence, knowing you're properly protected. Understanding how to update and manage your policy means you can adapt your cover as your circumstances change, maintaining that essential protection throughout your journey.

Whether you're updating medical information, correcting details, or adding extra cover for new adventures, staying proactive with your travel insurance ensures you're never caught off guard. Remember, most changes are straightforward, and insurers are there to help you get the right cover for your needs.