One-Way Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance policies work on the premise that you will be going on holiday for a specified amount of time and then returning home.

However, in some circumstances, you may have bought a one-way ticket to a destination. And still need travel insurance.

Many insurers now offer some level of Covid-19 cover, but this can vary quite a lot between providers. Examples of what may be covered include:

Emergency medical expenses: Including repatriation (getting you home), and additional expenses (for example, a quarantine hotel stay) if you fall ill with Covid-19.
Cancellation: If you test positive (or a close relative passes away due to Covid-19) prior to your holiday and are unable to travel.
Curtailment: If you test positive for Covid-19 pre-departure, upon arrival at your destination, or while on holiday. Additionally, look for a policy that offers curtailment cover in the event a close relative passes away from Covid-19 during your holiday.

One-way travel insurance does not give you the same cover as a standard travel policy. And a normal policy will not cover you on a one-way trip.

The main difference is that a one-way policy does exactly what it says on the tin, and just covers you for one-way travel.

Your policy will come with a time limit, which is typically one week. After this point, your cover will run out, so it's important to ensure you will be at your stated destination within the agreed timeframe.

If you need a longer time limit, you will have to shop around for a policy that offers this.

If you take less than the specified time to reach your destination, your cover will automatically cease 24 hours after you have reached it.

Many traditional, standard policies can be used for a one-way trip too. Just remember to inform your travel insurance company, and get this confirmed in writing.

Cover levels are different on a one-way policy. As with a traditional travel insurance policy, you will need a comprehensive level of cover to make sure you are financially protected should anything go wrong. While thinking about this isn't pleasant when you are excitedly planning a trip, it is essential and will give you peace of mind when you set off on your adventure.

Be wary of just buying the first policy you see: cheapest is not always best when it comes to insurance. Falling into this trap could leave you with a minimum level of cover that could turn out to be useless if you need to put in a claim – and leave you severely out of pocket.

You will need comprehensive levels of cover for illness, baggage, missed departure, travel delay, airline failure and end supplier failure. Check too that your policy will cover the value of your flights if you have to cancel your trip.

It is sensible to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This way, you won’t be out of pocket if something unforeseen happens and you have to cancel your plans.

These are the essential things to remember when buying your policy.

Moving house is stressful, especially if you are moving abroad. But whether or not this is the reason for one-way travel insurance, you'll need to be financial protection.

Things to watch out for when buying your insurance include pre-existing health condition s that could invalidate your insurance if you fail to declare them. Older travellers may also have to look for specialist policies that offer the protection they need.

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TravelSupermarket Limited (FCA FRN 953671) is an appointed representative of MONY Group plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 303190). MONY Group Financial Holdings Limited, registered in England No. 3157344.