What does Martin Lewis say about travel insurance?

Added by Małgorzata Zep on 19.05.2025

When it comes to saving money and making smart financial decisions, few voices in the UK are as trusted as Martin Lewis. His practical advice has helped millions of travellers avoid costly mistakes, especially when it comes to travel insurance – one of the most overlooked aspects of trip planning. But what exactly does Martin Lewis say about travel insurance? From choosing the right policy to avoiding common pitfalls, his guidance is especially valuable for seniors, people with pre-existing conditions, and families looking for comprehensive yet affordable coverage.

Martin Lewis advice on travel insurance – what do you need to know?

Martin Lewis on Travel Insurance: Why His Advice Matters

Martin Lewis on travel insurance is a topic that frequently comes up among UK holidaymakers looking to protect themselves while abroad. As the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, Martin has built his reputation on delivering clear, unbiased financial advice, and travel insurance is no exception.

One of his key messages is “get travel insurance AS SOON as you book your holiday” – not the week before you fly. Why? Because many people don’t realise that insurance covers not just the trip itself, but also any issues that arise before departure, such as illness, family emergencies, or redundancy.

According to Martin Lewis travel insurance advice, it’s not enough to just tick the box offered by your airline or travel agency. Those policies are often overpriced or offer limited cover. Instead, Martin recommends comparing policies based on your specific needs, using comparison tools and always checking the fine print.

Another recurring Martin Lewis insurance travel tip is to ensure your policy includes cancellation cover, medical expenses, personal belongings, and repatriation – especially if you’re travelling outside Europe. For those heading to the USA, where medical costs are sky-high, having robust cover is essential.

Martin also stresses the importance of declaring all pre-existing medical conditions and understanding your ongoing duty of disclosure, something that is often overlooked but can invalidate a claim.

In short, Martin Lewis’s advice on travel insurance can be boiled down to five key tips:

  1. Buy early – ideally the same day you book your trip.

  2. Compare widely – don’t settle for the first offer.

  3. Check what’s covered – especially for medical and cancellation reasons.

  4. Be honest about your medical history.

  5. Tailor your policy – for cruises, long stays, or adventurous activities.

For anyone looking to travel smart and safe, Martin Lewis travel insurance tips provide a reliable starting point.

Best Travel Insurance According to Martin Lewis

When it comes to choosing the best travel insurance, Martin Lewis is clear: there’s no single policy that fits everyone. Instead, the goal is to find the best travel insurance UK travellers can rely on, based on their individual needs, age, destination, and medical history.

So, what travel insurance does Martin Lewis recommend? On his website MoneySavingExpert, he provides regularly updated travel insurance recommendations based on rigorous comparisons of price, cover, and customer service. He stresses that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best – instead, you should look for value for money and reliable claims processes.

Here are some of Martin Lewis’s best travel insurance tips:

  • For standard trips, he recommends checking comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket, Compare the Market, or GoCompare, and using filters to select policies with at least £1m+ medical cover, £2,000+ cancellation cover, and £1m+ personal liability.

  • For cruises, he points out that many standard policies exclude cruise-specific events (like cabin confinement or missed ports), so always look for cruise-specific insurance.

  • For frequent travellers, Martin Lewis recommended travel insurance often includes annual multi-trip policies, which can be more economical than buying separate coverage for each trip.

If you’re wondering who does Martin Lewis recommend for travel insurance, he frequently highlights companies like Avanti, Staysure, and AllClear – especially for older travellers or those with medical conditions – though always advises readers to compare offers directly, as prices and cover can change.

In summary, the best travel insurance Martin Lewis suggests is one that is tailored, comprehensive, and well-reviewed – not necessarily the cheapest, but the most dependable when things go wrong.

Best travel insurance for pre existing conditions – reviewed by Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Securing travel insurance with medical conditions can be tricky, but Martin Lewis offers clear advice to help navigate this often confusing area. According to him, declaring pre-existing conditions is non-negotiable – failure to do so may result in your claim being denied, even if the issue seems minor or unrelated.

For travellers with chronic illnesses, recent surgeries, or ongoing treatments, finding the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions is essential. Martin Lewis medical travel insurance advice encourages using specialist insurers that cater to these needs – even if the premiums are higher, the peace of mind and coverage quality are worth it.

Some of the best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions reviews Martin Lewis has highlighted include:

  • AllClear – known for offering coverage to people with serious medical histories.

  • Avanti – provides tailored quotes based on the exact nature of the condition.

  • Staysure – popular with older travellers and those with long-term health issues.

Martin Lewis travel insurance with medical conditions often includes tips like:

  • Use MoneyHelper’s directory of specialist medical insurers.

  • Don’t just rely on regular comparison sites – they may not show all relevant providers.

  • Always disclose every medical issue you’ve had treatment or consultations for in the last two years (or longer, if required).

Ultimately, Martin Lewis travel insurance pre existing medical conditions advice boils down to full disclosure, specialist providers, and prioritising comprehensive cover over low prices. Following this guidance ensures you’re properly protected – no matter your health history.

Travel Insurance for Seniors: What Martin Lewis Recommends

Finding reliable and affordable travel insurance for over 70s can be challenging – but Martin Lewis offers valuable guidance to help older travellers find the right policy without overpaying. Whether you’re 60+, 70+, or even 80+, his advice focuses on ensuring you’re fully covered without exclusions that could cost you later.

According to Martin Lewis travel insurance for over 70 recommendations, the key is to avoid standard comparison sites that often filter out older applicants or offer limited coverage. Instead, he suggests using specialist insurers that cater specifically to seniors, and comparing them manually.

For example, those looking for the best travel insurance for over 70 Martin Lewis often recommends checking providers like:

  • Avanti

  • AllClear

  • Staysure

  • Saga

These companies regularly feature in Martin Lewis best travel insurance for over 70s guides, thanks to their flexible cover, including for pre-existing conditions and longer trips.

If you’re over 75 or 80, don’t worry – Martin Lewis travel insurance for over 75 and Martin Lewis travel insurance for over 80s options do exist. The key is to declare all medical conditions and choose a policy that includes emergency medical cover, cancellation, and repatriation.

Here are some key takeaways from Martin Lewis travel insurance over 65 and over 60 tips:

  • Use MoneyHelper’s medical directory to find insurers for older age groups.

  • Consider single trip policies for occasional travel and annual travel insurance only if you travel frequently.

  • Always read the fine print – many policies for travel insurance over 65’s Martin Lewis flagged exclude adventure activities or cruise cover unless added.

Ultimately, Martin Lewis best travel insurance for over 70s is not about finding the cheapest deal – it’s about finding the most reliable and comprehensive protection, tailored to your age and health profile.

Martin Lewis cruise travel insurance tips

Annual, Family & Cruise Insurance – Martin Lewis’s Views

When planning multiple trips, a family holiday, or a cruise, choosing the right type of insurance becomes even more important. Martin Lewis annual travel insurance advice is clear: if you’re travelling more than twice a year, a multi-trip policy can save money – but only if the coverage suits your needs.

For those looking at annual travel insurance, Martin suggests:

  • Always check the maximum trip length allowed per journey (some only cover 31 days).

  • Ensure it includes cover for all regions you’ll visit, especially the USA or Caribbean.

  • Review whether it includes winter sports or cruise coverage, if relevant.

Families, on the other hand, benefit from family travel insurance Martin Lewis suggests, which is often cheaper than buying separate policies. But be careful: not all family policies cover adult children or partners living at a different address.

When it comes to cruises, Martin Lewis cruise travel insurance tips are very specific. Regular policies often don’t cover cruise-specific events, such as:

  • Missed port stops

  • Cabin confinement due to illness

  • Helicopter evacuation

That’s why cruise travel insurance Martin Lewis recommends should always include a “cruise cover” add-on. Even if you don’t consider a cruise risky, medical evacuations from ships are incredibly expensive.

Other types Martin discusses include:

  • Holiday travel insurance Martin Lewis – for one-off getaways.

  • Gap year travel insurance Martin Lewis – for students and young adults travelling long-term.

  • Backpackers travel insurance Martin Lewis – offering flexible, worldwide cover for extended trips.

Regardless of the trip type, Martin Lewis insurance travel philosophy stays the same: compare widely, disclose everything, and read the fine print. Choosing the right type of insurance is just as important as choosing the provider.

Martin Lewis Travel Insurance Reviews: Providers & Comparisons

When it comes to finding the right provider, Martin Lewis strongly encourages travellers to compare travel insurance options rather niż settling for the first offer. His travel insurance comparison Martin Lewis strategy involves using multiple tools and checking both price and policy details to ensure proper coverage.

While sites like Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket, and Confused.com are popular starting points, Martin Lewis compare travel insurance advice includes being aware of what these platforms might not show – especially for those with pre-existing conditions or over a certain age.

Many travellers specifically search for travel insurance Compare the Market Martin Lewis options, but Martin reminds readers that not all insurers are listed on every site, so it’s important to compare across multiple sources.

Martin Lewis has reviewed and highlighted several travel insurance providers, especially in relation to their service, pricing transparency, and suitability for different age groups or medical needs. Based on avanti travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis, Avanti is well-regarded for its custom medical cover and competitive pricing for seniors. Similarly:

  • Staysure travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis show strong ratings for coverage over age 65 and for pre-existing conditions.

  • AllClear travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis (also searched as All Clear travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis) praise their inclusivity for serious medical conditions.

  • Ageas travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis suggest decent budget options for standard travel needs.

  • Post Office travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis often highlight ease of purchase but advise reading the fine print carefully.

  • Tesco travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis rate well for basic family holidays within Europe.

  • Admiral travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis reflect affordability and solid core cover.

  • InsureMe4 travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis, though less known, have gained positive feedback for simple online applications.

  • Leisure Guard travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis are typically linked to low-cost multi-trip policies.

  • RIAS travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis are considered reliable for over 50s.

  • Vibe travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis focus on value-for-money options for younger travellers.

  • Saga travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis remain a strong choice for over 70s and over 80s, with comprehensive and flexible plans.

  • No Limits travel insurance reviews Martin Lewis cater to travellers with high-risk profiles or complex itineraries.

  • For medical-specific needs, travel insurance medical reviews Martin Lewis and travel insurance medical first class reviews Martin Lewis highlight policies that prioritise hospital treatment and emergency repatriation.

The bottom line? According to Martin Lewis, comparison is key – but you must go beyond price and check what the policy actually covers, especially for things like cancellations, medical claims, baggage, and Covid-related disruptions.

Martin Lewis explaining why travel insurance matters

What Does Martin Lewis Say About Travel Insurance?

So, what does Martin Lewis say about travel insurance overall? His message is consistent: don’t leave it to chance, and don’t leave it too late. Whether you’re travelling once a year or taking multiple trips, Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert travel insurance advice is rooted in early action, honest disclosure, and value over price.

When readers ask, “what did Martin Lewis say about travel insurance?”, they usually expect a one-size-fits-all answer – but Martin emphasizes tailoring your policy. He reminds travellers that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best, especially if it lacks essential cover for medical emergencies, cancellations, or trip disruptions.

On MoneySavingExpert, he repeatedly stresses these three key points:

  1. Buy travel insurance the same day you book your holiday – not the day before you fly.

  2. Disclose everything – from minor medical issues to long-standing conditions. This is part of your ongoing duty of disclosure, and failure to comply could invalidate your policy.

  3. Compare and read the small print – policies vary significantly in what they cover.

His guides also frequently include updated travel insurance policy comparisons, insights into specialist cover (e.g. cruises, over 70s), and recommendations based on real user feedback and claims experiences.

Whether you’re looking for budget cover, comprehensive protection, or something in-between, Martin Lewis’s advice on travel insurance is to be proactive, informed, and cautious.

Travel insurance – the key to safe journey

Final Thoughts on Martin Lewis’s Travel Insurance Tips

To wrap up, Martin Lewis travel insurance advice is built on practical, real-world experience and a deep understanding of how insurers operate. His goal is to help people avoid the most common and costly mistakes, like buying a policy too late, under-insuring themselves, or failing to disclose key medical details.

If you’re searching for Martin Lewis cheap travel insurance, remember his golden rule: cheap is only good if the cover meets your needs. It’s often worth spending a little more to avoid thousands in out-of-pocket costs later.

Before purchasing, it’s smart to:

  • Use comparison tools for travel insurance quotes Martin Lewis highlights, but also check direct providers not listed on those platforms.

  • Review policy documents carefully and ensure they cover your trip type, destination, and personal circumstances.

  • Understand your ongoing duty of disclosure travel insurance Martin Lewis emphasizes – especially if your health situation changes between purchase and departure.

Whether you’re booking a beach holiday, cruise, or family getaway, following Martin Lewis’s tips helps you travel with greater peace of mind and financial security.

Cover your medical travel abroad
Małgorzata Zep

I am a law enthusiast with a focus on stock market law and human rights. Passionate about personal finance and investing. I am also deeply committed to medical tourism and assisting international patients.

Believing in the power of non-formal and international education, I excel in marketing and social initiatives. My goal is to leverage my expertise to enhance patient experiences and advance global healthcare accessibility.

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