Travel insurance guide
Travel Insurance for UK Visitors
Standard Visitor visa holders are not required by UKVI to hold travel insurance, but the NHS charges visitors for most non-emergency care. The £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge applies only to longer-stay visa categories.
What your policy needs to cover
- Recommended: medical coverage of at least £100,000 (≈ USD 130,000).
- Emergency hospital treatment, GP visits, prescriptions, and repatriation.
- Cover the full duration of stay including connecting trips within the UK and Schengen if applicable.
- Trip cancellation and baggage cover are optional but commonly bundled.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may help cover medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost baggage, and other unexpected travel expenses while abroad.
- Medical emergencies
- Trip interruption
- Lost baggage
Real-world examples
2-week London family visit — Nigerian national
Standard Visitor visa. Recommended: a £100,000 single-trip plan with NHS-treatment top-up and repatriation.
Frequently asked questions
Is travel insurance required for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
No. UKVI does not require travel insurance, but the NHS may bill you for non-emergency treatment. Insurance is strongly recommended.
Does the Immigration Health Surcharge apply to visitors?
No — IHS applies to most long-stay routes (Student, Skilled Worker, etc.), not Standard Visitor.
More travel insurance guides
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