Martin Lewis on Travel Insurance: Why People Listen to Him
Martin Lewis and travel insurance come up a lot when UK travellers are trying to figure out how to stay covered abroad. And it’s no surprise. As the guy behind MoneySavingExpert, Martin’s known for giving straight-talking, no-nonsense money advice — and travel insurance is one area where people often get caught out.
One of his biggest reminders is simple but important: buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, not a few days before you fly. That’s because travel insurance doesn’t just protect you while you’re away — it can also cover things that happen before you leave, like getting sick, family emergencies, or even losing your job.
Another thing Martin often points out is that the insurance offered by airlines or travel companies isn’t always great value. It can be pricey and light on cover. Instead, he encourages people to shop around, compare policies properly, and make sure the cover actually fits their plans — not just tick a box and move on.
He also regularly stresses the basics you really don’t want to skip: cancellation cover, medical expenses, cover for your belongings, and repatriation if things go seriously wrong. This is especially important if you’re travelling outside Europe. And if you’re heading to the US, where medical bills can be eye-watering, decent cover is a must.
One area people often overlook? Medical conditions. Martin is very clear here — you need to declare all pre-existing conditions and understand that your responsibility doesn’t stop after buying the policy. If you don’t, your claim could be refused.
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To sum it all up, Martin Lewis’s travel insurance advice usually comes down to five simple points:
Buy early — ideally the same day you book your trip
Compare properly — don’t just grab the first deal
Check what’s covered — especially medical and cancellation
Be honest about your medical history
Get the right policy — for cruises, long trips, or adventurous plans
If you want to travel with fewer worries, his tips are a solid place to start.
Best Travel Insurance According to Martin Lewis
When it comes to the “best” travel insurance, Martin Lewis is very clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all policy. What works for one person might be totally wrong for someone else. Age, destination, health, and how often you travel all matter.
So what does Martin Lewis actually recommend? On MoneySavingExpert, he regularly updates travel insurance guides based on price, cover levels, and how well insurers handle claims. One thing he’s always saying: cheapest doesn’t automatically mean best. What you really want is good value and a company that won’t be a nightmare if you need to claim.
Some of his main tips include:
For most standard trips, use comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket, Compare the Market, or GoCompare. Filter for decent minimums — around £1m+ for medical cover, £2,000+ for cancellation, and £1m+ personal liability.
If you’re going on a cruise, don’t assume normal travel insurance will cover it. Many policies don’t include cruise-specific issues, so you’ll need a cruise-friendly policy.
If you travel a lot, an annual multi-trip policy can work out cheaper (and easier) than buying insurance every time you go away.
People often ask which companies Martin Lewis recommends for travel insurance. He’s mentioned insurers like Avanti, Staysure, and AllClear, especially for older travellers or those with medical conditions — but he always reminds readers to compare prices and cover themselves, as deals change all the time.
Bottom line? The best travel insurance, according to Martin Lewis, isn’t just the cheapest one you can find. It’s the one that actually fits your trip, covers what matters, and has your back if things don’t go to plan.
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