Senior woman hiking on Holyhead Mountain on the island of Anglesey, North Wales, UK.

A guide to travel insurance for domestic travel

Many people think travel insurance is only for holidays abroad – but UK trips can benefit from cover too.

Published - 8 Jan 2026

Whether you're heading to the city, coast or countryside, domestic travel insurance can offer peace of mind when things don’t go to plan.

This guide explains what counts as domestic travel, what’s typically covered and when it’s worth considering protection for your UK holiday.

What is domestic travel insurance?

Domestic travel insurance helps protect you when you take a trip in the UK. It can cover things like stolen or damaged belongings, delays or cancelled journeys. If you get sick or injured while away, your domestic travel policy may also help with costs – although the NHS will still provide care during your holiday in the UK.

Is UK holiday insurance a specific kind of policy?

UK holiday insurance isn’t usually a separate type of policy. Instead, it’s included in standard travel insurance.

What counts as domestic travel in the UK?

Domestic travel in the UK usually means staying for at least two nights in a hotel or other type of accommodation.

It also means travelling within one of the following places:

England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
The Isle of Man
The Channel Islands.

Note: Domestic travel insurance typically doesn’t include cover for trips to the Republic of Ireland. If you're planning a visit there, make sure to select it as your destination when taking out your policy, rather than choosing the UK.

Do you need travel insurance for UK holidays?

It’s not a legal requirement to get travel insurance for a UK holiday – but like trips abroad, it’s still a good idea to get cover. Unexpected things can happen, and you might end up paying out of pocket.

The NHS can cover medical care during your trip within the UK, but travel insurance can help with other problems, like delays or lost luggage.

It’s also worth checking your other insurance policies. Some may already cover you while travelling. For example:

Your home contents insurance might cover lost or stolen items outside your home.
You might already have annual travel insurance that includes UK trips.

Does domestic travel insurance cover coach holidays?

Some travel insurance policies may cover coach holidays. But this depends on the provider, so it’s best to check the details.

You can also get special coach trip insurance. These plans are made for coach holidays and often include cover for cancellations. They can be used for trips in the UK or Europe.

What does domestic travel insurance typically cover?

Domestic travel insurance can help with a few common problems during your UK trip. It may include cover for:

Transport delays and cancellations: You might need to take a flight, coach or ferry. If there are delays or cancellations, your insurance could help cover the costs.
Holiday cancellations: Sometimes you need to cancel your trip for reasons beyond your control, like illness or a family emergency. If you're covered, you may get money back for travel or accommodation.
Personal liability: If you accidentally damage property or hurt someone, your insurance may help with legal costs.
Luggage theft or damage: Your policy might cover stolen or damaged items, like your phone, wallet or camera. Check the details, as cover amounts and excess can vary.
Rental car damage: If you hire a car and it gets damaged, stolen or vandalised, your insurance may help pay for repairs or replacement.

Are sports covered?

If you're going on a sports trip, you might need to add extra cover to your travel insurance.

What type of travel insurance do I need for my UK holiday?

If you're planning a holiday in the UK, there are two types of travel insurance to choose from:

Single-trip travel insurance: Great for one-off holidays, whether you're heading to the coast or exploring a city.
Annual travel insurance: Best if you plan to take several trips a year. Our multi-trip policy includes UK travel under European cover, so it’s ideal if you’re also planning holidays in Europe.

Whichever option you pick, check that the UK is included in your policy. UK-only cover isn’t always available – it’s often part of a wider European plan.

Can I get cover for both domestic UK trips and holidays abroad?

You can get insurance for both domestic UK trips and holidays abroad. This means you can enjoy trips at home or abroad with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against things like cancellations, delays, lost luggage and more.

Domestic travel insurance with Saga

With Saga’s European annual travel insurance, you’re covered for holidays both in the UK and across Europe throughout the policy year. If you're opting for a single trip policy, you can select a UK destination.

We offer three levels of cover to suit different needs: Saga Essential, Saga Standard and Saga Plus. Each comes with its own set of benefits, so it’s worth checking what’s included before choosing your policy.

Saga also provides leisure and sports travel insurance for domestic holidays, covering a wide range of activities, like:

Badminton
Cricket
Golf

Ice skating
Paddle boarding
Tennis

Who underwrites Saga Travel Insurance?

Saga Travel Insurance is designed for people over 50 and is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, with claims administered on their behalf by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.