Under 16s Travel Insurance

If a child under 16 is going to be travelling, there are a few different policies based on whether your child will be travelling alone, with a school group or similar or with your family.

Things to consider before buying a policy for a child under the age of 16

There may be a higher premium for children who are travelling alone or without a responsible adult (a school teacher or the leader of a sports club, for example). There may also be different prices for children who are travelling together in a group of other teens, as opposed to as part of a school trip or as part of your family. Make sure to clearly state who your child will be travelling with before buying any insurance.

If your child has a pre-existing medical condition, it is important to disclose this before buying your policy, If your child has to seek treatment while away and their condition has not been stated, medical bills and other expenses may not be covered.

Some family insurance policies will cover your child if they are travelling independently of you, but it is also worth checking to make sure this is the case.

Travel insurance for children under the age of 16 can cover:

1. Travel cancellation or delays
2. Medical emergencies
3. Winter sports
4. Worldwide travel
5. Loss or theft of possessions

Preparation and safety for under 16s

Make sure your child is aware of safe behaviour: if they are travelling with a school group or similar, remind them not to wander off, and to always have their mobile phone to hand in case they do end up getting separated from a group.

If you child is travelling solo, make sure they know what to expect at the airport or train station

If you child is travelling somewhere warm, make sure they know to stay hydrated and to keep reapplying suncream throughout the day. If they are travelling somewhere cold, make sure they will be wrapped up warm and understand the differences in climate between their home town and their destination.

Under 16s could benefit from learning some basic phrases in the language of their final destination in case of getting lost or separated from their group, or if they need to find the nearest hospital or health centre.