Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for Solo Female Travellers
Solo travel is liberating, exciting, and empowering – but let’s be real, it also comes with risks. A missed flight, a sudden illness, or stolen luggage can turn a dream trip into a stressful nightmare.
That’s why travel insurance is non-negotiable. It’s not just about peace of mind – it’s about making sure that if something goes wrong, you don’t end up out of pocket for thousands.
Having travelled solo for years, I’ve learned that not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Some are great for adventurous travellers, while others offer budget-friendly but limited coverage.
In this guide, I’ll break down:
- Why travel insurance is essential for solo travellers
- What to look for in a policy (so you don’t get caught out!)
- The best UK travel insurance providers for solo female travellers
1. Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?
Short answer: YES. Here’s why:
- Medical Bills Can Be Brutal – A hospital stay abroad can cost thousands, even for minor injuries.
- Trip Cancellations Happen – Flights get cancelled, plans change. Insurance gets your money back.
- Lost or Stolen Items Are a Nightmare – No one wants to replace a stolen phone, laptop, or passport out of pocket.
- Solo Travel = No Backup – Unlike group travel, there’s no one else to cover costs if something goes wrong.
2. What to Look for in a Travel Insurance Policy
- Emergency Medical Cover – At least £1M coverage for hospital visits, emergencies, and medical transport.
- Trip Cancellation & Delay Cover – Refunds for non-refundable flights, accommodation, and tours.
- Lost or Stolen Items Protection – Covers luggage, electronics, and valuables (check the claim limits!).
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance – Access to a helpline whenever you need it.
- Adventure Sports Cover – If you’re into hiking, diving, or adventure activities, make sure you’re covered.
Important: Many cheaper policies don’t cover adventure sports, theft, or trip cancellations – read the fine print!
3. Best Travel Insurance Providers for UK Solo Female Travellers
1. World Nomads (Best for Adventure Travellers)
- Cost: Varies based on trip duration & destination
- Covers over 200 adventure activities (hiking, diving, etc.)
- Great for long-term & flexible travel
- 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide
2. SafetyWing (Best for Long-Term & Digital Nomads)
- Cost: From $45/month (£35 GBP approx)
- Affordable monthly plans (great for long-term travellers!)
- Covers medical emergencies & trip interruptions
- No return ticket required (ideal for open-ended trips!)
3. Big Cat Travel Insurance (Best for Backpackers & Adventure Travellers)
I recently realised my travel insurance had run out – while I was already abroad. Not ideal. After a bit of panic-Googling, I found that Big Cat lets you take out insurance even when you’re already travelling, which was a lifesaver. If you’re a long-term traveller like me, it’s definitely worth considering!
- Cost: Varies based on coverage level
- Designed for backpackers & solo travellers
- Covers adventure activities & sports
- Covers travel disruptions & medical expenses
Check prices at Big Cat Insurance
4. Post Office Travel Insurance (Best for UK-Based Cover & Affordability)
- Cost: Budget-friendly options
- Single trip, multi-trip, and backpacker policies
- Available to purchase online or in-branch
- Covers medical, lost baggage, and cancellations
Check prices at Post Office Travel Insurance
Nationwide FlexPlus (Best for Packaged Cover with a UK Bank)
- Cost: £18/month (as part of a Nationwide bank account)
- Worldwide family travel insurance included
- Also includes mobile phone insurance & breakdown cover
- Great value if you already bank with Nationwide
Check details at Nationwide FlexPlus
4. FAQs About Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers
Do I really need travel insurance if I have a credit card that offers it?
Maybe, but credit card insurance is often limited. Check if it covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, and cancellations – most don’t.
Can I get travel insurance if I’m already abroad?
Yes! Providers like SafetyWing and Big Cat let you sign up while travelling.
Does travel insurance cover stolen items?
Yes, but usually with limits (e.g. max £500 for electronics). Always keep receipts for expensive gear.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Travel Without It!
Travel insurance is the one thing you buy hoping you’ll never use, but when you do need it, you’ll be grateful you have it.
Do you always travel with insurance? Have you ever had to use it? Drop your experience in the comments!
Before You Go…
If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.
Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
Need a place to stay? I’ve got some handy affiliate links for Booking.com and Expedia to make planning a bit easier. If you book through them, I may earn a small commision – at no extra cost to you – so you’d be helping a fellow traveller out.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
If you’re interested in Southeast Asia, you might enjoy my posts about Koh Lanta and Siem Reap.
Planning a solo trip? It can feel overwhelming at first, but I’ve got a guide to help – Why I Use Booking.com.
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