Compare LV Travel Insurance cover, benefits, exclusions, and prices to find the right policy for your next trip with confidence.
First, I have an admission to make. For years I viewed travel insurance as I do a gym membership: A thing I was supposed to have, paid for begrudgingly, and never really bothered to read through the terms and conditions. Then a flight cancellation, a twisted ankle on a Lisbon cobblestone, and a horrible claims form did the trick.
So when I began investigating Is Gigasure Travel Insurance Risky? Ultimate Guide for our family trip last year, I did it properly. I took a look at the policy documents, spoke to the tiers and posed the tough questions. All of my findings below, just the way I’d chat it over with my pal with a cuppa.
If you found this guide on “Is Gigasure Travel Insurance Risky? Ultimate Guide”, you’re likely looking for answers to these three questions (well the first two at least): what does it cover, how much does it cost, and is it any good? Well, let’s dig in.
Quick Verdict: Which LV= Travel Insurance is Designed For?
Here‘s the quick answer, because I don‘t want to sift through 500 words to get to the point.
An overview of who LV= travel insurance is good for choosing a reliable, familiar UK travel insurer if you‘re happy to have the option of either single trip or annual multi-trip cover if you‘re happy with either a cheap policy or a more extensive and flexible policy if you want a policy that offers comprehensive family cover including groups. It‘s not so suitable if you want the cheapest policy possible or you‘ve complex health issues that require shopping around specialist insurers.
Imagine for a moment, you‘re buying a coat. LV= Travel Insurance is certainly nowhere near being the cheapest anorak you can buy on the high street and neither is it the label you might particularly associate with. Rather, it‘s the consistent, mid-range sister that kept you dry in a rainstorm.
LV= Travel Insurance, What Is It?
LV= (previously known as Liverpool Victoria) is a UK insurer that is primarily recognised for its car and home insurance. Travel is an important, albeit niche, part of their underwriting, but it’s a product they’ve been delivering for a long time.
Cover is available in two tiers (Essential and Premier) and as a single trip, annual, family or group policy. Remember to check the policy documents for the latest information on who is providing the cover, as this can differ.
I’ll be honest: When I first arrived at the LV= website, I thought it would be a minefield of terminology. It actually wasn’t bad at all. Which, in insurance circles, is almost a miracle. That’s what made researching LV travel insurance so straightforward.
LV= Essential vs Premier: How do they Compare?
This one is the most crucial, so hold on to your cup of tea.
The Premier policy combines all the covers in Essential, and then offers you the extra cover, and higher limits. Imagine them like this: Essential is the Family hatchback: it will get you there safely. Premier is the same car, but with heated seats, a better stereo and a bigger boot.
Some distinctions to be aware of
- Lifetime cover: Currently at (LV=) lists a greater sum available to cancel (for instances such as in ill health) before you go away on the Premier plan compared to Essential.
- Failure of travel organiser/broker: Capital One is included for travel organiser/broker failure (Premier version only). It isn‘t listed for Essential.
- Summary rating: Secure Advantage has been rated a Defaqto 5 Star, which is an independent assessment of the level of cover provided by a policy.
Here‘s my guide. Planning a more expensive 12 months ahead trip? Premier may be worth the extra. Going for a last-minute budget weekend in Amsterdam? Essential might do the job.
Tip: limits and features are different – be sure to read the newest version of the IPID (Insurance Product Information Document) on the LV= website before you buy.
What Is Covered by an LV= Travel Insurance Policy?
Allow me to guide you through the different departments. This is the part which is really going to save you money when something goes wrong.
Emergency Medical Cover
The big one. Getting sick away from home can incur huge costs, and quickly. I knew a guy who managed to contract a stomach bug in Spain, which bought him three days in hospital (a bill that would have gone towards a small car). This is medical cover, which is the part of your insurance you can’t afford to bring down.
Cancellation and Cutting Your Trip Short
Things come up. You might pick up a bug, or have to take time out to be with a relative; something spontaneous occurs. Cancellation cover offers the reassurance that you can recoup most of your non-refundable expenses, subject to policy limits and reasons.
Baggage and Personal Belongings
You’ve been in the airport when you see a couple of articles on the transportation surface for an hour and none of the lines move an inch. Baggage insurance is what you need in case your luggage is lost, stolen or stolen. Be aware of the single item regulations, which trip up most people.
Travel Delays and Missed Departures
Delayed money Delays are the norm with contemporary travel. With some levels of cover you might be paid for a long delay on your departure or if you miss yours for a covered reason.
Optional Extras
You can purchase additional cover with LV=, including for winter sports, golf, business trips and weddings. If you‘re planning to go skiing make sure you ask for skiing and snowboarding, as this isn‘t always included and can be frustrating to discover when you‘re on a mountain.
Cover for pre-existing medical conditions LV= Travel Insurance
Q: How much does it cost? Q: Why do people ask this question?
Usually, you’ll be asked to provide information on any pre-existing conditions before you take out the insurance. If you declare them truthfully, insurers will be willing to consider them, imposing an increased premium or excluding them. Don’t forget this step. If you omit any conditions and then end up claiming, the insurance will be refused – a very big headache to resolve in any situation.
I imagine it as a mechanic listening to you complain about a weird noise your car is making. They can‘t cover that, because they haven‘t got that information.
For the precise policy details about medical conditions and medical screening, refer to the policy document.
What About Covid-19 and Other Pandemic Cover?
This has varied considerably since 2020. The individual policies have all undergone significant changes through the years and the language used can vary accordingly. So to be on the safe side, disregard what I or anyone else remembers and read the current policy wording. LV=‘s summary of cover states clearly that certain aspects have pandemic cover only if specifically stated in the Document of Insurance.
It’s a grind, but only you’ll know it took you five to do it.
What Is the Price of LV Travel Insurance?
The truthful answer? It depends. (Sorry, I know. Annoying, right?)
Cost The price depends on your age, where you are going, how long you are away, what level of cover you require, whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions and whether you add any extras. For example a week in Spain will cost vastly different to a month in Australia – you may as well have asked how much is a taxi without specifying whereabouts you are going!
Some strategies to maintain the cost reasonable
- Compare Essential and Premier quotes directly. The difference in price may be less than you expect.
- 2. How often do you go on holidays? If go on two or more holidays each year then look on annual multi-trip cover. It might be cheaper than buying single trip policies back to back.
- Identify discounts. LV= customers with other LV= products might qualify for a multi-product discount, and with the Boundless membership scheme, discounts have been available on LV= public prices.
- Avoid excess coverage. Choose the extras that you will definitely utilise.
I always say get a live quote. Whatever price I could give in a blog would age very quickly, and it‘s the case with any LV travel insurance quote you come across.
How Old Do You Have to Be?
This is a huge concern for many travelers. Many insurers limit the age they will insure or charge higher premiums for older travelers. LV= is said to have no maximum age for their single trip policies, but it‘s always best to check the latest policy rules before taking out the cover, as they change from time to time.
My mum was refused by two insurers before she finally got one to take her and just seeing the look on her face when she got a reasonable quote for the first time was a relief.
A Quick Note on Single Trip Policy Timing
Here‘s a tip I came across for your interest At the time of writing LV= temporarily restricted single trip policies to commence up to 30 days in advance (due to product change and continued travel uncertainty in the Middle East).
This just means that if you’re booking a holiday a few months in advance, you might not be able to purchase single trip cover straight away. Look at their current stance on their website, and keep in mind that annual cover could be different.
What Is the Overabundance?
What is excess? Excess is the amount you have to contribute before the insurer will pay the rest. It’s like a deductible on your phone insurance cover.
How much will I pay? Excesses differ depending on what cover and policy you take out and are detailed in the Document of Insurance. Generally the more you pay in excess, the less you will pay in premium. Do you prefer paying more now or if there’s a problem?
How to Make a Claim with LV= Travel Insurance
If I had to tell you a thing or two I learned from my claims experience, it would be: begin collecting evidence long before you need it.
After I sprained my ankle in Lisbon, I was saved by a folder on my phone with photographs of receipts, the medical report, confirmations of bookings. It shifted a potentially overwhelming process into a more manageable one.
A straightforward checklist of the issues.
- Contact your insurer as soon as it is safe to, and in emergencies while abroad look, for the emergency assistance guidance in your policy.
- Retain all documents – receipt, report, confirmation.
- Report thefts to your local police and obtain a written report.
- Fill in claim form truthfully and completely.
- Note: Remember to set aside a record of all that you can mail.
Always call the official LV= contact page for current phone numbers and opening times – not because of numbers from blogs.
LV= Travel Insurance Pros and Cons
This is my opposite and neutral view.
Pros
- Essential or Premier cover?
- Single, multi-trip yearly, and family or group plans
- Additional optional extras of winter sports and golf
- A prominent insurer in the UK
- Premier is awarded a 5 Star rating from Defaqto
- Potential discounts for current LV= customers and certain membership schemes
Cons
- Not always the lowest cost
- Travel is a less significant piece of the LV= business than automobile and home.
- Temporary restrictions such as limited to single trip in 30 days may impact planning
- Specialist insurers may be better at handling complex medical needs
Alternatives to LV= Travel Insurance
One size doesn‘t fit all. It‘s sensible to get two or three quotes, and comparison sites are a quick and easy way to see how LV= compares with other large providers, as well as checking out specialist insurers for pre-existing conditions and those off to the slopes!
For me, it’s more like House Searching. Would you buy the first house you see without checking out a few others? My experience with insurance should be no different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LV= travel insurance any good?
It‘s not normally overly generous except for the Premier policy, which has a Defaqto 5 Star rating. Whether or not it is suitable for you will depend on your trip, your budget and your health needs.
Is LV= an annual multi-trip travel insurance?
Yes. LV= provides single and multi trip, annual multi trip cover, family cover and group cover.
What‘s the difference between £25k of LV= Essential and Premier?
Includes all the coverage of Essential, but with higher limits and additional benefits like bankruptcy cover for your travel provider.
Can I buy LV= travel insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
You will be asked to list your conditions at the time of getting a quote. LV= will let you know if they are able to cover them and how much this will cost.
A visa for over 50s A visa for over 50s
LV= has been said to have no upper age limit on its conventional single trip plans – but verify the latest policy before you purchase it.
How do I make a claim?
Contact LV= immediately, collect all evidence and use the instructions in your policy documents. Find our current contact details at the official LV= contact page.
Conclusion: Is it worthwhile to purchase LV= Travel Cover?
This is where I come down, LV travel insurance offers a solid, sensible option for many UK travellers, especially if you appreciate the notion of instant upgrade from cheap to comprehensive cover and enjoy the choice of annual or family policies.
It’s not suitable for everyone. If you’ve got dodgy health or you’re after the cheapest deal, get some quotes elsewhere first. Before you buy, compare LV travel insurance with a couple of competitors.
My most important lesson after all this time? Travel insurance feels dull until the second you need it. Learn the policy now for an hour and you’ll be very grateful for the reading, preferably when you’re sunlounging rather than in a hospital waiting room.
Look after yourselves, and beware the small print.
Useful Resources
If LV= won’t be able to support a severe medical condition, or the quote seems a little high, the free MoneyHelper travel insurance directory shows specialist insurers who are likely to quote for your circumstances.
For the insurer‘s own answer on declaring conditions, go to LV=‘s official page on pre-existing medical conditions and be sure to read the latest policy wording before you purchase.
