The hidden risks of bank travel insurance

Bank travel insurance is often included as a perk, but it’s typically designed as an add-on rather than a standalone policy. That means the cover can vary, and it’s important to check that it meets your needs – especially if you’re over 50 or have medical conditions.

 

In Staysure’s 2018 Don’t Bank On It study of 2,000 UK adults, we found: 

 

• 1 in 4 people said they relied on travel insurance provided through their bank account 
• many were unaware of the limits or exclusions that could affect their cover 
• 3 in 4 admitted they didn’t read the small print – meaning they might not realise what isn’t covered 

 

Findings from Staysure’s Don’t Bank On It report (2018). Results reflect the market at that time. 

 

By choosing Staysure, you could benefit from: 

 

• specialist cover tailored to your needs, including pre-existing medical condition cover, subject to screening 
• flexible options for cruises and winter sports on both single trip and annual multi-trip policies 
• no upper age limit on our policies 

Bank policies often give you limited extras. At Staysure, we cover a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions – even for older travellers or those with complex health needs. 

When you get a quote, you’ll complete a simple medical questionnaire so we can tailor your cover to you. 

 

With our policies, you’ll always have: 

 

• medical and repatriation cover included with all policy levels 
• 24/7 medical emergency support while you’re away 
• cover for most common pre-existing medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, joint problems and more, subject to screening 

Bank travel insurance is usually fixed. But if you choose to insure with Staysure, you can choose optional extras that match your holiday, such as: 

 

• Cruise Plus Cover for missed port stops, cabin confinement and onboard medical emergencies 
• winter sports cover – required for emergency medical protection on the slopes – plus piste closure and lost equipment (included as standard on annual Comprehensive and Signature policies) 
• excess waiver to remove your standard excess (this comes as standard on Signature policies)   
• gadget cover for phones, tablets, laptops and cameras while you’re away 

Bank policies often outsource their claims or emergency lines. With Staysure, everything is designed around supporting you directly. 

 

Our claims process is clear, fair and fast – so you won’t be out of pocket. 

 

• UK-based claims team to guide you every step of the way 
• Quick, fair assessments with fast payouts on approved claims 
• Clear guidance on what information we need 
• In 2024, we paid over £99 million on 59,834 claims 
• Our highest payout in 2024 was £681,434 

 

Many of our customers tell us how easy it was to claim – and how reassuring it is to have Staysure on their side when they need us most. 

 

• “For the first time ever, we had to claim on our policy when my husband broke his hip prior to travelling… Thank you to Staysure who have paid out the full claim (excluding the policy excess), giving us one less thing to worry about.” – Helen, Trustpilot review, 9 June 2025. 

 

• “I contacted Staysure and they paid me within 2 days, no hassle, simple and straightforward. So, I have taken another policy for my cruise holiday this year.” – Gordon, Trustpilot review, 9 June 2025.