Raising your excess is one of the quickest ways to lower a travel insurance quote. But a cheaper premium isn’t always a better deal. Here’s how a higher excess works and when it’s worth choosing.
Why a higher excess lowers the price
The excess is the amount you pay towards each claim before the insurer pays. If you agree to carry more of the cost, the insurer takes on less risk, so the premium usually falls. A voluntary excess is an extra amount you choose on top of the compulsory one. See travel insurance excess explained for the basics.
The savings are not unlimited
Each step up in excess tends to save less than the one before. Going from a low excess to a moderate one may make a noticeable difference, while going from a moderate one to a very high one may save little. Compare the price at several excess levels on the same quote before you decide.
When a higher excess makes sense
- You travel to low-cost destinations and are unlikely to claim.
- You could comfortably pay the excess out of your own pocket.
- You mainly want cover for large, serious events such as emergency medical treatment or major cancellations.
- You’re buying annual cover and want to cut the yearly cost.
When it might not be worth it
- You’d struggle to pay it. If a medical emergency happens, you’ll need the excess on top of other costs.
- Small claims. A high excess can make claims for lost items or short delays pointless, because the loss is lower than the excess.
- Several travellers. The excess is often charged per person, so a group claim can multiply it.
- Expensive destinations. For trips such as the USA, check the medical excess carefully. See travel insurance for the USA.
A simple way to decide
- Get quotes at three excess levels for the same trip.
- Note how much you’d save by going up each level.
- Ask whether you’d be comfortable paying that excess tomorrow.
- Choose the level where the saving is meaningful but the excess is still manageable.
Check excess for each section
Some policies apply different excesses to medical, baggage and gadget claims, so the headline figure may not tell the full story. Look at the table of benefits and compare with the rest of the policy using our 10-point checklist. For more on pricing, see how much travel insurance costs.
Frequently asked questions
Does a higher excess always make travel insurance cheaper?
Usually, but the saving gets smaller at higher levels, and some policies limit how much voluntary excess you can add.
Is a high excess a bad idea?
Not necessarily, but only choose one you could comfortably afford to pay at short notice.
Is the excess per person or per claim?
Often both: it’s commonly charged per person and per claim. Check the policy wording.
Can I change my excess after I buy a policy?
Sometimes, but it may change the price. Contact your insurer or broker.
Related travel insurance guides
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UK in 2026?
- What Does Travel Insurance Cover? A Plain-English UK Guide
- How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step
- Why Was My Travel Insurance Claim Rejected? Common Reasons
- Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover: What Reasons Are Accepted?
This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Always read the policy documents before you buy.
