Is there any better feeling than leaving life's stresses behind and jetting off for a relaxing break with your partner? Whether you and your beau like to relax by the pool in Spain or take to the piste in Switzerland, purchasing a travel insurance policy could be just as important as packing your passport.

If you are travelling with your other half, it's not just amazing memories you get to share with each other, you can also share a travel insurance policy. A couples travel insurance policy may be a budget-friendly alternative to separate policies, meaning you could have more money to spend on cocktails and calamari. Find out more about travel insurance for couples.

What is couples travel insurance?

Couples travel insurance is a joint policy that covers both you and your partner on your travels. It can work out cheaper than buying two separate policies and may take some of the hassle out of making a claim (should you need to), as you will only need to deal with one insurance provider.

When getting a joint travel insurance policy, you and your partner will usually be offered the same amount of cover and you will only be required to fill in one set of claim forms should you need to make a claim.

Is it cheaper to get travel insurance as a couple?

Not always - In some circumstances it can be cheaper to purchase a joint travel insurance policy however we recommend comparing prices for both joint and single travel insurance policies before you decide. You can do this using our travel insurance comparison tool which allows you to compare quotes within minutes.

Can you travel separately on a couples travel insurance policy?

You don't need to be joined at the hip to benefit from a joint travel insurance policy. Many couples travel insurance policies will allow you to travel separately, but as always, it's important to check the policy details before purchase.

Do you have to live together to get a couples travel insurance policy?

Yes - to qualify for couples travel insurance, you both need to be 18 or over, be in a relationship and live at the same address.

What does couples travel insurance cover?

There are several common situations most couples travel insurance policies will cover you for, prior to and during your trip:

Medical expenses

This will normally help towards covering the costs of medical treatment you may need if you get ill or injured on holiday, and repatriation if you need to be flown home to the UK. Without travel insurance, you could incur huge bills which you may not be able to afford to pay.

Cancellation of your trip

If you have to cancel your trip because you or someone you are travelling with falls ill, a travel insurance policy can help you cover the cost, so you don't lose out financially. Don't forget to read through the policy terms and conditions though, they include a list of the reasons for cancellation that you can claim for, and the maximum amount they will pay out as well as any excess payment you will be responsible for.

Travel disruption

Travel insurance policies may include reimbursement for holiday disruptions, such as involuntary abandonment or missed departures, delayed or cancelled flights or accommodation.

Lost or stolen luggage and belongings

Your travel insurance policy can cover the cost of replacing lost or stolen belongings. Many policies will also pay for damaged luggage. Remember to check your policy to see what items it will pay out for, and the maximum amount you can claim in each case.

Help in an emergency

Should you find yourself in need of medical assistance but don't speak the local language, having travel insurance could be invaluable. Many insurers have a 24-hour helpline you can call for advice, such as where to go for treatment or how you can get home early if you need to.

Personal liability

Sometimes accidents will happen when we're abroad and you may find yourself liable to pay damages to a fellow holiday maker or local. Personal liability can help towards covering you in these situations.

Are there any exclusions for couples travel insurance?

Every policy varies and there are always exclusions to consider. Some common exclusions include:

Pre-existing medical conditions

When getting quotes, it's important to answer all medical questions fully and accurately and provide any information requested about your medical history. This can include conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart conditions to name a few. Failure to disclose a pre-existing medical condition could result in a future claim being rejected.

Extreme sports

If you and your partner are thrill-seekers, you'll need to make sure your activity of choice is covered by your couples travel insurance policy. Using our travel insurance comparison tool you can add winter sports cover as an optional extra to cover skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports activities while you're on your ski or snowboarding holiday. However, the specific policy features vary from provider to provider so it's important to read the policy features prior to making a purchase to ensure you have the level of protection you need.

If you're doing any other extreme sports that have the potential to land you in hospital, for example water skiing, abseiling or bungee jumping, you should check whether your chosen insurer offers cover for these activities and whether any additional cover is required.

Certain locations

Travel to destinations against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice is not usually covered by travel insurance policies. If you are unsure whether this applies to your holiday destination, check the FCDO for advice.

Natural disasters and terrorism

Cover for disruption caused by natural disasters or acts of terrorism varies between insurers, so it's important to check the policy wording carefully.

Drugs and alcohol

Indulging in a cocktail or two on holiday is part of a relaxing getaway for many. But you should be aware that your provider may refuse a claim for accidents or illnesses that occurred due to alcohol or drugs misuse.

What is considered to be 'excessive' alcohol consumption can vary from one provider to the next, so check your policy documents to check your chosen provider's stance on this. Nobody expects you to be teetotal on holiday but be sensible and don't go overboard or you could face more than just a holiday hangover.

Is it better to get joint travel insurance or buy separate policies?

Taking out a joint travel insurance policy could work out cheaper than buying two separate policies, but there are a few instances where this may not be the case.

If one of you has a pre-existing medical condition, separate policies may work out cheaper. This is because the person with a medical condition is seen as higher risk – bumping up the price of the policy.

If one of you is aged over 65, you may be better off purchasing two separate policies. A traveller over 65 could push the price up for the other member of the party and the insurance may cost more than the price of individual policies.

One of the advantages of choosing a joint travel insurance policy is that should one of you become ill and be unable to travel or it becomes necessary to cut your trip short, both of you would be covered. Conversely if you opt for two separate policies and one of you becomes unwell it is likely that only they would be able to make a claim.

Should you need to make a claim it may also be simpler to do so with a joint travel insurance policy. This is because you will only need to speak to one insurance provider.

Compare travel insurance for couples

Using a comparison site such as Holiday Ready will allow you to compare the cost of joint and separate policies quickly and easily to see which is right for you both.

As with all insurance policies, price isn't everything. The most important thing to look for is the level of cover your policy provides. It's important that you pick a policy with enough cover for your particular trip, so don't be tempted to go for the cheapest option.

Also, don't leave sorting out your travel insurance to the last minute! It's wise to get your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday in case your trip gets cancelled or you are unable to go on holiday due to unexpected ill health or a family emergency, for example.