British holidaymakers are facing significant increases in travel insurance premiums for popular destinations including Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Cyprus, and Egypt, according to new data from Quotezone. The comparison site analysed 5,000 travel insurance premiums across tourist hotspots near conflict zones, revealing that some countries have seen costs rise by up to 50% over the past year.
Turkey Sees the Highest Rise
Turkey, traditionally a cost-effective destination for UK tourists, has been hit hardest. Standard travel insurance premiums for the country jumped from £40.56 in early 2025 to £59.19 a year later – a 46% increase, or nearly £20 per trip. This rise is attributed to Turkey's proximity to Iran, a region of geopolitical tension.
Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Travel insurance prices change constantly as insurers respond to global events, the number of claims made and healthcare costs. Even if a destination remains popular despite its proximity to ongoing conflict, premiums can rise when the wider region becomes more uncertain.”
Other Affected Destinations
Bulgaria has seen a 19% increase in premiums, likely due to its closeness to Ukraine. Premiums for Cyprus have risen by 6%, Egypt by 4%, and Poland by 8%. Insurers regularly reassess risk when global tensions rise, particularly in destinations near areas where travel complications may become more likely.
The data was compiled by cross-referencing popular holiday destinations for British tourists with countries geographically close to conflict zones, specifically Ukraine and Iran. This created a dataset of major holiday hotspots in relative proximity to areas of geopolitical tension.
Expert Advice for Travellers
Rolph advised travellers not to assume last year's prices will still apply. “Make sure you’re comparing policies carefully rather than opting for the cheapest option, as cover can vary significantly. It’s also sensible to arrange insurance as soon as a trip is booked, check Government travel advice before departure, and ensure any medical conditions are fully declared.”
She also highlighted the importance of travel disruption insurance, which covers a wider range of issues while travelling. However, she warned: “Travel insurance won’t provide cover if the Foreign Office advises against travel to that region, and most travel insurance policies won't cover war-related incidents. It's crucial for holidaymakers to check what is and isn't covered on their policy and add any extras or specialised cover they might need.”
Implications for Holidaymakers
The findings serve as a reminder that travel insurance costs are dynamic and influenced by global events. Even destinations that remain popular can see premium hikes when the wider region becomes more uncertain. Travellers are urged to plan ahead, compare policies, and ensure they have adequate cover before departing.
