Staysure vs AllClear Comparison

Why choosing the right specialist insurer matters

For UK travellers with chronic health conditions or those over the age of 65, standard off-the-shelf insurance policies often provide inadequate cover or exclude certain risks entirely. Staysure and AllClear have built their reputations by focusing on the specialist market, ensuring that even complex medical histories can be insured. Selecting the right provider is not just about finding the lowest premium; it is about ensuring that if you require emergency medical treatment abroad, your insurer will handle the costs and repatriation without dispute. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing a layer of protection through the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong.

• Access to higher medical emergency limits often exceeding £10 million
• Tailored screening for conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
• Protection against the high costs of air ambulance repatriation
• Cover for mobility aids and prescription medication replacement
• Peace of mind for senior travellers who may be aged out by other brands

Core coverage and policy limits

Both insurers offer tiered products, typically ranging from basic 'Essential' cover to 'Comprehensive' or 'Signature' levels. While the exact figures fluctuate, you can generally expect high limits for medical emergencies, often up to £10 million or unlimited in some cases. Cancellation cover is another critical area where these two brands excel, offering protection if you are unable to travel due to a change in your health. It is vital to compare the specific 'excess' amounts - the portion of a claim you must pay yourself - as these can vary significantly between the two providers depending on the policy tier selected.

• Emergency medical and surgical expenses including hospital stays
• Cancellation and curtailment cover if you are too ill to travel
• Baggage and personal belongings protection including delays
• Personal liability cover for accidental damage to third parties
• 24-hour medical emergency assistance helplines

What is typically excluded from cover

Even specialist policies from Staysure and AllClear have strict exclusions that UK travellers must understand to avoid a rejected claim. The most common reason for a claim being declined is the failure to disclose a pre-existing condition accurately during the application process. Furthermore, most policies will not cover travel to destinations where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all or all-but-essential travel. Standard exclusions also apply to incidents involving illegal acts, excessive alcohol consumption, or participation in high-risk sports that have not been specifically added to the policy through an additional premium.

Pricing factors and typical costs

The cost of a policy from either provider is determined by a combination of your age, your medical history, and your destination. A one-week trip to Europe will generally be significantly cheaper than a trip to the USA or Caribbean, where healthcare costs are substantially higher. For a 70-year-old with a well-managed condition like hypertension, a single-trip policy might start from £40 for Europe, but could rise to over £150 for the USA. Both insurers use sophisticated medical screening systems (such as Verisk) to calculate risk, meaning your specific combination of medications and recent hospital visits will lead to a unique quote from each.

Medical screening and destination considerations

When comparing Staysure vs AllClear, the medical screening process is where you will notice the most detail. You will be asked a series of questions about your conditions, such as 'How many medications do you take?' or 'When was your last hospital admission?'. It is essential to be 100% honest; the Association of British Insurers (ABI) warns that non-disclosure is a leading cause of unpaid claims. Additionally, consider your destination's local healthcare quality. While a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides some cover in the EU, it does not replace private insurance, especially for private medical repatriation back to the UK.

• Disclose every diagnosed condition, no matter how minor it seems
• Check if your destination has high private healthcare costs (e.g. USA, Spain, Greece)
• Ensure the policy covers the full duration of your trip including travel days
• Confirm if you need extra cover for cruises or winter sports
• Keep a record of your medical screening reference number

Making a claim and providing evidence

If you need to make a claim with either Staysure or AllClear, the process usually involves submitting a claim form alongside supporting evidence. For medical claims, this will include medical reports from the treating doctor abroad and potentially your UK GP records. For cancellation claims, you will need a medical certificate from your doctor confirming you are unfit to travel. It is standard practice for insurers to request receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses. Always contact the 24-hour emergency assistance line as soon as possible, as they can often arrange direct payment to hospitals, preventing you from having to pay large bills upfront.

Regulatory context and the GHIC

UK residents travelling to Europe should carry a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state-provided healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as a local. However, the GHIC does not cover mountain rescue, private healthcare, or being flown back to the UK. Both Staysure and AllClear often waive the policy excess if you use your GHIC to reduce the cost of a claim. It is also vital to check FCDO travel advice before booking and before departing, as travelling against this advice will typically void your insurance policy entirely.

Practical checklist for UK travellers

Before you finalise your purchase between Staysure vs AllClear, run through this final checklist to ensure you have the right protection for your needs. Double-check that all names match your passport exactly and that your travel dates include the day you leave and the day you return to your front door. If you travel more than twice a year, consider an Annual Multi-trip policy, but be aware that these often have a maximum age limit and a limit on the number of days allowed per individual trip.