Can children travel alone or unaccompanied under my travel insurance policy?

Guidelines for unaccompanied minors traveling alone under our policies, including documentation requirements and flight/border rules.

Yes. Children and minors can travel alone under a CoverForYou travel insurance policy, provided they are insured under the policy and meet all applicable travel requirements.

Cover will apply as normal, subject to the policy's terms, conditions, exclusions and limits.

What are the requirements for a child travelling alone?

If a child is travelling without a parent, guardian or accompanying adult, the following requirements must be met:

Airline and Travel Regulations

  • Airline rules: The child must meet the airline's minimum age requirements and follow any procedures for unaccompanied minors.

  • Local laws: All applicable rules and regulations for children travelling alone must be followed, including those of the departure, transit and destination countries.

  • Parental or guardian consent: Any legally required permission or consent must be obtained before travelling.

Required Travel Documents

The child must have all necessary documentation for their journey, which may include:

  • A valid passport.

  • Any required visas or entry permits.

  • A parental or legal guardian consent letter, where required.

  • Any additional documentation requested by the airline, immigration authorities or destination country.

Important: Requirements vary depending on the child's age, the airline and the countries involved. We recommend checking these directly with the airline and relevant authorities before departure.

What happens if a child is refused boarding or entry?

Your policy will not cover financial losses, additional expenses or delays if a child is refused travel or entry because:

  • The airline does not permit them to travel unaccompanied.

  • They do not meet the legal requirements for travelling alone.

  • They do not have the required parental or guardian consent.

  • Their travel documents are missing, incorrect or insufficient.

  • They are refused entry by immigration or border authorities because they do not meet the applicable requirements.

This exclusion applies even if the child is otherwise insured under a valid CoverForYou policy.

What should I check before booking?

Before arranging independent travel for a child, we recommend:

  1. Checking with the airline that the child is permitted to travel alone and whether an unaccompanied minor service is required.

  2. Confirming entry and transit requirements for every country included in the journey.

  3. Preparing all necessary documents, including passports, visas and parental consent where required.

  4. Checking the child's insurance details to ensure they are correctly included on the policy.

For further guidance on entry requirements, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice website.


Please note: All insurance cover is subject to your policy's terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and any applicable excess. Cover for unaccompanied minors does not remove the requirement to comply with airline rules and relevant travel regulations.