U.K. Travel Insurance is essential for anyone traveling to the U.K., whether to England, London, Scotland or Wales.

The United Kingdom is located in Europe, but it is not part of the Schengen area. Therefore, those visiting may need a U.K. visa, separate from a Schengen visa.

The U.K. is well served by British Airways, Virgin and many other airlines. London's Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the world.

The U.K. has a socialized healthcare system called the National Health Service. It provides medical treatment for all U.K. residents. If you are a holder of a valid European Health Insurance Card, you may get the treatment in public hospitals. However, EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance, as it will not cover treatment with any private medical provider and will not cover emergency medical evacuations back home, refund prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs or take care of lost or stolen property.

Therefore, it is important to purchase travel insurance while visiting the U.K., as health care in the U.K. is quite expensive. Travel health insurance isn’t legally required to visit the UK, but it is highly recommended in case of an unexpected medical emergency. Without insurance, you’ll have to pay the cost out of pocket. If you leave the country without paying, you will likely not be approved for a visa if you ever want to visit again.

The most popular tourist destination in the U.K. is the city of London. Big Ben is a clock tower and the icon of the U.K. Next to it is the Palace of Westminster, where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet; they make up the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

The London Eye is a giant wheel and can provide stunning views of the city.

London is located on the banks of the Thames River, and its London Bridge is an iconic place worth visiting. Other places worth visiting are the Tower of London, the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, The Shard and Westminster Abbey.

Buckingham Palace is the residence of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. The parade done by their guards is worth watching.

Oxford University, Cambridge University and the London School of Business are the noteworthy higher education institutions in the U.K.

Stonehenge is an ancient site where there is always a high tourist rush. You must purchase your ticket well in advance.

Of course, it may not be attractive to the general public, but the building of Lloyd's of London is located in the city of London. It is the world's largest insurance market, where the concept of modern insurance emerged. Its building has plumbing and other utilities exposed from outside, symbolizing the unique nature of the Lloyd's insurance business.

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DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.