Overseas wedding insurance: what does it cover and how much does it cost?

Many people are tempted by a destination wedding where they can hopefully enjoy their big day in the sun.  

Getting married abroad can save you up to £13,500 compared to getting married in the UK, according to SN Travel. 

If you’re considering getting hitched overseas, there is more to consider than a UK wedding, especially when it comes to insurance. 

We look at overseas wedding insurance, how it works, and what else you need to consider.  

What is overseas wedding insurance? 

There are specialist wedding insurance providers, although many insurance policies cover overseas weddings as standard or as an add-on. 

It’s worth double-checking this and the cover so you’re not caught out.  

If your big day doesn’t go according to plan or you need to rearrange for various reasons, including cancellations, injuries, accidents, loss, or damage, wedding insurance can help. 

What is wedding insurance? 

As we mentioned, most wedding insurance policies should cover weddings abroad, but the cover amount can vary. 

Wedding insurance policies usually cover: 

• Cancellation by your wedding venue: This typically covers various scenarios, such as the venue going bust or cancelling your booking but check your policy for exemptions.  
• Illness, accidents, or death of wedding party members: If a critical wedding party member is ill, injured, or dies suddenly and you must reschedule, you will be covered. If it is linked to a pre-existing condition, you won’t be covered. It’s worth checking who is covered under your policy. 
• Supplier issues: If your supplier provides damaged items, is a no-show, or goes bust, you’ll be covered by wedding insurance.  
• Lost, damaged, or stolen goods: You’ll be covered for expensive items such as your wedding dress, rings, or cake that are lost, stolen, or damaged, but time limits may apply to claims. Also, be sure to check the value of the goods covered.  

Wedding insurance should offer a payout, whether to rearrange your big day or cover lost deposits. 

The insurer may pay for a new venue rather than pay you the money. They will also usually subtract the cost of any excess.  

There may be coverage for extreme weather if the venue cannot be used or if technical faults affect wedding photos or videos, but it’s worth checking your policy. 

You can also include add-ons to your wedding insurance to cover marquees or accidents involving ceremonial swords carried by military personnel.  

Will overseas wedding insurance cover already arranged services or paid deposits? 

If you haven’t lost your deposit before buying overseas wedding insurance and have the necessary receipts and correspondence, you should be covered.  

What does overseas wedding insurance not cover? 

While overseas wedding insurance can offer peace of mind, there are some exclusions, including:  

• Accidents where a guest is at fault: If a wedding guest is seen as at fault for an accident, you won’t be covered by your policy.  
• Bad weather: While some overseas wedding insurance policies may cover you if the officiant cannot attend or the venue is unusable due to adverse weather, it’ll usually not cover poor weather. 
• Cancelling the wedding due to a small issue: If you choose to cancel or rearrange your wedding due to a minor problem, you won’t be covered by your policy.  
• Changing your mind: If you or your partner have cold feet and decide you don’t want to get married, this won’t be covered.  
• Money issues: You also won’t be covered if you cancel due to financial problems.  

Do I need overseas wedding travel insurance? 

It’s important to get travel insurance if you’re getting married overseas. 

Travel insurance can ensure you don’t lose out financially if: 

• You get ill and require medical treatment 
• Your trip is delayed or cancelled 
• Your luggage is lost or stolen 
• Your trip is unexpectantly cut short 
• You have an accident 
• You incur legal costs if you need to claim compensation for injury, illness, or death 

The above may not be covered by all travel insurance policies, so it’s worth checking them out before you buy.  

Travel insurance may also cover you if you miss your flight or connection, but this may be subject to specific criteria and may need to be added to your policy instead.  

Sometimes, you can bundle wedding and travel insurance together, but check whether you’ll get the same coverage as two separate policies.  

You should also make sure you have public liability insurance (if not included in the wedding insurance), which will cover any costs if the venue is damaged, or an accident happens that you’re liable for.  

It’s also worth considering group travel insurance for your wedding party, which could be cheaper than several individual policies.  

How much does overseas wedding insurance cost? 

The cost of insurance for weddings abroad varies, depending on your budget and the type you opt for. 

While a £20,000 wedding held in the UK typically costs up to £150 for an insurance policy, it can be more expensive to get insurance for an overseas wedding. 

Specialist wedding insurance provider Wedinsure offers many policies ranging from around £40 to nearly £500 — however, the more expensive the policy, the more coverage you get for various scenarios.  

For example, the most expensive policy includes cancellation or curtailment of your big day of up to £100,000 and rearrangement worth up to £75,000.  

So, if you have a cheaper wedding planned abroad, your insurance will likely cost less.  

It’s worth calculating the overall cost and listing all expenses and optional extras you’re considering.  

You should then research to find the right policy to offer you peace of mind for your big day.  

Do I need overseas wedding insurance, and when should I buy it? 

You should consider overseas wedding insurance if you’re worried about anything going wrong and being left out of pocket, especially if your big day will be expensive.  

You can try to get money back via Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if you pay by credit card for goods or services between £100 and £30,000 and the firm fails to supply them, or they’re not as expected, but this is subject to specific criteria.  

Overseas wedding insurance can offer financial protection if the unexpected happens and is beyond your control. In some cases, suppliers may allow you to delay or rearrange your wedding at no cost; however, this is extremely rare.   

If overseas wedding insurance is right for you, it’s worth buying a policy as soon as possible. You can buy a policy up to two years in advance, so it covers the run-up to your wedding day and the day itself. 

Does overseas wedding insurance cover our honeymoon? 

Overseas wedding insurance will not cover the honeymoon. 

Instead, you should get travel insurance, which you should buy as soon as possible to protect you from unexpected events or cancellations.  

It’s worth shopping around for the best travel insurance policy so you have peace of mind before enjoying your honeymoon. 

You should ensure you understand the terms and conditions and any exclusions, so your insurance covers you regardless of what happens.  

How do I find the right overseas wedding insurance?  

It’s worth researching or using a comparison site to find the right overseas wedding insurance. 

Before seeking a policy, make sure you have a list of the following: 

• An estimated overall cost of the wedding, including flights and accommodation 
• The date(s) of the ceremony and reception 
• Details of the ceremony and reception – are these being held at the same venue and in which country? 
• You and your partner’s personal details 
• Whether you want any optional add-ons  
• Whether you want separate travel insurance or bundled with wedding insurance 

If you’re unsure if your insurance policy is right for you, contact the provider to ask them to clarify anything beforehand. 

Want to cut the cost of overseas wedding insurance? Reducing the cost of your wedding, considering how much coverage you need, and shopping around for the best deals are all ways to keep costs down.   

Can I cancel my overseas wedding insurance policy if I change my mind? 

If you change your mind, you have 14 days to cancel the policy and get a full refund. 

You can also change your policy by contacting the insurance provider.  

How can I best protect my wedding day abroad? 

Planning a wedding is stressful and even more so when you’re getting hitched overseas. 

While overseas wedding insurance can offer peace of mind, there are some ways you can reduce the chance of any unwelcome surprises: 

• Research suppliers: When researching suppliers, read reviews, check they are qualified, meet them in person, and look at their portfolio of previous work.  
• Regularly contact your suppliers: Contact your chosen suppliers regularly and get written confirmation of what you’re expecting and when. You can also ask if they have any backup plans for the unexpected, such as rainy weather during an outdoor ceremony. 
• Get help from the experts: If you’re considering anything specialist, such as fireworks, consider an expert with the experience and insurance to arrange this.  
• Use a credit card: Paying by credit card for goods or services worth between £100 and £30,000 means the credit card company and seller are both responsible if a firm fails to supply them or they’re not as expected. 

Need financial advice? 

If you need help reaching your money goals, a qualified financial adviser can offer vital help and guidance.  

Whether you’re considering investing or estate planning, buying a home, planning for retirement or the future, an adviser can offer valuable guidance.