Published on March 25, 2026
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As summer 2026 approaches, British holidaymakers planning to visit popular destinations like Turkey and Cyprus are being issued an important travel warning. Although both countries remain favourites among UK tourists—with over 10 million Brits expected to visit Turkey and 1.3 million heading to Cyprus this year—a recent insurance advisory has highlighted a potentially costly oversight.
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Car insurance expert Shay Ramani from Free Price Compare is urging UK tourists to double-check their car insurance policies before heading to these countries. The warning centres on a crucial issue that could leave tourists vulnerable to significant financial and legal penalties while abroad.
Many British tourists believe their UK car insurance will automatically cover them when driving in Europe, including in Turkey and Cyprus. However, both countries have specific requirements that could leave tourists without coverage if they aren’t properly prepared.
In Cyprus, for example, tourists renting cars in the Republic of Cyprus will find their rental insurance invalid the moment they cross into Northern Cyprus. This issue stems from the political status of Northern Cyprus, which is not internationally recognised. As a result, car rental companies like QEEQ explicitly state that their standard rental insurance doesn’t cover this region, and tourists must purchase separate insurance at the border.
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While this situation is well-known among locals and experienced travelers, many holidaymakers are blindsided when they discover that their claims are rejected after an accident or traffic stop.
In addition to the potential problems with car rental coverage, travel insurance policies have been flagged as a concern. Major insurers like AllClear Travel specifically exclude coverage for Northern Cyprus, meaning British tourists who cross the Green Line dividing the island may not be covered for medical emergencies or accidents. This is especially concerning because private medical treatment, including the cost of air ambulance transport back to the UK, can amount to upwards of £26,000.
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Moreover, breakdown cover is another area where tourists are vulnerable. Both RAC and AA typically exclude Turkey and Cyprus from their standard European breakdown policies. In the event of a mechanical issue, tourists may be forced to cover the full cost of recovery and repairs themselves, leaving them with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
For business travelers heading to Cyprus or Turkey, the risks associated with car insurance can have major consequences. If you’re planning to drive for meetings or corporate events, it’s crucial to ensure that your insurance policy covers you fully, both for car rental and any unexpected emergencies. Failure to do so could lead to unnecessary delays, legal hassles, and additional costs.
Leisure travelers, especially those planning to explore the scenic routes of Turkey or the coastal roads of Cyprus, must be equally diligent in checking their insurance policies. The last thing anyone wants is to be caught in an accident or breakdown, only to discover they don’t have valid coverage.
Travelers to Turkey and Cyprus should take the following steps to avoid insurance pitfalls:
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Tags: cyprus, Europe, Northern Cyprus, Turkey, UK

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