4 MILLION BRITISH PASSPORTS TO EXPIRE THIS YEAR

05 February 2025

  • FOI data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals over 4 million British passports are set to expire in 2025*
  • Consumer research commissioned by the insurance provider reveals that approximately 3 in 4 (72%) Brits are planning to book a holiday in 2025**
  • 1 in 10 (10.4%) admit they have missed a holiday due to failing to renew their passports
  • A quarter (25%) of 25 to 34-year-olds always go on holiday without travel insurance
  • Approximately 3 in 10 (28%) 16–24-year-olds have had a serious accident or illness abroad, compared to less than 1 in 10 (8%) of 55+ year-olds
  • Co-op Insurance data reveals that the highest paid travel insurance claim in 2024 was almost £21,000

New FOI data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals that over four million British passports are set to expire in 2025.

To beat the winter blues, many Brits are looking ahead and booking holidays abroad for 2025. However, consumer research commissioned by the member-owned organisation shows that millions of UK adults are neglecting to protect their travel plans.

Despite nearly three-quarters (72%) of Brits planning to book a holiday in 2025, there are currently an estimated 10 million with expired passports, with an additional 4 million set to expire this year.

This looming problem could cause considerable disruption to holiday plans and prevent people from travelling abroad. The survey data shows that 1 in 10 (10.4%) have already missed a holiday due to failing to renew their passport in time, which increases to approximately 1 in 4 (23%) for those under the age of twenty-five, highlighting the importance of staying on top of these crucial travel documents.

Beyond passport problems, many Brits are also neglecting essential travel protections. Almost three-fifths (57%) admitted they have been on holiday without travel insurance, and a quarter of adults aged between 25-34 always go on holiday without travel insurance, leaving themselves vulnerable to potential risks.

Despite this reluctance to get cover, young adults in particular seem to face a higher likelihood of encountering travel mishaps. Around 3 in 10 (28%) 16-24-year-olds report having been seriously ill or injured while on holiday, compared to less than 1 in 10 (8%) 55+ year-olds.

Those who travel uninsured put themselves at great financial risk, as Co-op Insurance data reveals that the highest paid claim in 2024 was almost £21,000, an amount that would have had to be paid by the individual had they been uninsured.

Graham Ward Lush, Head of Travel at Co-op Insurance at Co-op Insurance, said:

"Keeping your passport up to date is a crucial step that many of us neglect, which could result in disappointment and financial loss should it mean that you are unable to travel abroad as planned.

“Some countries require at least three to six months of validity remaining on your passport before traveling, and it can take up to three weeks (or sometimes more) to renew UK passports, so it is always best not to leave it too late.

“Those travelling abroad should also seek sufficient insurance cover to have peace of mind that they are protected from incidents that may result in high medical expenses or loss of possessions.

“If you are unsure of your passport expiry date or the best insurance for you on your next trip, I advise you to look into your options without delay.”

To find out more about Co-op travel insurance click here: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/travel-insurance?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5bbr%5d_%5btravel%5d_-_brand_-_travel_insurance_-_%5bHgk%5d&&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~cmp~%5BBR%5D%20%5BTravel%5D%20-%20Brand%20-%20Travel%20Insurance%20-%20%5BHgk%5D%20Customer_Match~ag~Co%20Op%20Travel%20Insurance~ar~711775444232~kw~co%20op%20travel%20insurance~mt~e&gad_source=5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7N-f9ZnXigMVBZhQBh3FNzgDEAAYASAAEgKNifD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

  • Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from HM Passport Office

** Data from survey conducted by Opinion Matters and commissioned by Co-op Insurance, with a sample of 2000 Nat Rep

About Co-op

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,300 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 4,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 55,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.
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