Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Laurie Edwards
Insurance for Second Homes Abroad
Staying in an overseas holiday home can be the perfect way to switch off and get away from everyday life. Often located in areas of outstanding natural beauty, by the sea, or in picturesque towns or villages, a holiday home abroad is a luxury worth investing in. But what happens when you need to leave your property vacant for long periods, or it is exposed to extreme weather conditions?
Taking out second home insurance abroad can present challenges if you don’t speak the local language and are not completely familiar with the location you have chosen for your holiday home. That’s why Boshers Insurance offers Overseas Holiday Home Insurance, specifically designed for UK-based second homeowners whose property is in Europe.
There are a few factors to consider around the usage of your property and how you pay for your policy when you’re arranging your overseas second home insurance.
Where is your policy held?
Boshers Insurance has access to a range of UK insurers who can insure overseas holiday homes at the appropriate level, according to your usage of the property and property type. All insurance costs and sums insured are in British currency (GBP) which means you don’t have to pay your insurance from an overseas bank account or be at the mercy of exchange rates.
What usage does your policy cover?
Owning a property abroad is an exciting investment, whether it’s a personal retreat, a family getaway, or an income-generating asset. At Boshers Insurance, we can provide Overseas Holiday Home Insurance designed to protect you for the different ways you may use your property, including the following:
If your overseas property is used primarily as a second home, we can arrange Building Insurance and Contents Insurance which provides robust cover for your assets, even when your property is unoccupied for extended periods.
If your holiday home is left empty between visits, it can be vulnerable to risks such as storm damage, water damage (escape of water), theft, or unnoticed structural and repair issues. We can source cover that offers financial protection for your property during vacant periods as well as when your home is in use, providing you with assurance and peace of mind that your property is covered, even when you’re not there.
- Own use and Friends & Family
If you choose to share your holiday home with friends and family and they stay at your property free of charge, you’ll need insurance that is tailored to protect both your guests and your second home. Our team of experts can find a policy that extends to cover non-paying guests, protecting you against accidental damage and liability claims (Public Liability Insurance and Employers’ Liability Insurance can protect against liabilities risks).
If a visitor or guest accidentally slips in the pool area, for example, you could be faced with an expensive Public Liability compensation claim. The right insurance can help pay for associated legal fees and any claims that are upheld against you. Whether it’s a relative staying for a week or friends using the property while you’re away, with Boshers you can be confident that your insurance reflects how your home is actually used – not just how it’s owned.
- Short-term commercial Holiday Lets and/or Airbnb
If you are looking to generate income, letting your property on a short-term basis through Airbnb, holiday villa rental platforms, or private arrangements can be financially rewarding. However, standard Home Insurance policies may not fully cover the risks associated with frequent guest turnover.
We offer specialist cover for short-term holiday lets, including protection against guest-related damage, loss of rental income following an insured event, and Liability Insurance for paying guests. This can ensure that your investment remains protected while you maximise its earning potential.
If you own multiple overseas properties, managing insurance across different locations, uses, and occupancy types can become complicated.
We can provide insurance for multiple overseas properties which consolidates cover under a single policy. This not only simplifies administration but can also provide consistency in cover levels and potentially be more cost-effective for you. Whether your portfolio includes a mix of personal-use homes and rental properties, or you own holiday homes for personal use in different countries or regions, we can tailor a solution that reflects your overall investment strategy.
How we can help
Second Home Insurance abroad can seem overwhelming. With Boshers it doesn’t have to be. Get in touch with our experienced experts to secure cover for your overseas holiday home today.
Call: 01237 429444
Contact us: boshers.co.uk/contact/
