Top Travel Insurance Tips: What to Check Before You Buy a Policy
Published 11th of September 2017·Updated 16 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
The most important thing to check in any travel insurance policy is what it does not cover, not just what it does. Medical cover, cancellation protection and baggage limits are the three areas where most UK travellers discover gaps too late. Buying the cheapest policy without reading the small print is one of the most common and costly mistakes UK holidaymakers make.
Short Summary
Medical cover is the single most critical part of any travel insurance policy. An emergency hospital stay in the United States can easily cost £100,000 or more, so a policy with inadequate medical limits leaves you personally liable for the shortfall.
You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions honestly, including conditions that are well managed, such as controlled diabetes or high blood pressure. Failing to declare a condition gives your insurer grounds to reject any claim related to it, even if the claim is not directly connected to that condition.
Annual multi-trip policies are usually better value than single-trip policies if you travel more than twice a year. Compare the total annual premium against the combined cost of individual policies for each trip.
The FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office) travel advice for your destination affects your cover. Travelling against FCDO advice typically voids your travel insurance policy entirely.
What should travel insurance cover?
A comprehensive UK travel insurance policy should include at minimum: emergency medical expenses and repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, baggage and personal belongings, travel delay, personal liability and, where relevant, winter sports or adventure activities.
| Cover type | Minimum recommended limit |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical expenses | £5 million (Europe), £10 million (worldwide) |
| Cancellation and curtailment | £5,000+ |
| Baggage and personal items | £1,500-£2,500 |
| Individual high-value item | £300-£500 per item |
| Personal liability | £1 million |
| Travel delay | £200+ |
Many budget policies set low individual item limits for electronics. If you are travelling with a laptop, camera or expensive phone, check the single-item limit carefully. A £300 per-item limit will not cover a stolen £1,200 smartphone. You may need to add these items to your home contents insurance as "away from home" cover instead.
How do you declare a pre-existing medical condition on travel insurance?
Contact your insurer directly and disclose every medical condition you have, including those that are stable or well controlled. This includes conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, depression, cancer (current or historic), high blood pressure and any recent surgery or hospitalisation.
Insurers such as Avanti, AllClear and Free Spirit specialise in travel insurance for travellers with pre-existing conditions and often offer more competitive premiums than standard insurers. The Money and Pensions Service's MoneySavingExpert travel insurance comparison tool also lists specialist providers.
Never omit a condition because you think it is unlikely to cause problems on your trip. If you make a claim for any reason, your insurer may review your full medical history. If they find an undisclosed condition, they can reject the claim and, in some cases, cancel your policy entirely.
What is the difference between single-trip and annual multi-trip insurance?
A single-trip policy covers one journey from the moment you leave home until you return. An annual multi-trip policy covers an unlimited number of trips within a 12-month period, up to a maximum trip duration per journey (typically 31, 45 or 60 days per trip).
Annual policies from providers such as Direct Line, Aviva and Admiral are usually better value if you travel twice or more in a year. A single-trip policy to Europe typically costs between £20 and £50. An annual multi-trip policy covering Europe costs approximately £40 to £80. If you travel outside Europe, worldwide annual policies typically run from £80 to £150, compared to £50 to £100 for a single long-haul trip.
What does cancellation cover include and when does it apply?
Cancellation cover reimburses your pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason before you depart. Covered reasons typically include: serious illness or injury to you or a close family member, bereavement, redundancy, jury service and, in some policies, adverse weather making travel impossible.
Cancellation cover does not apply if you simply change your mind, or if you cancel because of a travel advisory that was already in place when you bought the policy. To claim successfully, you need documentation: a letter from your GP if the reason is medical, or a redundancy notice if you have lost your job.
Should you rely on a credit card or the GHIC for travel insurance?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC, which replaced the EHIC after Brexit) entitles UK residents to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as local residents. It is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover private healthcare costs, medical repatriation, cancellation, baggage loss or any other non-medical events.
Some premium credit cards from providers such as American Express, Nationwide and Virgin Money include travel insurance as a benefit. Check the terms carefully: these policies often have lower limits than standalone policies, age restrictions and requirements that you must book your travel using that card. Use your card's policy details as a backup or supplement, not as your primary cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get travel insurance if I have a serious health condition?
Yes. Specialist insurers including AllClear, Avanti Travel Insurance and Free Spirit cover a wide range of serious and chronic conditions. You may pay a higher premium and some high-risk activities may be excluded, but cover is available. The Money and Pensions Service offers a directory of specialist providers at moneyhelper.org.uk.
Does travel insurance cover me if the airline cancels my flight?
Travel insurance and your statutory rights under UK261 (the retained version of EU261 regulation for flights departing UK airports) work together. If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a full refund or rebooking under UK261. Travel insurance kicks in for costs not covered by the airline, such as pre-booked accommodation you cannot recover.
Is travel insurance valid if I travel against Foreign Office advice?
No. Travelling to a destination where the FCDO advises against all travel or all but essential travel almost always voids your travel insurance cover. Check the FCDO website (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) before booking and again shortly before you travel, as advice can change.
How do I make a travel insurance claim? Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the event, using the emergency assistance number on your policy documents if the situation is urgent. Keep all receipts, medical reports, police reports (for theft), and written confirmation from airlines or hotels about cancellations or delays. Most insurers now allow claims to be submitted online or through their app.
Do I need separate travel insurance for adventure sports?
Standard policies typically exclude activities such as skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving, bungee jumping and white-water rafting. You will need a policy that specifically includes the activity, either as standard or as an added extra. Winter sports add-ons are widely available from most major UK insurers for an additional £10 to £30.