Travel insurance

What should travel insurance cover?

At a minimum, look for strong emergency medical and repatriation cover, cancellation cover that matches the cost of your trip, and cover for your belongings. Buy it when you book, so you're covered if something stops you travelling before you leave.

  • Medical and repatriation cover matter most
  • Declare pre-existing medical conditions
  • A GHIC isn't a substitute for insurance
  • Check exclusions for activities like skiing

Last reviewed October 2026

Single-trip or annual multi-trip

A single-trip policy covers one journey. An annual multi-trip policy covers every trip in a 12-month period, usually up to a maximum length per trip. If you travel abroad more than once or twice a year, an annual policy can work out simpler and cheaper — check the trip-length limit and the geographic area covered.

The key parts of a policy

  • Emergency medical expenses abroad
  • Repatriation — getting you home if you're ill or injured
  • Cancellation and curtailment (cutting a trip short)
  • Lost, stolen or damaged baggage and money
  • Personal liability if you injure someone or damage property

Medical conditions and activities

You need to declare pre-existing medical conditions when you buy. If you don't, a related claim may be refused. Some insurers specialise in covering people with medical conditions.

Standard policies often exclude winter sports and some adventure activities, or only include them as an add-on. Check that what you're planning to do is covered.

Travel insurance and the GHIC

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives access to state healthcare in EU countries on the same basis as residents. It doesn't cover private treatment, repatriation or cancellations, so the UK government recommends having travel insurance as well.

Travel insurance guides

Guide
Do I need travel insurance for Europe if I have a GHIC?

What the GHIC covers and what it doesn't.

Common questions

When should I buy travel insurance?

As soon as you book. Cancellation cover only protects you from the date the policy starts, so buying early covers you if something happens before you travel.

Do I need to declare medical conditions?

Yes. Insurers ask about pre-existing conditions, and not declaring one can mean a related claim is refused. Answer the screening questions fully.

Is a GHIC enough for travel in Europe?

No. It gives access to state healthcare in the EU, but doesn't cover private treatment, getting you home, cancellations or belongings.

Does travel insurance cover winter sports?

Often only as an add-on. Check the policy wording for the activities you're planning, including any off-piste or equipment limits.

What's the difference between cancellation and curtailment?

Cancellation covers you if you can't travel for an insured reason. Curtailment covers unused costs if you have to cut your trip short.

Important: This page is general information, not financial advice or a personal recommendation. Product features and eligibility vary by provider — check the provider's own terms before you buy or apply.