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Why You Need Travel Insurance and How to Choose the Best One
Discover why travel insurance is essential, what coverage you need and a comparison of the best options available for travellers.
Viaro2026-03-066 min read
Why You Need Travel Insurance
Travelling without insurance is gambling with your finances. A broken leg in the US can cost £25,000, a medical evacuation from Southeast Asia £40,000, and lost luggage can ruin your entire trip.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers emergencies within the EU with limitations. Outside Europe, you have zero public health coverage.
What Good Insurance Should Cover
Essential Coverage
- Medical expenses: Minimum £250,000 for Europe, £500,000+ for the US and distant destinations.
- Repatriation: Medical transport home. Without insurance, this can cost £15,000–£80,000.
- Trip cancellation: Reimbursement if you can't travel due to illness, family bereavement, etc.
- Baggage: Loss, theft or damage. Typical coverage: £1,000–£2,500.
- Personal liability: If you cause damage to third parties.
Warning
Travel insurance is MANDATORY for entry to several countries including Cuba, Russia, Ecuador, and Schengen zone countries for non-EU travellers.
Top Travel Insurance Providers
| Provider | Price (1 week Europe) | Medical | Cancellation | Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Nomads | £25–40 | £5M | Included | £2,000 |
| SafetyWing | £10–15/week | £250K | Optional | £3,000 |
| Allianz | £20–35 | £10M | Included | £1,500 |
| AXA | £15–30 | £10M | Included | £2,000 |
| True Traveller | £15–25 | £10M | Included | £2,000 |
Tip
SafetyWing is excellent for long-term travellers and digital nomads. It works as a subscription (from £10/week) with no end date required.
When Your EHIC/GHIC Card Falls Short
- Outside the EU (obviously)
- Non-emergency treatments
- Medical repatriation
- Adventure sports
- Trip cancellation and baggage
How to Save on Insurance
- Buy annual cover if you travel 2+ times per year. From £80–150/year vs £25–40 per trip.
- Check your credit card: Some cards (Amex Gold, Revolut Metal, HSBC Premier) include travel insurance.
- Always compare: Use comparison sites like MoneySupermarket or GoCompare.
- Read the fine print: Pay attention to excess amounts, exclusions and per-item limits for baggage.
What to Do If You Need to Claim
- Call the 24-hour assistance number (save it in your phone BEFORE travelling).
- Don't pay anything without the insurer's authorisation (except in life-threatening emergencies).
- Keep ALL documents: receipts, medical reports, police reports (for theft).
- Claim within the deadline: usually 7–30 days after the incident.
Can I buy insurance after booking my flight?
Yes, but cancellation cover usually requires purchase within 14–21 days of booking the trip.
Are adventure sports covered?
It depends on the policy and sport. Hiking is usually included. Diving, skiing, surfing and skydiving typically require specific add-on cover (£5–15 extra).
Is it worth it for trips within Europe?
Yes. The EHIC/GHIC has significant limitations: no repatriation, no cancellation, no baggage cover. A week's insurance costs less than £20.
What about pre-existing conditions?
Most standard policies don't cover pre-existing conditions. Providers like World Nomads and True Traveller offer enhanced plans with additional cost.
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