How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Your Holiday

Travel Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right policy will depend on where you’re going, who you’re travelling with, the cost of your holiday, your medical history and what you plan to do while you’re away.

Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. This Travel Insurance checklist explains what to compare so you can choose cover that reflects your individual trip.

In this guide:

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1. Why choosing suitable cover matters
2. What to check before buying
3. How to compare Travel Insurance
4. Declaring medical conditions
5. Common mistakes to avoid
6. Frequently asked questions

Why choosing suitable Travel Insurance matters

When you’re looking forward to a holiday, the last thing you want to think about is what could go wrong. However, choosing a policy that doesn’t reflect your plans could leave you with unexpected costs if you need to cancel your holiday, receive medical treatment abroad or make another claim.

Policies can differ significantly in their cover limits, excesses, exclusions and optional benefits. Taking the time to compare these details—not just the initial price—can help you make a more informed decision.

What should you check before buying Travel Insurance?

Why choosing suitable Travel Insurance matters

When you’re looking forward to a holiday, the last thing you want to think about is what could go wrong. However, choosing a policy that doesn’t reflect your plans could leave you with unexpected costs if you need to cancel your holiday, receive medical treatment abroad or make another claim.

Policies can differ significantly in their cover limits, excesses, exclusions and optional benefits. Taking the time to compare these details—not just the initial price—can help you make a more informed decision.

What should you check before buying Travel Insurance?

What type of policy do you need?

If you’re taking one holiday, a Single Trip policy may be suitable. Cover for cancellation normally begins when you purchase your policy, subject to its terms and conditions.

If you have several holidays planned over the next 12 months, an Annual Multi-Trip policy may be more convenient. Remember that cancellation cover will only begin from the policy’s selected start date, so consider when you want your cover to start.

You may also need additional or specialist cover for certain types of holidays, including cruises and winter sports.

Single Trip vs Annual Trip Guide >

Where are you travelling?

Your destination can affect both the cost of your policy and the level of cover you may need. Healthcare costs vary around the world and can be particularly expensive in destinations such as the USA.

Make sure your policy covers every country you plan to visit, including any stopovers where necessary, and that you have selected the correct geographical area.

A valid GHIC or EHIC may provide access to some state healthcare, but it is not a replacement for Travel Insurance. It will not cover every medical cost, private treatment or repatriation to the UK.

Before travelling, you should also check the latest entry requirements and official advice for your destination on the GOV.UK foreign travel advice website.

Who needs to be covered?

Check that everyone who needs protection is correctly named on the policy and that their personal details are accurate.

This includes checking names, dates of birth and contact details, as well as declaring any relevant pre-existing medical conditions for each traveller.

When should you buy Travel Insurance?

It’s generally worth arranging Travel Insurance as soon as you book your holiday. This means cancellation cover can begin sooner if you need to cancel for an insured reason before travelling.

If you choose an Annual Multi-Trip policy with a future start date, remember that cancellation cover will not usually begin until that date.

Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?

Accurately declaring your medical conditions helps ensure your policy reflects your needs.

At Just Travel Cover, we’ll ask relevant medical screening questions, including about medical conditions, consultations and hospital admissions within the previous five years. Answering these questions fully and accurately helps us compare suitable options from our panel of insurers.

If your health changes after you purchase your policy, check your policy wording or contact your insurer to find out whether you need to tell them.

Find out more about Travel Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions >

What type of holiday are you taking?

Certain holidays and activities may require additional cover.

For example, a standard policy may not automatically provide all the specialist benefits associated with a cruise or winter sports holiday. Activities such as hiking, cycling, diving and other sports may also be subject to specific conditions or exclusions.

Check that your planned activities are included before taking part. If you’re unsure, contact us before travelling.

How to compare Travel Insurance policies

Once you’ve provided the details of your trip, don’t compare policies on price alone. Look at the available cover, limits, excesses and exclusions to understand what each option provides.

Cancellation cover

Check that the cancellation limit reflects each traveller’s share of the full holiday cost. This may include:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Transfers
• Pre-booked excursions
• Other non-refundable travel arrangements

Cancellation limits commonly apply per person rather than to the booking as a whole.

If you’ve booked a more expensive holiday, you may wish to explore options for increased cancellation cover, subject to eligibility.

Explore High-Value Holiday Travel Insurance >

Emergency medical expenses

Check the available emergency medical expenses limit and whether the policy includes repatriation to the UK when medically necessary.

Cover levels and terms differ between policies, so read the policy wording carefully—particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Baggage and personal belongings

Consider the value of the belongings you’re taking with you. Policies may have:

• An overall baggage limit
• A single-item limit
• Separate limits for valuables
• An excess payable if you claim

Check that these limits are suitable for the items you plan to take.

Policy excess

An excess is the amount you may need to contribute towards a claim.

For example, if you make an eligible claim for £500 and a £100 excess applies, the insurer may pay £400.

A higher excess can sometimes reduce the initial premium, but make sure you could afford to pay it if you needed to claim. Depending on the policy, excesses may apply per person, per claim or per section of cover.

Terms, conditions and exclusions

Read the policy documents before purchasing and again before travelling. These explain:

• What is covered
• The applicable cover limits
• Any excesses
• Activities or circumstances that aren’t covered
• What you need to do if you require assistance or need to claim

If anything is incorrect or you’re unsure whether something is covered, contact us as soon as possible.

Would you like additional luggage protection?

Smart Luggage is a separate insurance policy that can be purchased on its own or alongside your Travel Insurance.

If your registered checked luggage is delayed by 30 minutes, eligible customers receive £50 directly into their bank account. If it still cannot be located after 48 hours, they receive a further £500.

Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Please read the Smart Luggage policy wording and IPID for full details.

Discover Smart Luggage >

Common Travel Insurance mistakes to avoid

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Choosing a policy based on price alone
• Buying less cancellation cover than the full cost of the holiday
• Not declaring medical conditions accurately
• Selecting the wrong geographical area
• Assuming every activity is automatically covered
• Not checking the policy excess
• Waiting until just before departure to arrange cover
• Assuming every policy provides the same benefits and limits
• Not reading the policy documents before travelling

Taking a little extra time to compare your options can help you choose cover that better reflects your holiday.

Frequently asked questions

Compare Travel Insurance for your next holiday

At Just Travel Cover, we compare Travel Insurance from our panel of insurers, with options for travellers of all ages and hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions.

Compare the available cover, limits, excesses and exclusions to find an option that reflects your individual needs.

Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply.