Do I really need travel insurance?

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Yes – even when travelling in Europe insurance is a wise idea. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is also a good addition to your travel documentation. As the Foreign and Commonwealth Office explains, the EHIC ‘is not an alternative to travel insurance’, and recommends having both an EHIC and separate travel insurance when visiting Europe.
 
The EHIC will only cover emergency medical care in the local equivalent of an NHS hospital. It won’t cover treatment if you’re taken to a private hospital. 

UK residents can use their EHIC during the Brexit negotiations, until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU on 31 January 2020. The UK Government has proposed a scheme similar to the EHIC in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal, and consequently the EHIC no longer being usable. However, the implementation of that scheme is subject to EU countries agreeing to that proposal.

Whatever your circumstances, it should be possible to find the right level of cover that’s tailored to suit your needs. Examples include:

• business travel insurance 
• single trip
• annual 
• backpacker travel insurance 
• couples
• family 
• group cover 
• specialist travel insurance for over 65s 

If you’re pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition, ensure you check whether your condition is covered. You may need to add extra cover or opt for a special insurance policy that will cater to your specific needs.

Does travel insurance protect my possessions too?

The right policy can also cover theft, loss or damage to your baggage and personal possessions. 

Your baggage can go astray when you’re travelling. In 2017, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), 86,000 people received £17 million of support following their baggage being delayed and money lost while travelling. And if you lose your passport, cards and phone, then it’s a relief to have an insurance provider on hand to provide 24-hour assistance.  

Check to see if your insurance provider includes baggage protection in their standard travel insurance policy. If not, ask if you can get extra cover added. Alternatively, you could consider separate baggage insurance cover.

In 2017, £145 million was paid out on 174,000 claims for cancelled holidays, says the ABI. Cancellations and delays will only be covered for valid reasons specified in your policy. If an airline offers compensation, most travel insurance providers won’t pay out. And those that do will only usually cover the difference on top of the airline’s compensation. Another reason to check the small print carefully. 

Standard travel insurance can differ between providers, so always read their terms and conditions carefully before committing to a policy to ensure you have the level of cover you want.

If you’re planning a more adventurous holiday, you may need to add extra cover to your policy, or even look for a specialist insurance provider who covers more extreme activities. 

Also, be aware that if you’re travelling to a country that the FCO advises against, your travel insurance policy may be invalid. Check their relevant country travel advice pages for updates on your chosen destination.

Check your policy details carefully if you’re intending to do any sports activities while away. Sports cover can vary greatly between insurance providers, so you’ll need to make a note of what’s included and excluded in their standard policies. This is especially important for winter sports and water sports. Again, you may need extra cover or specialist insurance if your chosen activity isn’t covered.

We’ve made finding and comparing travel insurance quick and easy. Compare policies in minutes and see if you could save money by finding the right cover to suit your holiday needs.