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Thinking of Travelling Without Insurance? Read This First

ByNatalie Posted Updated

Key Takeaway

Travelling without insurance might save a few quid upfront, but it could cost you thousands if something goes wrong. From emergency medical care to cancelled flights or lost luggage, travel insurance can be your safety net when plans go bad. If you’re wondering, “do I really need travel insurance?” the answer is simple: yes, 100% you do.

You’ve triple-checked your flights, packed your bags like a pro and mapped out every dreamy dinner and sightseeing stop. But what about the one thing that could actually save your trip?

If travel insurance hasn’t made your to-do list yet, or you’re thinking of travelling without insurance, you’re not alone. It’s easy to assume you won’t get sick, injured or caught in a cancellation mess. Until it happens. I’ve seen travellers stranded in airports or stuck in foreign hospitals without financial or practical support. And yes, I’ve made claims myself for issues that were out of my control.

Travel insurance isn’t just for worst-case scenarios. It’s your safety net for flight delays, lost luggage, unexpected motorway closures (yep, been there) and even personal emergencies like a family bereavement.

Traffic jam on a motorway showing a green transport truck, a police vehicle, and a small car in close quarters. Travel disruptions like this are common, and not having insurance can mean paying out of pocket for delays or accidents.
Traffic disruptions are common, and not having insurance can mean paying out of pocket for delays

As someone who works in insurance full-time and has visited 42 countries (always with tailored coverage), I know what’s actually worth paying for, like missed connections, and what’s just marketing fluff.

So before you scroll past that policy page or simply grab the cheapest option, here’s what you really need to know to protect your trip, and your wallet.

Do I need travel insurance?

One word. Yes. Travelling without insurance is incredibly risky, even for a short trip, and you’re essentially relying on luck or the generosity of others if anything goes wrong.

Imagine ending up in hospital abroad with no insurance. According to the UK government, the cost of medical treatment in the USA can easily reach tens of thousands of pounds. One debt help organisation notes that a single night in an intensive care unit could cost upwards of £8,500. And repatriation back to the UK? That could run you over £20,000 depending on your condition and location.

There are countless examples online of people having to launch Go Fund Me pages to cover costs when their dream trip turned into a nightmare. And that’s not even including the stress it puts on loved ones.

Take two travellers: one with insurance, one without.

  • The first gets appendicitis in Thailand. They’re treated quickly, with all medical bills, transport, and aftercare covered. They claim, recover, and return home.
  • The second also gets appendicitis, but has no cover. They have to find thousands of pounds to pay upfront for surgery, are stuck abroad longer, and face ongoing debt and stress. Nightmare.

There’s also logistics to think about, from missed or cancelled flights to losing your luggage or your passport.

Close-up of a red British passport resting on a black leather travel bag. Essential travel documents like passports are hard to replace if lost while travelling without insurance.
A lost passport could leave you stranded and out of pocket if travelling without insurance

Recently, I missed my overnight coach home from London Gatwick due to a delayed flight. I needed to arrange and pay for accommodation, new coach tickets and food. Thankfully, my travel insurance covered everything. I simply submitted the receipts and had the money back within a few days.

Avoid unexpected travel expenses 👉GET A EKTA TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE HERE and don’t be left out of pocket

Types of travel insurance

There are lots of different types of cover, and it’s important to choose one that suits your travel style.

  • Single trip: Ideal if you’re only going away once or twice a year.
  • Annual (multi-trip): Perfect if you travel frequently. I always get an annual worldwide family policy so I’m covered no matter when or where I go. It’s cheaper and less admin!
  • Destination-specific: Some policies only cover Europe, others are worldwide. Check this carefully.
  • Extras: Look out for policies that include (or offer optional cover for) winter sports, cruises, gadgets or adventure activities.
  • Family or group cover: Handy for shared trips. Usually works out cheaper than buying individually – just check if the policy covers travel for individuals travelling separately as well.

Before you buy, check what the policy will cover and add on any extras you need where applicable. You may as well be travelling without insurance if the cover doesn’t give you what you need.

Cost of travel insurance

The cost depends on a few things:

  • Your age
  • Any health conditions
  • Where you’re going
  • How long for
  • What’s covered

You can get a basic policy for a few pounds if you’re young and healthy. But even if your premium is higher, it’s still a fraction of what you’d pay for treatment or missed flights. Last-minute flight prices can be excessive.

Side view of a white airplane with “FLYONE” branding under a bright blue sky. Budget non EU airlines often offer fewer protections, which increases the risk when you’re asking “do I need travel insurance” and choose to skip it.
Non-EU airlines, like Fly One, offer fewer protections, making travel insurance a trip essential

When comparing, don’t just look at the price. Check the coverage limits, excess amounts, and what’s excluded. Cheapest isn’t always best.

Don’t be caught out without cover 👉GET A EKTA TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE HERE and give yourself peace of mind when you travel

Travel insurance features and benefits

Depending on the provider and policy, you might be covered for:

  • Delays and cancellations
  • Missed departures
  • Medical treatment and repatriation
  • Lost or stolen belongings
  • Holiday money
  • Illness or injury
  • Trip curtailment (cutting your trip short)
  • Jury service or bereavement
  • Accommodation or travel costs due to strikes or natural disasters

It’s really important to download and read a provider’s full policy booklet, to check what is and isn’t covered as standard. Many insurers differ in what they will pay out for, and have strict rules and exclusions.

Policy excesses

The excess is what you pay towards any claim. For example, if your policy has a £80 excess and you claim £300, you’ll only get £220 back.

Image of euro banknotes and coins on a woven fabric background. The mix includes two five euro notes, a ten euro note, and several coins including two-euro, fifty-cent, and twenty-cent denominations. A reminder of unexpected expenses when travelling without insurance.
Is your holiday cash protected? It’s worth checking that travel insurance fine print before you buy

Cheaper policies often have higher excesses. So if you think you might need to claim, it’s worth paying a little more for a lower excess. Otherwise, you might find it isn’t worth making a claim at all.

Don’t be left with spiralling medical bills 👉GET A EKTA TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE HERE and skip the expenses

What’s not covered by travel insurance?

Policies vary, but here are common exclusions:

  • Adventure or winter sports (unless added on)
  • Injuries from drinking too much or taking drugs
  • Going to places the FCDO advises against
  • Illegal or reckless behaviour
View from a ski lift overlooking a snowy mountain resort with skiers below. The steep slopes and cold weather make this a high-risk activity where the question “do I need travel insurance” should be an easy yes.
Steep slopes and cold weather make ski-ing a high-risk activity. If you’re asking “do I need travel insurance” for this, it should be an easy yes.

You’d be surprised at what exclusions can be listed in the policy booklet. Always read the small print before buying. If in doubt, ask the insurer.

When to buy travel insurance

Buy it as soon as you book your trip. That way, you’re protected if you need to cancel before departure.

If you already have annual cover, just check it’s still valid for your new trip. If you’re switching providers, be careful of any gaps in cover – especially if your next trip starts before your new policy kicks in, as you may not be covered if you’re already out of the country on the policy start date. Essentially, you could be unknowingly travelling without insurance even though you have an in-date policy.

Don’t be left stranded 👉GET A EKTA TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE HERE and have support in place if things go wrong

How to buy travel insurance

  1. Compare quotes on a comparison site
  2. Get quotes directly from trusted companies like Ekta
  3. Declare all medical conditions – any previous or current symptoms, investigations, diagnosis, treatment, surgeries and medication
  4. Check coverage, exclusions and excesses
  5. Look at real customer reviews

I always check that the provider has a 24/7 contact number, and offers online claims. And make sure you declare absolutely everything health-related, or your insurer could refuse to cover your claim.

I even had to declare my ADHD and have it noted on my policy, or I risked not being covered for any illness or injury that it could potentially be blamed for (even if it wasn’t actually).

What to consider when buying travel insurance

Beyond the price, always check:

  • What countries are covered – anywhere the FCDA advises against visiting (like Ukraine) will usually be excluded
  • Trip duration – for example, some firms don’t cover day trips
  • Whether activities you plan to do are included
  • Limits for medical and personal belongings
  • Excess amounts per claim type
  • Support contact options (phone, app, online portal)
  • Customer reviews and ratings
Woman standing next to a green military tank monument with Cyrillic letters and a red-green flag in the background. The scene suggests travel to politically complex or lesser-known destinations where travelling without insurance can be risky.
Travel to politically complex or lesser-known destinations, like Transnistria, makes travelling without insurance risky. You may need specialist insurance for such locations,

My recent claim for my missed overnight coach had no excess to pay, which was such a relief. My additional expenses were £113 and I expected the excess to be almost half that much, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Also: if you’re travelling in Europe, get a GHIC card. It gives you access to state healthcare in EU countries and is free. Apply online at the NHS website.

Avoid meltdown in case of a travel crisis 👉GET A EKTA TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE HERE and receive 24/7 support if needed

When you travel

Keep your insurance details handy:

  • Policy number
  • Emergency contact info
  • Provider name and number

I save a copy to my phone and carry a paper version. I also share it with a close family member just in case.

How to make a travel insurance claim

Check your insurer’s website or documents for how to claim. For emergencies, there’s usually a helpline.

For other claims:

Hand holding a printed receipt in Greek, showing a €49 purchase from a Pandora shop in Athens. Receipts like these are often needed for claims, which won’t be covered if you’re travelling without insurance.
Receipts are often needed for claims, so keep hold of them during your trip

Most insurers will confirm receipt and update you by email. If you’ve done everything right, the payout can be pretty quick! Mine took less than three days.

Travel insurance FAQ

Do I need travel insurance? Is it really worth it for short trips?

Absolutely. Even a weekend away can go wrong. Lost luggage, a cancelled flight or a last-minute illness could cost more than the entire trip.

Can I buy travel insurance after booking my holiday?

Yes – and you should. Ideally, buy it the same day you book to get cancellation cover in place immediately.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Many policies now include cover for COVID-related cancellations, delays or medical treatment, but always check the fine print before buying.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

You must declare any medical conditions to ensure you’re properly covered. Some providers specialise in covering pre-existing conditions.

Can I use my GHIC card instead of travel insurance?

No. A GHIC only gives you access to state healthcare in the EU. It doesn’t cover private care, repatriation, or any non-medical issues like theft or cancellation.

Whether it’s a day trip in Europe, a long-haul adventure, or just a weekend away, travel insurance isn’t a luxury – it’s a must-have. It protects your health, your stuff, your money and your peace of mind. And if the worst does happen, it could be the only thing standing between you and thousands in unexpected costs.

So don’t leave it to chance by travelling without insurance. It’s just not worth the risk or hassle. Sort your travel policy right now and get on with enjoying your trip.

Woman in a pink jacket smiling for a selfie at Giant’s Causeway. She's surrounded by massive hexagonal rock formations under a cloudy sky. Natural attractions like these are amazing but accidents here highlight why you shouldn’t skip travel insurance.
Natural attractions like the Giant’s Causeway are amazing, but slips and falls are common and highlight why you shouldn’t skip travel insurance

Use the link to my recommended provider, Ekta, below to compare cover and get protected before your next trip!

Before you go 👉GET A EKTA TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE HERE and make sure your loved ones aren’t left in the lurch

Travel Blogger & Content Creator

A UK-based travel blogger, content creator and full time digital platform manager. Shares her own experiences of combining travel adventures with a career and home life to help make travel more accessible and enjoyable for others, using only annual leave and weekends.
From tight itineraries to budget travel hacks, Natalie focuses on giving readers the tools they need to see more of the world on their own terms.

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