George has extensive experience in the insurance industry and a deep understanding of the challenges travellers face, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.
There is something undeniably special about that moment you finally commit to a trip. The calendar is marked, the confirmation email lands in your inbox, and suddenly, the countdown begins. But if you’ve been looking at brochures or browsing travel sites recently, you might have noticed a shift. The way we explore the world is changing.
Gone are the days when a holiday simply meant a frantic seven days on a beach (though there is certainly still a time and place for that!). As we look ahead to 2026, UK travellers are becoming more adventurous, more thoughtful, and significantly more flexible with their plans. Whether it’s taking a "grown-up gap year," sailing down the Danube, or hunting for winter sun without the summer crowds, our travel habits are evolving.
But with new types of trips come new things to consider - especially when it comes to keeping yourself safe. Here is a look at the biggest trends shaping our holidays this year, and the practical steps you need to take to ensure your insurance matches your ambition.
The Rise of "Slow Travel" and Long Stays
One of the most significant shifts we have seen is the move towards quality over quantity. Instead of rushing through three cities in five days, many travellers are choosing to linger. It is about soaking up the atmosphere of a local piazza, learning the rhythm of a new town, and truly unwinding.
This often takes the form of the "long-stay" holiday. Why fly for just a week when you can go for a month? We are seeing more people booking rentals in Spain, Portugal, or Greece for three, four, or even six weeks at a time. It allows you to escape the gloom of a British winter and live like a local for a while.
What this means for your cover
If you are planning an extended trip, standard travel insurance might fall short. Many annual multi-trip policies have a limit on the number of days you can be away for any single trip - often around 31 days.
If you are planning to be away for longer, you don't want to find out that your cover stopped a week before you flew home. You may need to look for a specific "long-stay" policy or a single-trip policy that covers the exact duration of your adventure.
The Cruise Comeback
Cruising has roared back into fashion, but the demographic and the style are shifting. It isn't just about massive ocean liners anymore. River cruising has seen a huge surge in popularity, particularly for those who want a more intimate, scenic way to see Europe’s historic cities.
The appeal is obvious: you unpack once, your hotel moves with you, and you wake up in a new destination every morning. For travellers managing health conditions, the comfort and predictability of a cruise ship - where medical assistance is usually close by - can be very reassuring.
Why cruise cover is different
Here is a common stumbling block: many travellers assume their standard insurance covers a cruise. Often, it doesn't.
Cruise holidays carry unique risks. For example, if you are confined to your cabin due to illness, or if the ship has to bypass a scheduled port due to bad weather, a standard policy won't compensate you.
Perhaps most importantly, if you become unwell on a ship, you may need to be airlifted to the nearest hospital on land. This is a complex and expensive procedure. When you compare quotes with us, you will see an option to add "cruise cover." Ticking this box is essential to ensure you are protected against the specific quirks of life at sea.
Off-Peak and Shoulder Season Travel
Why fight the crowds (and the prices) in August when September and October can be just as beautiful? Smart travellers are increasingly booking their trips during the "shoulder seasons", the months just before or after the peak summer rush.
For those who aren't tied to school holidays, travelling off-peak offers a more relaxed experience. You can see the sights without the queues and enjoy a more authentic slice of local life.
Flexibility is key
While off-peak travel is wonderful, it can sometimes be a little more unpredictable weather-wise. If you are relying on an annual policy because you plan to take several cheaper off-peak trips, double-check that it covers all the regions you plan to visit. For example, a "Europe" policy may not always cover trips to destinations like Turkey or Egypt, as the definition of "Europe" can vary between insurance providers. Always check the details of your policy to be sure.
The Rail Renaissance
Sustainability and comfort are driving more people to let the train take the strain. With expanded rail networks across Europe, journeys like London to Bordeaux or even London to Berlin are becoming part of the holiday itself. It removes the stress of airports and allows you to watch the landscape change through the window.
Insurance for the journey
If you are travelling by train, check your policy’s baggage cover. While airlines have strict tracking for lost luggage, managing belongings on a multi-leg train journey can be different. Ensure your policy has adequate limits for your personal items, especially if you are carrying tech or valuables.
One Policy Does Not Fit All
With these exciting changes in how we travel, the "one size fits all" approach to insurance is becoming a thing of the past. Your insurance needs to be as bespoke as your itinerary.
Annual vs. Single Trip
If you are planning that one big "bucket list" trip for 2026 - perhaps a month in Australia or a luxury cruise - a dedicated single-trip policy might be your best bet. It allows you to tailor the cancellation cover specifically to the high cost of that one holiday.
Conversely, if you plan to hop across to France a few times and maybe do a weekend in Dublin, an annual policy usually offers better value and less admin. Just remember to check the maximum trip duration limits we mentioned earlier!
READ MORE: Travel Insurance Policy Types
The Medical Aspect
Regardless of where you are going or how you are getting there, the most critical part of your travel planning is being honest about your health.
We know that talking about medical history isn't anyone's idea of fun. But travel insurance works on trust. If you live with high blood pressure, asthma, or have had a heart condition in the past, insurance providers need to know. If you don't tell your insurer about a pre-existing condition and then have a related issue abroad, your claim could be turned down.
At Medical Travel Compared, we make this part as simple as possible. We don't need to see your medical records. We just ask you a few straightforward questions to understand your needs.
Getting The Right Fit
Planning a holiday for 2026 should be exciting, not stressful. The landscape of travel is richer and more varied than ever, offering incredible opportunities to see the world at your own pace.
Whether you are sailing the Rhine, wintering in Alicante, or railing through the Swiss Alps, the right insurance is the safety net that lets you enjoy the view without worry. Don't just look at the headline price; look at what the policy actually does for you.
When you are ready to book that next adventure, we are here to help you find the cover that ticks every box.