Travel is exciting. Whether you're jetting off to a sun-soaked beach, hitting the slopes, or exploring vibrant cities, each trip holds the promise of new experiences. But planning your perfect getaway comes with its share of responsibilities, including considering travel insurance.
Unfortunately, talk of travel insurance often sparks confusion. Myths and misconceptions abound, leaving travellers uncertain about what they truly need and why. To clear things up, we’re tackling the 10 most common myths about travel insurance, so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in your travel plans.
Myth 1: Travel Insurance is Too Expensive
Many travellers skip insurance, assuming it will break the bank. The truth? Travel insurance typically costs between 4% and 10% of your trip's total expenses. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
For instance, a single-trip policy for a European getaway might cost as little as £10–£20, depending on your age and health. Compare that to the potential cost of medical bills abroad or a last-minute trip cancellation, and you'll quickly see travel insurance as an investment, not an expense.
Compare Your Options: Different policies cater to different budgets. Shop around and choose one that fits your needs rather than settling for the first option you find.
READ MORE: How Travel Insurance Premium is Calculated
Myth 2: My Credit Card Offers Enough Protection
While many credit cards or bank accounts provide travel protection, it’s often limited. Credit card policies might cover trip cancellations or lost luggage, but can fall short when it comes to comprehensive medical cover or emergency evacuation services.
For example, a medical emergency abroad could cost tens of thousands of pounds - but your credit card plan might only cover a fraction of that, if anything at all. A dedicated travel insurance policy, on the other hand, provides more comprehensive protection tailored to your specific needs.
Furthermore, travel insurance included with your credit card or bank account may not include protection for any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Meaning, should you condition worsen, and you can no longer head away on holiday, your protection may not be able to help you recoup any lost expenses.
Check It First: Always review the terms and conditions of your credit card's travel insurance policy. If the cover seems limited, a standalone travel insurance policy is a smart addition.
READ MORE: Buying Travel Insurance Online
Myth 3: I have GHIC/EHIC, I Don’t Need Travel Insurance
While the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) provides access to state healthcare in certain countries, it is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.
These cards only cover medical treatment that is deemed necessary during your trip within participating countries, and they won’t cover repatriation costs, private medical treatment, or lost belongings.
Furthermore, as the GHIC/EHIC only grant access to state healthcare, in some countries, patients are still expected to cover full or partial costs for certain treatments. For some countries, you could be expected to pay for medications or the cost of the ambulance to the hospital. All of which could be covered by a travel insurance policy.
Travel Smart: Travel insurance provides broader protection and peace of mind for unexpected incidents. Relying only on a GHIC or EHIC could leave you financially exposed, so it’s wise to invest in good travel insurance before you go.
READ MORE: GHIC, EHIC & Travel Insurance
Myth 4: I’m Healthy, So I Don’t Need It
Even if you're in perfect health, travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical issues. Accidents can happen anywhere, from a slip on unfamiliar cobbled streets to an unexpected bout of food poisoning.
Travel insurance can also provide protection for unforeseen events that may cause you to cancel your holiday or need to return home early, giving you peace of mind that should something go wrong, you're protected.
Look Beyond Your Health: Take the time to investigate the other benefits included within travel insurance policies; you never know what could happen when away from home.
READ MORE: Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Myth 5: Travel Insurance Only Covers Medical Emergencies
While medical emergencies are a core part of travel insurance, the scope of protection goes far beyond that. Many policies also include benefits like:
- Cancellation: Help to recoup pre-paid expenses should you no longer be able to travel, due to an unforeseen circumstance.
- Curtailment: Protection should you need to return home early, due to an unforeseen circumstance.
- Lost, Stolen or Damaged Personal Belongings: Ensuring you're not stranded without your essentials.
- Missed Connections/Travel Delay: Covering additional costs if you're delayed and miss your flight.
Support When You Need It: Travel insurance supports you throughout your trip, from the moment you book your holiday to the moment you arrive back home.
READ MORE: What Does a Good Travel Insurance Policy Look Like?
Myth 6: I Can Buy Insurance Right Before My Trip
Technically, you can purchase travel insurance just before departure, but it’s not ideal. One major benefit of buying early is trip cancellation cover, which protects you from losing money if unexpected events force you to cancel your trip.
For example, if you fall ill after booking a holiday but before departure, having travel insurance in place ensures you can recover your trip costs. Waiting until the last minute could leave you vulnerable to losing money if plans change.
ASAB: Travel insurance should be purchased "As Soon As you've Booked" (ASAB), covering you from financial loss from the moment your holiday is booked.
READ MORE: When to Buy Travel Insurance
Myth 7: All Travel Insurance Policies Are the Same
Not all policies are created equal. Policies vary depending on protection limits, excesses, and exclusions. Additionally, travel insurance policies can be purchased for a Single Trip (giving protection for one, defined holiday) or you can buy an Annual Multi-Trip policy (which covers numerous holidays, over a year period).
For instance, single-trip policies suit occasional travellers, while annual multi-trip covers are ideal for frequent flyers. Tailored options are also available for travellers with specific needs, such as adventure sports cover or pre-existing medical conditions.
Know What You Need: Identify features essential to your trip and compare policies accordingly. If you're planning multiple holidays, then an Annual Multi-Trip policy might be perfect for you. Or you may find a Single Trip policy is more suited to your needs.
READ MORE: Travel Insurance Policy Types
Myth 8: Travel Insurance Companies Never Pay Out
One of the most persistent myths about travel insurance is that it’s difficult to make a claim. However, the Association of British Insurers reported that in 2023 alone, insurers handled 574,000 travel insurance claims, resulting in £511 million paid out in compensation to travellers.
The key to ensuring a smooth and successful claims process lies in proper preparation and documentation. Here are a few essential tips:
- Keep receipts for expenses and purchases: Whether it’s for emergency accommodation, replacement items, or transportation, these receipts serve as proof of your expenditure.
- Obtain formal documentation for medical treatments or delays: If you require medical attention, ask for official medical records or invoices. For delays or cancellations, request written confirmation from airlines, train providers, or relevant authorities.
- Understand the terms of your policy before travelling: Every travel insurance policy is different. Take the time to read and understand what is covered, as well as any exclusions, so you’re not caught off guard if something unexpected happens.
By being proactive and organised, you can debunk the myth that claims are a hassle and ensure your travel insurance works for you when you need it most.
Be prepared: When making a claim, make sure to gather all the relevant information asked by your provider; this will help evidence your claim, and should speed up the process of your claim being processed.
READ MORE: How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim
Myth 9: I’m Only Travelling Within the UK, So I Don’t Need It
With the NHS in place, medical expenses may not be at the front of mind for holidays within the UK; however, travel insurance provides more protection than just medical cover.
Even if you're not leaving the UK, travel insurance can still be valuable. Whether you’re heading to a cottage in Cornwall or enjoying a city break in Edinburgh, unexpected events like cancellations, illness, or lost belongings can still occur. Additionally, UK travel insurance policies typically cost less than international ones, making them an affordable safety net for UK-based holidays.
More than Medical: Travel insurance is more than medical protection. There are so many more benefits included within travel insurance that can protect you and your holiday in the UK.
READ MORE: Travel Insurance for UK holidays
Myth 10: Adventure Activities Are Never Covered
Think bungee jumping, scuba diving, or skiing means you can’t get insured? Think again. Many travel insurance providers now offer cover for adventure activities either as part of their standard policies or as an optional add-on for more extreme sports. This means you can focus on the thrill of your adventures without worrying about unexpected costs.,
When selecting a policy, it’s important to:
- Choose a policy tailored to active holidays: Look for policies specifically designed for adventure travellers, as they often include a wider range of activities.
- Check for exclusions: Certain higher-risk activities like skydiving or mountaineering may require special protection. Be sure to read the fine print to avoid surprises.
Speak with Your Provider: Review your documents or contact your provider to confirm what’s covered under your plan. If an activity isn’t covered, ask if it can be added. You might need to pay an additional premium, but with the right protection, you can enjoy your adventures worry-free. Having the right travel insurance makes all the difference.
READ MORE: What do I Need to Declare on my Travel Insurance?
Make Travel Insurance a Priority for Your Next Trip
Travel insurance is more than a box to tick on your pre-trip checklist; it’s an essential tool that can save you time, stress, and money while protecting you from the unexpected.
By debunking common myths, we hope you see travel insurance for what it truly is - not a burden but a safety net that enables you to travel worry-free.
Get a quote