Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Half-term has just wrapped up, and if you're like many UK families, you've already locked in your Easter getaway. Perhaps you nabbed a deal during the January sales, or you've been planning this trip for months. Either way, with the UK weather throwing everything at us so far in 2026 – from endless grey skies to relentless rain – that Easter sunshine can't come soon enough.
Easter is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and airports will be heaving. But here's the thing: if you've already booked, now is the perfect time to double-check everything is in place – not the night before you travel.
We've put together five common oversights that many travellers make before heading off on holiday. A quick review now could save you stress, money, and disappointment later.
1. Have You Declared All Your Medical Conditions?
It's broader than you might think. Here are some examples that must be declared:
- Any condition you've seen a GP or specialist about recently
- Medication changes, even if minor
- Conditions you're waiting for test results for
- Any serious condition you've been diagnosed with (such as cancer, heart issues, or respiratory problems)
READ MORE: What Do I Need to Declare on My Travel Insurance?
Why does it matter?
If you don't declare a condition and it affects your trip, your claim could be rejected entirely. That means no cover for medical expenses, cancellation, or repatriation – potentially leaving you facing bills in the thousands.
We know it can feel uncomfortable sharing personal health information, but insurance providers need an accurate picture to provide the right cover. And the good news? Many conditions don't affect your premium as much as you'd expect, especially when you compare policies tailored for people with pre-existing conditions.
Has anything changed since you took out your policy?
If you've had a new diagnosis, started a new medication, or had a change in your health since you bought your insurance, you must tell your insurer before you travel.
READ MORE: How To Update Your Travel Insurance Policy
2. Did You Buy Your Insurance When You Booked?
Here's a scenario we see far too often: someone books a holiday in January, plans to sort the insurance later, and then falls ill in March. By the time they remember to buy cover, it's too late – they can't travel, and they're not covered for cancellation.
Cancellation cover starts from the date you purchase your policy, not the date you travel.
That means if you waited to buy your insurance, you may not be covered for things like:
- Falling ill before departure
- A family emergency that prevents you from travelling
- Unexpected events at home (such as a burst pipe or bereavement)
READ MORE: Guide to Cancellation Cover
A real-life example:
Imagine you fall ill a week before Easter and can't travel. If you bought your insurance when you booked, cancellation cover could reimburse your costs. But if you bought it two days before departure, you won't be covered for that illness.
The best approach? Buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, but set the start date for the day you actually travel. That way, you're covered for cancellation from the moment you purchase.
READ MORE: When Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
3. Are You Relying on a GHIC Instead of Travel Insurance?
Your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a helpful tool if you're travelling in Europe, but it's not a replacement for travel insurance. Let's be clear about what it does and doesn't cover.
What a GHIC covers:
- State-provided healthcare in EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland
- Treatment on the same terms as local residents (which may still involve charges)
What a GHIC does NOT cover:
- Cancellation of your trip
- Repatriation costs (getting you home if you're seriously ill)
- Private medical treatment
- Lost or stolen baggage
- Cruise medical care or mountain rescue
- Any costs a local resident would have to pay
In some countries, you'll still need to pay upfront for treatment and claim it back later. And if you need to be flown home for medical reasons, you could be looking at tens of thousands of pounds.
GHIC is helpful – but it isn't travel insurance.
If you're heading to Europe this Easter, make sure you have both. Your GHIC can reduce costs, and some insurers will waive excess fees if you use it, but only travel insurance gives you complete protection.
READ MORE: GHIC & Travel Insurance
4. Have You Checked Easter Travel Disruption Cover?
Easter is a peak travel time, which means airports are busier, flights are fuller, and the chances of disruption increase. Add in the unpredictable British weather, potential strikes, and ferry delays, and it's worth knowing exactly what your policy covers.
What's typically covered:
- Flight delays over a certain number of hours (usually 12–24 hours)
- Missed connections due to delays
- Additional accommodation or transport costs if you're stranded
What's usually NOT covered:
- Strikes or industrial action that were publicly known before you booked or bought your policy
- Severe weather that was forecast before your trip
- Disruption caused by your own poor planning (such as arriving late for check-in)
The key point here is the "known event" exclusion. If a strike is announced in February and you book your trip (or buy your insurance) after that date, you won't be covered for disruption caused by that strike.
How to protect yourself:
- Buy your insurance as early as possible
- Check travel news regularly before you go
- Keep receipts for any additional costs you incur
- Contact your insurer's 24/7 helpline if something goes wrong
Travel insurance providers usually see an increase in claims during peak periods like Easter, so being prepared really does make a difference.
5. Are You Covered for What You're Actually Doing?
Spring holidays come in all shapes and sizes. You might be heading on a cruise, planning a city break, going on a walking holiday, playing golf, visiting family, or escaping to some winter sun.
But not all travel insurance policies cover all activities automatically. Here's what to check:
Cruises
Standard policies often exclude cruise-specific risks like missed port departures, cabin confinement, or itinerary changes. If you're cruising this Easter, make sure you have cruise cover.
Activities
Hiking, cycling, water sports, skiing, or even golf may require add-ons. Check your policy wording carefully.
Gadgets
If you're travelling with expensive camera equipment, laptops, or tablets, you may need additional gadget cover.
Excess levels
Some policies have high excess fees (the amount you pay before the insurance kicks in). If you're on a budget, it's worth comparing excess levels across different providers.
Take five minutes now to read through your policy documents and make sure everything you've planned is covered. If it's not, you can usually add extras before you travel.
READ MORE: What is an Excess?
Quick Easter Travel Checklist
Before you pack your bags, run through this checklist:
✔ All medical conditions declared (including any recent changes)
✔ Insurance bought when you booked (or as soon as possible after)
✔ GHIC obtained if travelling to Europe (but not relied on as sole cover)
✔ Correct destination and dates listed on your policy
✔ All planned activities covered (cruises, sports, excursions)
✔ Policy documents downloaded and accessible on your phone
✔ Insurer's 24/7 helpline number saved
Travel with Confidence This Easter
Easter holidays should be about enjoying time away – not worrying about what might go wrong. A few minutes checking your cover now can make all the difference.
If you haven't arranged cover yet, it only takes a few minutes to compare your options. And if you have a pre-existing medical condition, we're here to help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Safe travels, and enjoy your well-deserved break.