Nikki's ultimate guide to choosing travel insurance

nikkicurran
Oct 9
4 min read

Here at NC Travel, I love nothing more than helping you plan your dream holiday. Whether it's a city break, a beach escape or the adventure of a lifetime, I am with you every step of the way. But while we are busy thinking about the fun parts, like flights, hotels, excursions and food, there is one thing that can easily get overlooked - and that is travel insurance.

I do not sell insurance, and I do not get anything from writing this, but it is one of those essentials you really should not travel without. Think of it as your safety net. It protects you if the unexpected happens. This guide will give you everything you need to know about what to look for when choosing a policy, so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

Why travel insurance really matters

Imagine this:

A broken leg in Spain needing surgery and repatriation home could cost you over £25,000
A hospital stay for a stomach bug in the USA could set you back £150,000
An accident in Greece needing evacuation and surgery could cost more than £80,000

Without insurance, those bills would land in your lap. And it's not just the big emergencies. Insurance can also cover cancellation if you cannot travel, delays, lost luggage or even stolen passports.

A quick myth-buster

A GHIC or EHIC card in Europe is helpful, but it is not travel insurance. It only gives you access to state-provided healthcare on the same basis as locals. It will not cover repatriation, private treatment, mountain rescue or any of the extras you might need.

The golden rule: Buy as soon as you book

The most important tip I can give you is this. Buy your policy as soon as you book your trip.

Here is why:

Cancellation cover kicks in straight away. If you have to cancel due to illness, redundancy or a family emergency, you are protected.
Future events are covered. If your airline later announces a strike or your travel provider goes bust, you are usually only covered if your policy was in place before it became public.

Leave it too late and you risk missing out on cover when you need it most.

What to look for in a policy: Your checklist

When shopping around, it is tempting to just click on the cheapest option. But not all policies are created equal. Always read the fine print and pay attention to the cover limits and exclusions.

Here's a breakdown of the key areas:

1. Medical expenses

This covers emergency medical treatment, surgery and hospital stays abroad.

Recommended cover: at least £1 million for Europe and £2 to 5 million worldwide. For the USA, aim high because healthcare costs are eye-watering.

2. Repatriation and evacuation

This covers the cost of getting you home or transporting you to the nearest suitable hospital. It is often included under medical cover, but always check. Air ambulances and medical flights can cost six figures.

3. Cancellation and curtailment

This reimburses non-refundable costs such as flights, hotels and tours if you cancel or cut short your trip for covered reasons.

Recommended cover: at least £2,000 or the full value of your holiday.

4. Baggage and belongings

This covers loss, theft or damage to your personal items.

Recommended cover: around £1,500.

Tip: Look at the single-item limit. If you are travelling with jewellery, a laptop or expensive gadgets, check if you need extra cover.

5. Personal liability

This protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.

Recommended cover: at least £2 million.

6. Activities and excursions

Standard policies often exclude what they class as “adventure” or “extreme” sports. This can include skiing, scuba diving, moped hire or even hiking above certain altitudes.

Always declare activities upfront so you are covered. Add-ons are usually available.

Honesty is the best policy: Declaring medical conditions

This is the big one that catches people out. Always declare all pre-existing medical conditions, even if you think they are minor. This includes physical and mental health conditions, plus anything still under investigation.

If you do not, your insurer could refuse to pay out on any claim, even if it is unrelated. If you need specialist cover, directories like MoneyHelper or the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) can point you in the right direction.

Before you go: A few final tips

Check FCDO advice Travelling against Foreign Office advice could invalidate your insurance.
Vaccinations Make sure you have had all the required jabs for your destination. Skipping them could mean footing the bill yourself.
Keep details handy. Carry your policy number and emergency contact number with you, share with your travel companions and leave a copy with someone at home.
Call your insurer straight away in an emergency. They often need to approve treatment or expenses before they are paid.
Document everything. Keep receipts, hospital reports, police reports for thefts and proof of ownership for valuables. Even taking photos of your belongings before you go can help.

The bottom line

Travel insurance is not an optional extra. It is an essential part of travel planning. If you cannot afford insurance, you really cannot afford to travel. The good news is that with the right policy, you can set off knowing you are protected, no matter what comes your way.

So, pack your bags, grab your passport and enjoy your adventure with the peace of mind that comes from being properly covered.

Don't leave home without it!