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.
When planning a holiday, travel insurance is often an overlooked but essential step in ensuring peace of mind. Unfortunately, many travellers make mistakes when purchasing travel insurance, leading to unforeseen issues down the line. Whether you're setting off on a relaxing beach holiday or a daring ski trip, having the right travel insurance can save you money, stress, and hassle.
This guide will walk you through the most common mistakes travellers make when buying travel insurance and, more importantly, how you can avoid them to find the perfect policy for your needs.
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Avoiding Travel Insurance Pitfalls
Travel insurance is meant to protect you from unexpected events, but mistakes in choosing or understanding your policy can leave you vulnerable. Many of these errors are avoidable with a little knowledge and preparation.
This section outlines the most frequent pitfalls travellers encounter when purchasing travel insurance and offers practical advice to help you sidestep these issues.
1. Not Understanding What the Policy Covers
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that “travel insurance” covers everything. Not all policies are created equal, and protection can vary drastically. Some cover trip cancellations, others focus on medical emergencies, and some might include lost luggage but exclude cancellation.
Without fully understanding what’s covered, you risk being caught off guard if something goes wrong. For instance, if your policy doesn’t include emergency medical repatriation, you could face substantial costs.
How to Avoid: Read Your Policy Documents or Ask Your Provider
Before buying, take the time to read what the policy includes and excludes. Look for red flags, like omitted medical evacuation or unexpected excess fees. If the policy wording feels overwhelming, call the provider for clarification.
If you have already purchased your policy, it could be a great idea to reach out to your provider directly, to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have. Remember, from the day you purchase your policy, you have a 14-day cooling-off period - which means if you discover that the policy does not meet your needs you are free to cancel without consequence.
READ MORE: Travel Insurance Policy Types and Benefits
2. Underinsuring or Exceeding Protection Needs
Another common issue is underestimating or overestimating your needs. Opting for a policy with minimal cover might mean you're not protected from expensive emergencies, such as hospital visits or repatriation.
Conversely, purchasing a high-limit policy when your trip is relatively low-risk could mean wasting money on features, you’ll never use. Remember, your insurance provider will only pay up to the amount you paid - you cannot legally make money with insurance.
Carefully evaluate your destination, planned activities, and how much you have spent on your holiday, before deciding on a policy.
How to Avoid: Shortlist Policies Based on Your Needs
Not all travellers are the same, and neither are their insurance needs. For instance, a family might prioritise trip cancellation, or someone with pre-existing medical conditions may prioritise emergency medical protection. Identify what matters to you most, then narrow down your options.
Additionally, before looking for travel insurance, calculate the price you have paid for your holiday, making sure to include flights, accommodation, transfers, pre-booked activities etc. This will help you identify the level of cancellation/curtailment protection you require.
READ MORE: Cancellation Cover & What is Curtailment?
Furthermore, estimate how much it would cost for you to replace the belongings you intend to take with you. Again, this will help in figuring out how much personal belongings cover you will need too.
READ MORE: Personal Belongings Cover
3. Overlooking Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Many policies exclude or limit protection for pre-existing medical conditions unless you disclose your conditions when setting up your policy.
For example, if you have asthma and require treatment during your trip, you may have to pay out of pocket if your insurer wasn’t informed beforehand.
Furthermore, your insurance provider may even invalidate your policy and cancel it from inception. Leaving you without protection when you may need it most.
How to Avoid: Declare Pre-Existing Conditions Accurately
Transparency is key when it comes to medical conditions. Be upfront with your insurer about any chronic conditions, recent surgeries, or health concerns. While this might slightly increase your premiums, it ensures that you’re covered in case of emergencies. Don't forget, that this also applies to anyone who intends to be covered by the policy.
You must disclose certain medical conditions if you or your travelling companions have ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following: cancer, respiratory conditions (like asthma or COPD), heart or circulatory conditions, liver conditions, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or psychological conditions.
Additionally, you must declare any medical conditions, where in the last two years, you or your travelling companions have been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist.
4. Forgetting to Add Cruise or Winter Sports Cover
Did you know many travel insurance policies do not include protection for specific activities like cruises or skiing, as standard? Travellers often overlook the need for add-ons when engaging in higher-risk trips or activities.
For instance, if you injure yourself on the slopes or miss a port stop on a cruise, standard travel insurance policies usually exclude these types of activities, unless you have purchased the required add-on.
How to Avoid: Add Cruise or Adventure Sports Cover
If you’re planning to ski, snowboard, or cruise, look for additional covers. Many providers offer add-ons that cater to these activities. It’s better to pay slightly more for peace of mind than to face hefty bills.
By adding Cruise Cover, you will be protected from cruise-specific related risks like Missed Departure, Cabin Confinement and Cruise Interruption.
READ MORE: Cruise Travel Insurance
Likewise, if you include Winter Sports Cover in your policy, your protection will include cruise-specific related risks like Lost or Stolen Ski Equipment, Piste Closure and Avalanche.
READ MORE: Winter Sports Cover
Furthermore, some travel insurance policies will not include cover for gadgets (such as mobile phones, laptops etc.) as standard. Again, you may need to request Gadget Cover to be added to your policy.
READ MORE: Gadget Cover
5. Always Going for the Cheapest Policy
Savings are great, but sometimes the cheapest travel insurance policy lacks the protection you actually need. A budget policy might have low cover limits that won’t be enough for your holiday expenses, or it might exclude essential protections like trip cancellation or medical cover.
For example, if you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly or encounter a medical emergency while abroad, a cheap policy may leave you footing some, if not all, of the bill. What seems like a bargain can quickly turn into an expensive mistake if it doesn’t address your specific travel risks.
When choosing insurance, it’s important to look beyond the price and consider the value. A slightly higher premium could provide comprehensive cover and peace of mind, ensuring you're protected no matter what. Remember, cheap doesn’t always mean good value—it’s about finding the right policy that works for you.
How to Avoid: Choose Value Over Cost
Instead of simply picking the cheapest policy, focus on finding a policy that offers the best value for your needs. Cheap policies might save you money upfront but can leave you vulnerable when something goes wrong.
Look for tailored policies that provide the specific protection you need—whether it’s for unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost luggage.
Taking the time to choose the right cover ensures you’ll be protected and gives you peace of mind while travelling. Holidays can be an expensive treat, and not properly protecting your holiday could cause even more damage to your wallet, than paying a few extra pounds to be insured correctly.
READ MORE: How is the Premium Calculated?
6. Failing to Compare Policies
Rushing into a policy without taking the time to compare your options, can result in missed opportunities for better deals—or better protection. Insurance providers often offer similar cover at vastly different price points, and without researching your options, you might end up overpaying or settling for a policy that doesn’t fully meet your needs.
By taking the time to shop around, you could uncover significant savings or find a policy tailored to your specific situation, whether it’s better protection limits, additional perks, or lower premiums. Investing a little extra effort upfront can make a big difference in ensuring you get the best value and protection for your money. Don’t settle for the first policy you find—take the time to explore your options and make an informed choice.
How to Avoid: Compare Policies and Read Reviews
Use comparison websites or brokers to evaluate multiple insurance providers side by side and find the best cover for your needs. Here at Medical Travel Compared, we simplify the process by comparing products from over 30 specialist travel insurance providers, giving you a clear view of your options and helping you find a policy that suits your specific requirements. Our platform makes it easier to identify the right level of protection, whether you're looking for comprehensive protection or a more budget-friendly policy.
Additionally, take the time to read online reviews that detail real user experiences, as these can provide valuable insights into the quality of service and customer satisfaction. Look for feedback on how easily claims were processed and the level of support provided during emergencies.
Prioritise policies from trusted providers with a proven track record for reliability, especially those known for smooth claims handling and transparent communication. This extra effort can give you peace of mind while ensuring you're fully prepared for your trip.
READ MORE: Buying Travel Insurance Online
BONUS: After Purchase Pitfall - Not Updating Your Provider
Life happens, and plans can change—whether it’s rescheduling your holiday, extending your trip, or modifying your activities. Not updating your insurer with these changes can void your protection.
Failing to disclose any changes in your health after purchasing your policy can have serious implications. If your circumstances change—such as being newly diagnosed, undergoing surgery, or starting a new medication—it’s essential to inform your insurer as soon as possible.
Many policies include clauses that require you to report updates to your health status to maintain valid protection. Without this transparency, claims related to these undisclosed conditions may be denied, leaving you without support when you need it most. Taking the time to update your provider ensures peace of mind and avoids unnecessary complications.
How to Avoid: Update Your Insurer with Trip and Health Changes
From date changes to who's going, make sure to inform your insurer of any updates. This way, your policy will remain valid, and you’ll avoid potential complications.
Additionally, if you have told your provider of your medical condition and it gets worse or you are prescribed alternative treatment, you must remember to keep them in the loop.
A simple call to your provider to update them can save you significant trouble in case of unforeseen situations.
READ MORE: Dos and Don't: Expert Travel Tips
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Travel Insurance Done Right
Travel insurance is your safety net while exploring the world, but only if you purchase the right policy for your needs. By avoiding common pitfalls—like misunderstanding protection or skipping add-ons - you can ensure smooth sailing (or skiing) for your next adventure.
Remember, insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Take the time to understand what you genuinely need, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned explorer, smart decisions now can save you later.
Get a quoteSingle Trip insurance is for one-off, individual trips and will cover your specified travel dates. This is usually up to 45 days; however, some insurance providers can cover up to 94 days. If you’re not a frequent traveller, single trip cover is a great option and will likely be cheaper than an annual multi-trip cover.
If you travel 2 or more times a year, annual trip cover may very well save you money. The maximum duration of any trip will always be specified and will vary by provider. But don't worry, when you get a quote, we'll ask you what your maximum trip length is and only show you quotes that match!
“Pre-existing” refers to any medical condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received before applying for a travel insurance policy. For some conditions, we'll need to know if they have ever been present, whilst, for others, we need to know if they occurred within a certain period
It’s easy to tell us about your medical conditions! After you've provided your trip details and answered some medical history questions, you can add your pre-existing conditions, one by one, for each traveller on your policy. You'll only need to enter your details once; it's all online, and there's no need to call or provide details of your conditions in writing.