Planning a holiday is exciting — but what happens if something goes wrong?
From cancelled flights to medical emergencies abroad, travel insurance is designed to help protect you financially when things don’t go to plan. But how does it actually work in practice?
This guide explains everything UK travellers need to know in plain English, so you can make an informed decision before you travel.
What Is Travel Insurance and How Does It Work?
Travel insurance is a policy you buy before your trip that can help cover certain unexpected costs if something goes wrong before or during your holiday.
In simple terms:
- You pay a premium (the cost of the policy)
- If something covered happens, you can make a claim
- The insurer may pay some or all of the costs, depending on your policy
It is important to understand that travel insurance only covers events specifically listed in the policy wording — it does not cover everything.
What Does Travel Insurance Typically Cover?
Most travel insurance policies, including Leisure Guard, are built around several key areas:
Cancellation Cover
If you need to cancel your trip for a valid reason (such as illness or redundancy), you may be able to recover prepaid costs like flights, accommodation and excursions.
Medical Emergencies Abroad
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- Medication
- Emergency repatriation to the UK if medically necessary
Travel Disruption
This can include:
- Missed departures
- Travel delays
- Additional costs in certain situations
Baggage and Personal Belongings
If your luggage is lost, stolen or delayed, you may be able to claim for replacement items or emergency purchases, subject to policy limits.
Personal Liability
If you accidentally injure someone or damage property while abroad, this section may help with legal costs and compensation.
If you travel more than once a year, an annual policy may offer better value overall.
Single Trip vs Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Choosing the right type of policy is important.
Single Trip Travel Insurance
- Covers one specific holiday
- Starts on your departure date and ends when you return
- Cancellation cover usually begins when you buy the policy
- Are taking a single holiday
- Do not travel frequently
Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
- Covers multiple trips within a 12-month period
- Each trip must fall within a maximum duration (for example 31 days unless extended)
This option may be suitable if you:
- Travel more than once a year
- Want the convenience of one policy
Choosing the Right Destination Cover
- Europe
- Worldwide excluding USA/Canada
- Worldwide including USA/Canada
- All countries you plan to visit
- Any stopovers, where relevant
Optional Cover – Is It Right for Your Trip?
Not all trips are the same, and standard cover may not include everything you need.
You should consider whether optional cover is appropriate for your trip, such as:
Winter Sports Cover
If you are skiing or snowboarding, standard policies may not include:
- Ski equipment
- Piste closure
- Avalanche disruption
Cruise Cover
If you are going on a cruise, you may want cover for:
- Missed ports
- Cabin confinement
- Unused excursions
Gadget Cover
If you are travelling with valuable items such as phones or laptops, additional gadget cover may be worth considering.
Optional cover only applies if selected and shown on your policy schedule.
When Does Travel Insurance Cover Start?
For Single Trip and Backpacker policies:
- Cancellation cover starts when you purchase the policy
- All other cover begins when your trip starts
For Annual Multi Trip policies:
- Cancellation cover applies from the chosen start date of your policy
- All other cover begins when your trip starts
This is why many travellers arrange cover soon after booking their trip. If you are purchasing an Annual Multi Trip policy, you should consider the risks of delaying the start date of your policy, as you will not be covered for cancellation should something happen before your policy begins.
How Do You Make a Claim?
If something goes wrong:
1. Contact Assistance (if required)
For medical emergencies, you should contact the emergency assistance team as soon as possible. They can help arrange treatment and provide support.
2. Keep Documentation
You may need:
- Receipts
- Medical reports
- Police reports (if applicable)
3. Submit Your Claim
Claims are assessed based on:
- Policy terms
- Supporting evidence
- Whether policy conditions have been met
4. Pay the Excess
Most claims include an excess, which is the amount you contribute towards the claim. If your claim is valid, the excess will apply and will be deducted from the amount you receieve.
What Isn’t Covered?
Travel insurance includes important exclusions.
For example:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared and accepted)
- Events known before purchasing the policy
- Travel against government advice
- Losses not specifically listed as covered
As stated in the policy wording:
If something is not specifically covered, it should be assumed it is not covered
Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not usually a legal requirement for most trips.
However, many travellers choose to take out cover because it can help manage the financial impact of unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, cancellations or travel disruption.
The level and type of cover you choose will depend on your individual circumstances, destination and the nature of your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Travel insurance helps cover specific unexpected costs
- It should be arranged before your trip
- You should select cover based on your destination and travel plans
- Optional extras may be relevant depending on your activities
- It is important to read your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered
Ready to get a quote?
Leisure Guard Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options for UK travellers, including single trip and annual multi-trip policies, with optional add-ons to suit different types of travel.
Get a quote to find the level of cover that is appropriate for your trip.
Not all destinations you might visit or activities you might do are included in a Leisure Guard travel insurance policy. Be sure to read the policy details carefully to see if your destination and planned activities are covered.
The thoughts and opinions expressed in the page are those of the authors, intended to be informative, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Leisure Guard Travel Insurance. This content is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide advice or amend the terms of any policy.
