Planning a quick getaway, weekend break or short holiday abroad? Even if you’re only away for a few days, unexpected problems can still happen. Travel insurance can help provide financial protection and support if something goes wrong before or during your trip.
Here’s why travel insurance may still be worth considering for a short trip, what to look for when choosing cover, and some of the things to check before you travel.
Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Short Trips?
It can be. The length of your holiday doesn’t necessarily determine whether travel insurance could be useful.
Things such as flight disruption, lost or delayed luggage, illness, injury or having to cancel a trip can affect a weekend break just as they can a longer holiday.
Travel disruption
Delays, cancellations and missed departures can still affect a short break.
Medical emergencies
Unexpected illness or injury abroad can happen regardless of how long you’re away.
Cancellation cover
Eligible cover may help protect prepaid trip costs if an insured event prevents you travelling.
Remember: cover depends on the policy and cover level selected. Limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Why Do People Skip Travel Insurance for Short Trips?
Some travellers may decide not to arrange cover because:
- They’re only away for a few days
- They’re travelling somewhere relatively close to home
- They already have an EHIC or GHIC
- The holiday itself didn’t cost very much
However, unexpected events can still happen regardless of how long you’re travelling for or how much the trip cost.
What Can Go Wrong on a Short Trip?
Even on a short break, you could encounter problems such as:
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Illness or injury while abroad
- Missed departures or connections
- Theft of belongings or travel documents
The right travel insurance policy can provide cover for certain unexpected events, depending on the cover you choose and the circumstances of your claim.
Doesn’t an EHIC or GHIC Cover Me?
An EHIC or GHIC can give eligible travellers access to medically necessary state healthcare in participating countries on the same basis as a resident of that country. Treatment may not always be free, and an EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance.
An EHIC or GHIC does not provide the wider protection that a travel insurance policy may offer for things such as:
- Medical repatriation to the UK
- Private medical treatment
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Trip cancellation
- Travel disruption or missed departures
You can find official guidance on what EHIC and GHIC cards do and don’t cover on the
NHS EHIC/GHIC information page.
What About Weekend Trips and City Breaks?
Travel insurance can still be useful for a weekend away or city break.
Short breaks can involve flights, public transport, connecting journeys and prepaid accommodation or activities, so there may still be costs involved if your plans are disrupted.
One trip or several?
If you’re taking one particular holiday, a Single Trip policy may be suitable. If you travel several times throughout the year, it may also be worth comparing this with Annual Multi-Trip cover to see which option best meets your needs.
Find out more about Single Trip Travel Insurance.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Short Trips?
The cost of travel insurance varies depending on your circumstances and the cover you choose.
Factors that can affect the price include:
Your trip
Destination and length of travel can affect the price of cover.
Your circumstances
Your age and medical circumstances can affect your premium.
Your cover
The cover level and any additional cover selected can also affect the cost.
It’s worth comparing the cover provided as well as the price, so you can choose a policy that is appropriate for your trip.
What Travel Insurance Do I Need for a Short Trip?
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Single Trip Travel Insurance is designed to cover one particular trip and can be suitable for anything from a short break to a longer holiday, subject to the maximum trip duration and other policy terms.
Depending on the cover level selected, benefits may include cover for:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Trip cancellation or curtailment
- Lost, stolen or delayed baggage
- Certain travel delays or disruption
- Personal liability
Cover limits, excesses, terms and exclusions apply.
Find out more about Single Trip Travel Insurance.
Europe or Worldwide Cover?
It’s important to select the correct geographical area for your destination.
- Travelling within Europe? Explore our Europe Travel Insurance.
- Travelling further afield? Take a look at our Worldwide Travel Insurance.
Always check that your destination is included within the geographical area shown on your policy.
What If I Have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it’s important to answer the medical declaration accurately and declare any conditions required under the policy’s medical screening rules.
If relevant medical information isn’t declared when required, it may affect your cover or a future claim.
Find out more about Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Cover.
What About Sports and Activities on a Short Trip?
If you’re planning sports or activities while you’re away, check your policy before taking part.
Covered2Go includes Level 1 Sports & Activities as standard. Activities listed at Levels 2–4 require the appropriate additional premium, and specific conditions or exclusions may apply.
Skiing and snowboarding also require the appropriate Winter Sports Cover and activity level.
Always check the Policy Wording for the activity you’re planning and any conditions or exclusions that apply.
Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance for a Short Trip
✓ Arrange cover early
Consider arranging your insurance once your trip is booked so any applicable pre-trip cancellation cover is in place.
✓ Choose the correct geographical area
Check that every destination on your itinerary is included within your policy.
✓ Check your cancellation limit
Make sure the limit you choose is appropriate for the cost of your trip.
✓ Complete the medical declaration accurately
Declare any medical conditions required under the policy’s medical screening rules.
✓ Check your planned activities
Make sure you have the appropriate activity or Winter Sports Cover if required.
Before you travel, check destination-specific entry requirements and safety information using the UK Foreign Travel Advice.
So, Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Short Trips?
Even a short holiday can be affected by unexpected events, so travel insurance is worth considering whether you’re travelling for a weekend or several weeks.
The important thing is to choose cover that suits your trip and circumstances, and to understand the benefits, limits and exclusions before you travel.
Whether you’re planning a weekend city break, a short European escape or another trip abroad, you can compare Covered2Go’s cover options and choose the level that best meets your needs.
Planning a Short Break?
Compare Covered2Go travel insurance options and choose cover that suits your trip and circumstances.
Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs.
