1. Buy travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday
Yep, this is SO crucial that it’s our overall top tip! Your cover should start from the moment you take it out - whether it’s single trip travel insurance or a multi-trip policy. And that includes the cancellation cover (for example, if you’re too ill to travel or there’s a death in the family).
So, pop it right at the top of your holiday prep list and buy your travel insurance straight away.
Why?
Because even if you’ve only paid a deposit so far, or are paying in instalments, you’ll most likely need to pay the full cost of your holiday if you have to cancel.
2. Be honest - declare all health conditions, new and old
We’ve all heard the horror stories - holidaymakers being hit with huge hospital bills and their travel insurance won’t pay out because of a loophole. Don’t let that be you!
Here's what you need to do:
• If anyone on your policy is on any medication (even HRT), has an existing condition, or has been treated for anything in recent years, make sure you tell your insurer or they could reject any claim - even if it’s unrelated!
• And if you can’t get cover with a standard insurer because of it? A specialist policy will be the best travel insurance option for you.
3. Check these key cover limits before you buy
You know you need to check the cover limits on your policy, right? But, what should travel insurance cover?
From theft and damage to illness and accidents, these are the things that can really cost you a bucketload if things go wrong on your holiday:
• Emergency Medical - This will differ between European and Worldwide policies.
• Repatriation - This is the cost of getting you home if you can’t travel as planned.
• Cancellation / Curtailment - This needs to cover the total cost of your holiday, in case you can’t go or have to cut your holiday short.
• Baggage & individual items - Be aware that the value covered can be quite low, so check everything from your new holiday wardrobe to your smartwatch is covered.
4. Every trip is different - personalise your policy
You’ve got your holiday booked, the countdown is on, and you’re planning all your fave things to do… so believe it or not, you already know what cover you need.
Here’s what you need to think about to make sure you get the best travel insurance for your trip:
• Are you getting ready for that once-a-year fly-and-flop beach holiday? Then you’ll be fine with single trip insurance.
• Or are you looking forward to both a beach escape AND a cheeky city break or two? Take a look at multi-trip holiday insurance.
• Taking the kids? Family travel insurance could be your best bet.
• Getting excited about all those fantastic holiday experiences you'll have - maybe scuba diving, skiing, horse riding, quad biking, climbing, or anything else with a hint of adventure? Make sure your policy covers all the activities you want to do. You might need to buy an add-on to make sure your travel health insurance is valid.
• Taking direct flights or stopping en route? Planning an excursion to a nearby country, like catching the ferry from Marmaris to Rhodes? Check the policy covers each destination.
5. Read the exclusions. What will travel insurance not cover?
Think you’re all set? Not quite! Before you hit that ‘buy’ button, make sure you know what your holiday insurance policy won’t cover. You’ll need to have a good look through the policy so you understand what’s not covered, then compare the fine print between different insurers, to check you’re getting the best cover.
Here’s a topline overview of the most common exclusions:
• For starters, you probably won’t be able to get cover if the FCDO advises against going to your destination - that’s something you really should check before you even choose your holiday.
• And then there are claims linked to being drunk, taking drugs, or generally being reckless. Claims for things that an EHIC or a GHIC would have covered you for if you’d had one. Claims related to winter sports and other high-risk activities, unless you arranged for them to be included.
• Plus, you’ll always need to make sure you follow the insurer’s process, like phoning their medical line before seeing a doctor on holiday, and making sure you have the right documentation to support your claim.
Does Thomas Cook provide travel insurance?
We’re really proud to partner with Post Office travel insurance, which offers lots of ways to tailor your cover, plus 24/7 health support.
THOMAS COOK TRAVEL INSURANCE > GET A QUOTE FROM THE POST OFFICE
Ready to compare travel insurance policies? These are your top 2 takeaways:
✅ Buy it asap
✅ Declare any medical conditions
Important: We’ve written this guide for general information only. If you need more advice, please speak to an independent financial advisor.
About the author
Lucy Roberts has been writing about holidays since 2001, and loves visiting all kinds of places, like Amsterdam, Turkey and New Zealand - with or without the kids.
From relaxing escapes on Greek islands to the best palm-tree-shaded tropical beaches, you can bet she’s got a few top travel tips for you!