How travel insurance works, what it covers, and how to choose a policy for a holiday trip — plus booking tactics that reduce what you pay.
Trip planning
Insurance decisions follow the itinerary. Build the trip first, then cover it.
Travel gear worth buying
Some gear reduces what you need to claim for in the first place.
Gift guides for travellers
Practical gifts for someone who travels — including the boring useful ones.
What a policy actually covers
Most travel insurance disputes come down to one of four things: a pre-existing medical condition, an activity the policy excludes, a cancellation reason that is not on the covered list, or a claim filed after the deadline. Understand those four and you understand the policy.
Read the exclusions, not the benefits
The benefits table is marketing. The exclusions list is the contract. If you read one section of a policy before buying, read that one.
Booking tactics that reduce the price
- Book flights and accommodation separately. Bundled packages are often excluded from independent-traveller protections.
- Buy insurance when you book, not when you fly. Cancellation cover only starts from the purchase date.
- Check whether the holiday is a named peak. Some policies exclude claims caused by strikes or weather during declared peak periods.
Status
Full guides are in production. We are not an insurer and we do not sell policies; recommendations are independent, and affiliate links are disclosed where they appear.