# How to buy travel insurance: medical cover, gadgets and annual policies

> Insurance · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Buy travel insurance when you book — or use an annual multi-trip policy if you travel twice a year or more. Declare all medical conditions; undeclared conditions void claims. EHIC/GHIC cards do not replace insurance abroad.

Travel insurance covers emergency medical costs, cancellation, baggage and liability abroad. The cheapest single-trip policy can leave catastrophic gaps on medical limits — especially for USA trips and cruise holidays.

## Key facts

- USA medical claims can exceed £100,000 — check unlimited or high medical limits
- Annual policies suit frequent travellers; check per-trip duration limits
- GHIC covers state healthcare in EU at EHIC rates — not private care or repatriation
- Winter sports and cruise cover are usually add-ons

## Medical declarations

Use the insurer's medical screening tool honestly. Specialist brokers cover conditions standard policies exclude — see our travel insurance directory.

## Single trip vs annual

Two holidays a year often makes annual cover cheaper. Check maximum trip length (often 31–45 days per trip on standard annual policies).

## Frequently asked questions

### Am I covered for airline failure?

Scheduled airline failure cover is an optional extra — not included on all policies. Package holidays may have separate ATOL protection.

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance

## Related

- [Travel insurance essentials](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/travel-insurance-essentials/)
- [Travel insurance directory](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/travel-insurance-directory/)
- [Featured offers*](https://moneyguide.org.uk/offers/#compare-travel-insurance)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.