Brits urged to do one crucial thing when they book trip abroad

With May half-term largely regarded as the start of the peak period, travel association ABTA is warning Brits to make sure they are insured for all eventualities when they travel abroad.

ABTA said it was concerned that those most likely to forgo are age between 25 and 34, with two in five (41%) admitting that they went on at least one trip uninsured in the past year. The travel agent's association said uninsured travellers who fall ill or hurt themselves while away are liable for substantial medical bills and repatriation costs; the average travel insurance claim stood at £1,724 in 2023.

Holidaymakers who skip travel insurance also stand no chance of getting any money back if they need to cancel their trip before they go away, due to illness or redundancy, for example.

ABTA is urging all travellers to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy as soon as they book their trip. This policy covers the activities they plan to do and any pre-existing medical conditions.

It said the main reason people travel uninsured is that they are prepared to take the risk. According to a survey conducted by YouGov Plc between 16th and 17th April 2025, 28% said they did not take out insurance for that reason.

Having a GHIC/EHIC was cited by 25%, while 17% said they forgot, and 16% said they did not think travel insurance was important.

ABTA says while having a GHIC/EHIC card is important, it shouldn't be seen as a replacement for travel insurance.

While the card allows travellers to access medically necessary state healthcare, it won't cover some of the more expensive medical bills, for example, being flown back home in an air ambulance, which costs upwards of £20,000.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, said: "A dream holiday can quickly turn into a nightmare if you have an accident or are ill while away and don't have travel insurance.

"While the vast majority of holidays go ahead without a hitch, every year we hear of people who have an unexpected illness or injury and aren't covered by insurance, with some even resorting to crowdfunding to cover the cost, which often runs into tens of thousands of pounds.

"That's why we always advise people to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy as soon as they book their holiday, so they have peace of mind knowing they're covered if they need it."

Sarah Taylor, director of consular and crisis at the FCDO, said: "Every day, our consular teams see firsthand the distress and financial hardship caused when people face emergencies overseas without adequate insurance.

"Travel insurance is not just an optional extra - it's a vital safeguard for Brits travelling abroad."