Is Travel Insurance Worth It For Short Trips?

View from an aeroplane window on a short trip abroad
Planning a quick getaway, weekend break or short holiday abroad? Many travellers wonder whether travel insurance is really necessary for a short trip — especially when they’re only away for a few days.

The short answer? Yes. Travel insurance is absolutely worth it for short trips. Here’s why, what can go wrong even on brief holidays, and how to choose the right cover.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Short Trips?

Yes — even if you’re only travelling for a few days, travel insurance can protect you from unexpected costs that far outweigh the price of a policy.

Short trips don’t reduce risk. In fact, issues like flight delays, lost luggage, illness or injury can be just as disruptive — and expensive — on a weekend break as they are on a two-week holiday.

Why Do People Skip Travel Insurance for Short Trips?

Travellers often assume they don’t need insurance because:

They’re only away for a few days
The trip is close to home (e.g. Europe)
They already have an EHIC or GHIC
The holiday was cheap

Unfortunately, these assumptions can be costly.

What Can Go Wrong on a Short Trip?

Even on a short break, unexpected problems can happen:

❌ Flight delays or cancellations

❌ Lost or delayed baggage

❌ Medical emergencies abroad

❌ Missed departures or connections

❌ Theft of valuables or travel documents

A single overnight hospital stay abroad can cost thousands of pounds, even in Europe.

Doesn’t an EHIC or GHIC Cover Me?

An EHIC or GHIC only provides access to state-provided healthcare in certain countries — and it is not a replacement for travel insurance.

EHIC/GHIC does not cover:

Medical repatriation to the UK
Private medical treatment
Lost or stolen luggage
Trip cancellation
Travel delays 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.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Weekend Trips and City Breaks?

Absolutely.

City breaks often involve:

Busy airports
Tight travel schedules
Public transport
Higher risk of delays

If you’re travelling for a short European break, Single Trip Travel Insurance is usually the most suitable and cost-effective option.

👉 Single Trip Travel Insurance

Beach in Spain, a popular destination for short European trips

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Short Trips?

Travel insurance for short trips is usually very affordable, often costing less than meals, transfers or airport parking.

The price depends on:

Destination
Length of trip
Age
Medical history
Level of cover

In most cases, the cost of insurance is minimal compared to the potential financial risk of travelling uninsured.

What Travel Insurance Do I Need for a Short Trip?

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Designed specifically for one-off holidays and short breaks.

Covers:

👉 Single Trip Travel Insurance

Europe vs Worldwide Cover

Selecting the correct region is essential for valid cover.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Even on short trips, all medical conditions must be declared.

Failing to declare conditions could invalidate your policy.

👉 Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Cover

Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Short Trips with Activities?

Yes — especially if your trip includes activities such as skiing, snowboarding or adventure sports.

Standard travel insurance won’t cover these unless you add the appropriate extension.

👉 Winter Sports Cover

Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance for Short Trips

✔ Buy insurance as soon as you book

✔ Choose the correct cover region

✔ Check cancellation limits match your trip cost

✔ Declare all medical conditions

✔ Add activity cover if needed

✔ Keep policy details accessible while travelling

✔ Check destination-specific entry requirements and safety advice using the UK Foreign Travel Advice before you travel. (Outbound link)

So — Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Short Trips?

Yes. Without question.

Short trips may feel low-risk, but the financial impact of something going wrong can be significant. Travel insurance provides peace of mind, protection and support — often for a very small cost.

Whether you’re heading off for a weekend city break, a short European escape or a spontaneous holiday abroad, travel insurance is worth it — no matter how short the trip.

👉 Get a travel insurance quote today

Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs.