Expert shares 7 travel insurance tricks most Brits don't know - including one that could mean you're already covered

According to travel insurance expert Rhys Jones at Go.Compare, the biggest travel insurance savings opportunities come from comparing insurance quotes and knowing what you already have.  

Rhys explains how Britons can avoid overpaying for cover this summer: "Some of the biggest savings come from checking whether you already have cover, choosing the right policy structure, and understanding how insurers assess risk.  

“A few minutes of research before buying can help travellers avoid paying twice for protection they already have, while making sure they have the right level of cover for their trip." 

Making a few simple changes could make a significant difference to what you pay for travel insurance. Here are seven practical tips. 

1. Check what's included with your current account or credit cards before you buy 

Many packaged bank accounts offered by providers including Nationwide, Halifax and Lloyds include travel insurance as a standard benefit. Yet many customers will go on to buy standalone cover without realising they're already protected.  

Rhys continues: “Checking the benefits of your bank account package could help you save a significant amount on travel insurance each year.” 

Based on Go.Compare's median premium data, holidaymakers buying an annual multi-trip policy could be unnecessarily spending up to £96 a year if their bank offers annual travel cover as part of a packaged account.[1]  

2. Buy your insurance the same day youbook, not the day you travel

If they’re not already insured, travellers should consider buying travel insurance the day they book their trip, rather than waiting until closer to departure.  

Most travel insurance policies include cancellation cover from the moment the policy begins. This means travellers who delay purchasing could lose out on protection if they’re unable to make the trip due to an unexpected event or emergency, like ill health or a close family bereavement.  

The average nine-night holiday abroad now costs £1,389.[4] Putting off buying travel insurance could put a significant amount of money at risk. By securing travel insurance early, travellers could be protected against unforeseen circumstances, and potentially recover any costs they’ve already paid.  

3. Annual travel insurance could save frequent travellers money 

According to Go.Compare's average premium data, annual multi-trip travel insurance offers better value for travellers taking three or more holidays a year.  

Rhys explains: “If you know that you’ll go on at least three holidays throughout the year, investing in annual travel insurance could help you save money in the long run. 

“At five trips a year, annual cover could save holidaymakers up to £40 on European travel insurance, or £134 on worldwide policies.” 

Go.Compare’s average premiums for European travel insurance:[5] 

Holidays per year	Single-trip cost (£19 per trip)	Annual multi-trip cost	Saving with annual cover
1	£19	£55	-£36
2	£38	£55	-£17
3	£57	£55	£2
4	£76	£55	£21
5	£95	£55	£40

Go.Compare’s average premiums for worldwide travel insurance:[5] 

Holidays per year	Single-trip cost (£46 per trip)	Annual multi-trip cost	Saving with annual cover
1	£46	£96	-£50
2	£92	£96	-£4
3	£138	£96	£42
4	£184	£96	£88
5	£230	£96	£134

4. Increase your voluntary excess

Customers often overlook the option to voluntarily increase the excess on their travel insurance. Accepting a higher excess can reduce the upfront cost of insurance, particularly on annual policies, if you can afford to do so, although you need to be sure you can afford to contribute a higher amount should you need to claim.  

Many travellers rarely need to claim for small incidents, which can make this a potential cost-saving strategy. 

5. Always declare your GHIC card

Holidaymakers travelling to Europe should also check they have a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The card provides access to emergency state-provided healthcare in the European Economic Area and some other countries, and can reduce insurers' exposure to medical costs.  

Despite the benefits, Go.Compare research found 42% of Brits do not currently have a GHIC card, while a further 9% admitted they didn’t know what a GHIC card is.[6] 

Rhys says: “A GHIC can provide valuable access to state healthcare across many European destinations and could help reduce out-of-pocket medical costs if you become ill or injured abroad.  

“That said, it isn’t a substitute for travel insurance. For example, it won’t cover any treatment you receive in a private clinic, or the costs of repatriating you back to the UK if your condition requires it. Travel insurance also provides other useful benefits, like cancellation cover, and protection for lost and stolen baggage.” 

6. Check FCDO advice before you travel

Checking official Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before departure is equally important.  

Travelling against FCDO advice can invalidate travel insurance entirely, meaning travellers could lose protection for every aspect of their trip, not just issues related to the warning.  

Plus, buying travel insurance when you book means you’re likely to be covered if FCDO travel advice changes between booking and departure. 

7. Declare everything -it's cheaper than you think and protects your claim 

Finally, travellers should always declare any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for cover. While some people worry this will dramatically increase premiums, failing to disclose medical information means an insurer could reject a claim.  

Comparing specialist providers after declaring medical conditions often produces more affordable options than travellers expect.  

Rhys continues: "Travel insurance is one of those purchases where a little knowledge can go a long way. Taking the time to check existing cover, choose the right type of policy, and declare your circumstances accurately can help travellers save money while protecting the cost of their trip. Before booking your next getaway, it's worth comparing your options to make sure you're getting the cover you actually need." 

Travellers can compare policies and check their options at Go.Compare's travel insurance service.