Holidaymakers warned: Travel insurance expert reveals eight must‑do checks before flying, or risk losing £££s

Go.Compare Travel Insurance is urging holidaymakers to complete these eight key checks before heading abroad, after research shows that simple oversights are leaving Brits at risk of unexpected fees, rejected claims and ruined trips. 

Rhys Jones, travel‑insurance expert at Go.Compare, reveals the eight checks that all holidaymakers should do before they set off. 

1. Check the latest FCDO travel advice

Only 31% of Brits check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website before travelling* and 15% didn’t even know it existed. But this simple step is essential, especially during global travel disruption. 

Travelling against FCDO advice will usually invalidate your insurance. If the FCDO advises against travel, airlines typically cancel flights or holidays automatically, but if you choose not to travel while official advice still says it’s safe, you’re unlikely to be refunded. 

Rhys Jones explained: “Checking the FCDO before you head on holiday is always a good idea, whether you’re aware of issues or not. It’s a good thing to keep an eye on during global travel disruption, but there might be issues you are unaware of that the FCDO has helpful advice on.” 

If you’re already abroad and the situation changes, contact your travel provider and follow local guidance. Keep receipts for any unexpected expenses, as you may be able to claim these back later. 

2.Be prepared for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) 

 From October 2025, the EU began rolling out its new Entry/Exit System (EES), with full operation expected during 2026. This new digital border system applies to UK travellers entering the Schengen Area and replaces traditional passport stamping.  

Rhys Jones said: “The EES means that UK travellers will be required to provide biometric details, including fingerprints and a facial photo, the first time they enter the Schengen Area. These checks take place at dedicated kiosks or with a border officer and may add extra time to your journey, especially while the system is still being phased in.”  

Travellers do not need to complete any forms or pay any fee before travelling. But those using busy entry points, such as airports in Spain, France and Italy, or the Port of Dover and Eurostar services, should allow additional time at border control during the rollout period.  

Rhys added: “This is one of the biggest changes to European travel in years, so it’s worth preparing. Arrive earlier than usual, keep your passport accessible, and follow border staff instructions to get through smoothly.” 

3.Check if you need vaccinations 

One in ten travellers admit they’ve also forgotten to check vaccination requirements before going abroad* and skipping this step can have serious consequences for both your health and your travel insurance. 

Rhys Jones explained: “Many countries have mandatory vaccine rules, particularly long‑haul and tropical destinations, and you may need to show a certificate on arrival. Without it, you could be denied entry or face significant delays. Even where vaccines are only advised, insurers may refuse claims if you ignored official medical guidance.  If you don’t take recommended medical precautions, your insurer might not pay out if you fall ill abroad, even if the illness was preventable.” 

Travellers are urged to check requirements at least eight weeks before departure, as some vaccinations need multiple doses or time to take effect. Rhys added: 

Rhys added, “Speak to your GP or a travel clinic well in advance and make sure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date too. Vaccination requirements can vary depending on the region you’re visiting and what activities you’re planning.” 

You can use a vaccination checker, like this one here to see which vaccines you need for which countries.  

4. Make sure your annual travel policy covers your destination

Not all annual policies offer worldwide cover, so it’s worth checking which countries are included in your policy. Due to complicated and often more expensive medical costs, worldwide cover also sometimes excludes destinations like the USA, Canada or the Caribbean, so it’s crucial to double check. 

Rhys added: “People might assume annual cover applies everywhere, but that’s rarely the case. Insurers often divide the world into regions, and some high‑cost destinations simply aren’t included unless you pay for a higher tier of cover. Travelling without the right region selected could leave you footing medical bills that run into tens of thousands.” 

Annual travellers should also check: 

• Length-of-stay limits as many policies cap individual trips at 30 or 45 days. 

• Winter sports or activity cover is often not automatically included. 

• Cruise add-ons are usually needed for any sea-based holidays. 

A quick policy review before you travel can prevent unexpected gaps in protection. 

5. Complete digital check‑in and download your boarding pass

Ryanair recently confirmed it charges £55 per person if passengers turn up without a digital boarding pass.  

No surprise then that 58% of Brits say they’d be less likely to book an airline that charges for this mistake.**  

Rhys added: “Digital check‑in takes a few seconds and could save you more than the cost of your flight.”  

He also warned travellers not to rely solely on airport Wi-Fi: “Always download your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. Connection issues, app glitches or a dead phone battery could all lead to extra charges or delays at the gate.”  

Travellers who prefer paper backup should print their pass at homes, some airlines no longer offer printing desks at all airports. 

6. Measure and weigh your luggage

Every airline has different rules on size and weight and getting them wrong is expensive. 

“Oversized hand luggage is an airport classic,” Rhys said. “A £5 luggage scale could save you from unexpected charges at the gate.” 

Rhys added that airlines are becoming increasingly strict: “Many carriers now use metal sizers at the gate and won’t hesitate to charge if the bag doesn’t fit, even if it fit on your outbound flight. And with hand luggage rules changing frequently, especially around liquids and security scanners, travellers shouldn’t assume last year’s rules still apply.” 

7. Don’tskip travel insurance for weekend getaways 

Shockingly, 15% of Brits admit they don’t buy travel insurance for short breaks.***  

“Even a 48‑hour city break carries risk,” Rhys warned. “Medical bills abroad can run into the thousands, it’s simply not worth going without cover.” Rhys added that weekend travellers are often more likely to take spontaneous or higher‑risk activities:  

“City breaks typically involve more walking, public transport, nightlife and sightseeing. A sprained ankle, lost bag or stolen phone can happen in seconds and without insurance, you’re paying for everything yourself.” 

 He also highlighted that cancellation cover can be invaluable: “For short breaks, flights and accommodation are often non-refundable. A cancelled trip due to illness or emergency could mean losing the full cost of the holiday.” 

8. Check your passport expiry date

Finally, 14% of people admit they’ve forgotten to check whether their passport is still in date.* 

“With many countries requiring at least six months’ validity, an out‑of‑date passport is one of the fastest ways to destroy a holiday before it begins,” Rhys added. 

Rhys concluded: 
“Whether it’s a long‑haul adventure or a quick weekend away, these eight checks take minutes  but could save you hundreds of pounds and a huge amount of stress. Preparation is the best travel companion you can have.” 

To compare travel insurance and check what your policy covers, visit: www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance