Travel Insurance for City Breaks: What to Check

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A city break is short, so insurance feels optional. But one ambulance ride, a stolen phone or a cancelled flight can cost more than the whole trip. Here is what to check before you go. This is general information, not personal advice: always read the policy wording.

What travel insurance usually covers

• Medical costs abroad, including emergency treatment and getting you home. This is the part that matters most.
• Cancellation and delays, if you can't travel for a covered reason (often an optional add-on).
• Baggage and belongings, usually with a limit per item. Phones and laptops often need extra cover.

Check what you already have

• EHIC (EU) or GHIC (UK): gives access to state healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as locals. It is not travel insurance: it does not cover repatriation, private clinics or cancellations.
• Your credit card or bank account may include travel cover. Check the limits and whether you had to pay the trip with that card.
• Existing annual policy: if you travel several times a year, an annual policy is often cheaper than separate trips.

Before you buy, check

1. The medical cover limit, and whether the US is included (healthcare there is very expensive).
2. The excess (the amount you pay yourself per claim).
3. Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, alcohol, extreme sports.
4. Whether you can buy it after you have already left home.

An option we look at

Also on your list: an eSIM for mobile data and our travel resources.