Top Reasons We Refuse to Book a Holiday

You might expect us to say something dramatic like “the destination is too risky,” “the flight prices are insane,” or “it’s just not the right time.” But no, the single biggest reason we sometimes have to gently say “let’s hold off on booking” is travel insurance.

Yes, travel insurance. Not because it’s a legal requirement (it’s not in the UK), but because we’ve read about too many heartbreaking situations where a lack of proper cover turns a dream holiday into a financial nightmare.

In every single consultation we do, we bring up travel insurance early. For most people, especially those with no medical conditions or anything under investigation, it’s straightforward, relatively inexpensive, and gives genuine peace of mind. A single-trip policy for a family to Europe or further afield often costs around £30–£100 (depending on destination, duration, and ages) and can protect against medical emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage, and more.

But when a client shares that they’ve struggled to get cover in the past, or their health has changed recently, we always advise: don’t book yet. Let’s resolve the insurance first.

“Just last week, a lovely new client came in for a full consultation. We explored several fantastic options, tailored an itinerary, and everything looked perfect. Then he called back, genuinely apologetic: after trying multiple insurers, he couldn’t find travel insurance at a reasonable price because of his health. The holiday simply became untenable. He felt terrible for “wasting my time,” but honestly? I wasn’t bothered at all. I was just relieved we hadn’t booked flights, hotels, or anything else, only to discover the issue later, potentially leaving him out of pocket for thousands or facing huge medical bills abroad if something went wrong.” 

Gilly

Refusing to book a holiday, isn’t about being difficult; it’s about protecting our clients. We’ve seen the stats: recent UK research shows around 24% of holidaymakers admit to withholding pre-existing medical conditions when buying insurance (often to save money or avoid hassle), contributing to a 19% rise in rejected claims due to non-disclosure. Medical claims alone made up 34% of payouts in 2024, with insurers paying out £262 million overall (average medical payout around £1,528), but complex cases, especially overseas treatment or repatriation, can run into tens or hundreds of thousands.

We refuse to let that happen on our watch. Booking without sorted insurance risks everything you’ve saved for.

So, What Should You Do? Our Practical Tips For Getting Travel Insurance Right

Here are the key pieces of advice we share with every client:

  1. Declare everything honestly from the start: Always tell the truth about any pre-existing medical conditions (even if it’s “just” something you’re waiting test results for, recent medication, or a past serious issue). Failing to disclose can invalidate the entire policy. If you’re unsure what counts as “pre-existing,” check the insurer’s definition, many include conditions from the last 1–2 years.
  2. Shop around early, don’t leave it until the last minute: Get quotes as soon as you start thinking about a trip. Specialist insurers (via comparison sites or directories) often cover medical conditions that standard policies exclude or price out. The earlier you buy, the better your options. Some policies even offer waivers for pre-existing conditions if purchased soon after booking the trip.

If you’re travelling to the EU (or certain other countries like Switzerland), apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), it replaced the old EHIC post-Brexit.

The GHIC gives you access to state-provided medically necessary healthcare on the same terms as local residents (often free or at a reduced cost). It’s quick and free to apply for via the official NHS website, and valid for up to 5 years. (If you still have a valid EHIC, you can use that until it expires.)

Important: The GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. It only covers healthcare needs abroad and does not include cancellation cover if something happens before you travel (like illness, bereavement, or other reasons forcing you to cancel). It also doesn’t cover repatriation (being flown home), private treatment, lost baggage, delays, or many other common issues. Always pair it with comprehensive private travel insurance for full protection.

  1. Consider your needs beyond the basics. Look for good emergency medical cover (at least £2–10 million, including repatriation), cancellation/interruption protection (to match your holiday cost), and extras like missed departure or baggage if relevant. For families or older travellers, family policies are often more cost-effective than individual ones.
  2. Budget realistically, it’s usually cheaper than you think. For straightforward cases (no medical issues), single-trip cover can be very affordable, often £20–£60 per person for Europe, or £100+ for farther afield/USA. Even with a declared condition, many find reasonable options. Compare via trusted sites and read reviews for claims handling.

Travel insurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make for a worry-free holiday. We’d rather say “not yet” and help you get it right than have to say “I’m so sorry” later.