Natalie Prevatt MRCPCH

Travel insurance often feels like a box to tick before a family trip. It is not. It is financial protection against events that can change your life in a single day. Many parents assume that “comprehensive” cover is enough. It is only enough if you declare every medical condition, list every destination, and understand the small print. Even a minor omission can invalidate your policy. Medical care abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of euros. The difference between being protected and being financially exposed comes down to what you declare and the cover you choose.

Travel insurance isn't an afterthought—it's the plan that pays when things go wrong. The right policy covers urgent care, evacuation, and the trip home; the wrong one can leave you with life-changing bills. This article shows what to disclose (including mental health), when to buy, the cover to insist on, and how exclusions work. One rule: tell your insurer everything, and buy as soon as you book.