Annual Travel Insurance Review Checklist: What UK Travellers Must Check Before Renewing

Annual travel insurance policies are a great way to save time and money if you travel more than once a year. But they’re not a one-and-done deal — your circumstances, destinations, and cover needs can change dramatically over 12 months.

That’s why it’s essential to review your policy annually. Failing to update your details or relying on outdated cover can leave you exposed to denied claims, insufficient protection, or unnecessary premium costs.

This checklist will walk you through exactly what to review in your annual travel insurance policy — helping you stay protected, compliant, and cost-effective every time you leave the UK.

Why You Need to Review Annual Travel Insurance

Even if your policy auto-renews, there’s no guarantee it’s still the best fit. A quick review could save you money or avoid nasty surprises when making a claim.

Key reasons to review your policy annually:

• Change in travel patterns (e.g. more frequent or longer trips)

• New medical conditions or medication

• Traveling to new destinations not previously covered

• Policy exclusions that may no longer suit your needs

• Price increases at renewal that may not reflect added value

Read our guide on: Cheapest UK Travel Insurance Policies

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1. Check Your Travel Frequency

Annual policies are cost-effective for people who travel multiple times per year, but only if the trips fall within the policy’s limits.

Ask yourself:

• How many trips are you likely to take in the next 12 months?

• Will any trip exceed the maximum trip duration (commonly 30, 45 or 60 days)?

• Are there any longer stays planned, such as gap years or work abroad programmes?

If your travel plans have slowed down, a single-trip policy may now be more cost-effective.

2. Update Your Destination Zones

One of the most overlooked parts of annual insurance is choosing the right geographical coverage.

Common zone types:

• UK and Europe only

• Worldwide excluding USA/Canada/Caribbean

• Worldwide including all countries

Travelling to the US or Caribbean — even for a single trip — without proper cover can void your policy or leave you facing huge medical bills. Make sure your destination zones are accurate, even for stopovers.

Check the Foreign Travel Advice section of GOV.UK before you go to ensure your destination isn’t on a restricted list.

3. Review Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

All medical conditions — no matter how minor — should be disclosed to your insurer at the time of renewal.

Key things to update:

• Newly diagnosed conditions or recent treatments

• Changes in medication

• Hospital referrals or check-ups

• Mental health diagnoses

• Conditions that are stable but ongoing (e.g. asthma, diabetes)

Even if a condition hasn't caused issues while travelling before, not declaring it can lead to a denied claim. If your insurer can’t cover you, use a specialist like those listed on the MoneyHelper medical cover directory.

4. Check the Policy Excess and Claim Limits

When reviewing your annual policy, it’s vital to understand what’s actually covered — and what the excess is.

Key cover areas to review:

• Medical expenses – Aim for at least £5–10 million worldwide

• Cancellation cover – Should cover the full value of your most expensive trip

• Baggage and belongings – Check for limits on valuables like laptops or phones

• Travel delays or missed departures

• Loss of documents or cash

Also, review the policy excess — the amount you must pay towards a claim. A lower excess may cost more upfront but could save you hundreds in the event of a claim.

5. Reassess Adventure Activities and Sports

Are you planning anything beyond sightseeing? Many travel insurance policies exclude or restrict cover for adventurous or high-risk activities.

Double-check cover if you're planning:

• Skiing, snowboarding, or winter sports

• Scuba diving or water sports

• Mountain trekking or hiking above certain altitudes

• Quad biking, ziplining, or safaris

• Volunteering or manual work abroad

You may need to add optional extras or choose a specialist policy. Don’t assume all sports are automatically covered — even something like cycling abroad can be excluded from basic plans.

6. Understand Travel Disruption and COVID Cover

Since the pandemic, insurers have varied widely in what they cover for travel disruption, including cancellations, lockdowns, and COVID-related illness.

What to look for:

• Cover for cancellation due to testing positive for COVID before travel

• Cover for delays or changes due to government restrictions

• Emergency medical cover if you contract COVID abroad

• Options to cancel if advice changes from the Foreign Office

This kind of disruption is still possible and shouldn't be overlooked. Check policy documents thoroughly or call your provider for clarity.

7. Evaluate Value for Money — Not Just Price

While comparing annual travel insurance quotes, don’t just go for the cheapest — check what you’re getting.

A good value policy will:

• Offer comprehensive cover that matches your lifestyle

• Have a reasonable excess

• Provide easy access to 24/7 emergency support

• Be underwritten by a UK-authorised provider (check the FCA register)

Cheaper policies may have poor claims processes or restrictive terms that make them ineffective when you actually need help.

Read our guide on: Cheapest Ways to Compare Insurance Deals Online

8. Set Your Policy Start Date Wisely

If you're switching insurers, don’t set your new annual policy to start on your next travel date — it should begin the day you buy it, especially if you’re already booking future trips.

Why?

Most policies include cancellation cover from the start date — so if your policy only begins when you travel, any cancellation before that date won’t be covered.

9. Know What’s Not Covered (Exclusions)

Travel insurance policies often contain exclusions that vary widely between providers. Know where the limits are before assuming you're fully covered.

Common exclusions:

• Pre-existing medical conditions not disclosed

• Travel to destinations under official advisory warnings

• Claims resulting from excess alcohol or drug use

• Unattended belongings (even if stolen from a locked car)

• Travel disruption caused by civil unrest, terrorism, or pandemics (unless specified)

Always read the Key Facts or Policy Summary documents and don’t hesitate to call the provider for clarification.

10. Use This Checklist Every Year

Rather than relying on auto-renewals, use this checklist to make sure your annual policy still matches your current lifestyle and travel plans. Setting a calendar reminder for a quick annual insurance review can help avoid both gaps in cover and wasted money.

FAQs: Annual Travel Insurance in the UK

Is annual travel insurance better than single-trip insurance?

It depends on your travel habits. If you take multiple trips per year — even short ones — annual cover is usually cheaper and more convenient. If you're only planning one trip, a single-trip policy may be better value.

How many trips can I take on an annual policy?

Most insurers allow unlimited trips, but each trip is subject to a maximum number of days (typically 30–60 days). Longer trips may need a bespoke policy.

Can I change destinations after taking out annual cover?

Only if your chosen policy covers your new destination. If your plans change, especially to include places like the US, contact your insurer to upgrade the geographical zone.

Do I need to declare every medical condition?

Yes. Failing to declare a medical condition — even if it's stable — could invalidate your policy. Use your GP records if you’re unsure.

Does my annual policy include UK trips?

Only if those trips include at least two consecutive nights in paid accommodation (e.g. hotels, B&Bs). Day trips or overnight stays at friends' houses are usually not covered.

Final Thoughts

Annual travel insurance offers simplicity and value — but only if the policy reflects your real travel habits, health status, and future plans. Use this checklist as part of your yearly financial review to ensure you're not overpaying or underinsured.

With the right cover in place, you can book your next holiday or business trip knowing you're protected — and avoid unpleasant surprises if the unexpected happens.

Don’t let a ‘set it and forget it’ approach cost you in the long run. A quick review could save you hundreds — and ensure peace of mind every time you pack your bags.

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