Insights | Holiday Booked? 59% Still Risk Travelling Without Insurance

Holiday Booked? 59% Still Risk Travelling Without Insurance

17th Jul 2026

There are many things that can ruin a holiday, from a dodgy paella to a cancelled flight.

While some mishaps are unavoidable, having travel insurance in place as soon as possible will mean those disruptions won’t leave you out of pocket.

A recent survey from our travel insurance partners Just Travel Cover[1] found that 61% of people have already booked a holiday, despite fears over flight cancellations due to rising jet fuel costs triggered by the Iran war.[2]

Encouragingly, only 5% of respondents say they are not planning to travel in 2026, showing that the appetite for holidays remains strong even in uncertain times.

Although the fuel crisis has led to worries, a full-on fuel shortage remains unlikely, and easyJet and Jet2 have reassured customers that their summer holidays will proceed as normal.[3]

Just because the jet fuel crisis may not be as bad as many holidaymakers fear, that doesn’t mean you should neglect the importance of travel cover.

Despite the potential for cancellations, lost baggage, or unexpected illness, 59% of surveyed travellers said they had not yet purchased travel insurance, leaving themselves financially exposed.

The rule of thumb is to arrange your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked, so you’re protected not only while you’re away but also in the run-up to your holiday should something prevent you from travelling.[4]

Having insurance can mean you’re covered for medical costs, repatriation, baggage and personal belongings, personal liability and trip curtailment

For many travellers, medical cover is the most critical aspect as treatment abroad can be extremely expensive, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

Just Travel Cover specialise in travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions, with no upper age limit.

They work with multiple insurers to provide single trip or annual multi-trip policies, specific cover for cruises and cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions.

With the right cover in place, you can travel confidently knowing you’re protected against the unexpected—whether it’s a medical emergency, a cancellation, or disruption to your trip.