From Holiday Costs to War Risks: Travel Insurance Faces a Turning Point
Brits face travel insurance shortfall amid rising holiday costs
8 Jan 2026
In 2025, Brits spent an average of £2,644 on holidays, but many travel insurance policies may not fully cover cancellations, leaving travellers at financial risk. A Go.Compare analysis of 928 single-trip policies found 20% offered cancellation cover of only £1,000–£1,999, while 2% had none. Men spent more than women on holidays, averaging £2,926 versus £2,376, and rising tourist taxes and air passenger duty may push 2026 costs higher. Experts urge travellers to check their policies carefully to ensure adequate cancellation cover and avoid unexpected losses.
Trump’s Venezuela Raid Sends Demand For Travel Insurance Soaring
6 Jan 2026
Following the U.S. military raid in Venezuela, online travel insurance platforms saw a sharp rise in quote requests, with Squaremouth reporting a 49% increase and Hopper noting a 67% spike in trip-protection purchases. Comprehensive travel insurance typically adds 4–10% to trip costs, while “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrades can increase premiums by up to 76%. Most policies focus on international travel, especially to the Caribbean and South America, but travelers are warned that coverage may exclude military events. Experts advise reading policy fine print and using look-back periods to switch plans if necessary. The surge highlights how geopolitical events drive heightened consumer concern about travel risks.
Georgia to require mandatory travel insurance for tourists from 2026
5 Jan 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, all tourists visiting Georgia must have valid health and accident insurance covering their entire stay, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Georgian lari (~€9,470). Policies must be issued in English or Georgian and clearly state coverage details, including insured risks, dates, and limits. Tourists without valid insurance may face fines, though exemptions apply for diplomats, certain visa holders, and international transport drivers. Authorities advise travellers to confirm their insurance meets the new legal requirements before traveling.
