Only a third (34%) of holidaymakers check they have travel insurance in place when they book their trip, according to a new survey by Opinium, commissioned by Multitrip.com, a specialist travel insurance provider. 

Not having travel insurance in place can leave holidaymakers exposed to potential financial loss if a trip has to be cancelled.

Multitrip.com is urging holidaymakers to purchase their travel insurance as soon as they book(2), also known as ‘ASAB’, to ensure they are covered from the outset.

Multitrip has found that more than half (53%)(3) of those who buy its single trip travel insurance policies purchase them less than seven days before their trip, meaning they miss out on this crucial coverage.

According to Multitrip.com claims data(4), over one in four (28%) travel insurance claims are for holiday cancellation, meaning something went wrong before the trip even began. Cancellation reasons are not always related to your own health or circumstances. In fact, 39% of cancellation claims(4) were due to the illness or injury of a travelling companion, while 18% resulted from the illness or death of a non-travelling relative.

Christian Bennett from Multitrip.com said: “If you wait until closer to departure to arrange your travel insurance and then find yourself unable to travel, for example if you or a close relative becomes seriously ill, you may not be able to recover the cost of your trip.

That’s why we’re urging holidaymakers to get cover sorted as soon as they book their holiday. Travel insurance is too important to be an afterthought.”

Multitrip.com offers a range of policies to suit different needs and budgets. Annual European travel insurance policies start from £19.99(5). Annual Worldwide (including USA/Canada) policies start from £44.68(6). Prices exclude £3.95 handling fee. To get an instant quote, visit www.multitrip.com.

Sources

1. Opinium online survey conducted with 2,000 nationally representative UK adults from 24-27 Feb 2026, of which over 1,016 holiday abroad at least once a year.
2. T&Cs apply. 7-day moratorium period applies from the date of inclusion, cancellation cover is unavailable for trips departing/booked within 7 days.
3. Multitrip.com analysed single trip direct policies sold from 1 January 2025 to 16 December 2025.
4. Multitrip.com analysed its claims from UK customers between October 2024 – October 2025 and found that 27.8% were for cancellation.
5. £19.99 is the online price for Essential European Cover per person under 40 years. Prices excludes £3.95 handling fee.
6. £44.68. Online price for 1 Year Worldwide incl. USA/Canada Essential cover for person under 40 years. Price excludes £3.95 handling fee.