From icy slips to seasonal illness: travel insurance for winter trips

As the leaves fall and the UK's winter chill begins to settle in, October is the perfect time to lock in your great escape to somewhere warmer and sunnier. It’s also a time when many of us start planning a Christmas holiday to look forward to. For some, that means chasing sunnier shores in Canary Islands or Cape Verde, while others look to embrace festive cheer and the charm of Europe's Christmas markets.  

But travelling during winter isn’t just about festive lights and sun loungers. Depending on where you go, it can come with certain challenges – an unpredictable flu season, sudden travel delays, hazardous icy pavements, and crowded holiday hotspots that attract opportunist pickpockets. 

To make sure those unwanted anxieties don’t ruin your holiday spirit, travel insurance is your best safeguard for your upcoming winter getaway. It acts as a safety net, protecting you against the unique challenges you might encounter along the way. 

• Seasonal illnesses - colds, flu and other seasonal bugs are more common during autumn and winter. If illness strikes before or during your trip, travel insurance can cover medical treatment abroad or, if needed, cancellation costs. 

 

• Weather changes - snow, storms and fog can disrupt flights, cause delays or missed connections. Insurance with travel delay cover will mean you’re not left out of pocket if your journey doesn’t go as planned. 

 

• Festive crowds - wandering through Christmas markets is a highlight – but their crowded streets can attract pickpockets. Travel insurance that covers stolen belongings means you can enjoy the festivities even if the worst happens. 

 

• Icy streets - A sudden fall on icy streets can lead to a serious injury. With the right cover, you won’t have to shell out if you injure yourself.

Even if you’re escaping the winter chill for somewhere sunny, travelling to any destination comes with potential risks. To fully enjoy your break in warmer climes, you need more than just cover for lost baggage. From unexpected medical bills to flight delays and last-minute cancellations due to seasonal illness, a winter sun travel insurance policy is always recommended so you can focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about what might go wrong. 

1. Popular destinations - the Canary Islands, Madeira, Portugal, Cape Verde and the UAE are top choices for winter sun breaks. While warm weather may soothe the soul, healthcare costs abroad can be high. Winter sun travel insurance provides cover for medical emergencies if illness strikes or you suffer an unexpected injury. 

 

2. Pre-existing medical conditions - many travellers head to warmer climates for health benefits – and if you are travelling with medical conditions, it’s important to declare them. That way, you’ll be protected while abroad and your policy remains valid.  

 

3. Flight delays and lost baggage - flights can be unpredictable. A policy that includes missed departures, flight delays, or lost baggage ensures you’re not left stranded or out of pocket.  

 

4. Unexpected health issues - life happens – and even the best travel plans can be derailed if the flu or a chest infection come along. By purchasing travel insurance when you book your trip, you’ll have cancellation cover in place if illness prevents you from leaving home.

As the festive season arrives, Christmas markets become a favourite destination for travellers looking to share memorable experiences with family and friends. While the atmosphere is magical, it’s wise to prepare ahead of time to make sure your holiday runs smoothly. 

Here are some common challenges you might face on a Christmas market trip – and why having travel insurance matters. 

• Popular destinations - with the aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine filling the air, classic European destinations like Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Belgium and France are popular with travellers. Travel insurance for Christmas holidays protects you if illness, theft, or disruption stops you from enjoying these festive experiences.

 

• Pickpocketing - while crowded festive markets are a joy to experience – they can also be hotspots for theft. Travel insurance covering stolen items ensures you can continue your holiday without financial worry. 

Apart from seasonal flu and travel disruptions – there are other hurdles to watch out for during winter holiday travels.  

• Extreme weather - including heavy autumn and winter storms, widespread snowfalls, or dense fog are common travel turbulences you may face. When these conditions ground flights, you can be left facing significant costs. Travel delay cover is designed to step in here, helping you reclaim expenses for sudden cancellations, delayed flights, and any unexpected extra accommodation you have to pay for.   

 

• Busy airports - because December is one of the busiest travel times, delays and lost baggage are common. Insurance can help cover essential items while you wait for your belongings, or if you lose them completely. 

 

• Booking early – the key to fully protecting your journey is purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This will mean that cancellation cover applies from day one – before you’ve even left – giving you confidence that you’re covered in the event of illness, extreme weather conditions, or other disruptions. 

The right travel insurance goes beyond providing the bare minimum. With Staysure, you’ll get more than cancellation and travel delay cover, and protection against seasonal travel risks. You’ll have access to extra support and benefits that keep you protected throughout your winter travels.  

• Specialist cover for pre-existing conditions: if you declare your medical conditions when buying travel insurance, you’ll be covered if something happens that relates to those conditions while you’re abroad. That way, you can travel with confidence knowing your health won’t get in the way of your holiday. 

 

• 24/7 medical emergency support: specialist medical assistance will be available to you worldwide, whenever you need it. 

Winter holidays are the perfect time for relaxation, adventure and festive fun with family and friends. Whether you’re escaping somewhere warmer or exploring Europe’s magical Christmas markets, make sure your trip is fully covered. 

Get a quote and be protected from the moment you book your winter getaway.