The Costly Travel Insurance ‘Excess Trap’ UK Travellers Should Avoid

With many Brits jetting off for late-summer escapes and others already looking ahead to autumn and winter trips, new research reveals the costly mistakes that are leaving travellers without cover.

Experts at Total Travel Protection have analysed the most common reasons UK travel insurance claims are rejected, offering timely advice for anyone planning a last-minute holiday or getting organised for trips later in the year.

Chris Payne, a compliance expert at Total Travel Protection, shares how to ensure your insurance claim doesn’t end up in the rejected pile. 

The top four reasons travel insurance claims get rejected:

1. The ‘excess trap’

In 2024 and so far in 2025, the number one reason insurance claims get rejected is due to customers claiming for amounts below their policy excess (13.5% in 2024 vs 15.9% in 2025). This has created an ‘excess trap,’ where customers have a persistent misunderstanding of the role of excess. 

Chris explains: “Travel excess refers to the amount of money you agree to pay towards any claim you make. For example, a traveller lost their passport and travel documents and they made a £50 claim. The excess for this claim is £75, therefore, the claim is not payable.

“Some insurers will offer no-excess policies, however they are usually more expensive. When taking out insurance, make sure you set a realistic and affordable excess, as the last thing you want is to be caught out with a smaller payout than you expected.” 

2. Missed add-ons are on the rise

Travel insurance claims getting rejected have more than tripled due to the optional cover not being purchased. This trend suggests that many Brits believe they’ve purchased cover for items such as gadgets or winter sports, but in reality, they have not bought the add-on/extension.

Chris says: “Before purchasing or even looking for any travel insurance, it’s good practice to write a list of everything you will be doing on holiday and will need insurance for. This way, you’re less likely to get stuck without the appropriate cover. Also, make sure you always read the fine print of your policy so you understand what is covered and where you need to take out add-ons.” 

3. Date-related declines

Although there have been fewer claims rejected due to travel-date errors in 2025, it remains the third-highest reason claims get declined. It’s important to note that travelling even a day outside the insured window can leave travellers without cover.

Chris explains: “It’s important to be accurate in all information when taking out insurance, however knowing it’s one of the top reasons claims get rejected, I would encourage travellers to be extra diligent with their travel dates. The best way to avoid any errors is to take out insurance as soon as you’ve booked any flights or transport. This way, the dates and times are still at the forefront of your mind, while giving you enough time to make any changes.”  

4. Pre-existing conditions remain a nuance

While there aren’t hard stats on claims not being disclosed because of retro-screening 

(picking up under-declared conditions after purchase), there is still confusion surrounding the need to declare pre-existing conditions. 

Chris concludes: “Pre-existing medical conditions include any illnesses, diseases or injuries that you’ve been diagnosed with before purchasing travel insurance. While it might seem unnecessary to declare all conditions, it’s essential to ensure your insurer can provide adequate care and cover. 

“Failure to declare could result in your claim being rejected and leave you out of pocket by thousands of pounds. While travelling with these conditions, such as diabetes, can add a few more considerations to your holidays, it doesn’t need to be a barrier to prevent you from exploring the world.”

If you’re looking for travel insurance for your next holiday, visit https://www.totaltravelprotection.com/ 

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