More than one in two Brits will take the risk of skipping travel insurance when travelling to countries with a relatively short flight home.

More than one in two Brits that intend to travel short haul won’t bother taking out travel insurance because their destination is a ‘relatively quick’ flight home – research from AllClear Travel insurance shows.

The number of holidaymakers taking the risk of travelling short-haul without insurance has increased significantly this year to 57% (a significant increase from 49% in 2024 and 46% in 2023). The number also remains high (54%) for people travelling with medical conditions, who could be most in need of medical emergency cover while out of the country even if they are only a ‘short flight’ away from home. Meanwhile, over 55s are more cautious, with only one in three (35%) willing to travel short-haul without travel insurance.

Spain (33%), France (30%) and Italy (25%) topped the list of the ‘quick flight home’ holiday destinations people were most likely to say they wouldn’t bother taking out travel insurance because they think it’s ‘a relatively quick trip home’. This is especially worrying, as these are the top holiday destinations for millions of Brits in 2026. And, as extreme weather has increasingly affected the summer holiday season in Europe – with areas of France and Spain experiencing record-breaking wildfires – comprehensive travel insurance is essential even when travelling close to home.

Other areas where travellers won’t take out travel insurance because it is a ‘quick flight home’ include Ireland (33%), Greece (19%), the Channel Islands (18%) and Portugal (18%).

Insurance is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and the extreme weather continuing to affect our neighbours in Europe demonstrates clearly that proximity to home is not a guarantee that your holiday will be risk-free. The wildfires affecting France and Spain this summer are a sobering reminder that no one should be travelling internationally without good insurance cover.

If a UK holidaymaker has an accident is or taken ill on holiday, a standard flight home may simply not be possible and they may need medically-aided repatriation. AllClear is urging people not to fall for the misconception that short-haul means low risk – and for those with medical conditions, it is crucial to get comprehensive medical cover.