Going on a city break? Don't overlook travel insurance! From selecting the right policy to the type of cover you could recieve, here's what you need to know about city break travel insurance.
What is city break travel insurance?
City break travel insurance is just your standard travel insurance - but for shorter trips. You might hear it called 'weekend travel insurance' too, but it's basically the same thing: cover that's there to back you up if things go wrong while away.
Single-trip policy
Off on a one-off adventure? A single-trip policy can cover you for that specific getaway. So, it's spot-on if this is the only trip you're planning to take this year.
Annual, multi-trip policy
Got a few city breaks lined up? A multi-trip policy could save you the faff of buying cover for each trip. One policy = a whole year's worth of getaways sorted. Plus, it could save you a few quid too.
Do I need travel insurance for a city break?
No, travel insurance isn't usually a legal must have. But, you could find yourself relieved to have it if things don't go to plan.
Even on a short trip, unexpected hiccups can happen. Your hotel could cancel last minute, your luggage might get lost, or you could need medical care after an unexpected mishap. Without insurance, you'd have to cover those costs yourself.
But, with the right policy, you can relax knowing you're protected - whether it's lost belongings, trip cancellations or medical expenses. That way, you can focus on enjoying your getaway, knowing you've got that extra layer of security just in case.
What does city break travel insurance cover?
What is and isn't covered typically varies between policies, so it's important to check the policy details before choosing.
City break travel insurance typically provides cover for:
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Emergency medical treatment: If you are injured abroad or become ill and need treatment.
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Repatriation: If you need to return to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
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Cancellation and curtailment:If your flights or accommodation is cancelled, or if you have to cancel or cut short your trip early due to illness.
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Lost, stolen or damaged luggage:If your luggage is stolen, accidentally lost or damaged. Standard travel insurance also usually covers personal items, including passports and travel documents.
What doesn't city break travel insurance cover?
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Travelling against government advice: Check the current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidelines before you travel.
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Extreme sports: If you're planning extreme activities or sports you'll need extra cover.
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Undeclared medical conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition and you don't declare it, you may not be able to make a claim if you need treatment.
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Illegal or malicious activity: If something happens as a result of illegal or malicious activity, like breaking the law, you may not be able to make a claim.
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If you change your mind and cancel the trip: If you decide that you don't want to go anymore, your policy typically won't cover any expenses lost.
Do I need travel insurance for a weekend break in the UK?
It's not a legal must-have, but it's definitely worth thinking about.
Sure, the NHS has you covered for medical care. But, what about lost luggage, last-minute cancellations or any of the other random hiccups that can pop up mid-trip?
A good policy can take the stress (and the sting) out of the unexpected. You might not legally need it, but having that extra layer of backup could make your trip run a whole lot smoother.
When should I buy travel insurance?
As soon as you've booked!
The earlier you sort your cover, the sooner you're protected if something unexpected stops you travelling - like a sudden illness or cancellation. Your insurance could help you get you your money back, so you're not left out of pocket before you trip even starts.
How much does city break travel insurance cost?
The price of city break travel insurance can vary depending on various factors.
This includes things such as length, destination, whether it's for business or pleasure and pre-existing medical conditions.
The quickest way to learn how much you can expect a travel insurance policy to cost for your city break is to get a quote.
A couple in their 30s with no medical conditions could pay the following for a city break:
| Country | Trip duration | Price1 |
|---|---|---|
|
Spain
|
2 nights
|
£4.20
|
|
United Kingdom
|
2 nights
|
£1.99
|
An individual in their 30s with no medical conditions could pay the following for a business trip:
| Country | Trip duration | Price2 |
|---|---|---|
|
Spain
|
2 nights
|
£2.95 |
|
United Kingdom
|
2 nights
|
£2.05 |
1Cheapest single-trip policy for a couple aged 30 with no medical conditions travelling for 2 nights. Confused.com data, April 2025.
2Cheapest single-trip policy for an adult aged 30 with no medical conditions travelling for business for 2 nights. Confused.com data, April 2025.
Does short break travel insurance cover adventure activities or winter sports?
Probably not, but that's because most standard policies don't include higher-risk activities.
The first step? Check your policy details to see exactly what's covered. If you don't see your planned activity listed, don't worry! You may just need to add extra cover.
Here's some options to consider:
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Adventure travel insurance if you're going to do high-risk activities like paragliding.
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Winter sports insurance if you're planning to go snowboarding or skiing.
What are the top city break destinations?
With so many amazing places to explore, it can be tough to choose! Luckily for us, Timeout's created a list of the best city break destinations to visit in Europe, all based on a report created by Resonance.
Here's the top 5 city break destinations and our travel tips for each destination:
London, United Kingdom
Want a city break without leaving the country? London's got you covered. Iconic sights like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey are just the beginning. Ride the London Eye, explore world-class museums, or simply wander charming neighbourhoods like Notting Hill and Shoreditch. Tea and scones, anyone?
Paris, France
Dreaming of culture, romance, or maybe just the perfect excuse to enjoy some delicious croissants? Paris won't disappoint. Climb the Eiffel Tower, explore the Louvre or enjoy a walk through the Luxembourg Gardens. Whether you're shopping, sipping wine or dancing the night away at the Moulin Rouge - the City of Light is always a good idea.
Berlin, Germany
Vibrant and packed with history - Berlin is the ultimate city break. By day, exploring landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin War Memorial. By night, dive into its legendary club scene or indulge in Michelin-starred dining. Whether you're a foodie, history buff or partygoer, Berlin has something for everyone!
Rome, Italy
When in Rome, prepare for a city break packed with history, pasta and pure magic. Wander through the Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and marvel at the Sistine Chapel. Need a break? Sip an espresso in a charming piazza or dive into a plate of carbonara. Ancient wonders and delicious food...what's not to love?
Madrid, Spain
Sunshine, stunning architecture and a city that never slows down - Madrid knows how to impress. Explore the grand halls of the Prado National Museum, stroll through Retiro Park, or take in the buzz of Plaza Mayor. When the sun sets, the city comes alive with bustling plazas, bars and impromptu street performances.
Top tip: Dinner starts late here, so plan for a long, leisurely evening like a true Spaniard!
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