Travelling is exciting, but unexpected expenses can quickly add up. From overlooked medical disclosures to surprise fees at the airport, hidden costs can catch even the most seasoned travellers off guard. Here’s what to watch out for before you jet off.
1. Last-minute medications
When purchasing travel insurance, it’s crucial to declare every medical condition and medication you take – even if you think it’s minor or unrelated to your trip. Failing to do so could leave you footing an enormous bill if you need medical treatment abroad.
One British traveller recently learned this the hard way, after suffering a seizure in Majorca. She was placed in an induced coma and faced hospital fees totalling €34,000 (£28,000). Her insurer, however, refused to cover the costs because she hadn’t updated them about her new menopause medication, which she’d only started a few weeks before flying. Even though the treatment had nothing to do with her seizure, the insurer voided her policy.
The lesson? Always inform your insurer of any medical updates – even minor ones – before you travel. A quick phone call could save you thousands!
2. Tourist taxes
You’ve left the airplane, collected your bags and made it to your hotel – only to be met with an unexpected charge… Many popular destinations charge a tourist tax, typically payable when checking into your accommodation. This small fee helps maintain the local area and applies to visitors over 16.
For example, in Spain, the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca) charge between €1 and €4 per night per person, depending on the type of accommodation. In Venice, a new €5 daily entry fee is being introduced for day-trippers during peak seasons. There are various versions of these extra costs in other regions as well. For example, in the United States, many resorts also charge a nightly tax which isn’t already included in your purchase.
These taxes vary by country and can quickly add up, especially for families or large groups. Before you travel, check the expected costs and factor them into your budget to avoid any unwanted surprises!
3. Renewing your passport
Since Brexit, UK travellers must meet new passport validity rules when visiting most European countries. Many people have been caught out by these changes, leading to missed flights and ruined holidays.
Your passport must:
✔ Be issued within the last 10 years at the time of entry into an EU country.
✔ Be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
Previously, UK passports could be valid for more than 10 years due to roll-over validity, but this is no longer the case. This rule applies to most EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
If your passport is approaching 10 years old, renew it well in advance to avoid being turned away at the airport. Read more here if you’re unsure.
4. Check your visas!
Another important travel document is your Visa, if it’s needed for where you’re travelling. And it’s vital you check as things are changing with Europe – somewhere we used to have less limited access to.
Right now, UK travellers can visit the Schengen Zone – a group of 29 European countries -with no visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. But that’s set to change!
Soon, anyone heading to popular holiday spots like Spain, Portugal, and Greece will need to apply for a travel authorisation and pay a small fee of €7 (around £6). The proposed date for this new scheme is October 2025, so while it’s not a full visa, it’s an extra step to keep in mind before booking your next trip!
For Brits heading off to the States, the ESTA fee for travel has increased, now costing £49.95 per person. Always check visa requirements before booking to ensure you’re aware of any additional expenses.
5. Fined for over-packing
We’ve all heard the horror stories about budget airlines making a fortune on people’s “oversized” luggage. But even if you’re avoiding the hustle and bustle of an airport this holiday season, did you know you can still be fined for overpacking on a staycation?
Rule 98 of the Highway Code states that you ‘must not overload your vehicle or trailer.’ The maximum payload weight will, understandably, vary depending on the size of your car, but is the crucial limit of how much weight you can travel with in the vehicle. And this includes the driver, any passengers, and any luggage.
If you’re unsure, have a look at our guide.
Before you jet off, make sure you’re covered!
Travel insurance is there to protect you against unexpected medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. And having the right policy can give you real peace of mind, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your well-earned holiday!
So before your next trip, why not see if one of our travel insurance experts can help you find cover and answer your questions? Our Farnham and Oxford branches specialise in travel insurance and can help you find the right cover for your needs. Visit your nearest Howden Insurance branch or contact our team by phone to learn more.
Sources: Metro, BBC.
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.