Worried about a jet fuel shortage causing flight changes and affecting your summer travel plans? Better to be safe than sorry.
There are very few things more stressful than a crisis abroad. From medical issues and surprise cancellations to lost luggage and stolen belongings, any kind of emergency in a foreign country is enough to send anyone into a dizzying tailspin.
If you’ve ever experienced such a calamity, you’ll likely have vowed to never travel anywhere without insurance again. Others, however, live in blissful ignorance, never having bought travel insurance because they’re yet to need it.
But — if this year has taught us anything — it’s important to prepare for things that seem impossible.
Do I need travel insurance for 2026 flights?
While insurance isn’t legally required for most trips, it’s highly recommended by travel experts, as well as being mandatory for entry to several Middle Eastern counties and a few destinations in Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
Ahead of summer 2026, we face a unique set of circumstances. International travel is technically still running as normal, but we’ve pretty much been told by various airlines that flights will be cancelled due to fuel shortages and at least some level of disruption can be expected.
It’s currently unclear whether you’ll be properly compensated for any cancelled flights, or even at all, and this varies from airline to airline. You may have to pay extra to be covered for a flight cancellation, but it might be worth it for peace of mind.
Make sure you check FCDO travel advice before any purchase.
The 7 best travel insurance companies for 2026
Prices vary depending on route, destination and passenger age. It’s best to compare quotes from multiple providers before committing. These are some of the top travel insurance providers for 2026.
Read more: Worried about the ongoing jet fuel crisis? Avoid the chaos with these European ferry and cruise trips this summer
Barclays
For flight-specific issues, Barclays offers some of the most comprehensive options. Cancellation, airline bankruptcy, delays, missed departures and abandonment are all covered up to £10,000 — some of the highest levels of cover for missed departure and delays. Spouses or partners living with the policyholder are also automatically included, which can help save money.
Holidaysafe
Straightforward and cost-effective, Holidaysafe travel insurance has earned many a positive customer review. Policies cover full or partial trip cancellations and missed flights, and don’t set a reduced limit for dental issues — one of few companies that offer this.
Post Office Travel Insurance
Known for competitive pricing on European holidays, Post Office Travel Insurance offers single-trip, multi-trip and annual trip policies and upgrades such as cruise cover and trip disruption cover. Furthermore, its Medical Assistance Plus service means all medical conditions are considered and a 24/7 holiday health support line provides helpful advice and reassurance if needed.
Staysure
Specialising in policies for over-50s and those with pre-existing medical conditions Staysure has won accolades from the likes of the British Travel Awards, Moneywise and Which?. Medical screenings and phone calls with advisers mean you can tailor your policy easily.
GoodtoGo
For those who suffer from chronic medical problems, Goodtogo can cover all types of medical conditions up to a high level of severity, including most heart conditions, mental health conditions, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, COPD and dementia.
Cedar Tree
CedarTree’s policies offer £15m medical cover, £3,000 cancellation cover and £15,000 baggage cover. Policyholders can also access the CedarTree app while away for information on their nearest medical centre and updated FCDO guidance.
Total Travel Protection
Offering single or annual trip policies with coverage for pre-existing conditions, Total Travel Protection has no upper age limits. It also uses a different medical screening system to most other travel insurance providers, allowing for a wide range of reasonably priced policies, making it ideal for those seeking flexible coverage.
Feature image: Pexels
