City breaks and long weekends: why short trips still need travel insurance

Long weekends and city breaks are perfect for recharging without the commitment of a full-length holiday. Whether you're jetting off to Paris for the weekend or discovering hidden gems closer to home, short trips offer big rewards in little time. But while the bags might be lighter and the itinerary shorter, the risks don’t disappear. A missed flight, lost luggage or unexpected medical emergency can quickly turn your quick escape into a stressful and costly experience.

That’s why travel insurance isn’t just for long-haul adventures. With JustCover, you can travel smarter – even on a short break – knowing you’ve got protection where it matters most. Here’s why every quick getaway deserves serious cover.

Why do you need travel insurance for short trips?

It’s tempting to skip travel insurance when heading off on a quick city break or a long weekend getaway – but even the shortest trips can unravel fast without the right protection. Whether you’re catching a cheap flight to Prague, enjoying a long weekend in Galway, or visiting family abroad, having travel insurance ensures peace of mind.

Why short trips need proper cover:

• Medical emergencies can happen anytime. Even a minor slip can result in hospital treatment abroad, with medical costs easily reaching hundreds or even thousands of euros.
• Cancellations are costly. Many city break deals are non-refundable. Without insurance, you could lose everything if plans change at the last minute.
• Delays and lost luggage still occur on short trips. A single day lost to flight issues on a two-day break is a major setback.
• You’re still carrying valuables. Whether it’s your phone, camera, tablet or a smartwatch, losing them – especially without cover – can quickly become expensive.
• Even minor disruptions cost time and money. With less time to spare, rebooking a missed flight or arranging emergency accommodation can turn into a costly headache.
• Weekend trips often fall during peak travel periods. Bank holidays are busy, which increases the chances of airport queues, delays and overbooked services.

According to Forbes, the average travel insurance claim for emergency medical treatment is £1,724 – proving that even short breaks aren't immune to big risks.

What does JustCover’s short trip Travel Insurance cover?

JustCover’s short trip travel insurance is designed to meet the specific needs of city break travellers and weekend explorers. Whether it’s a two-day hop or an extended bank holiday adventure, you’ll be supported with reliable, straightforward protection.

What’s covered?

• Emergency medical expenses and repatriation
• Trip cancellation or curtailment
• Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
• Personal liability if you accidentally cause injury or damage
• 24/7 access to emergency medical support

What’s not covered?

• Choosing not to travel without a valid reason
• Pre-existing conditions not declared at time of booking
• Claims below the policy’s excess value
• Travel outside the covered region without prior notice
• Trips booked against medical advice

Tailor your cover to your travel style

Not all short breaks are the same, so your insurance shouldn't be either. Whether it’s a spontaneous solo trip or a romantic weekend in Rome, JustCover offers flexible options to match your travel needs.

• Single Trip Travel Insurance - Great for one-off getaways, offering comprehensive protection from departure to return.
• Annual Multi-Trip Insurance - Perfect for frequent travellers. One policy covers multiple city breaks throughout the year.
• Family Travel Insurance - Travelling with the kids or extended family? Keep it simple with one policy that covers everyone. It’s one less thing to juggle before you leave.
• Seniors Travel Insurance - Just because you’ve got a few more birthdays under your belt doesn’t mean you should miss out. Our policies offer no upper age limit, with options that include cover for common health conditions.
• Gadget cover add-on - Planning to bring your smartphone, tablet or laptop? Add gadget protection for extra peace of mind.‍
• Winter sports or cruise extensions - Adding skiing, snowboarding or a mini-cruise to your plans? You can tailor your policy to include the right protection for those too.

Pre-existing medical conditions? You’re still covered

If you live with a medical condition, even a short trip requires thoughtful planning. That’s why JustCover includes cover options for a wide range of pre-existing conditions – giving you the confidence to explore with fewer worries.

We cover a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Asthma
• Cancer (current or in remission)
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation, angina, or a history of heart attacks)
• Mental health conditions (including depression and anxiety)

You’ll be asked a few simple medical questions during the quote process. This allows us to assess your needs and offer a policy that truly protects you. As long as your condition is declared and approved, you're covered.

Why short trips deserve serious cover

It’s easy to think that a quick getaway doesn’t need Travel Insurance – but the reality is, even a short trip can go wrong fast. A cancelled flight, a lost passport, or a medical emergency abroad could cost you far more than the trip itself. And when your time away is limited, even a minor disruption can take the shine off your break.

With JustCover, you get the protection you need without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re away for two nights or ten, we make it easy to get the right cover, so you can spend less time worrying – and more time enjoying the moment.

Because when things don’t go to plan, it’s good to know you’re covered.