Do you need travel insurance for a group trip?
Short answer
Each person should buy their own policy rather than relying on a single group one, and buy it when the first non-refundable deposit is paid — cancellation cover generally only applies to what you've already committed. This is guidance, not advice: read the policy for your own situation.
Why individual policies
Group trips have more moving parts, and the risks aren't shared: one person's medical claim, another's cancelled connection, a third's stolen phone. Individual policies mean each person's cover matches their own circumstances, existing conditions and credit-card benefits.
What to check
- Whether cancellation cover starts from the deposit date or the departure date
- Coverage for the specific activities planned — hiking, diving, skiing are often excluded
- Whether an existing credit card or health plan already provides part of it