Most travellers skip insurance for short trips. The logic seems reasonable — trip cost is low, risk feels low. The actual risk that matters isn't trip cancellation; it's medical emergency abroad. £50,000+ medical bills from a single accident don't care about trip length.
What can go wrong on short trips
Twisted ankle requiring scan and treatment. Food poisoning needing IV fluids. Driving accident on holiday hire car. Heart attack. Stroke. Pregnancy complications if relevant. Any of these in a non-NHS country produces large bills.
What insurance to get
Annual multi-trip policies (£40-100/year) cover unlimited trips. Single trip insurance (£10-30 for short trips). EHIC/GHIC card useful in EU but doesn't replace full insurance. Always check medical coverage minimum £2 million.
The £20 insurance for a weekend trip is the best insurance maths in everyday life. Skip it only at considerable risk.