I have had annual travel insurance for the last 20 years. As far as I`m concerned, the most crucial part of holiday insurance is cover for your own medical costs. I could be in the same situation as you. My mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer within the last three years. Although things seem to be OK (I hope I`m not tempting fate by saying that), equally she could keel over from some other medical event. What is the worst cost that you are going to have if the worst happens? The loss of your accommodation and an air fare home. As you say "there must be loads of other people who have old/ill/infirm family member, but still travel. Frankly, it`s not a problem. By the way, some (and I can vouch for one in particular) airlines have compassionate fares for situations where passengers need to get to the end of the world in a hurry due to bereavement or other such dire situations.