Is travel insurance really needed for 1 week direct flights trip to the UK?

[Austman]

Domestically, that's "self insuring" and it horses for courses.

Yes I agree.

But on topic, this is a simple trip MEL-LHR for one person. It's much simpler, logistically than most domestic trips I take. And from looking at Travel Insurance it seems I'd get just about nothing from it except for cover for unexpected expenses (due to serious illness/accident) and possible medical repatriation (but they will decide if they'll let you).

I'll still get the TI. But it made me think. I accept the risks going to places like Broome. Is there much more risk going to the UK? I wouldn't even ask the question for most of the rest of the world!