Last-Minute Holiday Travel Insurance Tips for Festive Getaways
The winter holiday travel season is typically the busiest time of year for airports, airlines, and passengers alike. According to recent projections, 2024 is no exception.
According to a recent forecast by AAA, almost 8 million Americans are planning air travel this holiday season, from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1. This is not only a 4.7% jump from last year, but also their highest forecast to date.
Not only that, but Squaremouth data shows that holiday travelers are spending 5% on their winter getaways compared to 2023.
With airports busier than ever and prices soaring, you may be wondering if holiday travel insurance is a worthy investment. Follow along as we share everything you need to know about holiday travel insurance.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance protects you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses you incur while away from home. Most policies will include a wide-range of benefits that cover the most common types of travel disruptions.
Reference the table below to see examples of popular holiday travel insurance benefits:
| Benefit Name | Description | Example |
| Trip Cancellation | Reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you are forced to cancel your trip for a reason covered by your policy. | If a winter storm closes your destination’s airport and forces you to cancel your trip, you may be reimbursed your prepaid airfare and hotel booking. |
| Emergency Medical | Reimbursement for unforeseen medical expenses incurred during a covered trip. | If you slip on some ice while exploring your destination, your policy may cover your hospital bills and medications. |
| Travel Delay | Reimbursement for food and accommodation expenses if your travel plans are significantly delayed. | If your flight is delayed due to inclement weather, and the next available flight is the following day, your policy may cover an overnight stay at a hotel. |
| Baggage Delay | Reimbursement for toiletries, a change of clothes, and other necessities if your bags are delayed on route to your destination. | You show up at your destination, only to find your bags aren’t on the carousel. Your policy may cover essential purchases as you await for your luggage to arrive. |
| Baggage Loss | Reimbursement for the actual cash value of your belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged during a covered trip. | Your airline loses your luggage that was full of holiday gifts. Your insurance may cover additional costs your airline doesn’t reimburse you. |
Tips for Finding the Best Holiday Season Travel Insurance
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, and last-minute plans can add an extra layer of stress to the festivities. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, travel insurance is an essential safeguard. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate travel insurance for those spontaneous holiday getaways.
Protect Your Trip Costs
Holiday travel often involves significant expenses, from flights to accommodations. We recommend opting for a comprehensive travel insurance policy that ensures your trip costs are safe in the event of an unexpected emergency. Look for policies that offer Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage to secure your investment.
Compare Policies
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Take the time to compare options from multiple providers, even if you’re booking at the last minute. Look for plans that align with your travel needs, such as coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or delays. Online comparison tools like Squaremouth can help you quickly identify the best policy for your trip.
Prioritize Delay & Personal Item Coverage
Holiday travel is notorious for delays and mishaps with luggage. If you’re flying this holiday season, especially with gifts, we suggest choosing a policy that includes generous coverage for trip delays and lost or delayed baggage. This ensures you’ll be reimbursed for essentials like meals, accommodations, and replacement items if your travel plans don’t go as expected.
Purchase As Soon As Possible
While it’s tempting to wait until the last moment, it’s best to purchase travel insurance as soon as you finalize your plans. Many policies have time-sensitive benefits, such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) upgrades, which must be purchased shortly after booking your trip.
Make Sure Inclement Weather Disruptions Are Covered
The holiday season often coincides with unpredictable winter weather, from icy runways to sudden snow storms. If you’re heading to colder climates, ensure your policy includes coverage for weather-related disruptions, such as flight cancellations or delays due to snowstorms. This can provide much-needed peace of mind when traveling during peak winter months.
Consider CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) Coverage
If your holiday plans are uncertain or you’re worried about potential changes, consider adding CFAR coverage to your policy. While it may add to the overall cost of travel insurance, CFAR offers the flexibility to cancel your trip for any reason and receive partial reimbursement. This is especially useful for last-minute plans when unpredictability is high.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance is a crucial tool for protecting your holiday travel plans, even if they’re made at the last minute. By following these tips, you can ensure you’re covered for unexpected events and enjoy a stress-free festive getaway. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays derail your plans—secure your travel insurance today and focus on making memories that matter.