How Late Can You Buy Travel Insurance?
If you find yourself without travel insurance and your departure date approaching, you may be wondering if it’s too late to protect your trip. Rest assured, you’re not alone.
For many travelers, purchasing travel insurance can be an afterthought. It’s not uncommon for travelers to start thinking about buying travel insurance at the 11th hour. Fortunately, the phrase “better late than never” can apply to purchasing travel insurance, depending on the benefits you need.
Continue reading as we dive into the best time to a buy travel insurance plan, the impact that timing has on your insurance coverage, and why you should try to avoid last-minute travel insurance purchases if possible.
When is it Too Late to Buy Travel Insurance?
Most travel insurance companies allow you to purchase travel protection up until the day before your departure date. While it’s not recommended to purchase insurance at the last minute, doing so can provide you with peace of mind and protection against common travel disruptions such as trip delays and lost luggage, as well as medical coverage for the time you’re away from home.
While less common, it may be possible to purchase travel medical insurance for your trip while you’re traveling. This type of coverage does not include popular benefits like Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption, but can provide reimbursement in the event you require medical care while abroad. To purchase a policy while traveling, you will likely have to contact a provider directly.
When is the Best Time to Purchase Travel Insurance?
The short answer is as soon as you make your first trip payment. In most travelers, their initial trip deposit will be the purchase of airfare or hotel reservations. This approach to travel insurance is recommend for a few reasons.
First, travel insurance is designed to cover you from the unexpected. By purchasing a policy early, especially one that includes Trip Cancellation insurance, you’re covered in the event an unforeseen medical emergency, death of a family member, or severe weather event prevents you from traveling as planned.
Additionally, many travel insurance plans offer time-sensitive benefits that are only available to travelers that purchase a policy within a certain timeframe of making their first trip deposit, usually 10-21 days. The most common examples of time-sensitive benefits include Cancel for Any Reason coverage, commonly referred to as CFAR, and Pre-Existing Medical Condition coverage.
When Does Travel Insurance Coverage Begin?
Travel insurance coverage will typically kick in at 12:01 a.m. the day after you purchase your policy. This is referred to as your policy’s “Effective Date.” Your policy’s Trip Cancellation coverage, if applicable, will begin immediately. All other benefits, such as Travel Delay, Emergency Medical, and baggage protection, will begin once you depart for your trip.