Last minute travel insurance

If you’ve left it until the last minute to get your travel insurance, you may still be able to get a policy to suit – even if you’re travelling today.

Josh Daniels

From the Travel team

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Posted 19 NOVEMBER 2019

Can I buy travel insurance on the same day as my holiday begins?

You should be able to buy travel insurance right up until the moment you shut your door behind you when you leave for your trip. Most mainstream travel insurance providers state that your trip ‘starts when you leave home and ends when you return’. However, if you buy travel insurance when you’ve started your journey, you’ll need to make sure the policy will still cover you.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

A travel traffic light system has been introduced for international travel. From 19 July 2021, trips to green and amber listed countries are legally permitted if you live in England and Scotland. However, you’ll still need to fulfil any pre-departure requirements, such as testing. If you live in Wales and Northern Ireland, you still need to follow the rules for your relevant local authority.

If a country is on the green or amber list, you still need to check the latest travel advice and entry requirements for each country you visit or transit through. This is to ensure you’re aware of any specific requirements relating to entry and to check travellers from the UK are permitted. Countries can have their traffic light status changed at short notice and you should take this into consideration when looking to travel. Please check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice for the latest information.

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to red listed countries. Should you choose to travel against the FCDO rules, you will not be covered by any travel insurance policy you purchase. Some providers do offer cover for international travel if you’re travelling for essential purposes, however most do not. In all cases, should you have any queries please check the policy wording or contact your chosen provider before purchasing to ensure the cover meets your needs.

Travel within England, Scotland and Wales is permitted under the current guidelines. However, public health rules and lockdown restrictions continue to vary, including entry restrictions for Northern Ireland. Check the latest guidance from the official tourism boards for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Customers with more serious pre-existing medical conditions

Our panel includes insurance providers who quote cover for all medical conditions declared on our website, with no exclusions.

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPs) has launched a directory of insurance providers on its Money Advice Service website that may be able to provide quotes over the phone, if you have more serious medical conditions. Find more information at the Money Advice Service or by calling the British Insurance Brokers’ Association on 0370 950 1790.

Can I buy travel insurance at the airport?

Some insurance providers might offer your travel insurance if you contact them from the airport. However, the cut-off point at which providers will offer cover varies, so it’s always a good idea to arrange travel insurance in advance.

When’s the best time to sort out travel insurance?

t’s a good idea to get travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked a break. Travel insurance isn’t just about what happens when you’re on holiday, it’s there to protect you in the lead up to your trip as well.

Sorting out your travel insurance well in advance also gives you time to compare prices and make sure you get the policy that’s the best fit for you.

What does last minute travel insurance cover me for?

Last minute travel insurance will cover you for cancellation, missed departures and long delays. It should also cover you for circumstances such as unforeseen illness and if you’re made redundant before you go on holiday. If you miss your flight because of severe traffic or your holiday provider goes bust before your break, having travel insurance in place means you could get compensation.