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

International travel is not currently permitted before 17 May 2021 at the earliest (date subject to further confirmation from the government). For single trip and long-stay trips, you won’t be able to get a travel insurance quote if you’re travelling before this date.

You’re still able to purchase annual multi-trip policies. But if you choose to travel against the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice and current restrictions, you won’t be covered for your trip.

While the majority of travel insurance providers don’t offer cover if you’re travelling for essential purposes before 17 May 2021, some are now able to offer cover. If you have any queries, you should check the policy wording or contact your chosen provider before you buy.

Different rules may apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and it’s important that you follow all the rules that apply to you.

For travel advice on your destination, check the FCDO for the latest information.

Find out more here

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.