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

minute read

Do you know someone who could benefit from this article?

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

The travel traffic light system currently states that trips to green and amber listed countries are legally permitted if you live in England and Scotland. If you live in Wales and Northern Ireland, you still need to follow the rules for your relevant government.

Please note: from 4am on 4 October 2021, the current traffic light system will be replaced by a single red list of countries.

Currently, if your destination of choice 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 are aware of any specific requirements relating to entry and ensure travellers from the UK are permitted. Countries can have their traffic light status changed with short notice and you should take this into consideration when looking to travel. Please check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the latest information.

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to red list countries. Most insurance policies purchased to cover a trip to a destination where the FCDO has instructed citizens not to travel to won’t be valid, however, some insurance providers may offer reduced cover if you’re travelling for essential purposes. 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 respectively.

Find out more here

Customers with more serious pre-existing medical conditions

When you declare medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show quotes from insurance providers who will cover all declared medical conditions, with no exclusions.

MoneyHelper has launched a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone if you have more serious medical conditions. Find more information at MoneyHelper or by calling them on 0800 138 7777.

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.