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.

Patrick Ikhena

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

On 02 October 2020, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated the list of countries that are exempt from its ongoing advice against all non-essential international travel.

If you choose to travel overseas to a destination where the FCDO is advising against non-essential travel at the time of your departure, then your insurance policy will be invalid, and any claim likely to be rejected.

For domestic travel, please check the local public health rules for the destination you wish to travel to within the United Kingdom.

For more information, please see our coronavirus and travel insurance page.

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 Pension Service (MaPs) has also 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 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.