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How to Buy Travel Insurance When Already Traveling (5 Tips)

If you're already traveling and looking to cover your butt with travel insurance, this post will help you find the right plan for the right price—or, if Step 1 of the five steps below applies to you, you may not even need to buy anything!

Cover up your mistake.

Most would agree that not buying travel insurance is a mistake. It's cheap, whereas the potential medical costs if you get hurt abroad can be enormous.

But sometimes you forget. There are a lot more interesting things to think about when planning a trip, after all.

The bad news is that if this happens to you, lots of insurers don't want anything to do with you. You're too "high risk."

The good news is some companies are more flexible and will sell you travel insurance when already traveling. Or you may be covered already and not even know it.

To find the best plan, and not make your mistake even worse by buying an invalid plan (a common error), here are five steps to follow to find the best travel insurance when you're already traveling.

5 Steps to Get the Best Travel Insurance When Already Traveling

• Check You Don't Already Have Free Insurance
• Watch Out for the Following
• Pre-Departure vs. Post-Departure Insurance
• Buy the Best-Value Plan
• Put it in Your Wallet

Step 1: Check if You Already Have Free Insurance

Before hurrying to buy travel insurance, ask yourself:

Is your credit card's travel insurance already covering you?

For example, Kim and my credit card provides 31 days of travel insurance. If we're traveling for less than that, we don't need to buy anything. And if we're traveling for more than 31 days, we avoid double-paying by buying travel insurance plans that kick in the day our credit card insurance expires.

Step 2: Watch Out for the Following

• Do you have health insurance back home? Some travel insurers won't cover you or will significantly cut back their coverage if you don't have home country health insurance. And if you get badly injured, your travel insurer will likely bring you home for treatment. Once home, you're on the hook for all medical expenses whether you have home country insurance or not.
• What's not covered? Travel insurance policies generally don't cover pre-existing or on-going medical conditions, dangerous sports, and some high-risk countries.
• Are you going to the United States? Travel insurers charge significantly more for travel in the US because of astronomical health care costs there.
• Do you still have to pay if something bad happens? Some travel insurance policies have an excess or a deductible, which is the amount you need to contribute if you make a claim.
• How much coverage do you really need? The biggest expense you risk incurring when traveling is emergency air evacuation. It can cost as much as $250,000 if you're in the middle of nowhere and they need to bring you home.
• Age matters? Yes. Once you hit 40 years old, travel insurance rates tend to go up, and once you're over 65 years old it can be very difficult and extremely expensive to get coverage.

For more boring but important info on travel insurance, see our 8 Steps to Finding the Best Travel Insurance .

Step 3: Pre-Departure vs. Post-Departure Travel Insurance

Many people make the mistake of buying pre-departure travel insurance when already traveling. Those policies are void, so if something happens, they're screwed.

To avoid a similar screw-up, be mindful of these differences between pre-departure and post-departure travel insurance:

• Most travel insurers don't offer post-departure travel insurance. They only sell pre-departure travel insurance. Call the insurer to confirm before buying any policy if you're at all unsure.
• Travel insurance when already traveling is more expensive. The few companies that will sell you travel insurance when you're already traveling generally charge a premium because you're a higher risk to them than someone who buys a policy before leaving.
• Post-departure travel insurance isn't fully refundable. You can usually get a refund on travel insurance policies you buy before you leave, but not on policies you buy when already traveling.
• You can't get trip cancellation insurance if you're already traveling. Trip cancellation insurance refunds pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel a trip. But some companies like SafetyWing do offer trip interruption insurance, which covers a flight to your home country if your home residence gets destroyed, there's a death in the family, or you get injured and your physician deems it medically necessary for treatment and recovery.
• There's often a waiting period if you get travel insurance when already traveling. With some insurers, you have to wait (and play it safe) 48 to 72 hours before the policy kicks in.

Step 4: Buy the Best-Value Plan You Can Find

We scoured the web for the best already traveling travel insurance and found a new startup that blows the competition out of the water.

If you find something better let us know and we'll update this post.

$US1.32/day (under 40-year-old of any nationality not traveling to the US)

• Worldwide. Aside from very few exceptions (Cuba, Iran, and North Korea) everyone can buy it no matter their home country or where they're traveling.
• Flexible timing. Unlike other policies, which require you to buy insurance for your entire trip up front, you can buy four weeks (or less) and extend (or auto-renew) as needed.
• Unlimited coverage period. Great for long-term digital nomads like us because, unlike most travel insurance policies, you can extend every year for as long as you need.
• Travel coverage. Insurance includes trip interruption, travel delay, and checked luggage protection. Other low-cost travel insurance providers often don't.
• Kids are free. One 14-day to 10-year-old child is covered for each adult without added cost.
• No waiting period . You're covered as soon as you pay.
• It's getting better. SafetyWing has announced plans to increase their limits, get rid of the deductible, and offer extreme sports add-ons. They also plan to release a comprehensive health care package.

• Not the cheapest (as long as you remember to buy before you leave). For example, the travel insurance plan we're covered by as I write this in Spain is $1.12 a day, 15% cheaper than SafetyWing.
• Low maximum limit. SafetyWing's maximum is only $250,000 (and only $100,000 for emergency evacuation), which may not fully cover worst-case scenarios in far-off lands. The industry insiders I interviewed off-the-record for my travel insurance post recommend a maximum of at least $500,000.
• $250 deductible for non-urgent medical care. Many other companies have a $0 deductible, though you generally pay higher premiums for this benefit.
• No US travel flexibility. SafetyWing's doesn't cover non-Americans traveling through the US or on short layovers there. You have to get a new policy that includes the US to be insured (though a good credit card's travel insurance should cover you).
• Not customizable. SafetyWing keeps their insurance cheap by keeping it simple, but that also means you'll have to look elsewhere if you want insurance on things they don't cover like personal electronics, travel to Iran and North Korea, and some extreme sports.

Do your future self a favor and read the full policy (PDF).

Other Companies Selling Already Traveling Travel Insurance

Shop around and see if you can find a better deal than Safety Wing for already traveling travel insurance. (If you do, please let us know!)

Here are the most popular providers of travel insurance when already traveling.

• World Nomads . Starting from $US2.78/day. Yeah, super expensive . Bloggers love to recommend these guys because they pay high commissions. But World Nomads does have a great reputation in the industry and among past customers and offers extensive coverage for activities and countries SafetyWing doesn't.
• Globelink . Starting from $US1.57/day. For UK, EU and EEA residents only.
• True Traveler . Starting from $US1.78/day for European residents. They offer a wide variety of add-ons, options, and packages.

Step 5: Put it in Your Wallet

Keep insurance contact info in your wallet.

If something happens during your trip, you, your companion, or anyone who's caring for you will then know who to call to coordinate emergency travel arrangements, doctor referrals, or claims questions or other issues.

Hopefully, it's a waste of (less of) your money!

Enjoy an injury-free trip, so all that time and money you spent on finding travel insurance doesn't get put to use.

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, feedback, or tips of your own about buying travel insurance when already traveling.

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• Travel Advice
• General Information

Can I Buy Travel Insurance if I’m Already Traveling?

Last Updated: January 11, 2020 November 13, 2023

While it’s always best to purchase travel insurance as soon as possible, it’s fairly common for travelers to wait until the last minute to protect their trips. In general, most travel insurance policies are available for purchase up until the day before a traveler’s departure date.

But what about travelers that decide that want to purchase travel insurance after they’ve already departed for their trip? Squaremouth breaks down what options may still be available to those that wish to protect their trips while they’re traveling.

Buying Travel Insurance While Traveling: Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to purchase travel insurance after you’ve departed for your trip. With that said, the process of buying a policy can be complex, and the options available may be limited.

Many travel insurance marketplaces, such as Squaremouth, will not allow travelers to purchase insurance if they have already left for their trip. However, travelers may be able to find policies directly from travel insurance providers .

To get coverage, we recommend reaching out to a travel insurance provider to discuss what options are available. The policies will likely include travel medical coverage for the remainder of your trip. Policies also likely won’t go into effect until the following day.

Are There Advantages to Buying a Policy Early?

Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events. The main advantage of buying early is an extended period of coverage between your purchase date and your trip. This is because once you buy a policy, you can be covered for any covered unexpected events that occur after the date of purchase. However, if you wait and something occurs that impacts your trip, it is too late to buy coverage for that event.

For example, if you have already purchased a policy with Trip Cancellation coverage for inclement weather, and a storm develops a week before your trip that forces you to cancel, you can be reimbursed for 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs. However, if the storm is named and then you try to buy a policy, you will not be covered for the storm.

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• Plan Your Trip
• Safety & Insurance

How To Get Travel Insurance When Already Abroad

Published: December 18, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Kellsie Ayala

• Sustainability
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience, offering the opportunity to explore new cultures, savor exotic cuisines, and create lasting memories. However, unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage can disrupt the joy of traveling. This is where travel insurance comes to the rescue, providing peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected events.

Whether you forgot to purchase travel insurance before embarking on your journey or your current policy is about to expire, acquiring travel insurance while already abroad is indeed possible. While the process may seem daunting, with the right approach and understanding, you can secure the coverage you need to continue your travels with confidence.

In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of obtaining travel insurance while already abroad. From understanding the nuances of travel insurance to researching and comparing available options, contacting insurance providers, and ultimately purchasing the most suitable policy, we will navigate through the essential steps to help you safeguard your travels.

So, if you find yourself in need of travel insurance while already abroad, fear not. By following the guidance outlined in this article, you can effectively address this need and ensure that your adventures continue to unfold smoothly and securely.

Understanding Travel Insurance

Before delving into the process of obtaining travel insurance while abroad, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental concepts of travel insurance. Travel insurance is designed to mitigate financial risks associated with traveling, offering coverage for a wide array of unforeseen events. These may include medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, and even emergency evacuation and repatriation.

When seeking travel insurance, it’s essential to consider the different types of coverage available. Medical coverage ensures that you receive necessary medical treatment in the event of illness or injury while traveling. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage provides reimbursement for non-refundable trip expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons, such as illness, severe weather, or other unforeseen events. Additionally, baggage and personal belongings coverage offers protection against loss, damage, or theft of luggage and personal items during your travels.

Furthermore, it’s imperative to understand the limitations and exclusions of travel insurance policies. Pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, and travel to certain countries may not be covered by standard policies. Therefore, carefully reviewing the policy details and consulting with insurance providers is crucial to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the coverage you require.

By comprehending the intricacies of travel insurance, you can make informed decisions when evaluating available options and selecting the most suitable policy for your specific needs. With this foundational knowledge, you can confidently proceed to the next steps of researching and acquiring travel insurance while already abroad.

Researching and Comparing Options

When seeking travel insurance while already abroad, thorough research and comparison are essential to identify the most suitable coverage for your specific requirements. Begin by exploring reputable insurance providers that offer policies designed for individuals in your current situation. Online resources, including insurance company websites and independent insurance comparison platforms, can serve as valuable tools for gathering information and comparing available options.

As you delve into your research, consider the following factors to guide your decision-making process:

• Coverage Benefits: Evaluate the extent of coverage offered by each policy, considering aspects such as medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss/delay, and emergency assistance services.
• Policy Exclusions: Take note of any exclusions or limitations within the policies, ensuring that the coverage aligns with your specific travel circumstances and activities.
• Claims Process: Review the claims process for each policy, including the ease of filing a claim and the responsiveness of the insurance provider in handling claims.
• Customer Reviews: Seek insights from other travelers by reading customer reviews and testimonials regarding their experiences with the insurance providers and the effectiveness of the coverage provided.

Furthermore, consider reaching out to fellow travelers or expatriates who may have encountered similar situations and can offer recommendations based on their firsthand experiences. Their insights can provide valuable guidance in navigating the complexities of obtaining travel insurance while abroad.

By diligently researching and comparing the available options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. This proactive approach lays the groundwork for securing the most suitable travel insurance policy to safeguard your adventures while abroad.

Contacting Insurance Providers

Once you’ve identified potential insurance options through thorough research, the next step is to initiate direct contact with the insurance providers. While this may seem daunting, especially when navigating different time zones and language barriers, it is a pivotal stage in the process of obtaining travel insurance while already abroad.

When reaching out to insurance providers, consider the following approaches to streamline the communication and gather essential information:

• Utilize Online Communication Channels: Many insurance providers offer online chat support or email correspondence, enabling you to initiate contact regardless of your current location. Utilizing these channels can facilitate efficient communication and provide written documentation of the exchange for future reference.
• Seek Clarification on Policy Details: Engage in detailed discussions with the insurance representatives to gain clarity on policy inclusions, exclusions, coverage limits, and any additional considerations specific to your situation. This ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the policy before making a purchase decision.
• Inquire About Documentation and Payment Options: Seek guidance on the documentation required to purchase the policy while abroad, as well as the available payment methods that align with your accessibility and preferences.
• Request Assistance in Multiple Languages: If language barriers pose a challenge, inquire about the availability of multilingual support to facilitate effective communication and ensure that all policy details are clearly understood.

By proactively contacting insurance providers and engaging in open dialogue, you can address any concerns or uncertainties related to obtaining travel insurance while abroad. This direct communication also allows you to assess the responsiveness and customer service quality of the insurance providers, which can be indicative of the support you may receive throughout the coverage period.

Ultimately, by establishing clear and effective communication with the insurance providers, you can navigate the process of acquiring travel insurance while already abroad with confidence and clarity.

Purchasing Travel Insurance

After conducting thorough research, comparing available options, and establishing direct communication with insurance providers, the final step is to proceed with the purchase of travel insurance while already abroad. This pivotal stage requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure a seamless and secure acquisition of the desired coverage.

When preparing to purchase travel insurance while abroad, consider the following essential steps:

• Review and Confirm Policy Details: Prior to making the purchase, meticulously review the policy details provided by the insurance provider, ensuring that it aligns with your specific travel needs and offers the desired level of coverage.
• Verify Documentation Requirements: Clarify the documentation required to complete the purchase process, such as identification documents, proof of travel itinerary, and any additional forms or declarations necessary for policy issuance.
• Secure Payment and Confirmation: Explore the available payment methods accepted by the insurance provider and ensure that the transaction can be securely processed from your current location. Upon completing the payment, obtain confirmation of the policy purchase and retain the documentation for your records.
• Accessible Policy Information: Ensure that you have convenient access to the policy details, including coverage documents, emergency contact information, and relevant policy numbers, through digital or printed formats for easy reference during your travels.

Additionally, it’s advisable to maintain open communication with the insurance provider throughout the purchase process, seeking clarification on any uncertainties and confirming the effective date and duration of the coverage to align with your travel plans.

By diligently adhering to these steps and exercising vigilance in the purchase process, you can secure the necessary travel insurance while already abroad, providing invaluable peace of mind and protection against unforeseen events throughout your journey.

Acquiring travel insurance while already abroad may initially seem like a complex endeavor, but with a systematic approach and understanding of the essential steps involved, it becomes an achievable task. Throughout this guide, we have explored the intricacies of obtaining travel insurance in such circumstances, from understanding the fundamental aspects of travel insurance to researching, comparing options, contacting insurance providers, and ultimately making the purchase.

By comprehending the nuances of travel insurance and the diverse coverage options available, you can make informed decisions that align with your specific travel needs and preferences. Thorough research and comparison of insurance policies enable you to identify the most suitable coverage, while direct communication with insurance providers ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of the policy details and purchase process.

As you navigate the process of purchasing travel insurance while already abroad, it’s essential to remain vigilant and proactive, seeking clarity on policy inclusions, exclusions, documentation requirements, and payment processes. This proactive approach not only facilitates a smooth acquisition of travel insurance but also instills confidence in the coverage obtained, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels without undue worry.

Ultimately, the ability to secure travel insurance while already abroad empowers travelers to address unforeseen risks and unexpected events with resilience and financial protection. By following the guidance outlined in this article, individuals can navigate this process with confidence, ensuring that their adventures continue to unfold smoothly and securely.

So, whether you find yourself amidst the bustling streets of a foreign city or amidst the serene landscapes of a distant land, remember that obtaining travel insurance while already abroad is indeed feasible, and with the right approach, it can enhance your travel experiences with peace of mind and security.

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Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan you purchase that protects you from certain financial risks and losses that can occur while traveling. These losses can be minor, like a delayed suitcase, or significant, like a last-minute trip cancellation or a medical emergency overseas.

In addition to financial protection, the other huge benefit of travel insurance is access to assistance services , wherever you are in the world. Our elite team of travel and medical experts can arrange medical treatment in an emergency, monitor your care, serve as interpreters, help you replace lost passports and so much more. Sometimes, they even save travelers’ lives.

A few things you should know about travel insurance:

• Benefits vary by plan. It’s important to choose a plan that fits your needs, your budget and your travel plans. Here are definitions of all available travel insurance benefits.
• Travel insurance can’t cover every possible situation. Allianz Travel Insurance is  named perils  travel insurance, which means it covers only the specific situations, events, and losses included in your plan documents, and only under the conditions we describe.
• Travel insurance is designed to cover  unforeseeable events —not things you could easily see coming, or things within your control. If, for example,  you wait to buy insurance for your beach trip until after a named hurricane is hustling toward your destination, your losses wouldn’t be covered.

How does travel insurance work?

In most scenarios, travel insurance reimburses you for your covered financial losses after you file a claim and the claim is approved. Filing a claim means submitting proof of your loss to Allianz Global Assistance, so that we can verify what happened and reimburse you for your covered losses. You can  file a claim online , or do it on your phone with the  Allyz ® TravelSmart app .

How does this work in real life? Let’s say you purchase the OneTrip Prime Plan , which includes trip cancellation benefits, to protect your upcoming cruise to Cozumel. Two days before departure, you experience a high fever and chest pain. Your doctor diagnoses bacterial pneumonia and advises you to cancel the trip. When you notify the cruise line, they tell you it’s too late to receive a refund.

Without travel insurance, you’d lose the money you spent on your vacation. Fortunately, a serious, disabling illness can be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation , which means you can be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs. Once you’re feeling better, you gather the required documents—such as your airfare and cruise line receipts and information about any refunds you did or did not receive—and you file a claim . You can even choose to receive your reimbursement by direct deposit, to your debit card, or via check.

Sometimes, this process works a little differently. Travel insurance may pay your expenses upfront if you require emergency medical treatment or emergency transportation while traveling overseas. Or, with the  OneTrip Premier and OneTrip Prime plans, you may be eligible to receive a fixed payment of $100 per day for a covered travel delay or $100 for a covered baggage delay . No receipts for purchases are required; all you need is proof of your covered delay.

Many travelers are wondering: Can COVID-19 be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation? And can travel insurance help if you become seriously ill with COVID-19 while traveling? Most of our travel insurance plans now include epidemic-related covered reasons (benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions). The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. To see if your plan includes this endorsement and what it covers, please look for "Epidemic Coverage Endorsement" on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your loss. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums.

> Learn more: Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained

How to choose a travel insurance plan

There’s a wide range of Allianz Travel Insurance plans, each with different benefits and benefit limits. So how do you know which is best for you? To begin, get a quote for your upcoming trip. When you enter your age, trip costs and trip dates, we can recommend a few plans for you. Then, you can compare the costs and benefits of each.

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler who’s traveling in the U.S., you may like the OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan . It includes trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay benefits.

If you want protection in case of medical emergencies overseas, but you have few pre-paid trip expenses, you may consider the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan . This affordable plan includes emergency medical and emergency transportation benefits, as well as other post-departure benefits, but not trip cancellation/interruption.

If you want the reassurance of carrying substantial travel insurance benefits, the best fit may be the OneTrip Prime Plan . This plan also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).

If you’re planning several trips in the next 12 months, consider annual travel insurance such as the AllTrips Prime Plan . It gives you affordable protection for a full year of travel, including benefits for trip cancellation and interruption; emergency medical care; lost/stolen or delayed baggage; and Rental Car Damage and theft protection (available to residents of most states).  

> Find the right travel insurance plan for you 

How to get the most from your travel insurance plan

Don’t wait too long to buy travel insurance! The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after you’ve completed your travel arrangements. The earlier you buy insurance, the bigger your coverage window. Also, you must buy your plan within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit in order to be eligible for the pre-existing medical condition benefit (not available on all plans).

Read your plan documents before you leave. If you're not completely satisfied with your plan, you have 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to request a refund, provided you haven't started your trip or initiated a claim. Premiums are non-refundable after this period.

Call us when you need help. If you have questions about how travel insurance works, or how to file a claim, or which benefits you need, please contact us ! Our representatives are available 24/7. If you’re already traveling, and you’re facing a travel crisis or just need some advice, call our emergency assistance hotline .

> Read more about how we can help

Related Articles

• What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
• How Travel Insurance Covers Family Members
• Trip Delay, Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation Insurance Explained

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A Practical Guide to Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance could be the difference between a huge medical bill or a modest copay. use these tips to find the best policy for your trip..

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It’s far better to buy travel insurance and never use it than to not be covered in an emergency.

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For many, travel insurance seems like an unnecessary additional expense. But if you get stuck in a costly situation—a medical emergency, a canceled trip due to a pandemic , a stolen camera—it suddenly becomes a totally worthwhile investment that saves, not costs, you money.

This was the case for writer Chris Ciolli. After years of traveling without a safety net, she invested in travel insurance on a recent trip during which she was rushed to the hospital at 3 a.m. for a slew of just-in-case tests. She ended up with an underwhelming diagnosis of gastritis, but also a slow trickle of medical bills—a few hundred dollars here, a thousand there—that totaled nearly $6,000. Fortunately, her monthlong $185 World Nomads policy covered everything after an initial $80 copay.

But even if you understand the benefits and you’re committed to buying travel insurance, choosing the right policy for your needs—and even knowing what those needs are—can be tricky. To help you choose the best travel insurance for your trip, we’ve consulted a number of travel agents, insurance industry professionals, and lifelong travelers for advice. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from travel insurance reviews and comparisons to common questions answered, to pick the best policy for your next trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a plan, similar to health or auto insurance, that protects you from expenses incurred during unforeseen mishaps while traveling, such as lost luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Although your current homeowner’s, renter’s, auto, or health insurance may cover you for certain things while traveling, it usually doesn’t cover everything—especially on international trips. A good travel insurance plan will cover the gaps.

Where do you get travel insurance?

Some very basic forms of travel insurance are included if you booked your trip with a credit card such as World MasterCard, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Ink and Sapphire cards. With these plans, you may be protected regarding some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, but the coverage is usually pretty basic.

You can also purchase it as an add-on while booking flights, cruises, or hotels. These plans are also limited and will only cover you in the event of an unavoidable cancellation due to events such as a natural disaster or a death in your family. “While it may seem less expensive, it may not cover all of the components of your trip,” says Andrew David Harris, vice president and COO of Harris Travel Service . While both of these are better than nothing, the most comprehensive and best travel insurance policies are sold by providers such as World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, or TravelEx. You can purchase these plans through your travel agent, but it’s often less expensive to book directly with the travel insurance provider or through a comparison website, like SquareMouth .

What does travel insurance cover?

Every traveler and trip is different, which is reflected by the variety of travel insurance plans on the market. No matter what plan or provider you choose, below are some common things travel insurance covers. Experts agree that before you buy, you should absolutely look for specific exclusions in the fine print on potential policies. If you’re unsure about something, reach out. A good insurance company will be responsive and willing to clarify your questions.

Trip cancellation and interruption

Most travel insurance policies will include some form of trip cancellation and interruption coverage to reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses, like a prepaid hotel or plane ticket. Unless you add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance to your plan, there will be a limited set of acceptable reasons to claim this. Illness, death of an immediate family member, and weather are commonly accepted reasons.

Trip delays and missed connections

Also common is reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if a trip is delayed and meets criteria set out by the provider. With World Nomads, your flight must be delayed by at least six hours to qualify.

Baggage and personal effects

Most plans will cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings as well as the cost of purchasing additional items if your luggage is delayed.

Emergency medical and dental care

This covers the cost of medical care when you get sick or have an accident in another country and usually includes medical evacuation. However, travel insurance isn’t a substitute for regular health insurance so nonemergency medical expenses (physicals, anything cosmetic, eye exams) aren’t covered. Childbirth isn’t covered either, even for pregnant travelers who go into labor prematurely.

Shannon O’Donnell, 2013 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and blogger at A Little Adrift , mentions another coverage gap travelers miss: “You’re only covered for what you’re licensed to do back home—if you don’t have a permit for a motorbike and you drive one in Southeast Asia, you might not be covered in an accident.”

Emergency medical evacuation

This covers the cost of an emergency transfer (in an ambulance or helicopter, for example) from an area with inadequate medical care to the nearest medical center with the services you need. It’s costlier but essential in isolated and politically unstable parts of the world.

Accidental death and dismemberment and repatriation

Experts say that “truckloads of coverage for hospital costs and medical repatriation home” are the most important things to look for. “The rest is just window dressing.” A lot of basic plans won’t include this in their coverage, but you can easily add this on with an upgrade to a more premium tier.

Concierge and 24/7 service

Daniel Durazo, director of Marketing and Communications for Allianz Global Assistance , says that “a good policy includes a 24/7 contact line for both medical and travel emergencies.”

Common travel insurance add-ons to consider

A basic plan is usually enough for most travelers, but it may not cover everything you need if you’re older, have pre-existing medical conditions, participate in sports while traveling, book an expensive trip, or travel with expensive gear (such as a high-end camera). If you fall into any of these categories, consider an add-on or upgrade.

Upgrade lost luggage, trip delay, and cancellation amounts

“Standard travel insurance levels cover more modest belongings and lodging,” advises Annette Stellhorn, president and Group Luxury Travel designer at Accent on Travel . If you’re traveling with expensive gear or spending a lot on your trip, consider upgrading to a tier that covers your costs adequately.

Additional coverage for adventure and high-risk travel

Stellhorn also notes that adventure and high-risk travel “require higher benefit amounts for medical evacuation, which can run more than $250,000.” And Judy Perl at Judy Perl Worldwide Travel says that “most insurance companies will not insure high-risk travel at all, with the exception of big companies like First Allied and Travelex .” Even fewer risky activities and sports may only be covered to a limit: that is, climbing to certain heights and diving to certain depths.

Most sports are covered up to a certain level of intensity; any higher and you may have to purchase a different tier of insurance. World Nomads, for example, will cover a slew of adventure travel activities and sports, but at an additional cost on top of its basic insurance.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance

It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance plan because, even if it includes trip cancellation coverage, this often only kicks in under certain circumstances. As many travelers found out recently, trips canceled due to the recent coronavirus pandemic were not covered unless they had a CFAR add-on .

Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-owner and copresident at Valerie Wilson Travel , explains that these plans “only cover 75 percent of trip expenses [and only] if travelers cancel their trips at least 48 hours in advance.”

Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

No. “Once actual events have unfolded, such as the coronavirus outbreak, they are considered known or foreseeable events and are no longer covered by most travel insurance policies,” says Afar’s Michelle Baran . The exception is if you chose to upgrade your plan to include a CFAR add-on.

What are the best travel insurance policies?

The best travel insurance policy will depend on you and your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have a plan that covers the cost of your entire trip and the activities you want to do and won’t leave you in the dark if you have preexisting conditions. The following are some of the best travel insurance partners to consider:

Best for: Older travelers and those with preexisting conditions.

While Allianz provides great travel insurance for any traveler, it’s especially appropriate for those with pre-existing conditions, since those are covered in every one of its plans. However, its basic coverage only covers up to $500 in lost or damaged baggage, so consider an upgrade if you’re traveling with more expensive equipment.

Get a quote: allianztravelinsurance.com

Best for: Medical coverage only

GeoBlue’s Voyager basic medical coverage is not a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers a slew of scenarios; rather it provides travelers with basic medical travel insurance. The deductible is a high $500, but at $19 to $35 per trip, it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself in case something catastrophic happens. If you’re adequately covered for travel mishaps like lost luggage or stolen goods by other insurance (like your credit card or homeowner’s insurance), this might be the plan for you.

Get a quote: geobluetravelinsurance.com

Best for: Traveling with kids

With TravelEx, travelers can choose between a basic or select travel insurance package with options to customize it according to their needs. Both plans cover standard things like trip cancellation and emergency medical services and are an all-around comprehensive option. However, its Travel Select plan also includes free coverage for any children under 17 traveling with you. For families, TravelEx Select is a great money-saving option.

Get a quote: travelexinsurance.com

How much does travel insurance cost?

Complete travel insurance packages can cost as little as $8 per day but vary depending on the length of the trip, destination(s), and the tier of travel insurance you choose. Some, but not all, travel insurance may also cost more for travelers with pre-existing conditions or older adults.

As a comparison, here are some examples of travel insurance costs for a 45-year-old traveler on a $5,000, one-week trip to Mexico:

• $138 for an explorer plan with World Nomads
• $179 for a basic plan with Allianz
• $248 for an essential plan with AIG
• $261 for a basic plan with Travelex

While some of these plans may seem expensive, keep in mind that if they provide you the coverage you need, they can be a huge money saver. Insurer World Nomads says that its average claim amount for 2017 was $1,634, and its most expensive claim—a medical evacuation of a child from Sitka, Alaska, to Seattle—was nearly $200,000. Suddenly, that $8 per day makes travel insurance worth it . But, as Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the travel agency SmartFlyer , says, “People don’t think they need it until they need it.”

How do I buy travel insurance?

You should always buy travel insurance from an official, reputable provider or website, such as purchasing directly through the insurance provider, a travel agent, or a comparison website; these “offer a way to search, compare, and purchase from a wide array of plans,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com .

Comparison sites to buy travel insurance include:

• Travelinsurance.com
• SquareMouth
• Insuremytrip

Sandberg strongly recommends consumers speak with a licensed agent when they are unsure about benefits. The website Elliott Report is another good resource and features a list of reputable travel insurance companies compiled by consumer advocate Christopher Elliott.

When to buy travel insurance

Generally, you should book your travel insurance as soon as you can after booking your flights and hotels. If you’re traveling to a destination affected by hurricanes , book sooner rather than later, because you can’t buy insurance to cover delays or cancellations related to a storm that already has a name.

People with preexisting conditions need to consider other factors. Most insurers will cover only expenses related to prior illnesses in very specific circumstances; travelers with preexisting conditions must book coverage within a specific time frame, usually between 14 and 21 days, following their initial trip reservation, and they must be medically able to travel on the date they purchase the insurance.

Your travel insurance policy period should be for the duration of your trip from door to door (no gaps or shortcuts, please) and cover you for every place you plan to visit, whether it’s in-state, out-of-state, or international. Some destinations are at higher risk than others, so insurers don’t offer the same coverage for the same price everywhere.

What does your existing insurance cover while traveling?

While your existing health, auto, renter’s, or homeowner’s insurance may cover a few things while you’re traveling, it likely doesn’t cover everything.

• Health insurance: Many U.S. health-care policies, including Medicare, don’t cover travelers on international trips. Some plans will cover you abroad, so check with your provider. If your health insurance only covers you domestically, both the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department recommend purchasing medical travel insurance.
• Travel insurance: Credit cards can provide limited coverage of some delay, luggage, and travel accident expenses, as well as part of your rental car insurance.
• Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance: Home contents or rental insurance may cover some lost, stolen, or damaged valuables or even offer a reasonably priced floater policy (an add-on to your regular policy that covers easily moveable property) if you travel with expensive equipment.
• Auto insurance: Within the United States, your primary auto insurance will almost always cover rental vehicles. There are a few exceptions for domestic rentals, like if your current auto insurance has low coverage limits. International car rentals are a different story. In Mexico, for example, rental car insurance is mandatory , even if you have insurance at home. Always be sure to check local rules before you reserve a rental car.

Tips for filing claims and getting reimbursed

Unlike most domestic health insurance policies, travel insurance doesn’t typically have a deductible. Some inexpensive policies will require you to pay a small, nonrefundable, initial policy excess amount before further costs up to the benefit limit are covered. Many policies work on a reimbursement plan: You pay upfront, save your receipts, and file a claim, then after processing, your insurance company pays you back for covered expenses.

Most policies require you pay non-emergency expenses out of pocket and submit your claim for reimbursement afterward. In a non-life-threatening emergency, call your insurer for instruction if you’re able; it will make the claims process easier, and the insurer may be able to direct you to a hospital or medical center where your care can be billed directly to it.

Hannah Logan, of the blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel , says this step is especially important because the small print on many policies “reads that calling the contact number [may be] a requirement for coverage.”

No matter what, document everything. Whether it’s lost baggage, a medical expense, or damage to your rental car, gather and keep anything that can help your claims case: your original rental car agreement, receipts, photos, medical paperwork, a copy of your boarding pass.

Buying travel insurance is a little like packing a suitcase: It can seem overwhelming at first, but eventually it becomes routine and a necessary part of every trip. Once it does, you can travel worry-free, secure in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself from a possible $6,000 mistake.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on June 19, 2020, and on May 15, 2024, to include current information.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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When To Buy Travel Insurance and How To Best Time Your Purchase

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

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Table of Contents

What is travel insurance, when to buy travel insurance, is credit card travel insurance enough, final thoughts.

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Timing is key when buying travel insurance. It’s best to buy travel insurance within 2 weeks of making your first trip payment . You can buy travel insurance at any time, even after departure with some travel insurance providers. Still, the coverage and policy pricing is better when you buy travel insurance shortly after booking .

The sooner you buy travel insurance, the sooner you’re covered for your travel insurance policy, whether the tour company goes out of business or you get sick before your trip.

Let’s look at the best time to buy travel insurance and the advantages you get when you purchase your travel insurance policy right after booking.

Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that offers financial protection and assistance when you’re traveling . Benefits often include trip cancellation, trip interruptions, medical emergencies, baggage loss or delay, and rental car coverage.

The best time to buy travel insurance is within 2 weeks of making your first travel payment , whether that’s booking a flight or putting down a cruise deposit. Generally, any time you make a nonrefundable travel deposit, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance shortly thereafter. 

For example, you should get travel insurance after you buy nonrefundable airfare, or when cancellation penalties kick in for cruises or tours.

Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance When You Book

Buying travel insurance shortly after booking gives you immediate coverage for your nonrefundable travel expenses . While you don’t have to get travel insurance right at the booking process, earlier is better. Once you get travel insurance, you’re covered when a trip has to be canceled due to covered reasons. 

When you buy travel insurance at booking, you’ll maximize your coverage period for trip cancellation insurance. As long as your trip cancellation insurance is active, you’re covered if you need to cancel your travel due to a covered reason such as illness, injury, death of a family member, natural disaster, or job loss.

Also, your coverage options are usually better when you purchase travel insurance shortly after booking. Some travel insurance companies consider the 2 weeks after booking travel arrangements an advantage period and offer additional coverage or options during this period. 

For example, some travel insurance policies offer preexisting medical condition coverage if purchased shortly after booking. If you want preexisting medical condition coverage, you may need to purchase your travel insurance either before or within a day of your final trip payment. 

In an advantage period, insurance providers may also offer coverage for the financial default of travel suppliers and may allow you to add optional coverage such as cancellation insurance.

You also lock in pricing when you purchase travel insurance early. Your premium rate won’t increase if you’ve locked it in when you buy travel insurance. But rates could change if you wait until later to secure your travel insurance policy.

Coverage and maximum benefits aside, buying travel insurance when you book just makes sense so you don’t forget to buy it later.

Drawbacks of Buying Travel Insurance When You Book

Paying for a travel insurance policy at booking could strain your travel budget , as it adds another expense on top of the cost of your trip. It could be a lot to pay for at the same time as trip deposits. While you get the most value from your coverage when you buy it early, it could be easier on your budget if you wait and spread out the expense .

You’ll have to estimate the total trip cost you want to cover when you buy your travel insurance policy. If you’re not done booking everything before you buy travel insurance, you might estimate wrong. That means you could have too much or too little coverage for your actual travel costs.

Pre-Travel Insurance Benefits

When you buy travel insurance before your trip departure, you’re covered for cancellation due to covered reasons such as illness or injury before your trip, the death of a family member, job loss, or the airline or tour operator going out of business.

How Early You Can Purchase Travel Insurance

Timing varies between insurance companies, but you can generally get travel insurance up to 12 to 18 months prior to departure . On an annual plan, you can get 12 months of coverage before you need to renew.

You can buy travel insurance before you’ve made your final payment. Even if you’ve only made a deposit, you can enter the total trip costs when you get your travel insurance policy.

How Late You Can Purchase Travel Insurance

Generally, you can purchase travel insurance up to the day before your departure date, though some policies are available post-departure. When you purchase your coverage that close to departure, you generally can’t use your trip cancellation benefit. And you probably won’t be eligible for preexisting condition coverage or Cancel for Any Reason coverage . But you’ll still have the advantage of other coverages such as trip interruption and emergency medical benefits. 

It’s fine if you need to pick up travel insurance for last-minute bookings . You generally won’t pay more compared to paying weeks earlier, but you may miss out on coverage features.

What Happens if You Buy Travel Insurance After Departure

Some travel insurance companies allow you to buy a policy after departure. However, your coverage will be subject to waiting periods, conditions, and restrictions. For example, you generally have to wait up to 24 hours for your plan’s trip cancellation and interruption benefits to become active.

Travel insurance is available with many credit cards, but it’s generally less comprehensive than a travel insurance policy. When you consider whether your credit card travel insurance benefit is adequate for your trip, check the coverage limits, what’s covered, and how long it’s covered.

You might not need a standalone travel insurance policy if you’re traveling domestically, have health insurance coverage at your destination, and your major costs, such as air travel and hotel bookings, are flexible or refundable.

The timing of buying travel insurance can influence the value and coverage you get from your travel insurance policy. When you buy travel insurance early, ideally at booking or within 2 weeks of your first trip payment , you’ll get additional benefits such as maximizing your trip cancellation coverage period and access to Cancel for Any Reason coverage. Read our guide to find some of the cheapest travel insurance policies available.

Getting travel insurance closer to your trip departure — or even after departure — is still an option and will offer major travel insurance benefits, but you won’t get as much coverage as you could with an early travel insurance purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy travel insurance early or late.

It’s best to buy travel insurance as early as you can. The sooner you get travel insurance, the sooner your trip is covered, and you’ll likely be eligible for more benefits.

How far ahead should you get travel insurance?

You should get travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked travel. Generally, travel policies are available as early as 12 to 18 months before departure, but availability depends on the insurance company and policy.

Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to your trip departure date?

Don’t expect your travel insurance costs to increase or decrease as you get closer to your trip departure date. The cost of travel insurance generally stays the same no matter when you buy it, though the value differs because the later you book, the less value you’ll get.

Does it matter when I buy travel insurance?

The timing of buying travel insurance matters because the earlier you buy your coverage, the earlier your trip is protected. This early trip protection is especially important concerning trip cancellation, which reimburses your prepaid nonrefundable trip costs if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Voyager Plus Already Departed Travel Insurance

• Buy cover even though you're already on holiday
• Up to £10 million - Emergency medical expenses cover
• Up to £10,000 - Curtailment cover
• Up to £3,500 - Baggage cover
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Already Departed Travel Insurance at a great price - for peace of mind when you've already left on your trip.

Get Travel Insurance for trips you have Already Departed on with Voyager Plus

Voyager Plus Already Departed Cover

We’ve all been in this situation. You’ve packed your bags and are on the way to the airport, or worse still you’ve arrived at your holiday destination, and you realise there’s something really important that you’ve forgotten to pack.

If the thing you’ve forgotten to pack is your travel insurance, the worry and anxiety this may cause could end up ruining your whole trip. Perhaps your previous travel insurance policy expired, or you just forgot to buy a policy for this trip. With all the planning, booking, and packing, it’s easy for things to slip your mind, such as getting Travel Insurance to cover you for things like Emergency Medical Expenses or protecting your baggage.

The short answer to this question is YES YOU CAN! Whilst most Travel Insurance policies require you to purchase your policy prior to departing on your trip. Here at Voyager Plus Travel insurance, we’re in the unique position of being able offer you travel insurance after your trip has started. This is known as ‘Already Departed Travel Insurance’.

Our Already Departed cover will provide you with many of the same benefits as if you’d bought the policy prior to departing once an additional premium has been paid. Some of the benefits included as standard are:

• Emergency Medical Expenses (including repatriation) – up to £10 million
• Curtailment Cover – up to £10,000 
• Baggage Cover – up to £3,500
• Journey Disruption – up to £1,000
• And much more!

And if you suddenly feel unwell on your holiday, you may be wondering how to see a doctor when away from home, especially if you’re abroad. Our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance with Already Departed cover now includes a service where you can speak to a 24/7 doctor while abroad as standard* . To find out more about this service , click here .

To purchase a Voyager Plus Already Departed Travel Insurance policy, click the 'Get a Quote' button.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Already Departed Travel Insurance?

Technically your trip begins the moment you leave your home. Already Departed Travel Insurance is a policy designed for travellers who need travel insurance but have already started their trip or need travel insurance but are already abroad.

2. Are there any restrictions to getting a Voyager Plus Already Departed Cove

Yes, there are some policy restrictions when taking out Travel Insurance when you are already abroad or have just started your trip. The restrictions are:

• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer cover for ANY Pre-Existing Medical Conditions as medical screening is not available on an already departed basis.
• Cover is only available on a Single Trip basis (Already Departed cover is not available on an Annual Multi-Trip basis, if you do want cover for pre-existing medical conditions on an annual basis you can purchase a policy after you have returned and travel throughout the year with the knowledge that you are covered)
• The start date of cover must be the day following the purchase of your policy.
• Cover must be arranged for the remaining period of your trip so long as your trip does not exceed the maximum duration allowed for your age on a Voyager Plus policy - see the policy wording .
• The usual 14 day ‘cooling off period’ for cancelling your policy will not apply and there is a 14-day waiting period before medical expenses cover commences in respect of illness.

For full details on our policies, please click here to view the policy wording

Policy Summary:

Medical Expenses - Up to £10 million Personal Liability - Up to £3 million Curtailment - Up to £10,000 Abandonment - Up to £10,000 Personal Possessions - Up to £3,500 Financial Protection - Up to £3,000 Disruption - Up to £1,000

8 Options available including: Action Activities Cover, Cruise Travel Insurance Option, Business Travel Insurance – Business Plus Option, Enhanced Travel or Terrorism Disruption Cover... see all

Already Departed Travel Insurance Options

This Travel Insurance product offers a range of different options.

Gadget Insurance Option

Action activities cover, winter sports cover, cruise travel insurance option, sports equipment and cycle insurance cover, golf travel insurance, business travel insurance – business plus option, enhanced travel or terrorism disruption cover.

Add Travel Gadget Insurance to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to cover up to 4 gadgets per policy including, mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, games consoles, headphones and much more!

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies include 100+ sports and hazardous activities at no additional cost. You can upgrade to include more adventurous activities and sports such as glacier walking (over 2000m), white water canoeing/rafting (up to grade 4) and more.

Winter Sports Cover will provide protection for lost, damaged or stolen ski equipment, unused, lost or stolen ski packs and piste closure as well as extended cover for Emergency Medical Expenses for costs associated with winter sports activities.

Going on a cruise? Make sure you add our Cruise Insurance option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy so that you are covered on your cruise. Enjoy all the standard cover such as Cancellation and Emergency Medical Expenses specifically for your cruise as well as including extra cruise specific cover to Re-join your Cruise, Missed Port Departure cover, Cabin/Stateroom Confinement cover, Itinerary Change cover, Unused Excursion cover and Cruise Interruption cover.

Add Sports Equipment and Cycle Insurance Option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy if you are planning to hire or take sports equipment or a bicycle with you on your trip.

Add Golf Insurance to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to get cover for golf clubs and other golf equipment. As well as cover for the cost to hire replacement equipment, if yours is lost, stolen or damaged

Add Business Plus Insurance option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to protect your business equipment, money, staff replacement costs and more.

Add Enhanced Travel or Terrorism Disruption cover option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to cover you against travel disruptions due to acts of terror, changes in FCDO/ WHO Travel Advice Restrictions and other circumstances such as volcanic ash clouds.

GP on Demand Remote Service

Going abroad on your holiday should be an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons. However, what happens if you suddenly feel ill and want to speak to an English-speaking GP while abroad?

The good news that all Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies now include the “GP on Demand” service as standard, giving you access to medical help whenever you need it 24/7, during your period of insurance, for greater peace of mind.

What is GP on Demand and What Service Does it Provide?

Once registered with the service online, “GP on Demand” gives you access to unlimited virtual appointments, either by telephone or video-call* with a UK-based, NHS qualified GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, helping you to get professional advice when you need it most.

The medical practitioners on this service are able cover a wide range of subjects including:

• Advice for managing chronic conditions, minor illness, and acute symptoms of serious clinical conditions
• Answer general questions about prescriptions, travel, and lifestyle

Once you've booked an appointment through the GP on Demand app, you'll receive a call back from a GP within 15 minutes of the appointed time.

For more information about our GP on Demand, please visit our Voyager Plus Policy Wording page to download our “Voyager Plus 24/7 UK GP Access with GP on Demand” Booklet.

* Video appointments are available 7 days a week, between 8am and 10pm

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What is Travel Insurance and What Does it Cover?

While going on holiday should be a fun and enjoyable experience, sometimes the unexpected can unfortunately happen. Voyager Plus Travel Insurance is designed to give you financial peace of mind that you are covered should something unexpected happen, so you are not left out of pocket, in the event of a valid claim.

Travel Insurance Benefits

The following summary of Travel Insurance benefits are just some of the areas of cover included as standard across all levels of cover on our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy. Please read the policy wording here for the full cover available under the policy.

Cancellation or Curtailment

A Cancellation is where you are unable to start your trip, due to an insured reason. A Curtailment is where you have to end your trip earlier than expected, due to an insured reason.

This section provides cover for any unused and non-refundable travel and accommodation costs (including unused pre-booked excursions and course fees) that have been paid, or where there is a contract to pay, if it is necessary to cancel or curtail the planned trip because of any of the events specified in the policy wording .

Emergency Medical Expenses

Medical treatment in other countries can be very expensive. This section covers the cost of emergency medical treatment, outside your home country if you’re injured or suffer unexpected illness including with symptoms of or testing positive for COVID-19 during your trip, in line with the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Cover also includes the cost of repatriation back to your home country if medically necessary.

Please Note : If you have pre-existing medical conditions and would like cover in case you need emergency medical treatment related to them, you will need to complete a medical screening to see if cover is available and pay the appropriate additional premium.

Covers the loss, theft or damage to your baggage, meaning: personal belongings, including clothing worn, and personal luggage owned or borrowed by you that you take with you on your trip, as well as your valuables as defined in the policy wording .

Please Note : Your gadgets may not fall under the Baggage definition in the policy wording and you may need to also purchase the gadget cover Option to cover them.

Personal Accident

In the event of a serious accident from which you suffer life changing injuries during your trip the policy will provide cover in the event of your death or permanent disablement because of the accident. Please refer to the policy wording for full details on this area of cover.

Please Note : Any immediate injuries you suffer from such an incident would be dealt with under the Emergency Medical Expenses section.

Travel Delay

No one likes to be delayed when travelling!

So with Voyager Plus Travel Insurance cover is available if the public transport (meaning any aeroplane, ship, train or coach) that you are booked to travel on is delayed by at least 12 hours. If your departure from your home country is delayed for more than 12 hours and you choose to abandon your trip, instead of a payment for delay, you are covered for the cost of the trip under the Cancellation or Curtailment section of cover.

Missed Departure / Journey Disruption

Cover for additional travel and accommodation expenses in the event you miss the departure of your public transport for your trip, due to a specified reason as defined in the policy wording .

This section also covers, in the event of a Catastrophe (as defined in the policy wording ), if you are forced to move from your pre-booked accommodation to allow you to continue your trip.

These are a few of the reasons why getting travel insurance is a good idea before you travel so that you are not left out of pocket should the unexpected happen. Furthermore, Voyager Plus Travel Insurance has a wide range of features and benefits, which are just not available on cheaper products, see the policy wording for full details.

Important Information for Customers with Serious Medical Conditions - For UK Residents Only

MoneyHelper has developed a directory of specialist travel insurance to ensure customers with pre-existing medical conditions are easily able to obtain access to affordable travel insurance. If we are unable to help you and you are struggling to find medical cover that suits your needs, due to a serious medical condition, you may find a company that can help you through the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory  or by calling 0800 138 7777 - Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm. 

If you have a specific holiday of up to 62 days duration in mind, a short stay Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy will give you the peace of mind that you are protected financially if something should go wrong.

A Voyager Plus long stay policy can provide cover for trips up to 18 months (extendable to 24 months upon referral) so it is perfect for backpacking, gap years and other longer trips such as sabbaticals.

Annual Multi Trip Insurance

If you are planning on having several holidays this year then a Voyager Plus Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance policy may be for you.

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Already Travelling Travel Insurance

Already left Home, or started your Trip? Forgotten to take cover? Travel insurance has run out? Get a quote and buy now with Globelink! Available for all UK and EU and  EEA residents including residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

Get your quote now Learn More

Already abroad?

Globelink will still get you covered.

If you have already started your trip, or are already abroad, travel insurance may not be so easy to find. So whether you have already travelled and forgotten to purchase travel insurance before leaving, or if your policy has expired, or will expire part way through your trip, you can still get cover at any time while you are travelling, with a Globelink Already Travelling Policy .

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: ALL policies provide Emergency Medical, Repatriation and Cancellation & Curtailment cover if you contract Coronavirus, provided you don’t travel against your Government’s travel instructions. Should you travel to a country in which your local Government, (for UK residents, the FCDO), advise against certain travel due to COVID, your Insurance will remain valid for insured events that are not COVID related. This is on condition there is no compulsory/legal Government restriction preventing travel. Read more about COVID Cover here . Always check your Government restrictions and those of the location you plan to visit before booking and travel.

Already Travelling cover is subject to the total period outside of your usual country of residence within the UK, or the EU  not exceeding 18 months for under 65's or 6 months for ages 66-74 years and also that no claims, or any incident likely to lead to a claim has previously occurred. For example, if you lost your camera yesterday, you can’t take out this insurance today and make a claim for it.

Important Information Relating to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

In view of the type of insurance being provided, we will not accept claims arising from any pre-existing medical condition on the Already Travelling Policy, unless the medical condition falls within the No Screen Conditions .

There is an anti-fraud measure built in to our Already Travelling policy which means you cannot claim for anything for 2 days after you have taken out the policy. The only exception is if you have a serious medical emergency or are injured in an accident, which was witnessed and verified independently, then you are covered from the date of purchase.

Already travelling travel insurance policy key benefits

• 24/7 Medical Emergency Assistance service
• No hidden costs and low excess levels
• Over 60 Adventure Activities are covered for free
• Already Travelling policy is available for people aged up to 74
• Purchasing travel Insurance takes just a few minutes

So you relax in the knowledge that you can buy travel insurance even if you are already overseas. Get a free quote now and get covered!

Why Our Customers Love Us?

Average rating 4.5 / 5, from over 2323 reviews, 93% of our Customers rate their customer experience as Excellent or Great!

Globelink Internatiobal Travel Insurance are the most competitive and safe travel insurance Company to deal with. Their web site is easy to navigate and is supported by a helpful on line system. We have used them for travel in the USA, Caribbean, Greek Islands and the Mediterranean and every time their cost is better than other companies. My wife and I are Senior\'s, so naturally we look to cover us both 100% and can always rely on Globelink to provide us with adequate travel insurance cover. William Cox

Very easy website to use and always helpful if you phone.

I have used them twice before and found them very easy to deal with They also have insurance for the over 80s

We have used Globelink for a few years. Their offer is good and they makes it very easy to apply for their coverage. So far, fortunately, we have not needed to submit any claims.

All our requirements were dealt with by Josie who was very helpful indeed. Would recommend this company to all. Regards Peter Byrne and Pamela Howd

Excellent service, helpful guidance and information. Patient and understanding.

I commend Globelink as one of the few companies that realise that there are fit 82 year olds that wish to travel and visit their families. Not many companies will insure us when we pass the age of 80

We have used Globelink International Travel Insurance several times: the website is easy to use and simple to navigate; the options for \"cover\" are varied and well explained and prices are appropriate to the cover offered. The process is quick and efficient. Thank you.

Renewal service was very easy to use, with the facility to make changes if necessary.

Very clear and easy to renew. Have used them for over 15 years. A little pricey but you get what you pay for

We have used Globelink for all our travels over the last 20 years. The website is easy to use & the cover excellent. Luckily we have never had to claim so am unable to comment on this.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for the excellent service that you\'ve provided to me in choosing a travel policy. The caring nature of the team member. Thank you.

Very impressed with the simplicity and ease of use of the website. The price was also competitive and had my policy instantly after payment. Thank you Globelink I will definitely be a returning customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get travel insurance if you are already abroad.

If you are already abroad and have forgotten to take travel insurance or your travel insurance has run out, you can still get cover with an Already Travelling policy with Globelink.

How much does travel insurance if you are already abroad cost?

It depends where you are, your age and how long you are travelling for. Globelink travel insurance policy if you are already abroad costs from £ .

Get 20% OFF Covid Testing with any Travel insurance purchase

Travel Insurance After Departure

 Instant Policy Delivery

 Secure Online Purchase

 Range of Working Activities

 Six Different Policies

 Option to Extend Duration

 Cover for UK Residents

 Wide Range of Sports

 24 Hr Medical Assistance

TRAVEL INSURANCE AFTER DEPARTURE

Are you looking for travel insurance but you’ve already left home? It is a condition of most travel insurance policies in the UK that you have to have purchased a policy before you’ve left home, with the start date of your trip needing to match your UK departure. However, there are many circumstances where travellers can find themselves already abroad with no travel insurance, and it can be a real problem to arrange cover when this happens.

The main reason that most travel insurance companies will not issue cover after a departure is that it is quite common for people to not purchase insurance but then encounter a problem on their travels. They will then try to put travel insurance cover in place in an attempt to make a fraudulent claim. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for those who genuinely find themselves in a situation with no cover and a need to purchase immediate travel insurance.

But, have no fear, as here at Navigator Travel Insurance it is possible to purchase post-departure travel insurance in the UK. For those hoping to learn more about the conditions of buying travel insurance when already travelling, our experts have composed this article and are on hand to talk you through it. 

POLICIES FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE AFTER DEPARTURE

The only already abroad travel insurance sales that we can make after you have left the UK (or EU) are the Single Trip Short Stay and Single Trip Long Stay versions of the Navigator Silver, Navigator Gold, and Navigator Diamond policies. This doesn’t apply to the Annual Multi-Trip option offered on these policies.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PURCHASING POST-DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE IN THE UK

Whilst we do offer travel insurance for already travelling individuals on our aforementioned policies, several considerations need to be made before choosing the right policy for you:

THERE IS A 25% SUPPLEMENT FOR AFTER-DEPARTURE POLICIES

With our post-departure travel insurance policies, a 25% supplement will be added on top of the usual travel insurance policy fees. This will be applied automatically when you select “After-departure cover” on the options page of our website. We cannot offer cover if you are currently in a country against the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development (FCDO) advice.

In the UK, you must consider the UK’s FCDO advice before you choose to travel to any destination. If the FCDO has travel advice in place which states that it “advises against all or all but essential travel”, our post-departure travel insurance policies are not valid. This same condition applies to many travel insurance policies from other providers.

HOW TO PURCHASE OUR AFTER-DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICIES

When you’re purchasing our travel insurance policies,  you will be offered a tick box option for “already departed cover”. You must tick this box to gain travel insurance whilst already travelling. When you tick this box, it will automatically increase the cost by 25%, which is the after-departure supplement that we previously mentioned. 

If you are not offered this tick box option for “already departed cover”, you are not buying the right policy and it will be invalid. Navigator Silver, Navigator Gold, and Navigator Diamond Single Trip or Long Stay travel insurance policies are the only policies that will offer you this tick box and therefore offer you cover when you’re already travelling.

ANNUAL MULTI-TRIP POLICIES ARE INVALID IF PURCHASED AFTER DEPARTURE

If you are buying post-departure travel insurance online, you will be offered Annual Multi-Trip, Single Trip, and Long Stay policies to choose from. As previously mentioned, ignore the Annual Multi-Trip policy option as these can’t be purchased after departure. 

Travel insurance policies issued after departure always exclude any claim that arises from any situation such as illness, theft, or otherwise that predates the date of inception of the policy. This seems obvious, but it is emphasised to ensure that it is understood that insurance cannot be arranged retrospectively or backdated in any way, and claims will not be considered if the incident or illness giving rise to the claim predates the policy issue.   

POST DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE DURATIONS

The already travelling insurance policy that you buy must match the overall duration of the trip that you are on. The Single Trip option is only for trips that do not exceed 62 days from the date that you left home. If your overall trip is going to be longer than 62 days from the date that you left home, you must select our Long Stay policy option, otherwise, the policy will not be valid.

ALREADY DEPARTED TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER: THE CONDITIONS

There are some conditions that you need to be conscious of when booking your post-departure travel insurance policy. When ticking the “already departed cover” box before buying your chosen policy, you are accepting the following special conditions for policies commenced after departure from the UK or your country of residence in the EU/EEA. Please read these conditions very carefully and make sure that you are aware of the implications:

• Already abroad travel Insurance cannot be assigned a start date that is the same day that you purchased the policy, it must be dated for the next day or later. 
• If there has been a gap of more than seven days in which you have been uninsured between the expiry of your last policy (if applicable) and the start of your chosen already travelling travel insurance, there will be a 14-day waiting period for the start of your illness cover.  However, this 14-day period starts counting from the day you buy the policy (the issue date). this means that if you can buy it 14 days before you need cover to start, the 14 days will have lapsed by the time you need the medical cover. This delay does not apply to accident or injury cover, but only illness cover. This condition will not apply if there has been no gap between your previous cover and this one, or the gap is not more than seven days. It will also not apply if you only left the UK in the last seven days.
• Policies started after departure will not cover claims arising from any known situation, including pre-existing medical conditions. There are no exceptions to this condition for our already travelling insurance policies.
• By purchasing post-departure travel insurance with us, you are agreeing that you are not aware of any circumstances that are likely to give rise to a claim.
•  The 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ that we offer for our immediate travel insurance does not apply to policies that start after departure. So, once you have purchased this policy it is non-refundable.
• The Navigator Silver, Navigator Gold, and Navigator Diamond policies are only available to people who are normal residents of the UK or EU. If your normal place of residence is not in the UK or EU, you cannot use these policies.  Residents of some other countries may be able to use our Global Voyager policies as these can also be started after departure with the same conditions, but are available to residents of many more countries.
• The overall period of your trip outside of your home country must not exceed the policy maximum for your age, including any period of insurance under this policy. In the event of a claim, you will be required to provide evidence of the day you first left your home country. Maximum overall durations for ages are as follows:
• Ages 18-59: 18 months
• Ages 60-74 (Anywhere): 62 days
• Ages 75-84 (Europe): 62 days
• Ages 75-84 (Worldwide): 31 days
• Ages 85 or over (Anywhere): 31 days

These are the maximum overall durations from when you left your home country until your return home. We cannot issue cover if your overall duration away from home will be longer than the above limits.

If you are unsure about any of these conditions or the post-departure travel insurance policies that we offer, do not just buy a policy from our website. We are on hand to answer any queries you have, so if in doubt you can always contact us on 0161 973 6435 or by email at [email protected] and we will answer any questions you may have. 

WHY CHOOSE NAVIGATOR TRAVEL INSURANCE

The fact of the matter is that a lot of travel insurance providers will not offer you travel insurance when abroad because of the risk of fraud that this holds. The insurance providers that do offer instant travel insurance, should you need cover last-minute whilst you’re on your travels, are specialist insurers. 

These specialist providers are knowledgeable and reliable, meaning you can trust them should you need to claim in the instance of an accident, loss, or emergency. 

Navigator Travel Insurance is one of these specialist insurance providers, as we offer several post-departure travel insurance policies to our customers. This opens up the opportunity for those who need travel insurance while already abroad to stay protected and have peace of mind while making the most of their trips. 

NAVIGATOR’S ALREADY ABROAD TRAVEL INSURANCE

At Navigator Travel Insurance, we recognise that there are often occasions when a situation can arise in which you will need immediate travel insurance cover and, in many cases, we will be able to help.

Each situation is considered on its merits and there is no hard and fast rule where we can state categorically that we can cover you. But, in an attempt to clarify, we have detailed certain situations below where we may be able to help and others where we will not:

• If you have been living and/or working overseas for several years and you are arranging travel insurance policies back to back, we cannot help. 
• If your normal place of residence is now overseas, you cannot use our policies. You need to be paying monthly private health insurance rates in the country where you reside, which are significantly more expensive than travel insurance. In this situation, you are no longer considered to be travelling, you are living abroad.

 If you are a UK or EU resident and need to start a policy from overseas whilst you’re travelling, simply follow the instructions above or contact our specialist team online now and we will consider your circumstances. 

HOW TO EXTEND YOUR EXISTING POLICY

If the travel insurance policy that you left the UK with has lapsed because you forgot to extend it, or because the insurer will not extend durations, we may be able to help. Although, this will depend on how long you have been out of the UK in total.

It is quite common for people to inadvertently take out unsuitable policies. For instance, you may have left the UK on a long-stay trip with an Annual Multi-Trip policy, not realising that the maximum duration for an individual trip on one of these is 31 or 45 days. We can often help in these circumstances.

We often get requests from people who have been working temporarily overseas and are insured by their employer or by organisations such as BUNAC. At the end of their work period, they decide to go off travelling independently before returning to the UK and find that the insurer who has been covering them cannot extend cover once their employment contract is over. We can often help with these situations as the person is clearly and genuinely travelling, not taking up residency abroad.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE AFTER DEPARTURE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Whilst the above information we’ve shared about immediate travel insurance policies may have cleared up the main details you need to know, you may still have some questions that need answering before purchasing a post-departure travel insurance policy. We’ve aimed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding already travelling insurance to better your understanding:

When Is The Best Time To Buy Travel Insurance?

For any destination around the world, type of trip, and duration of time that you will be travelling for, the best time to purchase a travel insurance policy is as soon as possible after booking your trip, if not at the same time. 

This advice also applies if you purchase your travel insurance when you’re already abroad. The sooner you buy travel insurance when already overseas, the sooner you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are covered in the event of an injury, accident, or emergency. 

Can I Buy Travel Insurance At The Airport?

Given the terms and conditions of our travel insurance when already abroad policies, it is possible to purchase travel insurance at the airport. If you purchase our policy online or over the phone, you may be able to secure the appropriate cover for you just before you board a flight or after you’ve landed. But, as previously stated, this will depend on specific conditions and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

For other insurance providers, the cut-off points can vary for providing travel insurance to travellers. For example,  if you’ve gone through customs, you may not be able to receive cover for your trip.  

How Long Does It Take To Get Travel Insurance?

It’s possible to get travel insurance last minute to ensure that you receive the cover you need whilst travelling as soon as possible. Although, there’s always a chance that when you purchase your travel insurance policy you may encounter delays in your policy providing you with cover. This applies in the case of our travel insurance whilst already abroad policies, as it can take 14 days to offer you illness cover, as mentioned in this article. 

What Does Last-minute Travel Insurance Cover Me For? 

Much like any travel insurance policy, a plan purchased last-minute will typically protect you in the case of medical emergencies and injuries; unexpected events which cause delay; cancellation;  repatriation; and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. 

It is possible to purchase travel insurance after departure last minute, and the cover that you will be offered will encompass the aforementioned factors. 

When Does Travel Insurance Start and End?

Normally, you can arrange for the exact date that your travel insurance starts to align with when your trip abroad begins. You can also assign the date for your arrival back home to be the end date of your travel insurance policy. 

However, in the case that you purchase travel insurance when already abroad, your travel insurance will start the day after or further in the future from when you purchased the policy. Certain aspects of your cover, such as medical cover, will apply after your 14-day waiting period, as previously outlined in this article, so this is worth bearing in mind. 

GET IN TOUCH WITH US FOR YOUR AFTER-DEPARTURE TRAVEL INSURANCE NEEDS

Some people simply forget to arrange cover or may have thought someone else had done this on their behalf before their travels. Suddenly, they may realise they have arrived at their destination without a travel insurance policy. Here at Navigator Travel Insurance, we can usually issue cover for you in this situation and are on hand to offer you guidance and support.

You can find out more information about our travel insurance policies on our website . Should you need any additional insight before booking your post-departure travel insurance for your next trip, be sure to contact our team of specialist advisors now who will be happy to help you.

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