I’ve already booked my flight and hotel for an upcoming international trip. Can I still buy travel insurance now, or is it too late?
Of course, you are free to purchase travel insurance even after you booked everything. Majority of insurance firms will enable you to take a policy at any point before you embark on a journey. Nevertheless, a couple of things should be remembered regarding the time and the nature of coverage that you can get.
At What Time Can You Purchase Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is usually available till a day prior to your departure. At that, some plans tell you to purchase the policy 7 to 14 days after the payment of the first trip, in case you wish to enjoy some benefits to such trips, such as trip cancellation due to certain reasons.
What Coverage will you Obtain?
You can even buy core coverage even after booking your trip and they include:
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Emergency medical insurance
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Delays in the trip, missing baggage, or the loss of the passport
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Repatriation and medical evacuation
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COVID-19 costs (in the event of being covered by the policy)
But there might be some features that cannot be accessed until you buy the plan on time as in:
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Pre-existing medical condition related cancellation of trips
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Cancel For Any Reason ( CFAR ) escalations
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Insurance coverage of such events as natural disaster or civil unrest
Is it Good to Buy Early?
Whenever your bookings are made, it is always a good idea to take purchase travel insurance. This will allow you to receive additional benefits and a better financial secure in the event of any sudden change or cancellation.
I’ve already booked my upcoming trip, but I forgot to buy travel insurance at the time of booking. Can I still purchase travel insurance now, and will it cover my journey properly?
Yes, you can usually purchase travel insurance even after booking your trip. Many insurers allow you to buy a policy anytime before your actual travel date. This is especially helpful if you forgot to add insurance while booking tickets or finalizing your trip.
However, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
• Timing of Purchase: You should buy the policy well before your departure. Once your journey has started, most insurers will not issue new coverage.
• Coverage Limitations: If you purchase insurance after booking but closer to the travel date, some benefits like trip cancellation due to pre-known reasons may not apply. But medical emergencies, baggage loss, or flight delays during the journey are generally still covered.
• KYC & Documentation: Ensure your KYC is completed and all details (like passport number, travel dates, and destination) are correctly mentioned when buying the policy.
So, don’t worry—you can still protect your trip by getting travel insurance now. It’s always a wise step to have coverage in place before you set off, as it provides peace of mind against unexpected expenses.