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Last-Minute Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net for Short-Notice Trips

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Table of Contents

The 5 best last-minute travel insurance plans, what is last-minute travel insurance, travel insurance 101, final thoughts.

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Planning a last-minute getaway, or just forgot to buy travel insurance? You can still protect your trip with last-minute travel insurance, which covers travel delays, emergency medical treatment, and more. 

Travel insurance policies are generally available up to a day before departure . Some travel insurance companies offer post-departure travel insurance, too. It still makes sense — even at the last minute — to buy travel insurance to protect your finances and health while traveling.

This article explains how last-minute travel works, its benefits, and how to choose the best travel insurance policy before you head out the door.

You can get good coverage for your travel plans with a travel insurance policy purchased up to the day of departure. We’ve quoted several comprehensive travel insurance plans you can get at the last minute, searching for plans purchased the day before travel for a 37-year-old visiting Spain on a $2,500 trip :

Best Last-Minute Travel Insurance for Low Cost: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

While it was the most inexpensive last-minute travel insurance policy we quoted, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s ExactCare Value plan offers a good variety of coverage for the price.

It has trip cancellation and interruption coverage, up to $15,000 in medical emergency coverage, and up to $150,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation or repatriation. It also offers coverage for travel delays and baggage delays or loss. We were quoted $45 for this plan.

Best Last-Minute Travel Insurance for Travel Delays: IMG

Our quote for an iTravelInsured Travel Essential policy from IMG didn’t include emergency medical treatment or emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.

However, it excels in travel delay coverage with up to $2,000 in travel delay benefits after a 12-hour delay. It also offers up to 100% reimbursement for trip cancellations and 125% for trip interruptions. COVID-19 coverage is included in trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Our quote for this plan came to $56.13.

Best Last-Minute Travel Insurance for Sports: AXA Assistance USA

The AXA Assistance USA Silver plan covers sports and adventure activities, including sports equipment baggage and sports fees. Additional coverage includes trip cancellation and interruption, up to $25,000 in secondary emergency medical benefits, $100,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation, and benefits for travel delays and baggage loss. The quote for this policy was $78.

Best Last-Minute Travel Insurance for Primary Medical: Travelex Insurance Services

Though $15,000 in emergency medical coverage isn’t much, it’s primary coverage with an Insurance Services Travel Basic plan from Travelex . With primary coverage, you can use your emergency medical benefit to pay for medical treatment without going through other applicable insurance first.

This policy also offers up to $100,000 in medical evacuation benefits and 100% reimbursement for trip cancellations or interruptions. We were quoted $87 for this policy.

Best Last-Minute Travel Insurance for Coverage Limits: Trawick International

While more costly than some of the other policies we reviewed, the International Safe Travels Explorer plan from Trawick International offers higher benefit limits than most lower-priced policies.

You’ll get up to 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation and interruption and up to $50,000 in emergency medical reimbursement. There’s up to $200,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation benefits, up to $1,000 for travel delays, $750 for baggage and personal item loss, and $500 in missed connection benefits. This policy had a quote of $88.74.

Last-minute travel insurance is travel insurance coverage that you purchase just before departing on your trip . While less robust in coverage than travel insurance purchased shortly after booking, last-minute travel insurance can cover cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical emergencies, and more. It’s a good option if you want travel insurance coverage but haven’t purchased it for a trip that’s coming up quickly.

How Last-Minute Travel Insurance Works

Like regular travel insurance , last-minute travel insurance covers travel-related financial risks. You’ll get quotes and review the policy’s terms, purchase coverage, and travel as planned. You can file a claim if you experience a covered loss, such as a trip cancellation or medical emergency.

You might pay about the same for less coverage using last-minute travel insurance, but it can save you money and offer peace of mind if you run into any trouble with your trip.

How To Get Last-Minute Travel Insurance

You can get last-minute travel insurance just like a policy purchased right after booking. Start by getting quotes from travel insurance companies, comparing costs and coverage, and purchasing a plan. Once you’ve obtained your last-minute travel insurance policy, be sure you understand the terms and conditions and keep contact information and policy details handy if you need to use your coverage.

What You’ll Miss With Last-Minute Travel Insurance

If you’ve waited until the last minute to buy travel insurance, you can still get a travel insurance policy, but that doesn’t mean you should expect the same level of coverage you could get if you purchased travel insurance shortly after booking your trip.

Trip cancellation coverage is the main benefit you’ll largely miss out on with last-minute travel insurance. While you can get cancellation coverage at the last minute, your coverage generally doesn’t take effect until the next day — and travel insurance policies generally only offer cancellations up to the day before departure. 

If you’re buying travel insurance the day before you travel, you won’t take advantage of the cancellation benefit. That’s far less valuable than a policy that offers weeks or months of trip cancellation insurance and can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable deposits.

Some travel insurance coverage is only available if you buy your policy early on, including Cancel for Any Reason coverage and waivers for preexisting conditions . These coverage types are generally only available if you purchase your policy within about 2 weeks of booking your travel.

Learn more about the best time to buy travel insurance in our guide to when to buy travel insurance .

Is Last-Minute Travel Insurance Worth It?

Last-minute travel insurance offers less value than insurance purchased shortly after booking, but travel protection is still worth buying. Even if you can’t take advantage of trip cancellation benefits, you can still get a lot of value out of other coverage areas, especially emergency medical benefits.

What Travel Insurance Covers

Travel insurance provides financial protection and support for your travel ranging from coverage for trip cancellations to medical emergencies. Coverage varies between policies, but these are common benefits offered by travel insurance:

• Baggage Protection: You can use travel insurance to get reimbursed if your baggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen, or delayed on your trip.
• Emergency Assistance: Travel insurance generally offers a Travel Support 24/7 hotline you can call to get connected with what you need, whether it’s medical facilities or replacing lost documents.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: If you’re critically injured or seriously ill, travel insurance emergency medical evacuation benefits can pay for moving you to an appropriate medical facility. Repatriation benefits can cover bringing your remains home if you die while traveling.
• Emergency Medical Expenses: Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for medical emergency treatment if you’re injured or become ill on your trip.
• Missed Connections: Travel insurance can cover the cost of rebooking your flight and accommodations if you miss a connecting flight or cruise.
• Rental Car Coverage: Your travel insurance policy may cover your rental car insurance so you can decline it at the rental desk.
• Travel Delay: You can get reimbursed for additional expenses related to travel delays, such as accommodations and meals, if your trip is delayed due to covered circumstances such as severe weather or airline strikes.
• Trip Cancellation: When you purchase travel insurance early enough, coverage extends to trip cancellation, which reimburses you for nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip. However, with last-minute travel insurance, you may not have time to take advantage of this benefit.
• Trip Interruption: Travel insurance can cover the cost of getting home and reimburse you for unused trip expenses if your trip is interrupted for covered reasons such as a medical emergency or natural disaster.

Optional coverages often include preexisting medical conditions, adventure sports , and Cancel for Any Reason .

What To Look For in Travel Insurance

As you consider last-minute travel insurance policies, take these factors into account:

• Customer Service Reviews: You want to be sure your insurance company is there for you when needed. Check customer service reviews of travel insurance companies to find out if other customers had a good experience, especially if they needed to file a claim.
• Deductibles: Understand whether the policy has deductibles you must pay before your insurance coverage kicks in and consider whether you can afford the deductible if necessary.
• Limitations and Exclusions: Consider the maximum benefit limits for coverage areas and also understand what isn’t covered by the policy.
• Trip Duration and Destination: Verify whether the policy covers your trip’s entire duration, as some don’t cover long trips. Likewise, make sure your planned destination is covered.
• Value: Compare costs to coverage, terms and conditions, and other policy details to determine which last-minute travel insurance policy offers the most value for your needs.
• What’s Covered: Find out what each policy offers in terms of benefits and ensure your priorities are covered.

When Is It Too Late To Buy Travel Insurance?

You can generally buy travel insurance up to the day before departure . Some insurance companies also offer post-departure travel insurance . It’s generally not too late to buy travel insurance — unless you’ve already run into trouble with travel. 

For example, if there’s a named hurricane heading to your destination or you’re showing signs of illness, it’s too late for you to get covered for hurricane or illness-related travel insurance coverage.

Annual Travel Insurance

If you want to get ahead for your next trip and avoid the drawbacks of last-minute travel insurance, you can purchase an annual travel insurance policy . With an annual travel insurance policy , all of your travel within the specified period is covered — and you don’t have to remember to purchase it early enough to get the best benefits.

What Travel Insurance Costs

Travel insurance generally costs 5% to 10% of your total trip cost . Purchasing at the last minute means you’ll get less coverage for your money because you don’t get the benefit of a lengthy trip cancellation period, but you generally won’t pay any more or less for last-minute travel insurance. However, your options may be more limited, particularly for add-on coverage such as Cancel for Any Reason and preexisting medical conditions.

Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

Panicking because you think your upcoming trip isn’t covered? You might be doing better than you think — if you have the right credit card. Many credit cards offer travel protection benefits; if you’ve paid for travel expenses with that card, you may already have coverage. 

But before you rely on your credit card travel insurance protection benefits, ensure you understand the coverage and any limitations. You may need more coverage than what your credit card provides, in which case it’s probably a good idea to purchase travel insurance — even at the last minute.

Read our guide to the best credit cards with travel insurance to learn more about credit card travel protection benefits.

Planning a trip can be a whirlwind experience but don’t forget to protect your trip with travel insurance — even if it comes down to the last minute. You might not get the same amount of coverage you’d get as you would with a policy purchased earlier, but last-minute travel insurance can offer a safety net while you travel. Compare policies to find last-minute travel insurance coverage that can offer peace of mind and protection.

Check out our guide on the cheapest travel insurance for further reading.

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in August 2024

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers.

Top credit cards with travel insurance

Methodology

Best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Offers direct billing.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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

On a similar note...

MarketWatch Guides is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content.  Learn More

Last Minute Travel Insurance: Coverage and Cost Guide

with our partner, Faye

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor with over seven years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she’s not working, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Last-minute travel insurance can protect your trip from unexpected roadblocks like a natural disaster, illness or other unplanned event. In general, it’s better to purchase a travel plan from an insurance company as soon as possible after booking. However, you can still get coverage for a spontaneous trip (or a planned vacation you decided to insure at the last minute).

Like any travel insurance plan, a policy purchased at the last minute protects you from unexpected events that could delay or cancel your journey. If you purchase medical coverage, you can also get emergency care for illnesses or injuries occurring during your travels.

Can You Buy Travel Insurance Last Minute?

Travel insurance protects against the same things regardless of when you purchase the policy. However, events that begin before you purchase the insurance won’t qualify for coverage, nor will pre-existing conditions.

The protections and benefits of travel insurance almost always outweigh the drawbacks, so a policy is a good investment even if you purchase it at the last minute.

How Late Is Too Late For Travel Insurance?

Most travel insurance companies will sell trip protection policies until you depart. However, they won’t cover any events or illnesses starting before you buy coverage.

For instance, if a hurricane forms before you buy your policy and eventually affects your destination, the insurer will not reimburse you under its trip cancellation insurance rules. You should always look at the fine print to find out such details.

Benefits of Getting Travel Insurance at the Last Minute

The advantages of travel insurance are comparable whether you purchase a policy after booking or right before takeoff.

• The policy still protects against events causing trip cancellation before takeoff.
• Coverage extends to any companions or family members listed on the policy.
• You can get reimbursement for trip interruptions or delays occurring after departure.
• If you purchase a plan with health insurance, you won’t have to pay for emergency treatments or medical evacuation if you become ill or injured during your trip.
• Many policies have reimbursement for lost baggage or stolen items.

Overall, the coverage provides peace of mind by giving your protection from the most common travel-related risks.

Disadvantages of Getting Travel Insurance at the Last Minute

You should be aware of the potential pitfalls of a last-minute travel insurance purchase.

• Issues arising before the purchase aren’t covered. If an illness or natural disaster in your destination started before you bought insurance, the policy will not reimburse you for cancellation. Also, some ongoing events, such as a conflict or pandemic, may require additional coverage.
• Pre-existing medical conditions may be covered, but insurers often require you to purchase a waiver within 14 days of your first trip deposit. If you wait until the last minute to buy insurance, you won’t be eligible for the waiver.
• If you wait until the last minute, you may not have time for an in-depth comparison of travel insurance providers.

You will need to decide if the protection offered by insurance services outweighs these negative aspects of last-minute coverage.

Travel Insurance Coverage Options

Here are the different types of coverage available if you purchase a last-minute travel insurance policy. Many travel insurers offer comprehensive single-trip plans covering each of the following areas.

Covered reasons are typically those events beyond your direct control. They may include an unexpected illness, death in the family, natural disaster, transportation shutdowns or legal obligations you were unaware of before purchasing the insurance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Policy

You want to be sure your travel insurance covers all your potential risk areas. However, you cannot purchase a random single-trip comprehensive policy. You should consider the details carefully before buying.

Coverage Limits

A coverage limit is the maximum amount the insurer will pay for each covered event. For instance, if you have $25,000 in medical emergency coverage, the insurer will pay for hospital bills totaling $25,000. However, if your bill is $30,000, you would have to pay the remaining $5,000 out of pocket.

You should always ensure that the coverage limits match the potential costs in your destination.

Exclusions and Pre-existing Conditions

Insurers will list exclusions, which are events and conditions they won’t cover. Pre-existing conditions are the most common exclusion. You need to ensure your last-minute insurance purchase covers pre-existing conditions or see if it is possible to purchase a waiver to get coverage. Many insurers require you to purchase your policy a minimum of 14 days before departure in order to qualify for a waiver for pre-existing conditions.

Other exclusions could include injuries occurring due to risky adventure sports or activities like scuba diving or mountain climbing.

Deductibles

Deductibles are out-of-pocket payment amounts you are responsible for before insurance coverage takes over the cost. Deductibles are most common for medical insurance. Cheaper travel insurance may have higher deductibles.

Existing Coverage

You might already have some trip insurance through another source. For example, some credit cards offer cancellation coverage if you pay for airline or hotel bookings using the card. In these cases, you would not need coverage for cancellation, or you could purchase a comprehensive plan with the lowest possible coverage limits.

Finally, if you take many last-minute trips, annual travel insurance, which provides coverage for an entire year, may be a better investment than a single-trip policy.

How To Obtain Last-Minute Travel Insurance

In addition to insurance, these providers also offer travel assistance and services to help you find medical care abroad.

Here are the steps for getting immediate travel insurance:

1. Research Companies

Carefully research the limits, policies and details of each of your chosen providers to ensure the coverage meets your needs. Reputable travel insurance providers, including AIG , Seven Corners , Travelex , Trawick and IMG , among others, offer standard policies that you can purchase up until departure.

2. Compare Coverage

After finding potential policies, you should compare coverage limits and costs before making a final purchase. We suggest getting a policy with 100% trip interruption coverage and at least $250,000 in international medical insurance.

3. Buy Online

After choosing your company and plan, you can purchase a policy easily online by providing your personal information, trip details, and payment method. Most companies offer 24/7 customer service if you need assistance with signing up or potential claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Last-Minute Travel Insurance

How late is too late for travel insurance.

You can purchase comprehensive travel insurance policies until departure. Some insurers allow you to purchase medical coverage after you leave. However, they typically require a waiting period of 48 to 72 hours before the insurance goes into effect.

Can you get travel insurance after booking a trip?

You can get travel insurance after booking a trip. However, there may be some limitations for purchasing pre-existing condition waivers and getting reimbursement for trip cancellations caused by events that started before you bought the policy.

Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip?

Travel insurance premiums are based on risk and coverage limits, not time before departure. The price will be the same regardless of when you buy it.

Is travel insurance effective immediately?

Travel insurance is effective immediately in most cases. However, some insurers require a waiting period for insurance purchased after departure.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Where to buy last minute travel insurance

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

When you are getting ready for a trip there are thousands of things to do. If you are a planner like me, you get knee deep in working out the ideal itinerary, things to do and places to stay that sometimes you forget one very important thing – travel insurance.

Don’t worry, we’ve all done it. And luckily there is a solution. You can buy last minute travel insurance online easily with many travel insurance providers. They may even cover you if you have already started your trip.

Why you need travel insurance

If you are considering traveling without insurance, you need to think again. Travel insurance is as important as carrying your passport in my opinion. It’s also the opinion of most governments who will not bail out their citizens financially in a medical emergency.

Yes most of the things that go wrong on a trip can be handled within your trip budget. Flight cancelation, lost luggage and minor illnesses where you need a trip to the pharmacy are minor inconveniences.

But, here’s the thing. If you do become seriously ill or need to be evacuated from a foreign country for medical reasons, costs can escalate rapidly. Often they can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.  On top of this, in some countries, costs for medical treatment exceed $USD 10,000 per day.

Now that’s a few more trips you are going to miss out on should you have to find that kind of cash. Chances are you may never need to claim on your insurance for this reason, but it is good to know that your back is covered.

What is covered by travel insurance

Here is a reminder of the usual things that are covered by a trip insurance policy.

Of course coverage, cost and exclusions apply depending on the provider you choose so it pays to read the policy documents and terms and conditions carefully prior to buying travel insurance.

• Medical emergencies and evacuation  – coverage if you need to be treated in hospital or evacuated to your home country for medical reasons.
• Trip cancelation – if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or the death of a loved one, some insurance companies will cover your pre-booked costs
• Luggage and belongings – coverage if your belongings are delayed, lost in transit or stolen. You will need to take reasonable care of your stuff. Claims are often rejected when people have been careless with their expensive items ie have not left them in a secure place
• Personal liability  – covers you in the event of an accident that results in bodily injury or property damage that you are held legally responsible for. This is not coverage for driving a rental car – please check your policy carefully
• Trip interruption – if you need to return home due to illness or an emergency at home, this will help you recover some of your prepaid costs.

Don’t forget to read the policy documents and coverage statements carefully

In particular, look for what countries are covered (and excluded) and the types of activities that are covered.

For example, many insurance companies do not cover activities they deem to be adventure activities as part of their standard policies. You need to pay extra to cover your horse riding or sea kayak adventure.

When should you buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is as soon as you have paid your trip deposit or booked your flights and transport arrangements.

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight? Yes you can. Just do it as your next step. This is because coverage starts the moment the insurance is purchased.

Here are some of the coverage types that require early purchase of insurance:

• Cancelation for any reason
• Cancelation for employment/work conflict reasons
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Financial default

Remember, you can’t claim for cancelations or things going wrong prior to buying travel insurance. An example is buying insurance to cover you for trip cancelation due to an existing natural disaster like a hurricane or volcano smoke cloud impacting your vacation. Your claim will be denied in this case because it was a known event.

Some travel insurance policies require that you purchase your plan within a certain number of days (usually 10-14) of making your initial trip deposit. Check the fine print carefully.

But, having said all that, if you are hours away from heading off on your trip then the likelihood is you won’t need coverage for trip cancelation.

So if you need last minute travel insurance , the timing is not as critical. The most important thing to be covered for is medical emergencies.

These days you can buy travel insurance online right up to your date of departure. At this time, things are usually pretty busy so it may not be the best time to review policy documents.

What if I already left on my trip?

If you had a face palm moment on the plane and realised that you forgot to get travel insurance all is not lost. You can organize insurance  as soon as you have internet access. Better late than never I say. Then you can enjoy your vacation knowing that you finally got that item checked off your list.

Availability depends on your country of citizenship and residence so check through the details of the policy carefully before signing up. A short waiting period may apply before you can claim some items as an example.

Is the coverage different if you buy insurance just before or during your trip?

As I mentioned earlier, you would not be covered for cancelation of your trip prior to departure but that’s a moot point as you’re already on your way. In some cases there is a waiting period of example 3 days (72 hours) before the insurance takes effect. Otherwise the insurance offered is generally the same as if you bought it prior to departure.

Do thoroughly check and understand the policy you are buying first however as some exclusions apply depending on your nationality.

Have a safe and happy trip

I hope you have the information you need about last minute travel insurance to make an informed decision for your travels.  Have an amazing trip, relaxed in the knowledge that your back is covered by your insurance policy. Safe travels!

PS – If you are traveling to Europe you might like to read our guide on why you need travel insurance for Italy

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

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Travel insurance

Travel medical insurance 2024: Your emergency coverage policy

Lizzie Nealon

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:16 a.m. UTC Nov. 13, 2023

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• Travel medical insurance pays for emergency medical expenses if you get sick or injured while on a trip.
• This coverage is especially important if you are traveling outside of the country because your U.S. health insurance may provide little to no coverage abroad. 
• The average price for a travel medical insurance policy is about $100 for a 20-day trip.

More than a third (39%) of travelers who have traveled internationally in the past five years have experienced medical issues abroad, according to a GeoBlue survey of 2,086 Americans conducted by Harris Poll. When asked how they’d cover medical expenses if they got sick or injured while on an international trip, nearly half (46%) of all respondents expected their domestic health insurance would cover them abroad, but that is often not the case. 

Travel medical insurance can help bridge a gap in health care coverage, especially when traveling outside the U.S.   

Compare the best travel insurance offers

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Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Covers COVID?

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$100,000/$1 million

Atlas Journey Preferred

Seven Corners

RoundTrip Basic

$500,000/$1 million

What is travel medical insurance?

If you get hurt or sick on a trip, travel medical insurance can help cover the cost of your emergency medical treatment. This coverage pays for ambulance services, doctor and hospital bills and prescription medicine.

Travel medical insurance is a health insurance policy that covers the cost of “reasonable and customary” emergency medical expenses that require treatment by a physician during a trip, up to your policy limit. 

You can buy travel medical insurance as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan or as a standalone policy. 

How much travel medical insurance do you need? 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

“The most common claims we see on our travel products, both consumer-purchased travel medical insurance and employer-sponsored business travel medical insurance, are for conditions like viral infections which has been particularly high in recent years because of COVID, pain (abdominal, chest, or joint), anxiety, diarrhea, rash or cough,” said Lynn Pina, chief marketing officer of GeoBlue. “These claims typically average around $435 USD.”

Pina added, “Less frequently we see claims for broken bones, cardiac arrest or stroke with costs averaging between $15,000 and $30,000, but could range as high as $300,000 or more.”

What does travel medical insurance cover?

Travel medical insurance typically covers the following if you need emergency medical treatment while on a trip:

• Ambulance service.
• Doctor and hospital bills.
• Emergency medical expenses such as X-rays needed for a broken leg.
• Emergency dental expenses.
• Prescription medication. 

Most travel medical insurance plans offer 24-hour emergency assistance. If sick or injured, you can call the helpline to facilitate emergency care and communicate with medical personnel about your condition. This is particularly helpful if you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the language. 

What does travel medical insurance not cover?

While exclusions vary by plan, most travel medical insurance policies will not cover emergency medical expenses related to:

• Extreme sports, such as skydiving and bungee diving.
• Intoxication and drug use. 
• Mental or psychological disorder.
• Normal pregnancy and childbirth.
• Preventative or elective care such as a teeth cleaning or fertility treatment. 
• Pre-existing conditions, except those waived under a pre-existing medical condition waiver.
• Routine physical exams or dental care.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver

Most travel insurance plans exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but this exclusion might be waived if certain conditions are met.

To qualify for a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you typically need to buy your travel insurance policy within 14 to 30 days of making your first trip deposit. You are also usually required to insure the full nonrefundable cost of your trip, and be medically able to travel at the time of your departure. 

If you meet the policy’s requirements, an illness or injury that happened before the effective date of your travel insurance policy will not automatically be excluded.

Some standalone travel medical insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions without a waiver.

Types of travel medical insurance

When buying travel medical insurance, pay attention to whether the emergency medical coverage is primary or secondary, to make sure your needs are being met. 

Travel insurance vs. travel medical insurance

Travel insurance can include travel medical insurance and likewise, Pina said many travel medical plans also include trip interruption and lost luggage benefits.

“Travel insurance is designed to protect against the financial loss you’d experience should you need to cancel your trip or experience an interruption in your trip,” Pina explained. “These types of plans are commonly referred to as trip cancellation plans.” 

“On the other hand, travel medical insurance is a health insurance policy that provides coverage for medical expenses should you need to seek care while traveling abroad,” said Pina. “GeoBlue consumer plans offer up to $1 million in coverage for less than $2 a day (subject to age and eligibility).”

Pina added, “If your prepaid trip costs for an international trip are for items that can be rescheduled, like airline tickets, consider a travel medical plan that provides coverage for medical expenses that will not be covered by your domestic health insurance.” 

How to get travel medical insurance 

You can typically buy a travel medical insurance policy up to the day before your trip. 

To buy travel medical insurance, follow these steps.

• Decide how much coverage you want. The top-rated plans in our best travel insurance rating provide between $50,000 and $500,000 in emergency medical expense coverage. 
• Choose a plan that meets your needs. Travel insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth allow you to enter details about your trip, then show you plan options from several companies. This is an easy way to compare prices and coverage options across several companies.  
• Buy a policy. You can buy a policy online. 
• Read your policy documents. Most travel insurance companies have a “free look” period, which allows you to return your policy for a full refund if you change your mind within that period. Take this time to read the details of your coverage and make sure it meets your needs. 

Cost of travel medical insurance

The average cost of travel medical insurance is about $5 per day , according to data from Squaremouth. This average is based on policies purchased in 2023, for an average trip length of 20 days. 

These policies do not include trip cancellation insurance . If you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage that includes both trip cancellation and emergency medical benefits, you can expect to pay about 5% to 6% of your nonrefundable trip expenses for travel insurance. 

In addition to your trip cost, these factors can influence how much you’ll pay for travel insurance:

• Your age and the age of your traveling companions.
• Your ZIP code.
• Your travel destination.
• The length of your stay. 
• The travel insurance plan (and included coverage limits) you choose. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If you’re traveling abroad, taking a cruise or heading to a remote destination, travel medical insurance can provide financial protection in the event of a medical emergency, for an average cost of $5 per day.

Most domestic health insurance policies do not provide much, if any, coverage outside of the country, so it’s a good idea to supplement your U.S. health insurance with travel medical insurance when traveling abroad.

Senior travelers should be aware that Medicare is not generally accepted outside of the U.S.

Most travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, which are defined as any medical condition that has changed during the look-back period. A look-back period can be 60 to 180 days before you bought your travel insurance, depending on the policy.

You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if you meet certain conditions, which will be explained in your travel insurance policy documents. The conditions generally include buying your plan within a few weeks of making your first trip deposit and insuring the full value of your trip.

A pre-existing medical conditions waiver provides coverage for conditions that would otherwise be excluded. It is typically available at no extra cost.

Get the trip protection you need: What does travel insurance cover?

The average cost of travel medical insurance is $101 for a 20-day trip, or about $5 a day, according to 2023 sales data from Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site.

If you’re interested in a policy that includes other valuable benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance, more comprehensive travel insurance may be worth it to you, for an average cost of 5% to 6% of your total nonrefundable trip expenses.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Lizzie's commentary has been published in Bankrate, CNBC, the Washington Post, the Washington Examiner, MSN and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Can You Buy Travel Insurance at the Last Minute?

Here's what you need to know if you don't purchase insurance at the time you book your next big trip., erica lamberg, erica lamberg's most recent stories.

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You may be eager to return to traveling, even if you’re a bit cautious about finalizing plans at this time. Perhaps you’re planning trips with shorter notice, as Covid-related situations evolve both in the US and internationally.

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“With the emergence of new variants and a constantly changing landscape of travel advisories and entry requirements, traveling during the pandemic has been a ‘wait and see’ period,” says Lisa Cheng, spokesperson with World Nomads, a travel insurance company. “That’s why more people are choosing to book at the last minute. But if you are waiting until the 11th hour to purchase travel insurance, there are a few things to watch out for.”

Related: Compare & Buy Travel Insurance for 2021

Here’s what you need to know about purchasing last-minute travel insurance.

Your Coverage May Not Kick In Right Away

When you purchase travel insurance very close to your departure, you could be subject to a waiting period, which is a specified amount of time before your coverage goes into effect. “The terms vary from insurer to insurer but, as an example, you may have to wait 24 hours before you could be eligible for any type of coverage,” says Cheng.

Additionally, you can’t wait to buy insurance until you know you’re going to make a claim. Cheng says travel insurance is only for unexpected events. For example, you can’t buy insurance when a big storm has already been named as a hurricane or tropical cyclone and is headed toward your Caribbean vacation destination. You can’t buy travel insurance when you already have symptoms of a sickness that will affect your trip plans.

Some travel insurance companies are stricter than others with cut-off dates for purchasing a policy.

“Some companies won’t allow you to buy a policy too close to the departure date or after your departure,” says Cheng. But with World Nomads, she says, you can purchase travel insurance at any point of your trip—even if you’ve already boarded your flight or have hit the road. Just remember that plans may have a waiting period before coverage goes into effect.

If you’re not sure whether your plan has a waiting period, call the company or its 24/7 travel assistance hotline.

Understand the Scope of Your Coverage

Ideally, you should purchase a travel insurance policy when you book your trip, or when you put down your first deposits. If you don’t buy it right away, a good rule of thumb is to purchase travel insurance within two weeks (or less) of booking your trip. That way you can reap all the benefits that your plan offers.

One of the main purposes of travel insurance is to protect your trip investment if you need to cancel your trip for a reason covered by the policy. These reasons include a death, serious illness or injury, severe weather, a family emergency, or an act of terrorism either in the US or at your destination. So when you purchase your policy as early as possible, you are taking advantage of the trip cancellation coverage for the longest duration.

“If you buy a comprehensive plan on the day before departure, you are essentially buying for just the post-departure benefits and you’re foregoing ‘trip cancellation’ benefits,” explains Meghan Walch, spokesperson with InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison provider.

You should also be aware that you may be outside the timeframe for getting certain valuable benefits:

You can typically get a pre-existing medical condition waiver only within 15 days of booking your trip and putting down your deposit (deadlines vary by company). This important waiver provides coverage during your trip for pre-existing conditions. “So while you may have emergency medical coverage on your plan, if it is determined that the illness you’re claiming was related to something pre-existing, your claim may be denied,” explains Walch.

You can generally add “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage only within 14 days of your initial trip deposit (some companies have a longer deadline). This add-on allows you to cancel a trip for a reason not listed in the base cancellation policy and still receive reimbursement—usually 75% of your pre-paid and non-refundable trip costs. But you have to cancel 48 hours or more before departure in order to make a CFAR claim. If you’re buying last-minute travel insurance, you’re probably too late to snag this coverage.

Related: Best “Cancel for Any Reason” Travel Insurance of 2021

“The ‘cancel for any reason’ add-on is really the only way for a traveler to recoup some of their pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if they decide not to travel because of a spike in (Covid-19) cases,” says Walch at InsureMyTrip.

In addition, standard travel insurance policies do not allow travelers to cancel a trip because of Covid-19 fears or because you don’t want to do the testing or quarantine requirements of another country. But you can cancel for those reasons if you have CFAR coverage.

How Can You Purchase Last-Minute Travel Insurance?

You can easily purchase a travel insurance policy online, whether it’s long before your trip or last-minute. “If you enter your departure date, our system will display only the plans that are available for purchase,” notes Walch with InsureMyTrip.

She says comprehensive travel insurance plans are available until the day before departure.  “Some travel medical plans must be bought before departure,” says Walch. “There may be some travel medical plans available on the day of departure, but there will be very few options.”

Erica Lamberg is a personal finance and travel writer based in suburban Philadelphia. She is a regular contributor to USA Today and her writing credits include NBC News, US News & World Report, Business Insider, Oprah Magazine and Creditcards.com . 

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Last-Minute Travel Insurance

Protecting your holiday starts with purchasing travel insurance early, but it’s never too late to get last-minute travel insurance.

Booking your holiday is exciting for anyone, but unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. While it is in your best interest to book your Travel Insurance immediately after you book your trip, we understand that sometimes it can slip through the cracks. Whether you’ve got everything planned or are in a rush to pack your bags, our Last-Minute Travel Insurance plans are designed to fit every timeline. 

If you’ve left it too late, don’t worry; we are here to help you find Last-Minute Travel Insurance that meets your needs. 

**Please Note: While we offer Last-Minute Travel Insurance options and support, it is always best to book in advance so you have cancellation cover in place. Call our experts today to find out more. 

Understanding the Risks of Delaying Travel Insurance until the Last-Minute:

• Limited Cover: Purchasing last-minute Travel Insurance can restrict your options for Travel Insurance, especially regarding trip cancellation and certain pre-existing conditions.
• Increased Stress: Rushing to buy a Last-Minute Travel Insurance Policy adds unnecessary stress to your pre-travel preparations. Securing Travel Insurance ASAB (as soon as you book) allows you to plan the rest of your holiday, with peace of mind, knowing that you are protected should you need to cancel for an insured reason
• Overlooking Details: If you leave your Travel Insurance to the last minute, you might miss crucial details needed during your trip, such as cover for certain activities like extreme sports.
• Too Late for Cover: Remember, it is too late if it has already happened. You could end up paying out of pocket for something that your Travel Insurance would have covered.
• Unprepared for the Unexpected: Delaying buying Travel Insurance leaves you vulnerable to unforeseen events. For example if a change in medical circumstance, redundancy or being called for Jury service means you need to cancel.

Finding Last-Minute Travel Insurance with Just Travel Cover

While we urge our customers to purchase their Travel Insurance in advance, we also offer support to those searching for last-minute Travel Insurance. It’s never too late to safeguard your travels; travelling without insurance is a risk you should never take.

You can secure Travel Insurance up until the very moment your trip starts, but remember, some insurers define the start of your trip as the moment you leave your home, while others allow you to book at the very last minute, right up to departure. If you’re unsure if you’re still eligible for last-minute Travel Insurance, give us a quick call. We’re here to help if you’ve left your Travel Insurance until the last minute.

Last-Minute Travel Insurance and Document Access

Get Travel Insurance in just a few minutes through our online quote system. Once you complete your purchase, your policy documents are accessible online in a secure account, so no need to wait for paperwork. Depending on how close you are to your departure time, you may opt to exclude cancellation cover too, which could save some money. Tailor your Last-Minute Travel Insurance policy to include only what you need, ensuring you pay only for the relevant cover.

Important Reminders

It is critical to review the policy wording and terms and conditions carefully before finalising your Travel Insurance payment. While you may be in a hurry to make a purchase, you still need to ensure the Travel Insurance policy you’re buying is correct. You must read the policy wording carefully to ensure you have everything you need to cover your holiday.

Last Minute Travel Insurance FAQs

Frequently asked questions about our Last Minute Travel Insurance.

Can I buy Last-Minute Travel Insurance at the airport?

Buying Last-Minute Travel Insurance at the airport is possible if you still need to purchase your policy. However, some insurers might define the start of your trip as the moment you leave your home. You should avoid purchasing your Travel Insurance at the airport if possible and secure insurance well before your trip. This way, you will be covered for cancellation cover, should something go wrong before your holiday, that means you need to cancel for an insured reason.

If you do need to secure Travel Insurance at the airport, we work with a range of Travel Insurance providers and will only show you policies that suit your travel needs, including the start date of your holiday. If you’re in a rush and purchasing Last-Minute Travel Insurance at the airport, you risk missing these details in the small print, so purchasing Travel Insurance last minute should not be the plan.

Can I buy Travel Insurance when I am already abroad?

No, we do not provide Travel Insurance to those who have already left the UK. While some insurers offer this service, it can be costly and may include a waiting period of up to 72 hours before the cover begins. This delay helps protect against fraudulent claims. We strongly recommend arranging your Travel Insurance before you depart to ensure you are fully covered.

What does Last-Minute Travel Insurance cover?

Last-minute Travel Insurance provides many of the same benefits as standard Travel Insurance, including medical expenses, emergency evacuations, lost luggage, and travel delays. However, you can exclude cancellation cover if you purchase the Insurance close to your departure date.

How much does Last-Minute Travel Insurance cost?

The cost of Last-Minute Travel Insurance varies based on several factors, including the duration of your trip, destination, age of travellers, and medical history. If you purchase your Travel Insurance at the last minute, you can exclude cancellation cover which will lower the premium you pay but offers less protection.

Why should I buy Travel Insurance in advance?

Purchasing Travel Insurance in advance is highly recommended, as cancellation cover starts immediately.. That means you’re covered for unexpected events like illness, bereavement, jury service, or redundancy, which might be too late if you leave your insurance until the last minute, and could leave you paying out of pocket. Buying early also allows you more time to understand your policy details thoroughly, ensuring that you are adequately covered for various potential issues.

Can I purchase Last-Minute Travel Insurance if I have a medical condition?

You can still purchase Last-Minute Travel Insurance even if you have a pre-existing medical condition. It is important that you disclose any pre-existing medical conditions during the application process to ensure that the cover you receive is appropriate for your needs. We will only show you policies that meet your specific needs, including your medical condition. It is not advised to purchase Travel Insurance at the last minute, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, as some insurers may not be able to cover you at the last minute, and you will cancellation cover.

• Single Trip Last-Minute Travel Insurance – for trips up to 365 days
• Annual multi trip Travel Insurance – for unlimited trips (each trip up to 93 days)
• Hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions, including terminal prognosis covered
• High levels of cancellation and emergency medical expenses cover
• Travel disruption cover (subject to age and cover level)
• Lost documents, baggage, medications and medical aids cover
• Flexibility – 3 levels of cover to suit your needs
• Travel companions can be included in the same policy
• Zero excess policies available

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June 1, 2020

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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