Forgetting something important before a trip is a common travel woe. Travel insurance often slips the mind, even for the most meticulous planners. But can you still get travel insurance after leaving for your trip? The answer is yes, but with caveats.
Some insurers offer policies to travelers already abroad, though these may come at a higher premium than policies purchased beforehand. Securing coverage post-departure ensures you have financial protection for the remainder of your trip against unexpected events.
Woman using her phone in a hotel room to purchase post-departure travel insurance
Finding Travel Insurance After Departure
Not all insurance companies provide travel insurance to individuals already traveling. However, certain companies specialize in this type of coverage. Insurance brokers can connect you with providers offering post-departure travel insurance options.
The Flexibility of Adding Travel Insurance
In many cases, it’s possible to add travel insurance or enhance your existing coverage while already on your trip. Insurers offering post-departure policies sometimes provide medical-only coverage, catering to the immediate needs of travelers. Since cancellation and interruption coverage aren’t relevant once the trip is underway, the focus shifts to essential medical and travel protection. If trip cancellation or interruption coverage is needed, it should be requested explicitly.
Time Constraints for Purchasing Travel Insurance
When securing a travel insurance policy while abroad, coverage typically begins the day after purchase. If immediate coverage is required, consulting with a broker can help expedite the process and find suitable options.
Purchasing travel insurance on the go requires preparation. Set aside approximately 30 minutes in a quiet environment, ensuring you have all relevant trip information and a charged device. Insurers will need details about your flights, accommodations, and travel dates. Providing a return date or proof of a booked return trip is also mandatory.
The insurance premium is payable in full at the time of purchase. Should you need to extend your trip, extending your insurance coverage is usually possible, but typically up to a maximum of 365 days of total coverage.
Key Considerations When Buying Travel Insurance Late
While buying travel insurance after departure is possible, it’s vital to understand the limitations. Policies purchased after leaving home won’t cover incidents that occurred before the policy’s effective date. A waiting period before coverage starts is standard.
What happens if a medical emergency arises while traveling without prior insurance? Unfortunately, obtaining coverage after an illness or injury is generally not possible. Any medical issues predating the policy’s purchase will not be covered.
Some insurers may decline coverage after a trip has commenced or restrict coverage for pre-existing conditions. Therefore, even when buying travel insurance late, prioritize securing it before a medical need arises.
What if a major global crisis, such as a pandemic, occurs while you’re traveling with inadequate or no medical insurance? Adding new coverage to an existing policy might be impossible. Insurers often update their policies during global crises. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential impact on travel plans, so verifying that your travel insurance covers pandemic-related disruptions is essential.
Read More: Reading the Fine Print on a Travel Insurance Plan
How to Find Post-Departure Travel Insurance
Licensed insurance brokers specialize in finding post-departure travel insurance. They can help you get the international travel insurance and travel medical policy you need.
Buying Travel Insurance for Someone Else Already Traveling
There are situations where loved ones travel abroad without proper travel and health insurance. Luckily, it’s possible to purchase travel insurance for them even after they’ve departed.
Students traveling abroad may mistakenly believe their university or family insurance provides adequate coverage. However, this may not extend to leisure travel unrelated to their international education. Securing travel insurance for a student can shield your family from unexpected overseas medical costs.
Similarly, parents or older relatives may underestimate the importance of travel insurance until faced with potential travel risks. Purchasing travel and health insurance for them can provide crucial protection. While some policies have age limits, many allow purchases for individuals aged 90 and above.
Purchasing travel insurance for someone else before their departure offers broader coverage at a lower cost.
To buy travel insurance for another person, you’ll need their itinerary, including flight details, destinations, and travel dates, along with their contact information, pre-existing conditions, medications, and date of birth. The insurer will specify the necessary information to facilitate the purchase. Once completed, the insured individual will receive an email containing their policy details, ensuring they are protected.
Read More: Group Travel Insurance
Deadlines for Buying Travel Insurance
What is the deadline for buying travel insurance while already abroad? The latest date is the date that will provide you with some coverage after the insurer’s waiting period. Most policies can go into effect as soon as the day after you purchase their policy. For example, if your flight leaves in 12 hours and you just purchased the policy – it may not cover your first day of travel. You cannot get trip cancellation coverage after you leave
Similarly, it’s too late to buy travel insurance if a crisis impacts your travel while you are already on your trip. This includes situations such as flight delays, as coverage won’t apply due to the waiting period. Insurers are also unlikely to issue new policies in locations experiencing challenging circumstances, such as weather emergencies or political unrest, due to the elevated risk.
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Maximizing Travel Insurance Coverage When Purchased While Traveling
To make the most of travel insurance bought after departure, ensure your trip’s end date accurately reflects your return. Coverage should extend until you arrive home safely. The day and time of your arrival mark the true end of your trip, necessitating coverage until that point.
The Ideal Time to Buy Travel Insurance
Ideally, secure travel insurance before your trip to save money and access broader coverage. Purchasing insurance within 10 to 14 days of your initial trip deposit is recommended. While it’s possible to add insurance after booking, doing so before departure ensures maximum benefits.
Advance purchase unlocks certain benefits, most notably trip cancellation insurance. These policies reimburse trip costs if you’re unable to travel. However, this benefit ceases once your trip begins, as it’s no longer relevant after departure.
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In conclusion, while obtaining travel insurance after departure is possible, it’s best to plan. Securing coverage before your trip ensures maximum protection and access to a wider range of benefits.
