Booking a last-minute holiday? There’s nothing more exciting than a spontaneous getaway!
But is there still time to buy travel insurance, or is it too late?
Let’s look at what policy you can get and what you’re covered for.
When’s the best time to buy travel insurance?
The best time to buy travel insurance is when you book your holiday, or not long after.
You need to do it well ahead of time if:
- you or anyone on the policy has pre-existing health conditions – if it isn’t listed in our cover, get in touch with us.
- you'll be doing risky activities (like bungee jumping or paragliding) while abroad – you’ll need to speak to us first to see if we can cover it. You might need an add-on like adventurous sports cover.
Buy your travel insurance early. This way, you’ll be covered for cancellation before your trip begins.
You can still buy travel insurance with us on the same day as you leave for your trip. But we always recommend getting your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked it.
Don’t forget, policy limits and exclusions always apply with your travel cover!
When is it too late?
You can buy travel insurance even when you’re at the airport. In fact, you can get travel insurance until you have gone through customs at the airport.
You can't get a policy from us if you’ve passed through departures, entered another country, or are already on your trip.
When will my cover start?
Your cover usually starts the day you buy your policy (or the start date you choose for annual multi trip policies). This might be the same day if you’re buying a last-minute policy.
If you’re going on a last-minute holiday, check when your cover starts. There could be a delay of 24 hours before your policy begins.
Will my policy cover less if I buy it last minute?
This depends on your policy – the first day of your trip might not be covered if you buy your insurance last minute.
You also won't be covered for any reasons you knew about or situations that were publicly known before you bought your policy.
Learn what you’re covered for! Read our guides on holiday cancellation cover and travel disruption cover.
If you buy travel insurance last minute and declare a pre-existing medical condition, your insurer might not cover you.
It's super important to consider any optional extras for your policy. This includes cruise cover, winter sports cover and adventurous sports cover. It’s easy to forget these things when rushing to sort out your insurance.
Don’t forget, you won't be covered at all if you don't add the winter sports or cruise cover add-on and you’re taking this type of trip.
Will my insurance be more expensive if I buy it last minute?
Travel insurance isn’t always expensive if you buy it last minute. It depends on things like the insurer, where you’re going and how long for.
Can I use my GHIC/EHIC card?
A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or an older European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are useful when travelling in Europe. But they don't replace travel insurance.
The GHIC and EHIC can’t be used in countries outside of Europe or certain areas in France. You can find out where exactly these cards are valid on the NHS website.
You still need travel insurance to cover you should the worse happen. For example, if you need to be returned to the UK because of a medical emergency, or you have your belongings stolen.
Read our guide on the GHIC and EHIC to learn more about how these cards work.
Can I extend my travel insurance while abroad?
Yes, you can usually extend your cover during your trip. Make sure to contact your insurer a few days before your trip ends or cover expires if you want to extend it.
If you think this could happen before your holiday, talk to your insurer. Ask if you can extend your coverage, just in case.
Can I buy last minute insurance for a UK trip?
Not all travel insurers offer UK cover, so make sure you check.
We offer UK travel insurance for trips more than two nights in a row (or one night for single trip policies), in commercial accommodation and more than 25 miles from home. Like travel insurance for holidays abroad, you can also get cover for UK trips last minute.
Just check if it covers travel disruptions and cancellations if you’ve booked your trip last minute!
Cutting out the rush with annual travel insurance
People often buy single trip policies last minute for individual trips.
But you could get annual travel insurance if you travel a lot or have two or more trips booked this year.
Annual insurance covers you for every holiday you take in a year, up to 31 days at a time.
An annual travel policy means you won’t have any last-minute panics. Don’t forget this needs to be renewed each year if you want to use it long-term!
If you just want to buy a policy for a one-off holiday, single trip insurance is probably a better fit.
