Should You Buy Travel Insurance as Soon as You Book?

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Booking a holiday is exciting. The flights are confirmed, the accommodation is reserved, and before long you’re imagining morning walks along the beach or exploring a town you’ve never visited before. Travel insurance is often the last thing on the list, with many people planning to “sort it out closer to the trip.”

That approach can be an expensive mistake. Many travellers don’t realise that travel insurance isn’t only for what happens while you’re away. One of its biggest benefits is protecting you before you even leave home. If you become seriously ill, a close family member has a medical emergency, or an unexpected event forces you to cancel your trip, you may be able to recover some of the non-refundable costs, depending on your policy and the circumstances.

Buying insurance soon after making your first payment can mean you’re covered for certain events that occur in the months leading up to your departure. Waiting until a week before your holiday could leave you without that protection.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, take extra care when choosing a policy. Always answer medical questions honestly and declare any conditions the insurer asks about, even if they’re well managed. Failing to disclose relevant information could affect a future claim. If you’re unsure whether a condition needs to be declared, ask the insurer before purchasing the policy.

It’s also worth looking beyond the headline price. Check the excess you’ll need to pay if you make a claim, the limits for lost luggage, emergency medical expenses, rental car cover, and whether cruises or adventure activities require additional cover. The cheapest policy isn’t always the one that provides the protection you need.

Travel insurance is one of those purchases you hope you’ll never have to use. But if something unexpected happens, you’ll probably be grateful you arranged it before there was a problem to insure against.