When is The Best Time To Purchase Travel Insurance?
When Is the Best Time to Purchase Travel Insurance Before Your Next Trip?
Planning a trip is exciting — flights are booked, hotels reserved, and your itinerary is shaping up. But there’s one detail that often gets pushed to the bottom of the checklist: travel insurance. Many travelers wait until the last minute to purchase coverage, but timing matters more than you think.
Why Timing Is Important
Travel insurance doesn’t just protect you while you’re away — it can also protect you *before* your trip even starts. The moment you purchase a policy, you can be covered for unexpected events like trip cancellation due to illness, injury, or other qualifying reasons. Waiting too long could mean missing out on valuable benefits.
The Best Time to Buy: Right After Booking Your Trip
The ideal time to buy travel insurance is within 1–2 weeks of making your first trip payment. Here’s why:
Trip Cancellation Coverage Starts Immediately: Purchasing early means you’re covered in case you need to cancel before departure.
Eligibility for “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR): Many insurers require you to purchase CFAR coverage within a set time frame (often 14–21 days) from your initial trip deposit.
Pre-Existing Condition Waivers: If you need coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll usually need to buy your policy shortly after booking.
When It’s Too Late
You can technically buy travel insurance up until the day before your trip, but waiting comes with risks:
Any event that has already happened (like a storm forming or political unrest in your destination) is no longer covered.
You won’t be eligible for certain time-sensitive benefits like CFAR or pre-existing condition waivers.
The Bottom Line
To get the most from your travel insurance — and avoid gaps in coverage — purchase it as soon as possible after booking your trip. That way, you’re protected from the start and can enjoy your pre-trip excitement with peace of mind.
Tip: Compare policies carefully to ensure your coverage matches your travel plans, activities, and budget.
