How Many Days in Advance Should I Buy Travel Insurance?

How Many Days in Advance Should I Buy Travel Insurance?

Last Updated: 3 min read

Timing is everything when it comes to purchasing travel insurance. While you can buy a policy until the day before departure, the best time to secure coverage is immediately after booking your trip. 

Buying early allows you to access benefits like pre-existing condition waivers, Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, and protection from unexpected disruptions. Understanding the right window to purchase travel insurance ensures you get the most comprehensive coverage possible. Sounds like a lot to remember? Don’t worry; we’re breaking it down below. 

The Short Answer: As Soon As Possible

When it comes to buying travel insurance, sooner is almost always better. Purchasing travel insurance immediately after booking your trip maximizes coverage options and benefits and provides you with a sense of security and peace of mind. Here are a few more reasons why we recommend buying early. 

Why Buying Early Matters

  1. Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: Many travel insurance policies offer a pre-existing condition waiver, but it usually requires purchasing coverage within 14-21 days of your first trip payment. So, if you wait too long, your insurance policy may not cover any medical issues diagnosed before purchasing insurance.
     
  2. CFAR Insurance Availability: This benefit allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard policies, giving you the most flexibility if you need to cancel your trip. Purchasing a plan within 14-21 days of your initial deposit gives you the power of maximum flexibility.
  3. Coverage for Unexpected Events: If you remove anything from this article, let it be this point: anything that happens before your purchase will not be covered. Once you buy travel insurance, you and your wallet are protected from financial challenges caused by unexpected events that may impact your trip, such as natural disasters, airline strikes, or supplier bankruptcies. Also, keep in mind that pre-existing conditions are typically not covered.
  4. Locking in Pricing and Benefits: Travel insurance providers sometimes adjust rates based on destination risk, travel season, or global events. Buying early helps lock in the current price and benefits.

So, bottom line: While you can buy travel insurance until the day before departure, waiting too long can mean missing out on valuable coverage, such as pre-existing condition waivers, Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, and protection against unforeseen events.

Last-Minute Travel Insurance: How Late Is Too Late?

You can typically purchase travel insurance until the day before departure but with fewer benefits and more limitations on what events can be covered. However, if you’re already on your trip, most providers won’t allow you to buy a new policy (though some offer post-departure coverage options).

While last-minute travel insurance can still provide valuable protections, such as trip cancellation coverage if something comes up, emergency medical coverage during your trip, trip interruption, and baggage loss, it does not cover events that occurred before purchase, such as a storm threatening your destination or a travel advisory.

The Best Time to Buy Based on Trip Type

  • International Trips & Cruises: Book at least 14-21 days in advance to qualify for maximum benefits, such as pre-existing condition waivers and CFAR.
  • Domestic Trips: Purchase when you make a non-refundable payment to protect against trip cancellation or changes.
  • Adventure Trips: For adventure travel, such as skiing or hiking, it’s crucial to consider a policy with sports coverage immediately after booking. This ensures you’re fully prepared and covered for your activities and gear.
  • Last-Minute Bookings: Get coverage at least 24 hours before departure to secure trip interruption and medical benefits.

Bottom Line

The best time to buy travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip—ideally within 14-21 days of your first trip payment—to maximize your coverage options. If you’ve already booked, don’t delay further. The sooner you purchase, the better protected you’ll be against the unexpected.Need travel insurance? Compare top-rated plans today to find the right coverage for your trip.