When to Buy Travel Insurance

Article in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

One of the most important steps after booking a trip is to ensure you have adequate travel insurance for the holiday you have planned. Purchasing travel insurance can be a job that’s left until the last minute, but purchasing travel insurance at the right time can have a big impact on what you’re covered for. To help you out, we’ve partnered with the FCDO to give you a guide all about the timings of purchasing travel insurance - and spoiler alert - why it’s best to do it as soon as possible.

The benefits of travel insurance

There are a huge range of benefits to booking travel insurance, for both before and during your trip. Having the appropriate insurance will mean you have the support you need if anything goes wrong in the period leading up to your holiday, and whilst you’re away. Not having the appropriate travel insurance puts you at risk in several ways – in some cases it could even leave you liable for thousands of pounds for medical treatment and expenses.

Your travel insurance should cover you for existing physical and mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you’ll be doing whilst you are away.

Before your trip starts

Purchasing insurance before you travel means that you’ll have financial support should you need to cancel your trip. Cancellations can be due to a variety of reasons, including illness, accidents, a death in the family, or needing to resit exams.

For specific guidance regarding cancellations, always read through the travel insurance provider’s policy documents before purchasing a travel plan, as each policy and provider may have different cancellation policies.

During your trip

Travel insurance is there to keep you protected while abroad, and the correct cover will provide necessary assistance in a variety of unforeseen scenarios or emergency situations. This can include:

• Trip disruption: cancelled flights, or needing to leave early due to event listed in chosen policy

• Baggage: if personal items in or on your luggage are lost, stolen or damaged

• Emergency medical expenses and medical repatriation: if you need emergency treatment while abroad, or to be evacuated and transferred home

As mentioned, not having the correct insurance could leave you liable for thousands of pounds in costs.

Should I book travel insurance for my departure date or trip start date?

A common mistake travellers make is that they book travel insurance for the day their trip starts instead of the day they travel. By starting your policy on the day of departure from your home country, you won’t miss out on valuable financial support if something happens before you go abroad.

The same also applies for when your trip is finished. Your policy should always run until the date you are back in your home country. It is important to check the end date for your travel insurance policy to ensure you are protected for the duration of your trip. Some insurance providers can extend this date if you are unable to get home or want to extend your trip.

When should I book travel insurance?

Travel insurance should be bought as soon as possible after booking your trip. It is also important to read the small print of your insurance as soon as you have booked, and to familiarise yourself with any exclusion policies.

Will I save more money if I book my travel insurance in advance?

Generally, yes! The sooner you secure your travel insurance, the better. Travel insurance policy rates are often cheaper for dates months in advance.

Purchasing travel insurance immediately after confirming your trip can also provide protection against unforeseen circumstances such as falling sick before your trip. Besides, it’s one less thing for you to organise before travelling abroad - meaning that you can focus on all the fun parts of your trip!
 

Will I need travel insurance for a Gap 360 trip?

Yes. As a responsible travel agency, all Gap 360 travellers are required to have travel insurance for their trip. We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance at the time of booking to cover unforeseen cancellations and other events. All Gap 360 customers must have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and medical repatriation.

How do I get started?

For more advice on how to book your travel insurance policy, take a look at the FCDO’s foreign travel insurance page. In addition to this, you should also check FCDO travel advice and sign up to free alerts for your destination. If you travel to a destination where FCDO advises against all but essential travel or all travel, your insurance may be invalidated.