Traveling is back! You have now booked an amazing vacation for you and your family and want to take the proper precautions to ensure you and your family remain healthy and safe while abroad.
So, when should you buy travel insurance? The simple answer is, as soon as possible. Ideally, you’ll purchase coverage no later than 15 days prior to your trip. However, figuring out the type of coverage you need, how much you need, and what type of supplemental coverage will help protect your trip, requires thoughtful consideration of what you’ll be doing on your trip and what risk factors you could encounter along the way.
If you don’t purchase insurance by that 15-day marker or you had to book your trip on short notice, don’t worry — you’ll still be able to buy coverage. Just beware the coverage could cost a little more.
Before you buy coverage, we recommend you give us a call. We can help you understand the basics of how travel insurance works, why you need it and what to look for in a policy. Here are some frequently asked question that can help you make a better, more informed decision:
Is Travel Insurance a Waste of Money?
The short answer is no. Most people pay for a vacation by setting aside money to save up for it. Travel insurance policies can help provide peace of mind and protection if anything unexpected happens on your trip. As you’re reviewing your options for travel insurance coverage, be sure to understand any exclusions relevant to your trip.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Pandemics?
As “global pandemic” became a term that the world learned and experienced in 2020, it ushered in new challenges for those who travel. What that means for you as a potential traveler is that you’ll want to consider whether COVID-19 or any other potential pandemic presents a risk for your trip. Some travel insurance policies provide protection against cancellations related to pandemics. We can help you determine the exclusions in the policy, and make sure it provides both coronavirus and general pandemic protection if you want to be covered for those events.
How Far in Advance Can I Purchase Travel Insurance?
Buying travel insurance before your trip is a smart move, but how long before your trip can you buy it?
Typically, you can only buy coverage up to 12 months in advance. This gives you protection should you need to cancel your trip for any covered reason during that year. Buying coverage sooner than that probably isn’t necessary.
When you buy coverage in advance, you won’t have to worry about cancellation fees if you end up canceling the trip. Your policy will likely cover up to 100% of your trip cost as long as you’re canceling for a covered event.
Learn More About Travel Insurance
Keep in mind that travel insurance policies will vary based on your unique needs and the type of trip you’re planning to take. When travel uncertainties abound, the cost of travel insurance is a small fraction of the potential costs of trip cancellation or travel mishap. Learn more about travel insurance before you book your trip so you can choose the right policy for you.
Give us a call today — our expert agents are ready and waiting to help!
