Here's why buying travel insurance early actually matters
We've all been there. Flights booked? Check. Accommodation sorted? Check. Travel insurance? Ah... we'll get round to that later.
It's easy to push travel insurance to the bottom of your holiday to-do list. After all, you've just spent ages comparing flights and hotels - who wants to think about what might go wrong?
But here's something that might change your mind: research from GoCompare reveals that a third of UK holidaymakers leave buying travel insurance until the very last minute. And whilst that might not seem like a big deal, it could leave you seriously out of pocket if things don't go to plan.
The last-minute insurance problem
When you buy travel insurance at the airport, or the night before you fly, you're not just rushing an important decision - you're potentially missing out on crucial protection.
Here's what can happen when you leave it late:
Limited cancellation cover
Most people don't realise that cancellation cover only protects you from the moment you buy your policy, not from when you book your trip. If you book flights in January but don't buy insurance until July, you're not covered for those six months in between.
Potentially higher costs
Some insurers charge more for last-minute policies. When you're buying at the airport, you've got no time to shop around or compare what's on offer.
Rushed decisions
When you're in a hurry, it's easy to skim the details and miss important exclusions or limits that might affect you.
What is cancellation cover, and why does it matter?
Cancellation cover is the part of your travel insurance policy that reimburses you if you have to cancel your trip before you leave.
The key thing to understand? Cancellation cover only starts from the day you buy your policy. If you book a holiday in March but don't take out insurance until the week before you travel, you're not protected for all those months in between.
Imagine booking a summer holiday, then receiving a medical diagnosis in spring that means you can't fly. Without cancellation cover in place, you'd lose everything you've paid for - flights, accommodation, transfers, etc.
When should you actually buy travel insurance?
The simple answer: as soon as you've paid your deposit or booked anything non-refundable.
Think about it this way - the moment you've spent money on your trip, that's when you need protection. Whether it's £50 for a budget flight or £2,000 for a luxury package, you'll want that money back if something goes wrong before you leave.
Buying travel insurance early means:
Full cancellation protection from day one
Time to read the policy properly and understand what's covered
The chance to shop around and find the right cover for your needs
Peace of mind that you're protected, whatever happens
Choosing the right travel insurance policy
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, and the cheapest option isn't always the best. Here's what to look for when you're comparing:
Check the cancellation cover carefully
Look at what reasons are covered for cancellation and what aren't. Some policies are more comprehensive than others.
Consider your destination
Travelling to Europe versus further afield can affect what you need. Make sure your policy covers everywhere you're planning to visit.
Think about your activities
If you're planning adventure sports, skiing, or anything beyond lounging by the pool, check these activities are included.
Look at medical conditions
If you or anyone travelling with you has pre-existing medical conditions, you'll need to declare these. Some policies have better medical cover than others.
Read the exclusions
The small print matters. Understanding what's not covered is just as important as knowing what is.
Ready to be organised? Don't leave it to the last minute - protect your trip today
Buying travel insurance doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, but it does need to be done at the right time - and that's as soon as you've booked something non-refundable.
Take a little time to compare policies, understand what you're getting, and make sure you're covered from the moment you start spending money on your trip. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you if things don't go according to plan.
Your holidays should be about excitement and adventure - not worrying about what happens if something goes wrong before you've even left home.
Thanks for reading!
Rosie at One Tree Travel 🌳
