You’ve booked the flights, secured the Airbnb, and maybe even splurged on that once-in-a-lifetime tour. Then comes the next question: Do I buy travel insurance now?
The short answer: yes, timing matters when buying travel insurance. Coverage works best when you purchase it early (ideally right after your first trip deposit). But there are other windows worth knowing about. Here’s a clear breakdown of the best time to buy travel insurance, what you gain at each stage, and when waiting is no longer an option.
Right after booking: the smartest time to buy
The sooner you purchase travel insurance, the sooner your coverage kicks in. Buy right after booking and you’ll:
- Be eligible for our Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on (must be purchased within 14 days of your first trip deposit)
- Secure coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if you meet the eligibility requirements
- Protect prepaid, non-refundable trip costs like flights, hotels, and tours as soon as they’re on your card
Think of it like hitting save right after writing a big chunk of your novel. You could wait, but why risk losing it?
Example: A family of four books a ski trip to Colorado. If one child comes down with the flu before departure, trip cancellation coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses, like those prepaid lift passes and lodging costs. Without insurance, that investment could be lost.
Within 14 days: the critical window
That two-week mark isn’t arbitrary. Many valuable travel insurance benefits, like coverage for pre-existing conditions or CFAR, are only available if you buy within 14 days of your initial trip payment.
Example: You book a Mediterranean cruise in January for July. If you add travel insurance within 14 days of booking that cruise, you can qualify for coverage even if you have a pre-existing medical condition (as long as you’re medically able to travel when you buy). Miss that window and you may lose eligibility.
Tip: If you can’t buy immediately after booking, circle the 14-day mark on your calendar. It’s the cutoff for some of the most valuable protection as mentioned above.
Before departure: better late than never
Forgot to buy travel insurance until the week of your trip? You’re not alone. Many travelers add coverage last minute, and it can still be worthwhile.
Even if you’ve missed the early perks, you can still get covered for things like:
- Emergency medical expenses abroad
- Travel delays and missed connections
- Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
Just know that trip cancellation insurance won’t apply if you’ve already had to cancel or if something foreseeable has happened (like a named storm forming before you buy). Travel insurance can protect you from the unexpected, not the already-in-motion.
Example: A solo traveler remembers to buy a policy while on their way to the airport. While CFAR is off the table, they can still get protection if their bag goes missing or if they need emergency medical care abroad.
FAQs
Can I buy travel insurance after booking flights?
Yes. In fact, that’s usually the best time. When buying travel insurance, input your total non-refundable trip costs as your total estimated trip cost to calculate your policy cost; this makes sure your coverage can protect your investment.
What if I only booked part of my trip?
No problem. Buy coverage now, then update your total trip cost later as you add hotels, tours, or transportation. You can increase your trip cost up to 48 hours before your trip begins, as long as you haven’t already incurred a loss or filed a claim. If you purchased CFAR, you can still increase your trip cost for new travel arrangements made within 14 days of booking.
What if I completely forget until the day before I leave?
You can still buy coverage up until departure. Just know that some benefits (like CFAR or a pre-existing conditions waiver) won’t be available anymore. And if you purchase within 48 hours of your departure date, trip cancellation benefits will not be available.
How much does travel insurance cost?
Typically 5–10% of your total trip cost. Factors include destination and trip length. That price increases if you supplement your policy with optional add-ons.
Is travel insurance worth it for domestic trips?
Yes. Even if you’re not crossing borders, things like flight cancellations, extreme weather delays, and lost baggage can derail your plans. Travel insurance can give you financial protection both domestically and internationally.
Does travel insurance cover natural disasters?
It depends. If a hurricane or severe weather situation is unforeseen when you buy your policy, coverage may apply. But once the event is named or announced, it’s considered foreseeable and won’t be covered.
If my credit card has travel coverage, do I still need travel insurance?
Credit card protections can help, but they usually come with strict limits and exclusions. For example, most don’t cover medical emergencies or emergency medical evacuation especially when abroad, and coverage caps for delays or lost bags can be much lower than a standalone plan. To see how they compare by reading our guide: Is travel insurance necessary if you have credit card trip protection?
Ready to protect your next trip?
Travel insurance is about more than protecting your flights and hotel rooms. It’s about the confidence to focus on the experiences you’ve been planning for months.
With Faye, you can:
- Get coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, and lost baggage
- Access 24/7 support through the Faye app, or by phone and email
- File claims digitally and receive approved reimbursements directly to your phone’s wallet (even while you’re still on vacation)
Protect your trip in as little as 60 seconds and travel with confidence, knowing that when surprises happen, you’re not on your own.
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