The best time to buy travel insurance is usually as soon as you book your trip, not just before you leave. The timing affects your cancellation cover, and leaving it late can leave you exposed.
Why buy when you book?
Cancellation cover usually starts on the day you buy the policy. If you book a holiday in January and buy insurance in June, an illness in March wouldn’t be covered, because it happened before your policy began. Buying early means you’re protected for the weeks or months before you travel, when you could have to cancel for an accepted reason. See cancellation cover.
Can you buy travel insurance at the last minute?
Yes, you can often buy cover shortly before you leave, and the medical and baggage sections will usually apply during the trip. But you won’t have cancellation cover for anything that happened before the policy started, and last-minute purchases can limit your options. If you’ve already booked, see buying after you’ve booked.
Annual policies and timing
With annual cover, check the policy start date and how it treats trips you’ve already booked. Some policies only provide cancellation cover for trips booked after the policy starts. See annual vs single trip travel insurance.
Cooling-off periods
Many insurers offer a cooling-off period, often around 14 days, during which you can cancel and get a refund if you haven’t travelled or made a claim. Check your own policy documents.
If your health changes
If your health changes between buying the policy and your trip, tell your insurer. Failing to do so could affect a claim. See travel insurance with pre-existing conditions.
Quick checklist
- Buy cover on the day you book your flights or holiday.
- Check the start date and the cancellation reasons.
- Keep your policy documents with your booking confirmations.
- Tell the insurer about changes to your health or trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy travel insurance the day before I travel?
Usually yes, but you won’t have cancellation cover for events before the policy started.
When does cancellation cover start?
Typically on the date you buy the policy, or the policy start date shown in your documents.
Is there a cooling-off period for travel insurance?
Many insurers offer one, often around 14 days if you haven’t travelled or claimed. Check your policy.
Do I need to tell my insurer if my health changes?
Yes. Changes after you buy the policy and before you travel should be declared.
Related travel insurance guides
- What Does Travel Insurance Cover? A Plain-English UK Guide
- Can You Buy Travel Insurance After You’ve Booked Your Holiday?
- GHIC vs Travel Insurance: What’s the Difference?
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UK in 2026?
- How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step
This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Always read the policy documents before you buy.