When should travel insurance begin?

JailhouseBabe

I've booked and paid for flights to New York, and hotel. This is the first time I've ever really splashed out on a vacation, so I've never worried about booking travel insurance until the last minute.

As my trip is still several months away, I'm keen to buy travel insurance now in case anything goes wrong, and am considering an annual policy if it works out cheaper. I probably won't go anywhere between now and November, but may travel again before this time next year.

My question is (sorry if this is a silly one!), if I buy annual cover, should it start now or on the first day of my journey? If it doesn't start until November, will I be covered if anything should happen in the meantime that would prevent me travelling?

Thanks for reading x

Thomask

Your cover will start on the date you specify when actually purchasing the insurance. I recommend you start it straight away. Imagine if the accomodation provider went bust (unlikely) and you lost your deposit, as an example.

I've just taken an annual policy for around £20 - it's peanuts!

pompeyrich

You should get it to start as soon as possible, in order to cover anything that may happen between now and the holiday. If you are not going away before November it may be better to just buy cover for the single trip, that would cover you for cancellation from now, as well as the benefits/cover while you were away. Best to get a few quotes, for single trip and annual and work it out from there.

buyitall

If it's an annual policy, it needs to start from now, otherwise any medical condition that started between now and when your insurance date kicks in would be classed as a pre-existing condition.