Can't buy travel insurance more than 1 year in advance

l.c.elliott

I've booked a holiday for end of July 2024. I've tried to buy travel insurance, as Martin Lewis says, buy it ASAB! But lots of websites are telling me that I can't buy insurance as my holiday is over a year away! So what protection do I have in the meantime if I have issues before end of July this year?

Penguin_

Do you have cover with your bank account? I have an annual policy through it which I can use if there's any issues.

TadleyBaggie

Buy an annual policy now and then renew it in a years time.

Caz3121

have you paid in full or a deposit? 

daveyjp

If you have only paid a deposit that is all that is at risk, insurance isn't worth having for 6 weeks or so.

Even if you buy an annual policy now it may exclude bookings over 12 months away.

l.c.elliott

TadleyBaggie said:

Buy an annual policy now and then renew it in a years time.

Surely that would be more expensive than just paying for a one off trip?

l.c.elliott

Caz3121 said:

have you paid in full or a deposit? 

Only the deposit.
Does that make as difference as to whether I should get insurance now or wait until end of next month to buy?

l.c.elliott

daveyjp said:

If you have only paid a deposit that is all that is at risk, insurance isn't worth having for 6 weeks or so.

Even if you buy an annual policy now it may exclude bookings over 12 months away.

So am I best just waiting til the end of next month, hoping that nothing happens in the meantime (and if it does, I'll have only lost £180) and then buying travel insurance at the end of next month?

mr_stripey

Be cautious about "only" losing your deposit.

Some companies allow you to book with a "low" deposit but you're still on the hook for the full deposit if you cancel - so check your T&C's carefully

Example for Loveholidays

3. Low deposit/Pay Monthly Payment Options

A Service Provider may in some instances offer low deposit and instalment plan options for payment of your booking and the full details will be displayed, including payment dates, at the time of booking.

Low Deposits: The initial low deposit is due per person and will be shown at the time of booking. Depending on the Travel Service(s) you choose, we will attempt to take the outstanding second deposit automatically from the same credit/debit card used to pay the initial deposit and you will be informed of the due date before booking. In the event you cancel before the due date of the second deposit, you will still remain liable for the full deposit amount (i.e. both the first and second deposit).