Traveling during the holiday season can be very stressful. It is a time of year where everyone comes together, and the logistics can get a little messy.
Because many are trying to get back to their families for some of that homemade pumpkin pie, while others find enjoyment through international travel, the roads can be packed with traffic and the airport lines can be a lot longer. Travelers are looking at an increased chance of flight delays and cancellations due to sheer volume. Add poor weather conditions into the mix, and you are bound to experience delays and cancellations first-hand.
But how do you purchase travel insurance last minute? Aren't there time-sensitive issues to take into consideration? The answer is yes.
Not to worry though, we are here to inform you of all points you need to consider prior to purchasing a plan last mintue.
1) You can purchase some travel insurance policies close to departure
Most travel insurance companies will allow for you to purchase plans 24-72 hours before departing. With TravelSafe, our coverage can be purchased until 11:59pm the day before departure.
If you let purchasing insurance for your trip slip your mind, coverage is still a possibility.
2) Terrorism is a covered reason for Trip Cancellation (for some trip insurance providers)
In 2015, the terror attacks in Paris occured around the holidays. Travelers were suddenly afraid to travel through the busy holiday season. Many were not willing to risk traveling to places that suffered from the recent attacks while many others were interested in emergency evacuation should another attack occur.
Regardless of where travelers are headed, it is comforting to know they have options should an attack occur. Travel insurance covers terrorism for domestic travel and international travel, as long as the attack happens in a city on the their itinerary.
In order to qualify for coverage, travelers must have purchased any insurance prior to the terrorist attack. Some travel insurance plans may require you to have the insurance for a certain period of time before traveling for it to be effective.
3) Cancel For Any Reason must be purchased within 21 Days of initial deposit
If you booked a last minute trip, you may still be able to purchase the Cancel For Any Reason coverage. However, if you booked your trip six months ago, chances are you won’t be able to get coverage that allows you to cancel your trip because you're just not feeling it.
4) Evacuation coverage can keep you from being stranded
Have you ever seen Home Alone, where Kate (Kevin’s mother) couldn’t get a flight back to Kevin to save her life? That was because flights were totally booked or non-existent during the holidays.
Now, most people are not forgetful enough to leave their child home, and that is definitely not a covered reason for emergency evacuation, but what if the situation is dire? What if there is a natural disaster or a political uprising? Trying to book a flight home during the airports’ hectic season is not easy. Imagine how difficult it is when you add the craziness surrounding natural disasters and political unrest.
5) Medical bills are not the best holiday gift
Travel insurance is definitely something to consider if you are traveling internationally, or domestically without insurance. Many hospitals abroad will not accept patients without payment up front.
Travel insurance can provide the hospital with promise to pay. This will ensure your treatment, and also lessen the financial burden you will experience.
Note: If you did not purchase your travel insurance within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, you will not be eligible for a pre-existing condition waiver. Read more on pre-existing conditions here.
6) Lost baggage, particularly while full of gifts, can really put a damper on the holiday
When do the airlines particularly lose baggage? When it’s most inconvenient of course!
Being without your baggage around the holiday could be tough. If your baggage is delayed, you can get reimbursements for necessities.
You can read more on baggage delay here.
If your baggage was lost, even with a few Christmas presents in tow, you may be eligible for reimbursement for lost expenses.
Note: be sure to keep all receipts, and make the claim as soon as your baggage is determined lost.
7) What the airline doesn’t pay, travel insurance can
Severe weather and mechanical breakdowns of the plane could pose a real inconvenience. It is one thing to get bumped back a few hours. It is another thing to be bumped back a few days.
Airline compensation for missed connections has been scrutinized for being limited, but travel insurance can make all the difference in the turnout of the scenario.
If you miss a connection due to something out of your control, the airline may not be able to get you to your cruise port before departure, or to your connecting flight between cities. Travel insurance can aid you in getting caught up with your trip, cover additional transportation expenses and even meals that resulted in the missed connection.
Note: Missed connection coverage does not cover circumstances you were able to prevent (like sleeping in).
The holidays are in full effect, and the travel industry is working hard. Booking last minute travel insurance for holiday travel can still benefit you and your family.
