Last Minute Travel Insurance
So, your trip is booked, and maybe you've even packed your bags - whatever stage you're at, it's always a good idea to get travel insurance. Travel insurance helps protect you financially if something unexpected happens on your trip – like lost bags, cancelled holidays or medical emergencies. Whether you are booking last-minute or getting organised early, we can help you take the hassle out of buying insurance.
Can I book travel insurance last minute?
Yes, it is possible to book your travel insurance last-minute, up to the day that you go away. It's good to bear in mind that if you buy travel insurance at the last hour, it will mean that you won't have had cancellation cover up to that point.
Cancellation cover means that you could be covered if you have to cancel your trip for an unexpected reason, such as illness or bereavement. For full details on the circumstances in which you might be able to claim for cancellation, you should read your policy documents. We also have a useful guide on cancellable travel insurance with further information.
Can I get travel insurance when I'm already abroad?
It is not possible to buy a travel insurance policy with Holiday Extras if you are already abroad. This is the case for most travel insurance providers. You cannot purchase a policy once your trip has already begun, and this is classed as the moment you leave your home in the UK. If you decide to purchase insurance after you have left for your trip, then your policy will be invalid and any claims will be denied. Always purchase insurance before you leave so that you are not left without cover.
Why can't I get travel insurance if I'm already abroad?
The reason you are not able to buy a policy after you have already left for your trip, is to prevent people from buying insurance after an accident or illness has happened. The claims team will carry out thorough checks to prevent fraud like this.
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What does last minute travel insurance with Holiday Extras cover?
If you've decided to go on holiday, the last thing you want to be worrying about is something going wrong. Our bronze, silver and gold cover levels give you the flexibility to choose the protection that suits your trip, so you can travel with confidence.
Compare travel insurance cover levels
Choose from three different levels of cover, each with its own cover limits. Ranging from a simpler 'Bronze' plan to a higher level 'Gold' plan, you can tailor your policy to suit your needs. Browse the key benefits below, or see the full breakdown in our cover-level table and Policy Documents.
Bronze
| £15,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £1,000 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £2,000 | Personal belongings |
| £500 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Silver
| £20,000,000 | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £2,500 | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £3,000 | Personal belongings |
| £750 | Personal money |
| £500 | Gadget Cover |
Gold
| Unlimited | Emergency medical and repatriation expenses |
| £5,000* | Cancellation & Cutting your trip short |
| £5,000 | Personal belongings |
| £1,000 | Personal money |
| £750 | Gadget Cover |
*Or as specified on your schedule
You can also ask SYD (our AI document assistant) who can answer questions about your policy.
- Emergency Medical Cover - If you fall ill or are injured, you can focus on your recovery, secure in the knowledge that we'll cover your medical expenses.
- Trip Curtailment - Having to cut short your holiday is never nice, let alone the sting of a financial loss. With our cover, you can be rest assured that cover for curtailment is in place should you unexpectantly fall ill and be forced to return home.
- Personal Possession cover - Personal possessions cover protects your belongings against loss, theft or damage, so the items that matter the most to you can be replaced or reimbursed.
Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your policy and the authorisation of our emergency medical assistance team.
When will my travel insurance cover start?
Single Trip
If you have purchased a Single-Trip Policy, your cover will start from the date you purchase your policy.
Annual
If you have purchased an Annual Multi-Trip policy, cover will start from the date you select your policy to start. This means that if you select for your cover to start in 20 days, your cancellation protection won't begin until this date too.
Can I amend my travel insurance policy last minute?
Yes, you can amend your policy up until the date you leave, however, if you are travelling within the next 14 days, it is advisable to contact us to make any changes. If you are outside this timeframe, you can make amendments through our website or by contacting your travel agent.
Travel Insurance with Medical Conditions
It's important to get the right level of cover for your trip, especially when travelling with pre-existing medical conditions. We believe everyone deserves a hassle-free holiday. That's why we consider all medical conditions.
When booking travel insurance including pre-existing medical conditions, you'll need to declare any conditions that you have. This can be done through our simple online screening. Our friendly UK-based team are also on hand to help, should you need it. To find out more, visit our page dedicated to travelling with medical conditions.
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Let us answer your questions
Does travel insurance get cheaper the closer to your travel date?
It is possible for travel insurance to get cheaper the closer to the travel date. This is mainly because there is less time for the cancellation cover to be effective. This isn't always the case, though, and the premiums may increase the closer you get to your trip.
What happens if you go on holiday without travel insurance?
If you go on holiday without travel insurance, you will be liable to pay any costs for certain unexpected events that may interrupt your trip. This can include things like emergency medical treatment, lost belongings or being forced to cancel due to illness.
Requiring medical treatment abroad can cost thousands to tens of thousands. Without travel insurance, you would be expected to cover these costs yourself. For full details on what's covered, you should check your policy documents.
Is it better to buy travel insurance in advance?
If cancellation protection for your holiday is important to you, then yes, it's better to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This would mean you have cancellation cover in place until you go away.
Choose your cover
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Coverage for single-trips, protecting against unexpected events, emergencies, and trip cancellations.
Get covered
Annual Travel Insurance
Our annual multi-trip policies cover you for an unlimited number of trips over a twelve month period.
Get covered
Medical Travel Insurance
All medical conditions considered and 24/7 medical help available to you whilst you're abroad.
Get covered
Backpacker Travel Insurance
Let travel insurance be your safety net, ensuring your trip remains unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Get covered
Winter Sports Travel Insurance
Get cover for winter sports to safeguard you and your equipment throughout your trip.
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Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.
Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk