When Should You Buy Flight Insurance? (Timing Matters)
Buying flight insurance too late can leave you unprotected — and wasting money. Here’s when to buy, and why timing can affect your coverage.
✅ Best Time to Buy Flight Insurance
The ideal time to buy is:
- Immediately after you book your flight
- While you’re still healthy
- Before storms or disruptions are forecasted
This ensures your policy will cover any unexpected events that happen afterward.
❌ Don’t Wait Until Last Minute
If you wait until:
- A hurricane is forming
- A family member is already sick
- Airline strikes are announced
…your claim may be denied due to “known events.”
Special Case: Medical Conditions
Some insurers offer waivers for pre-existing conditions — but only if you buy within 10–14 days of booking your trip.
Don’t delay if medical coverage is important.
What If You’re Already Traveling?
It’s not too late — some companies (like SafetyWing) allow you to buy insurance even while abroad.
Just keep in mind:
- Coverage may have a waiting period (usually 72 hours)
- Pre-existing issues won’t be covered
Final Thoughts
Timing is everything. Book your flight, then get insurance the same day to protect your trip from the unexpected.