As a traveller, travel insurance is one of the most important investments one can make to secure oneself during a trip, whether domestic or international, whether for work, education, or leisure. With growing risks ranging from loss of checked-in baggage to missed connecting flights and trip cancellations, travel insurance plays a vital role. Still, it is often overlooked, especially when it comes to obtaining the policy.
While in cases where travel insurance is mandatory for visas, individuals rush out to purchase the policy as soon as possible, when there is no such pressure, travellers might often overlook getting the insurance well in advance and then land on having to purchase insurance at the last moment, or sometimes even beyond the last moment.
In India, insurance companies are only allowed to offer insurance, specifically travel insurance India, while the policyholder is still within the country and their trip has not begun. This means that while travellers can buy travel insurance online at any time before their journey begins, they will be ineligible to do so after the trip has started.
What is travel insurance, and how does it work?
Travel insurance is a risk management tool enacted in the form of a contract between travellers and insurers, where, in exchange for premiums, travellers receive financial protection compensating for any losses incurred due to risks involved in travelling.
These risks are mentioned in the policy document when purchasing the policy, and the coverage offered by leading insurers, such as Bajaj Allianz, is typically several hundred times higher than the original premium paid. For example, a premium of ₹1000 can offer coverage of up to $500,000, depending on the duration, comprehensiveness, and the travel destination.
Is it Possible to Buy Travel Insurance After Departure?
No, as per IRDAI regulations, travellers in India are not allowed to buy travel insurance after starting on the journey. This is why it is not possible to buy travel insurance even after your trip has begun. However, travellers looking for specific policies can obtain international insurance from abroad, if eligible. Please note that in many cases, these international insurers that allow post-departure purchases may enforce a waiting period (often 48–72 hours), during which no claims are honoured.
For example, if you buy the policy on Day 3 of your Europe trip and fall ill on Day 4, the claim might be denied if the waiting period hasn’t expired.
Why It’s Risky to Delay Buying Travel Insurance?
Waiting until after your trip has started comes with several downsides:
- Limited coverage options compared to pre-departure plans
- Higher premiums due to perceived risk
- No coverage for pre-existing events
- Potential claim denials during waiting periods
- Fewer insurer choices, especially within India
If you're travelling to countries with expensive healthcare, such as the US, UK, or parts of Europe, this could translate to massive out-of-pocket costs.
What to Do If You Forgot to Buy Travel Insurance?
If you've already started your journey without insurance, here’s what you can do:
- Check global providers that allow mid-trip coverage
- Be prepared for limited coverage and higher costs
- Avoid buying insurance after an incident has already occurred, as it won’t be covered
- If you plan frequent travel, consider an annual multi-trip plan once you return home
Conclusion
While it’s possible to buy travel insurance after starting your trip, it’s far from ideal. Most Indian insurers do not support mid-trip purchases, and even those who do enforce waiting periods and exclusions. For hassle-free, full-scope protection, the best time to buy travel insurance online is before your flight takes off. Whether you're going for a short family vacation or an extended work trip, having proper coverage ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.
So next time, make travel insurance part of your travel checklist, not an afterthought.