Last minute travel insurance
Get quotes from 14 travel insurance brands in seconds – that’s more than any other site in Australia.
Key takeaways
- Many travel insurers will let you buy a policy up until your departure.
- It is even possible to get a policy after you have departed.
- You can get cover for medical expenses, cancellations, lost luggage and more.
Can you get last minute travel insurance?
Yes, you can get last minute travel insurance. If your trip hasn't already started, you should still be able to take out a policy with no major issues, with a few exceptions.
Use the comparison tool on this page to travel insurance from a tonne of different providers in seconds. The tool will automatically filter out any policies you don't have access to if your travel dates are too soon.
Getting travel insurance if you're already overseas
You can still get travel insurance if you're already overseas. However, your options will be a bit more limited, and there will be waiting periods before you can make a claim. If your trip is domestic, these restrictions will still apply, assuming you've started the trip already.
The main restriction is you won't be able to claim for 2 or 3 days. This is to stop people taking out last minute travel insurance for something that's already gone wrong. This article lists providers that sell travel insurance after a trip has started.
Last minute travel insurance for COVID-19
One important exception to the generally easy process of getting last minute travel insurance is COVID. Some travel insurance that covers COVID-19 has an exclusion if you buy the policy too close to the start of your trip. Generally you'll need to buy your travel insurance at least 21 days before the start of your trip to avoid these exclusions. Just another reason to buy travel insurance as soon as possible!
Last minute travel insurance tips
You might need travel insurance fast, but that doesn't mean you should just grab any old policy. There are some important things you shouldn't forget. These include:
- Declaring pre-existing medical conditions: Travel insurance can cover pre-existing conditions, but only if you declare them. Don't and you might not be covered should something go wrong.
- Taking out rental car excess cover: If you plan to rent a car, consider travel insurance with rental care excess. It'll cover your excess if you're involved in an accident and damage the car.
- Cover for other activities: If you're going skiing, golfing or cruising, make sure you get a policy that is tailored to that activity.
- Policy extension: Most insurers let you extend your travel insurance policy if you need to, making sure you're still covered if you have to extend your trip.
- Check the limits: You might be in a hurry but there's no point getting a policy if the limits are so low it would barely cover you. Take into consideration the medical costs in the country you're visiting as well as the cost of your valuables before purchasing a policy.
Frequently asked questions
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
PassportCard travel insurance review
With 3 levels of cover and multiple optional extras available, you can make your travel insurance policy cover as much or as little as you’d like.
-
Bali travel insurance
Compare Bali travel insurance quotes from over 16 brands.
-
InsureandGo Travel Insurance Review
InsureandGo Travel Insurance can save you time with a comprehensive range of policies that are easy to digest and understand. Its policies include winter sports coverage plus both single and multiple trip policies.
-
Travel Insurance Saver
Compare Travel Insurance Saver with other policies to see if they are right for you.
-
2025: How to turn 20 days of annual leave into up to 63 days off
Annual leave is precious, don't waste it! Here's the ultimate Australian travel hack to maximise your holidays in 2025.
-
ahm Travel Insurance
Comprehensive review of the travel insurance policies on offer from ahm Travel Insurance.
-
Travel insurance with insolvency cover
Will you get your money back if your travel agent goes bust before processing your booking? Here's what you need to know.
-
Medibank Travel Insurance
Medibank is a leading travel insurance provider in Australia offering cover for international comprehensive, international medical only cover and more. Read the finder.com.au review for a breakdown of the policy and more.
-
Fiji travel insurance
Ready to get moving? See quotes and compare travel insurance policies for Fiji from 14
brands -
Travel insurance for Europe
Keep yourself and your belongings safe on your European escape by comparing insurance polices today.
Ask a question