When do you need to buy travel insurance-- before or after you make air and hotel reservations? Thanks.

Hi M,

IIRC, it's usually within 2 weeks of buying your plane tickets.

Some insurance companies state it has to be purchased within 72 hours of your airline booking. I found one that did not have a restriction but only covered from the date of purchase...in other words...if you had to make a claim on the policy..they would not pay it if they found out the health issue existed prior to the date of purchase.

If it's trip cancellation or interruption insurance, my experience has been 72 hours of the first booking.

Thanks, everyone. Ira, I'm having brain freeze from all this planning...what is IIRC? Thanks.

You usually need to buy insurance within a specified period in order to cover pre-existing conditions; the time varies with the insurers but is usually no longer than 2 weeks, as Ira says.

Thanks Underhill. Btw, I forgot to ask for recommendations for trip cancellation/interruption insurance carriers. Thanks.

Hi M,

If I Recall Correctly;

see www.insuremytrip.com

I purchased Insurance from travel guard, 24 hours prior to a vacation to Ireland. We were leaving for Shannon in January, and I became very sick the day of departure. I went to the Dr. he advised me not to fly, and a quick fax to travel guard and the doctor's office form, voila I had my reimbursement fast.

Some airlines will offer the option of buying insurance when you make your reservations. For United's insurance partner you can purchase it any time before your departure date.

Thanks, Ira for the intrepration and the link--I won't forget the IIRC!

Thanks, Rufus and Pjsparlor - I'm so sorry you got ill and had to cancel your trip.