Here are some reputable companies that offer travel insurance policies after you’ve left for your trip:
1. World Nomads
Why It’s Great:
World Nomads is well-known for its flexible policies and allows travelers to buy insurance even after they’ve left. They offer coverage for a wide range of activities, making them a popular choice for adventure travelers.
Key Features:
- Covers emergency medical expenses and evacuations
- Coverage for adventure sports and high-risk activities
- Allows policy extensions and renewals while abroad
2. SafetyWing
Why It’s Great:
SafetyWing specializes in affordable travel medical insurance for long-term travelers and digital nomads. Their policies can be purchased after departure and work on a subscription model, allowing for month-to-month coverage that can be canceled anytime.
Key Features:
- Affordable monthly payments, ideal for long-term travelers
- Emergency medical coverage and some COVID-19 coverage
- Flexible policy that can be started and stopped as needed
3. Seven Corners
Why It’s Great:
Seven Corners offers a variety of plans that can be purchased after departure, including medical-only plans and comprehensive travel insurance. They’re known for their strong international support network and high medical coverage limits.
Key Features:
- High coverage limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation
- Ideal for international travelers needing medical-only or comprehensive coverage
- Multilingual 24/7 support available worldwide
4. IMG (International Medical Group)
Why It’s Great:
IMG offers customizable travel medical insurance that can be bought after departure. Their plans cover a wide range of needs, from short-term trips to long-term international stays, making them a good option for expats and students abroad.
Key Features:
- High-limit medical insurance plans with flexible terms
- Coverage available for expats, students, and missionaries
- 24/7 customer support and a global healthcare network
Types of Coverage Typically Available
When purchasing travel insurance after departure, here’s what’s usually available:
- Emergency Medical and Evacuation: Covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and evacuation back to your home country if necessary.
- Trip Interruption: Reimburses certain expenses if your trip is cut short due to covered reasons, like a family emergency.
- Baggage and Personal Belongings: Offers protection for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage.
- Adventure Sports Coverage: Some providers, like World Nomads, offer coverage for adventure activities, though it may vary by policy.
How to Choose the Right Plan
If you’re considering buying travel insurance after your trip has started, here are a few tips to find the right policy:
- Check Provider Options: Not all insurance companies allow post-departure purchases, so stick to companies known for this option.
- Understand Coverage Limits: Make sure the coverage limits meet your needs, especially for emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
- Look for Flexible Terms: Some providers, like SafetyWing, offer month-to-month plans, which can be useful for long-term travelers.
- Read the Fine Print: Verify any exclusions or waiting periods that might apply since policies bought after departure often have specific terms.
In Summary: Is It Worth It?
Purchasing travel insurance after departure can still offer valuable protection, especially for unexpected medical emergencies and interruptions. Whether you’re a long-term traveler or simply forgot to buy insurance before leaving, companies like World Nomads, SafetyWing, Seven Corners, and IMG provide flexible options to ensure you’re covered even after your journey has begun.
