We discovered that we couldn’t extend our insurance and new policies required us to be living in the UK at the time of purchase. While most companies don’t allow you to buy travel insurance after departure, there are a few reliable insurers that do.

Can you get travel insurance if you are already overseas?

If you’re a UK resident then you are most welcome to buy a policy while already travelling. You can buy a policy even if you’re already travelling, working, living or studying in another country.

Can I start travel insurance after departure?

In most cases, you can still buy last-minute travel insurance right up until the day you leave. So even if it’s departure day and you’re not insured, it’s not too late to get cover. This is because for some insurers, your trip begins as soon as you leave your home, and ends once you’ve returned.

Can you extend travel insurance while on holiday?

It doesn’t matter whether you are already travelling, or even if you bought your original travel insurance from another company, Big Cat can extend your travel insurance cover up to a maximum of 24 months. What’s more, it can all be done online in a couple of minutes.

Is it too late to purchase travel insurance?

Is it too late? The short answer is: It’s not too late! You absolutely can buy travel insurance after booking your trip. However, it’s always best to purchase insurance as early in the process as possible.

How do I extend my travel insurance?

To avail this extension, all you need to do is write an e-mail to your insurer or claim settlement mail-id (which is mentioned on the travel insurance policy document) citing the reason for the emergency extension and request them to extend your travel insurance.

Do you need travel insurance if you live in the UK?

Should you travel to a country in which your local Government, (for UK residents, the FCDO), advise against certain travel due to COVID, your Insurance will remain valid for insured events that are not COVID related. This is on condition there is no compulsory/legal Government restriction preventing travel.

When to buy travel insurance when already abroad?

Before purchasing travel insurance when you’re already overseas, make sure you understand all the policy wording on the contract and how long it will take to receive coverage. You won’t be able to make a claim before this period starts. You must thoroughly understand a company’s policy before purchasing any sort of travel insurance.

Do You get Your National Insurance back when you leave the UK?

You cannot claim back any National Insurance you’ve paid in the UK if you leave the UK permanently. However, anything you’ve paid might count towards benefits in the country you’re moving to – if it’s one of the countries that have a social security agreement with the UK.

Why did I not take out travel insurance before I left home?

We get a lot of people who contact us as they forgot to take out insurance before they left home or are already abroad and their current insurance is about to expire, and they can’t find another travel insurance policy to take out.