One in four purchase travel insurance on the day they fly

Experts warn doing so leaves travellers unprotected and at risk
Over a quarter of holidaymakers (27%) wait until the day of departure to buy travel insurance, leaving them completely unprotected against issues that could arise before their trip, new data from Go.Compare Travel has revealed.
Analysis from the price comparison website shows that in 2024, alongside the 27% purchasing travel insurance on the day of their trip, a further quarter (26%) bought insurance within a week of their holiday. Another 25% of people purchased it one month in advance, while one in five secured it within six months of their vacation.
While the data revealed that the number of people leaving travel insurance until the day they travel has decreased by 6% in the last year, Go.Compare’s travel insurance experts warn the number is still too high – and travellers need to be aware of the risks of leaving it too late.
When people purchase their single-trip travel insurance policy | 2024* | 2023** |
Same day | 27% | 33% |
Within a week | 26% | 29% |
Within a month | 25% | 25% |
Within six months | 19% | 13% |
Over six months ago | 2% | 1% |
Rhys Jones, spokesperson for Go.Compare Travel Insurance, explained: “No matter where you are planning to head off to in 2025, it’s important to make sure that you have adequate travel insurance in place in advance of your trip.
“Those buying a travel policy last minute leave themselves at risk, as you won’t be covered for any issues that arise in the run-up to your holiday, before your policy is in place – for instance, airline closures or issues with your accommodation.
“A last-minute policy is also unlikely to include cancellation cover, and cancellation is one of the main reasons that people purchase a travel insurance policy. Those with pre-existing medical conditions could also be left without coverage. So, while it’s tempting to leave it until the last minute, a bit of planning could save you stress – and money – further down the line.”
While the data reveals that there are still a significant number of people purchasing travel insurance at the last minute, it also shows that couples are the most organised, with 28% purchasing their policies 6 months before going on holiday.
Meanwhile, individual travellers leave themselves the most vulnerable, with almost a third (31%) purchasing insurance on the day they travel, and only 16% buying it within 6 months.
When people purchase their single-trip travel insurance policy | ||||
Same day | Within a week | Within a month | Within 6 months | |
Individuals | 31% | 27% | 42% | 16% |
Families | 23% | 27% | 28% | 19% |
Couples | 18% | 22% | 28% | 28% |
Rhys added, “To get the most out of your coverage, it’s best to book travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. That way, you’ll have more comprehensive options and peace of mind knowing you’re protected long before your journey begins.”
For more information about the different types of travel insurance, visit:
link