The best time to buy travel insurance is as soon as possible after you make your first non-refundable travel payment or booking, ideally within 15 days. Purchasing travel insurance early maximizes your coverage window because travel insurance only covers unforeseen events. For example, if you wait too long and a known event like a hurricane is forecasted at your destination, you may not be covered for trip cancellations related to that event. Buying within this 15-day window often qualifies you for additional benefits or optional coverages such as Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and pre-existing condition waivers. Many insurers require you to purchase your travel insurance within 10 to 21 days after your initial travel payment to be eligible for such add-ons. Although you can technically purchase travel insurance anytime before your trip, including up to the day before departure, buying it early provides peace of mind and better protection for your prepaid, non-refundable expenses. In summary:

• Buy travel insurance right after booking your trip, ideally within 15 days of your first payment.
• Early purchase gives you better coverage and eligibility for optional benefits.
• You can buy insurance up until the day before travel, but coverage for known risks may be excluded if bought late.

This approach helps protect your trip investment and provides coverage for unexpected issues before and during your trip.