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By having this waiver, it's possible to be covered for medical issues on your trip despite a pre-existing medical condition, as defined in the policy. Generally, pre-existing medical conditions are excluded on our travel insurance policies, and only new medical conditions/injuries are covered. But the waiver can override that exclusion, so if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are traveling with someone who does, this is an important one!
When should I buy travel insurance?
You've decided you need travel insurance for an upcoming trip (great choice!), but now you need to know when to buy it, right?
You have some options, and we'll go over those, but the important thing to remember is that purchasing early – usually within 15 days of making your first deposit on your trip – can qualify you for additional benefits.
Those 15 days after you make your first deposit on your trip, whether it's a down payment on a cruise or a hotel reservation, are important. On most Travel Guard travel insurance plans, that is the window to qualify for some valuable additional benefits.
The specific benefits you get will vary by plan (check our compare plans page for a side-by-side), but most plans will include our pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if the insurance is purchased within 15 days of making your first trip deposit.
Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver
While you can purchase your travel insurance at any point before leaving on your trip, there are a few added benefits to purchasing early. Don't worry if you've missed the window, though. Our plans still come with great comprehensive coverage no matter when you purchase – that won't change! Be sure to check your specific policy documents to see what benefits you'll qualify for, and any limitations or exclusions.
Most of our plans at Travel Guard provide coverage for:
How do I calculate the 15-day window?
It seems straightforward but can be confusing. Do you count the day you make your initial deposit for your trip? The answer is: Yes!
So, for example, if you make your first payment for your trip on January 1, you have until January 15 to purchase your travel insurance and qualify for the additional benefits (on most policies).
When is the best time to get travel insurance?
While you can get additional benefits at any point during the 15-day window, the best time to purchase your travel insurance is as soon as possible. For most of our plans, you actually start receiving coverage for trip cancellation the day after you purchase your travel insurance.
Say you make a deposit on an all-inclusive resort and you buy your travel insurance that same day. A week later you need to cancel because a family member is sick and requires you to take care of them. Because you booked your travel insurance early, you may be covered.
As you're deciding when to purchase your travel insurance, make sure you consider those predeparture benefits that could come into play should you need to cancel your trip. You're not traveling yet, but your Travel Guard travel insurance plan could still be hard at work for you.
Can I buy travel insurance before booking my flight?
Yes! You don't have to have every detail of your trip figured out before booking your Travel Guard travel insurance plan. We know that planning travel is a process and can take months to finalize. Because of that, you can make certain changes and modifications to your policy and still take advantage of those early purchase benefits. You'll just want to contact our call center or make changes to your policy online as soon as you finalize your trip to make sure you're fully covered.
How much does travel insurance cost?
Can I buy travel insurance last minute?
Depending on the type of planner you are, last minute can mean the week before your trip or while you're on the way to the airport (we've been there!). But either way, the answer is yes.
Our most popular plans like our Deluxe, Preferred and Essential all go into effect for you the very next day. So, booking a week out is no issue.
For same-day coverage Travel Guard offers a Pack N' Go Plan that's ideal for when you need immediate coverage. Pack N' Go has some overall lower limits compared to our other comprehensive plans. But for same-day trips it’s a good option.
Get travel insurance the way you want it!
No matter when you purchase, our Travel Guard travel insurance plans come with full comprehensive coverages, global travel assistance and access to 24/7 emergency travel assistance services.
We're ready to travel with you at any time.
Tell us about yourself and your trip
Review your insurance options
Choose the plan that's right for you
Questions?
Call us at: 800-826-5248
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Coverage available to U.S. residents of the U.S. states and District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Your travel retailer may not be licensed to sell insurance, and cannot answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to purchase any other product or service from the Travel Retailer.