Can I Buy Travel Insurance After Departure?
Departing Today or Very Soon? (Before You Leave Home)
If you haven't left yet even if departure is just hours away you have all three plans available. Here's how to choose:
You want a post-departure-focused plan, need flexibility, or want the peace of mind of knowing you could still buy this plan even if something delays your departure.
Your priority is medical protection at an affordable price. This Travelex plan is purpose-built for travelers who need strong emergency medical coverage quickly, without the complexity of trip cancellation add-ons. Best for short trips up to 60 days where medical-only coverage is the priority.
You're heading out on a road trip, a domestic getaway, or a last-minute trip and want coverage that activates the moment you depart backed by the trusted Berkshire Hathaway name. Particularly good for families thanks to kids-included pricing.
Forgot to Buy Travel Insurance Before Your Trip?
Already on your trip and realized you forgot to buy travel insurance? Don't panic you're not out of options. While most comprehensive plans must be purchased before departure, there are specialized post-departure travel insurance plans designed specifically for travelers who are already on the road. These plans kick in after your trip has begun and focus on what matters most once you’ve left home medical emergencies, travel delays, and trip interruptions.
On this page, we'll walk you through what post-departure travel insurance covers, who it's best for, and which plans you can still buy right now. With American Visitor Insurance, you can quickly compare and purchase eligible post-departure plans, ensuring you're protected even after your journey has already started.
What Is Post-Departure Travel Insurance?
Post-departure travel insurance is a type of plan that provides coverage after your trip has already started. Unlike standard trip cancellation plans, these policies don't cover pre-departure events but they do protect you against unexpected medical emergencies, delays, and other disruptions that can happen while you're traveling.
What post-departure insurance typically covers
- Emergency medical expenses (illness or injury during travel).
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Trip interruption (to return home early due to an emergency).
- Trip delays and missed connections
- Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
- 24/7 travel assistance
What it typically does NOT cover
- Trip cancellation (your trip has already started).
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless specifically waived).
- Events that occurred before the policy purchase date.
Who Should Buy Post-Departure Travel Insurance?
Post-departure travel insurance is ideal for:
- Travelers who forgot to buy insurance before leaving home.
- People on spontaneous or last-minute trips who skipped the planning stage.
- Travelers whose existing plan expired mid-trip.
- Those who don't need trip cancellation but want medical protection while abroad.
- Digital nomads and long-term travelers already overseas.
What Are the Best Post Departure Travel Insurance Plans in 2026?
Here are the best travel insurance options related to post-departure coverage. If your trip has already started, your options are limited and only certain plans can be purchased. The best travel insurance plans include iTravelInsured Choice Departure, Travel Med Go, and ExactCare Lite, but it's important to understand the difference iTravelInsured Choice Departure can be purchased even after your trip has already started, while Travel Med Go and ExactCare Lite must be purchased before departure. These plans focus on essential coverage like medical emergencies, travel delays, and limited trip interruption benefits. You can easily compare and purchase these plans through American Visitor Insurance, helping you choose the right coverage whether you're already traveling or planning last-minute before departure.
iTravelInsured Choice Departure is a cheapest post-departure plan from International Medical Group (IMG), designed for travelers who are heading out or already traveling and need essential protection without trip cancellation coverage.
- check_circleUp to $100,000 in emergency medical expense coverage (primary).
- check_circleUp to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation
- check_circleCoverage for trip delay and baggage delay
- check_circleIncludes Teladoc telehealth services
- check_circleAvailable for domestic and international destinations.
- check_circlePre-existing condition look-back: 60 days / Review period: 21 days.
- check_circleNo trip cancellation benefit (post-departure focus only).
- check_circleCost: iTravelInsured Choice Departure travel insurance cost starts from $31 for a 15-day trip for a 51-year-old traveler, making it an affordable option for those looking to buy travel insurance after departure.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who need solid medical and emergency protection after they've already left home.
QUICK SUMMARY
Travel Med Go is a simple, medical-focused travel insurance plan for travelers who want last-minute, fast, hassle-free coverage before departure. If you're still at home and leaving soon, it offers strong emergency medical protection at an affordable price, without paying for unnecessary trip cancellation benefits.
- check_circleUp to $50,000 in emergency medical expense (primary coverage).
- check_circleUp to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
- check_circle$500 in travel delay coverage ($200/day)
- check_circle$1,000 in trip interruption (transportation only).
- check_circle$300 missed connection coverage (air and cruise).
- check_circle$1,000 baggage and personal effects coverage.
- check_circleMaximum trip length: 60 days
- check_circlePre-existing condition look-back: 180 days / Review period: 21 days.
- check_circleDoes not include trip cancellation coverage.
- check_circleCost: Travel Med Go travel insurance starts from $41 for a 15-day trip for a 51-year-old traveler, making it a reliable option for last-minute travel insurance before departure.
Purchase: This plan must be purchased before your trip begins (including the day of departure). It is not available for travelers who are already abroad.
QUICK SUMMARY
ExactCare Lite is a departure-activated travel insurance plan, meaning coverage begins on the day you depart, but it must be purchased before you actually leave. It's an ideal option for same-day buyers heading out on road trips, domestic getaways, or spontaneous international trips who want reliable coverage backed by one of the world's most trusted insurers.
- check_circleUp to $50,000 in emergency medical expense (primary coverage).
- check_circleUp to $50,000 in emergency travel medical expense (primary coverage).
- check_circleUp to $1,000 in trip interruption (transportation to return home).
- check_circleCoverage for trip delay, missed connections and baggage delay.
- check_circleEmergecy medical evacuation up to $500,000.
- check_circleCoverage starts day of departure
- check_circleIdeal for road trips and domestic travel (at least 100 miles from home).
- check_circleFast "pic-and-a-click" digital claims process.
- check_circleBacked by Berkshire Hathaway one of the world's most trusted insurers.
- check_circleCost: BHTP Extra Care Lite travel insurance starts from $41 for a 15-day trip for a 51-year-old traveler, making it a reliable option if you need travel insurance for travelers already abroad with essential medical coverage
Purchase: This plan must be purchased before your trip begins (before departure date). It is not designed for travelers who are already abroad.
QUICK SUMMARY
Compare Travel Insurance Plans You Can Buy Before and After Departure
Choosing the right travel insurance depends on when you're buying it before departure or after your trip has already started. Not all plans are available once you're already traveling, so it's important to understand your options. The comparison below helps you quickly see which plans you can buy, what they cover, and which one fits your situation best.
| Feature | iTravelInsured Choice Departure | Travel Med Go | ExactCare Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy after trip started? | Yes | No | No |
| Buy on departure day? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency Medical | Up to $100,000 | Up to $50,000 | Up to $50,000 |
| Medical Coverage Type | Primary | Primary | Primary |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to $500,000 | Up to $250,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Trip Interruption | No | Up to $1,000 | Up to $1,000 |
| Trip Delay | $1,000 ($150 per Day) | Up to $500 ($200 per day) | $1,000 ($250/day) |
| Baggage Coverage | $1,000 ($250 max per item) | Up to $1,000 | Yes |
| Telehealth | Teladoc | No | No |
| Trip Cancellation | No | No | No |
| Best For | Already traveling / mid-trip | Pre-departure medical focus | Road trips / families / same-day |
| Provider | IMG | Travelex | Berkshire Hathaway |
Can I Really Buy Travel Insurance After My Trip Has Already Started?
It depends on the plan and most plans won't allow it.
The majority of travel insurance plans, including Travel Med Go and ExactCare Lite, must be purchased before your departure date. Once your trip has begun, these plans are no longer available to you. However, they are excellent options for travelers who are departing the same day or very soon, and they activate from the moment your trip begins.
iTravelInsured Choice Departure by IMG, which is specifically designed to be purchased even after your trip has already started. This makes it the only true post-departure plan of the three and a genuine lifeline for travelers who are already abroad with no coverage.
Key takeaway: you've already left home and need insurance right now, iTravelInsured Choice Departure is your go-to option. If you're still at home and departing soon, all three plans are available to you.
How to Buy Travel Insurance After Departure?
Buying travel insurance after your trip has started is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:
- If you are already traveling - You can buy iTravelInsured Choice Departure.
- If you are leaving today or soon - All 3 plans are available
Before selecting a plan, think about what coverage you actually need. Decide whether you only want medical protection or also need benefits like trip delay or interruption. Also consider how many days are left in your trip and whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, as this can affect the type of plan you choose.
Once you know your needs, use American Visitor Insurance to compare available plans in one place. You can easily see differences in coverage, benefits, and pricing, helping you choose the right option based on whether you are already traveling or about to depart.
Getting a quote is quick and simple. Just enter basic details like your age, travel dates, and destination, and you will get instant results. Since these plans focus on post-departure coverage, pricing is usually based on trip duration and traveler age, not the total trip cost.
Important Tips for Buying Travel Insurance After Departure
Don't wait; every hour uninsured increases risk. Plans like iTravelInsured Choice Departure can be purchased online from anywhere.
Most post-departure plans cover illness after 24-72 hours; accidents usually take effect sooner. Always read policy terms.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most domestic plans provide little to no international coverage.
Coverage only protects future unforeseen events, not current illnesses, injuries, or travel issues.
Call the 24/7 assistance line for pre-authorization, direct billing, and claim support.
Save medical reports, prescriptions, airline notices, police reports, and any correspondence.
Keep a screenshot or written copy of your policy number, insurer contacts, and emergency assistance info.
Real Scenarios: When Post-Departure Insurance Makes All the Difference?
Already Abroad with No Coverage
The Problem
David, 45 lands in Bangkok and only realizes at his hotel that he never bought travel insurance. That evening, he falls severely ill and needs a hospital visit, IV fluids, and an overnight stay. Without coverage, he has to pay all costs out of pocket.
The Solution
If David had purchased iTravelInsured Choice Departure immediately upon arrival, his medical expenses would have been fully covered. Even buying a plan online from his hotel could have secured protection before any symptoms appeared.
Last-Minute Purchase at the Airport
The Problem
Maria, 38 is at the departure gate for her flight to London and realizes she has no travel insurance for her 12-day trip. Without coverage, she risks paying out-of-pocket for any medical emergencies during her travels.
The Solution
She purchased Travel Med Go. Her coverage is active immediately, and policy documents arrive before boarding closes. Even last-minute travelers can secure protection if they act quickly. Post-departure insurance ensures you are covered before any unforeseen events occur, giving peace of mind right up to departure.
International Travel Insurance FAQs: Buying Before and After Departure
Which Are the Best Travel Insurance Companies in USA?
You can find reliable U.S. travel insurance providers through American Visitor Insurance, including International Medical Group (IMG), Seven Corners, Travel Insurance Services, Trawick International, Travelex Insurance Services, HTH Worldwide, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
