Last-Minute Assurance: Buying Travel Insurance Already Abroad

Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences and cultural immersion. When traveling abroad, there are many things to consider and arrange, such as accommodations, flights, activities, and currency, so it's understandable if you overlook purchasing travel insurance and don't do so until you've already left the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of travel insurance while already abroad, its availability, and the best ways to obtain it. We'll also provide tips on finding cost-effective options to suit travel insurance when you are already abroad.

Buy travel insurance before your trip is an advisable investment. 

1. What is Travel Insurance Already Abroad?

Travel insurance already abroad, also known as international travel insurance, is a specialized insurance product designed for individuals who are currently outside their home country and need coverage for various travel-related risks. Unlike standard travel insurance, which is typically purchased before the trip begins, this type of insurance is specifically tailored for those who may have forgotten to buy insurance in advance or have extended their trip unexpectedly.

Travel insurance when you are already abroad provides coverage for various unforeseen events, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. It offers peace of mind and financial protection while you explore new destinations.

You can buy travel insurance already abroad but not recommend

2. Can I Buy Travel Insurance While Already Abroad?

Yes, you can buy travel insurance while already abroad. In fact, many insurance providers offer this option to cater to the needs of travelers who may have overlooked securing coverage before leaving home. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Eligibility: Some insurance providers may have specific eligibility criteria, such as requiring travelers to have a primary residence in their home country or to purchase insurance within a certain timeframe after arriving abroad. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements of the insurance policy you're interested in.

Limitations: When purchasing this travel insurance, you may encounter limitations in coverage. For example, some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or may have shorter trip duration options.

Premium Costs: Insurance premiums can vary based on factors such as your age, destination, trip duration, and coverage needs. Be prepared for potentially higher premiums when buying travel insurance already abroad compared to purchasing it before your trip.

Check carefully your policy to understand the specific requirements

3. The difference between coverage of travel insurance already abroad and standard travel insurance

Generally, both share many similarities in terms of the types of coverage they offer. However, there are some key differences and nuances to be aware of:

Coverage Timing: Standard travel insurance is bought before your trip starts and covers events before and during your journey. Travel insurance already abroad is for travelers already outside their home country who need coverage because they forgot to buy it in advance or extended their trip.

Pre-Existing Conditions: Some policies, especially post-departure ones, might have stricter limits on pre-existing medical conditions. Review the policy terms carefully.

Trip Cancellation: Trip cancellation coverage may have limitations when buying travel insurance already abroad. It might cover cancellations due to unexpected events like illness or injury but may not include cancellations for reasons that arose before you purchased the policy.

Trip Interruption: Both types of insurance typically cover trip interruption due to unforeseen events. However, the circumstances under which trip interruption is covered may vary, so it's important to read the policy details.

Emergency Medical Expenses: Both types of travel insurance usually provide coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred during the trip. However, the extent of coverage and any exclusions can differ between policies.

Baggage Loss and Delay: Coverage for lost or delayed baggage is generally offered in both types of insurance. However, the maximum payout and coverage limits may vary.

Coverage Limits: Coverage limits for various aspects of travel insurance, such as medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage coverage, can vary widely between policies. Policies purchased after departure may have different limits or deductibles.

Policy Eligibility: Some insurers may have specific eligibility criteria for travelers buying insurance already abroad, such as requiring a primary residence in your home country or a specific time frame for purchase.

Premium Costs: Travel insurance purchased already abroad may have higher premiums compared to policies bought before departure. This is because insurers perceive a potentially higher risk when travelers purchase coverage after they've already begun their trip.

Coverage Duration: Policies purchased already abroad may have limitations on the maximum duration of coverage, so they may not be suitable for extended trips.

Don't leave it too late to buy travel insurance already abroad

4. Explore the Best Travel Insurance When Already Abroad

Allianz Global Assistance: Allianz is a well-known name in the travel insurance industry, offering a variety of plans suitable for travelers already abroad. They provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other travel-related risks. Allianz is known for its strong customer service and global network of assistance providers.

World Nomads: World Nomads specializes in travel insurance for adventurous and independent travelers. They offer flexible policies that can be purchased even if you're already on the road. Their coverage includes medical emergencies, trip interruption, and activities like adventure sports and hiking. World Nomads is popular among backpackers and digital nomads, so it is suitable for travel insurance for backpackers already abroad.

Travelner: Travelner are a global travel insurance company that provides comprehensive plans, including options for those already abroad. We offer a range of coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation. We are known for its extensive global network of providers and 24/7 customer support.

Travelner - Your Trusted Companion for Your Trip

5. FAQs

5.1 How to Get Cheap Travel Insurance Already Abroad

Finding affordable travel insurance already abroad is possible with some strategic approaches:

Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare prices and coverage. Online comparison tools can simplify this process.

Opt for Basic Coverage: Evaluate your needs and consider opting for basic coverage if you're on a tight budget. Basic plans typically offer essential coverage at a lower cost.

Increase Deductibles: You can reduce premium costs by choosing a policy with higher deductibles. Please be sure you can comfortably cover the deductible amount if needed.

Exclude Unnecessary Coverage: Review the policy to exclude coverage for risks that are unlikely to affect your trip. For example, if your belongings are not of high value, you may skip baggage insurance.

Group Policies: If you're traveling with a group, inquire about group travel insurance rates, which can be more cost-effective than individual policies.

Buy travel insurance from Travelner and travel with peace of mind.

Travel insurance while already abroad is a valuable safety net for travelers who find themselves without coverage while exploring foreign destinations. It offers protection against unexpected events that can disrupt your trip and finances. Whether you forgot to purchase insurance before your journey or decided to extend your stay, the ability to buy travel insurance while already abroad ensures you can still safeguard your travel experience.

5.2. Can I get travel insurance while abroad?

Yes, you absolutely can! Many travelers realize the importance of travel insurance only after their trip has already begun, and the great news is that they can purchase coverage even while they’re abroad.

Travelner Insurance is easy if you are already abroad and need coverage for the remaining part of your trip. You may, at any time and no matter where you are located on the globe, buy a policy online, provided you have not claimed yet or encountered an incident that you wish to be covered. After you become a member, you will be covered against such things as medical emergencies, unexpected trips, lost baggage, or delayed flights until the end of your journey.

Just remember that most insurers, including Travelner, may have a short waiting period before coverage begins—usually 24 to 48 hours after purchase—to prevent claims for existing situations.

5.3. Can non-Hong Kong residents enter Hong Kong?

Yes, non-Hong Kong residents can enter Hong Kong, but there are a few important requirements to keep in mind before traveling. By 2025, Hong Kong will be completely open to foreign travelers, and tourists and business travelers, as well as transit passengers worldwide, will be welcomed to Hong Kong. Nonetheless, it will require you to fulfill normal visa and entry criteria depending on your nationality and the intention of your visit.

The short stay of between 7 to 180 days is visa-free for most travelers, depending on their country of passport. It will be necessary to make an advance application for the relevant visa for those intending to work, study, or remain longer. The travelers are also supposed to produce evidence of further travel, enough finances, and, in certain instances, travel insurance that will take them through the period they are staying.

5.4. Can I Buy Insurance with a Residence Permit?

Yes, absolutely! In case you have a residence permit, then you are still able to purchase travel or health insurance—and in most situations, it is highly advisable. Possessing a residence permit merely implies that you are legally staying in a nation for a long period of time, although it does not necessarily imply that you are entitled to complete healthcare. That is where the private insurance, such as the Travelner Insurance, will take care of you.

Whether you’re an expat, student, or working professional, you can purchase insurance to cover medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or everyday health needs. Most insurers, including Travelner Insurance, only requires basic information such as your passport, residence details, and travel dates to issue a policy.

It’s also important to note that some countries require proof of insurance when renewing or applying for residence permits—so buying coverage not only keeps you safe but can also help with legal compliance.

5.5. What's the Latest Time to Buy Travel Insurance?

The question that is on the mind of many travelers is, When should I purchase travel insurance last? The good news is, it is possible to buy travel insurance most of the time until the day that you are covering the trip or even a few hours before your trip. Nevertheless, it is always wiser to purchase at the earliest.

The reason is the following: when you take out travel insurance immediately after making your travel plans, you become fully covered. It implies that in case you have to cancel your flight, get uncharacteristically sick, or find your travel even before traveling, then you will be insured. Putting off postponing your benefits can narrow your benefits, particularly trip cancellations and pre-existing medical condition insurance, which usually specify that you must purchase within 14-21 days after making your first trip payment.

With Travelner Insurance, purchasing coverage is quick and easy. You can compare trusted international insurance providers, select the right plan for your travel dates, and buy your policy entirely online—even at the last minute.

5.6. Can foreigners buy insurance in Taiwan?

Yes, foreigners can buy insurance in Taiwan; the insurance is, in fact, strongly suggested! Travel or health insurance allows you to cover your medical expenses, accidents, or travel inconveniences that might not be covered by other insurance plans, even when you are making a short or long trip, studying, or even working.

Taiwan has a good healthcare system, although healthcare among non-residents without healthcare coverage may prove expensive. Before traveling on short-term trips, travelers may take travel insurance that will usually cover such benefits as medical expenses, cancellation of travel, and lost baggage. As a foreigner, you might be required to join the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme for longer periods of stay, e.g., as a student or an expatriate, according to the type and duration of your visa.

If you’re looking for a convenient and reliable option, Travelner Insurance makes it easy for foreigners to purchase coverage online before traveling to Taiwan. You can compare different plans, choose coverage that suits your stay, and get your policy instantly by email.