For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the policy wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.

What’s a waiting period?

It’s the amount of time you have to wait before cover is activated and/or before a benefit becomes payable.

But why do I have to wait for cover?

To put it bluntly, it reduces the likelihood of travellers making claims as soon as they purchase insurance. It also helps to keep the price lower for everyone.

When are waiting periods applied?

Some policy benefits have a waiting period, namely:

  • Baggage Delay – you have to wait 24 hours from the scheduled arrival time before you can claim for essential items when your bags go missing.
  • Travel Delay – the delay has to be 12 hours or longer before you can claim for this cover.

In addition, if you buy your policy while already travelling, you’ll need to wait 72 hours before you can be covered under any of the policy benefits. The exception is emergency overseas medical expenses and emergency transport expenses. These come into effect immediately if you are injured in connection with an accident and it is verified by an independent third party.

Please note that your country of residence will determine the laws, regulations and tax that apply. 

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.


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