Travel plans don’t always stay the same, and that’s completely normal.
You might buy travel insurance before booking every detail of your trip. Flights may not be finalized yet. Travel dates could still be flexible. Tours and excursions might be added later.
The good news? You can usually update your travel insurance plan as your trip details come together.
Can You Change a Travel Insurance Policy?
Yes, in most cases you can update your policy after purchase.
You can typically adjust:
- Total trip cost
- Travel dates
- Destination
Most providers allow changes up until the day before your departure, although making updates earlier is always a good idea.
How to Update Your Travel Insurance Plan
Updating your policy is simple and only takes a few steps:
1. Contact Customer Care
Have your Confirmation or Order Number ready and let a representative know what you’d like to change.
2. Review the updated cost
Your representative will check how the changes affect your premium.
- Adding trip cost or extending your trip may increase your premium
- Reducing trip cost or shortening your trip may result in a refund (if you’re within the Review Period)
3. Confirm your changes
To move forward, you’ll need to:
- Send an email confirming the requested changes and giving permission to update your policy.
- Provide payment details if there’s a price difference (you can use your original card or a new one).
4. Policy gets updated
The changes are sent to the insurance provider for processing.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Travel Insurance Policy?
There’s no penalty fee for making changes.
You’ll only pay the difference if your updated coverage costs more. If your changes reduce your coverage and you’re within the review period, you may receive a refund for the unused portion.
How Long Do Changes Take?
Most updates are processed quickly, but it can take 24–48 hours for the insurance company to finalize the changes.
Once complete, you’ll receive an updated Confirmation and Policy document by email.
Important Things to Know
- Changes are usually allowed up until one day before departure.
- Each insurance company may have slightly different rules.
- Some policies or coverage types may have specific restrictions.
- If you’re unsure, it’s always best to contact Customer Care to review your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my travel insurance after I buy it?
Yes. Most travel insurance plans allow updates to trip cost, dates, and destination after purchase.
How late can I make changes to my policy?
In most cases, you can make changes up until the day before your trip begins. Making updates earlier is recommended.
Will changing my travel insurance cost extra?
There are no fees for making changes. You’ll only pay the difference if your updated plan costs more.
Can I get a refund if I reduce my trip cost?
Yes, you may receive a refund if your premium decreases and you are still within the review period.
What information do I need to update my policy?
You’ll need your Confirmation or Order Number and details about the changes you want to make.
How do I request a policy change?
Contact Customer Care, confirm your changes via email, and provide payment details if needed.
How long does it take to update a travel insurance policy?
Most changes are processed within 24–48 hours.
Can I add new trip costs later, like excursions or tours?
Yes. You can update your total trip cost to include additional prepaid, non-refundable expenses.
Can I change my destination after buying insurance?
Yes, but it may affect your coverage and premium. Always confirm with a representative.
Are there any exceptions to changing a policy?
Yes. Some restrictions may apply depending on the provider or type of plan. Always review your policy details or speak with Customer Care.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Question
Does the insurance cover cancellation of trip due to non issuance of visa
By SohailM - September 9, 2018
Answer
For this particular concern, you would need a policy that has Cancel for Any Reason as this is not a covered reason with Trip Cancellation. There are typically 3 conditions that must be met to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason Rider: Purchase the policy within 10 - 21 days of First Trip Payment; Insure ALL prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses prior to departure; Trip arrangements must be canceled more than 48 -72 hours prior to the departure date. If you meet all 3 of these conditions, this benefit will typically reimburse you 75% of your trip cost, unless otherwise noted.
By MattG - September 10, 2018
Question
Is there an insurance that will cover the cost of the trip if the travellers decide to cancel because of the Coronavirus?
By DonnaP - March 13, 2020
Answer
Standard comprehensive travel insurance policies do not cover fear of travel. If fear of travel is the main concern, you would want to purchase a comprehensive plan with optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage selected. There are some eligibility requirements for this coverage, such as insuring 100% of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, purchasing your coverage within 10-21 days of your initial trip payment, and you must cancel your trip no less than 2 days prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason can reimburse a portion, typically up to 50%-75%, of your trip cost depending on the plan purchased. A policy with Cancel For Any Reason can cost an additional 40%-60% more than a standard policy, is not available in all states, and eligibility requirements may differ by company.
By Meghan - March 13, 2020
Question
Does trip cancellation coverage apply if the cruise lines cancels the trip you have insured?
By ElsieR - March 14, 2020
Answer
Trip Cancellation only provides coverage for specified reasons listed in the policy certificate. If the travel suppliers cancel, they are generally responsible for reimbursing you. The number one covered reason for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption is the unforeseen illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel, by order of a licensed physician; or the unforeseen hospitalization or death of a family member. To see all of the covered reasons to cancel or interrupt your trip, please click on the dollar amount that appears under the words "Trip Cancellation" when viewing a quote.
By MattG - March 16, 2020
Question
Am I able to purchase Nationwide Cruise Travel insurance if just part of the trip is a cruise and the other half is a safari?
By RenaeS - March 30, 2021
Answer
Yes, as long as part of your trip involves a cruise, you can insure your entire trip from the time you leave home until the time you return back to your home. However, the Nationwide Cruise policies only cover specific cruise lines so please be sure to give us a call prior to purchase so a customer care representative can confirm that the policy is available to you. Thank you.
By MattG - March 30, 2021
Question
If I just put a deposit on a trip, should I just insure that amount and add the balance when I pay it?
By NancyG - May 17, 2021
Answer
You can insure what you have paid for to date and any known costs, and once you make subsequent payments towards the trip prior to departure, you can contact us and update your existing policy accordingly. However, if you are buying coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or 'cancel for any reason, you may have to insure the full known cost of the trip up front even though you only paid a deposit. I would highly recommend calling us at 800 487 4722 that way we can gather some additional information from you and from there we can go over the wording with you and help you find a policy for your upcoming trip.
By MattG - May 18, 2021
Question
Can insurance be transferred to another trip?
By KarenW - April 8, 2022
Answer
If the trip is cancelled or rescheduled by the travel suppliers and you were refunded in full or issued a credit for the amount paid for the trip, typically you can request to have the policy cover you on the rescheduled trip as long as you contact us prior to the original departure date.
By MattG - April 16, 2022