When purchasing tickets, such as for concerts, sporting events, or travel, customers often have the option to add insurance or protection plans. This provides coverage in case you need to cancel your plans or something unexpected happens. However, what if you forget to add insurance when you first buy your tickets? Is it possible to add it later?
Can You Purchase Insurance After Buying Tickets?
The short answer is – sometimes. Whether or not you can add insurance after initially purchasing your tickets depends on a few key factors:
- The company or provider selling the tickets
- The type of tickets purchased (concert, flight, etc.)
- The insurance company and policy options
- The timing – how soon it is until the event date
Many ticketing platforms and travel booking sites give you the option to add insurance during the checkout process. This is usually the best time to get coverage, as policies are more limited after that initial ticket sale.
Concert and Event Tickets
If you purchase concert, theater, or event tickets through ticket vendors like Ticketmaster, LiveNation, AXS, or others – they often provide the option to add cancellation protection or ticket insurance during checkout. This gives coverage for things like:
- Illness/injury preventing you from attending
- Schedule conflicts
- Bad weather forcing postponement
- Losing tickets
Unfortunately, most vendors do not allow you to add insurance after completing the ticket purchase. Your best bet is to contact the company’s customer service and ask. Sometimes exceptions can be made or policies extended if it’s very soon after buying. But in general, the window to add insurance is during initial checkout only.
Airline and Travel Tickets
Similarly, when booking flights or other travel like cruises, trains, tours, etc. – travel insurance is typically offered upfront during the reservation process. Policies can provide coverage for:
- Trip cancellation
- Delays
- Lost baggage
- Medical emergencies
- Disrupted travel plans
As with event tickets, it is difficult to add insurance after completing your initial purchase. Some travel providers may allow it within 24-48 hours, but policies are limited. The best option is to contact the airline, cruise line, or travel agency you booked with and inquire. Some may make exceptions or have other plans you can switch to.
Third Party Insurance Providers
If the company you purchased tickets from does not allow insurance retroactively, another option is to check with third party insurers. There are independent travel insurance companies like Allianz, Travelex, and others that sell policies separately from vendors.
These tend to offer more flexible options for trip cancellation, interruptions, or delays at any point up until your event or travel dates. So even if you forgot to get insurance initially, you may be able to purchase a policy after buying tickets, just directly through the insurer.
Be aware that waiting to get third party insurance can be riskier, as pre-existing conditions may not be covered if you buy closer to your travel dates. Shopping early ensures you get the full range of benefits.
When Can You No Longer Add Insurance?
In most cases, there are cutoff dates after which you can no longer add or change insurance on your tickets. Common deadlines include:
- 24 hours after initial ticket purchase
- 1 week before the event/travel date
- When final payment is due (for trips or packages)
- When tickets are shipped (if paper tickets)
Specifics depend on the provider, insurer, and type of coverage. Some let you buy right up until the last minute, while others have more limited windows. Checking policies closely is important.
For Concert and Event Tickets
Most ticket sellers require insurance be added during the initial purchase. But some may allow changes up to 72 hours later. Beyond that is difficult, unless you can get an exception approved.
Third party insurers like Allianz may sell policies for event tickets up to 1-2 weeks beforehand, but coverage is reduced as the event nears.
For Travel Insurance
Airlines and cruise lines typically require insurance be purchased when you first book. But some allow changes within 24-48 hours. After that, you’ll have to go through a third party.
Independent insurers will sell policies up until your final trip payments are due, generally 2-4 weeks beforehand. There are even “last minute” plans available within 14 days of departure.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the key points on adding insurance to tickets after purchase:
- It’s best to get insurance when first buying tickets if the option is available
- After purchase, check with the ticket seller – some allow changes briefly after
- Third party insurers provide more flexibility, but less coverage closer to events
- Cut-off dates apply, typically 1-4 weeks out depending on type of tickets
- Read policies closely and check with providers if unsure of deadlines
While a hassle, it is sometimes possible to add protection after buying tickets. But act quickly and be aware of limitations. Planning ahead is always best to ensure you have sufficient coverage in case plans go awry.
Examples of Adding Ticket Insurance After Purchase
Concert Tickets
Mike purchased 2 tickets to see his favorite band through a ticket retailer’s website. He was in a rush and forgot to add cancellation protection during checkout. The concert is 3 months away.
After going back to the site, he sees they do not allow insurance to be added retroactively. His only option is to contact customer service and explain the situation. They agree to make a one-time exception and add the insurance to his purchase.
Airline Tickets
Jessica booked a flight for an upcoming vacation but declined the insurance option during booking. She realizes a few days later it would be wise to have coverage in case of delays or cancellations.
She calls the airline, but is informed their policy only allows changes to insurance within 24 hours of ticketing. The agent provides details on third party plans Jessica can purchase separately from the flight.
Jessica researches options and purchases a comprehensive travel insurance policy from Allianz to protect her trip.Broadway Show Tickets
Sam bought tickets to a popular Broadway musical as a gift for his parents 6 weeks before the show date. He wants to make sure they can get a refund if something comes up.
The show’s website says insurance must be added at time of purchase. So Sam calls the third party insurer the site recommends. He is able to purchase a policy that will refund the ticket value if his parents need to cancel for covered reasons before the show.
Tips for Buying Ticket Insurance
To make sure you have proper coverage for your events or trips, keep these tips in mind when purchasing tickets:
- Always check for insurance options during initial checkout if available.
- Understand exactly what the policy covers and any exclusions.
- For high-value trips, upgrade coverage to include cancellation for any reason.
- Consider third party insurance if vendors have strict cutoff dates.
- Read the fine print closely to confirm deadlines for changes or refunds.
- Buy insurance as soon as possible – don’t wait until the last minute.
Following these best practices will ensure you don’t get caught without protection after buying tickets. Insurance gives peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you purchase travel insurance after you’ve booked a flight?
Most airlines only allow travel insurance to be added within 24-48 hours of booking. After that window, you’ll have to purchase a policy from a third party insurer instead of directly through the airline.
What is the latest you can purchase trip insurance?
For comprehensive coverage, it’s best to buy insurance within 1-2 weeks of booking travel and paying in full. Some “last minute” policies are available within 14 days of departure, but have more limited benefits.
Can I get a refund on concert tickets without insurance?
If you did not purchase cancellation protection with your concert or event tickets, getting a refund is very unlikely. Most venues have firm no-refund policies without insurance covering your reason for canceling.
What risks are covered by ticket insurance?
Standard insurance on tickets covers issues like illness, injury, weather disruptions, schedule conflicts, and transportation issues that prevent you from attending. Policies vary, so read carefully.
Can you insure tickets purchased from a reseller or third party?
If buying from a ticket reseller, you typically cannot get insurance directly from the original venue/artist. But some third party insurers will sell policies that apply to resold tickets.