The massive mistake Australians are making during Euro Summer
Key takeaways
- Travel insurance is generally best bought the day you book, not the day you fly.
- Cancellation cover only works if your policy is already active if plans fall through.
- What's next: Purchase a travel insurance policy to ensure you're covered before you head to the airport.
Like it or not, our Instagram feeds are about to get "Euro-fied" with thousands of Aussies setting off to warmer parts of the world.
And if you're one of the lucky travellers heading off to Europe this year, there is one less glamorous part that comes with any trip: taking out travel insurance.
Unfortunately, many Aussies won't think about travel insurance until they're at the airport, and it's a delay that could cost them.
Travel insurance doesn't just cover you while you're away, it can cover you from the moment you buy it.
That means if you get sick, or a family emergency forces you to cancel before you've even left, an active policy can help you recover the money you've already spent on flights and accommodation.
If you leave it too late, those non-refundable deposits could be lost.
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Why timing matters when taking out cover
Travel insurance tends to cover unexpected events, so once something is publicly known, you generally can't take out cover and claim for it.
For instance, if a storm is already headed for your destination, or an airline is already in trouble, it's too late to insure against it.
According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, as of June 2026, more than half (55%) of Aussies say they intend to travel within the next 12 months.
So whether your trip is right around the corner or just been locked in, make your next move to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
And for the latest travel advice on any destination, head to the Smartraveller website.
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