What Date Is My Trip’s Final Payment Date?

by Steve Dasseos on November 17, 2008

Hi, question: Final trip payment date – we paid our cruise by credit card. It’s on our statement, but have not yet paid it (due date is the 22nd). Is final payment date the date it appears on our statement or the date that we actually pay our credit card? I am concerned about pre-existing conditions for a family member. Thanks, Spencer

Hi Spencer,

The final payment date is the date the payment is charged to your credit card no matter when you pay the bill. And, I suggest you use the earliest of the Transaction Date or the Post Date.

Here’s who we have that will cover stable pre-existing medical conditions when you get your travel insurance no later than 24 hours after the final payment is made:

I hope the following information helps you understand this better:

When you are trying to figure out what date is your final payment, the type of trip indicates when your final payment is made. The final payment refers to the pre-paid component of the most expensive part of your trip.

Here’s what will not be considered a final payment: A last minute arrangement after final payment for the primary travel. i.e. – payment for a hotel or port excursion once the bulk of the travel is in place in an attempt to appear as a final payment. In other words, if you add on air, hotel, or other land arrangements, the final payment date is not extended.

For cruises and tours, final payment is the actual payment date when the tour operator is paid in full. Note: This may be prior to when you are scheduled to pay in full. If you add on air, hotel, or other land arrangements – the final payment date is not extended.

For vacation rentals, final payment is the payment date when the vacation rental is actually paid in full. Note: This may be prior to when you are scheduled to prepay in full. If you add on air, hotel, or other land arrangements – the final payment date is not extended.

For all other arrangements (air only, independent travel, do it yourself packages) the final payment is the first payment for the arrangement that establishes the trip destination and duration.

For example: You are putting together your own trip to Greece. You buy an airline ticket to travel to Athens May 5th – 17th. The destination (Greece) and the duration (May 5 – 17) have been established. The final payment is the payment date when the air ticket is paid in full. Most air tickets are paid in full when booked.

I hope this makes sense. If you want the right travel insurance advice, call us at 1-888-407-3854 and we'll help you figure it all out.

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