If you are new to travel insurance, you should be aware that the coverage is only good from the time you depart from your home country’s immigration point until you arrive back home. The travel insurance policy has an established time frame that is still valid even with round-trip tickets already purchased.
However, what if you decide to stay longer for some reason? What if the airline changes the date or cancels your return flight? Will the travel insurance coverage also be expanded? Do such extensions require an additional premium payment? Read on to find out:
Paying For More Travel Insurance
Your travel insurance can be extended. In India, insurers permit such extensions for two different reasons. It is –
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Emergency Extension *
When the reason for the extension is unrelated to you, it is an emergency extension. This usually occurs when the airline cancels or reschedules a flight for any reason. In such circumstances, you are not required to pay an additional premium for a policy extension. However, you are still advised to contact your insurer via phone or email to confirm the attachment.
Furthermore, such extensions are already described in detail in the policy documents. Therefore, ensure the policy you bought includes this emergency extension option by checking the same.
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Extension Scheduled*
You extend your stay voluntarily for a specific reason when you use a planned extension. The foreign travel insurance will not automatically be extended to cover the extra days you spend away from home during the planned extension. Only after informing your insurer and receiving their approval are such extensions possible.
Ensure that insurers permit such requests when there is a good reason. Additionally, there will be additional premiums required for the same. If you extend the policy, you will be covered for the other days you spend abroad. The policy documents typically include information on how to get in touch with the insurer and how to request a planned extension.
Read The Policy Document’s Extending Terms
If you still need to buy travel insurance, consider these factors and ask the insurer for more information. Examine the policy documents after purchase to prevent future inconsistencies.
Extending the travel insurance period can be a prudent decision for individuals seeking additional coverage and flexibility during their trips. While it is true that extending the policy duration may require paying additional travel insurance policy premiums, it is important to weigh the benefits against the costs. By extending the coverage, travellers can mitigate potential risks and unexpected events that may occur during their journeys.
Travel insurance provides peace of mind by offering financial protection against various unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and travel delays. However, the standard travel insurance cover period might not always align with the actual duration of a trip. In such cases, extending the policy can ensure continuous protection and avoid any gaps in coverage.*
*Standard T&C Apply
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
