Are you planning for a trip abroad? Then you may consider getting a travel insurance policy. Travel insurance policies cover a vast array of expenses that you may have incurred while you’re on a trip, including medical attendance should you fall ill while on your trip, and in case the loss of your personal belongings and valuables. Usually, travel insurances only cover the duration of the trip. But what happens if you stay away longer than your intended period? Will you still be covered by your travel insurance policy?

Extend your travel insurance as needed

For you to be able to extend your travel insurance if such was the case, you must have purchased travel insurance before the trip. The coverage of your extended travel insurance commences when you immigrate from your home country to your trip overseas and until your return home.

You can avail of two extension plans for your travel insurance. The planned trip extension is perfect if you want to reschedule your return ticket to whenever future date you wish so. You can also apply for an emergency trip extension if the airline company asks you to reschedule your return flight due to an emergency.

Planned Trip Extension

To avail of the planned trip extension, you usually have to pay for additional charges. The travel insurance company will endorse your application for the extension provided that extension is not due to any medical or health-related emergencies of the insured traveller.

As per common requisites of a planned trip extension, you have to provide the travel insurance company with a valid reason for the extension and the period of extension. You have to inform the insurance company seven to 10 days prior to the expiration of the travel insurance. A separate insurance certificate will be sent to your email bearing the date until when your travel insurance has extended. A planned trip extension may be extended up to 180 days.

Emergency Trip Extension

Unlike planned trip extensions, the insurance policy may no longer charge an additional premium if your extension is due to an emergency. You also need not purchase new travel insurance to cover your extended stay.

The emergency trip extension is available in case of a delayed or cancelled flight due to circumstances beyond your control such as civil unrest or war in the country you went to, inclement or bad weather, force majeure or other fortuitous events.

Most travel insurance policies have clauses that it will cover emergencies while you are on your trip. The travel insurance policy extends its cover seven to 15 days but may vary depending on its terms and conditions.

To invoke this provision in your travel insurance, secure a letter from your airline company stating the emergency as to why you had to extend your trip. You must also send a notification to your insurance company providing the reason for your extended date. Make sure to attach the letter you secured from your airline company.

In addition to the extension of your insurance coverage, some insurance policies may also allocate an additional $1,000 to shoulder necessary expenses you might have incurred during your extended stay.