Do I Need to Extend My Travel Insurance while Abroad?
When planning a trip abroad, it is important to consider the potential risks of travelling and how to protect yourself against them. One of the best ways to do this is to purchase or extend your travel insurance policy before you embark on your journey. But why is it important to extend your travel insurance while abroad, and exactly how should you go about doing it?
Why Extend Your Travel Insurance while Abroad?
Having a valid travel insurance policy in place while you are abroad is essential, especially if you become ill, have an accident, your possessions are stolen, or if you have to cancel your trip. Depending on the type of policy you have taken out, you may be able to make a claim for medical expenses, accommodation costs, and even repatriation back to your home country. Plus, many policies now provide financial protection against trip delays or cancellations caused by bad weather, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.
When to Extend Your Travel Insurance while Abroad?
If you are planning a longer trip, such as a gap year or extended holiday, you may need to extend your travel insurance policy while abroad in order to ensure you have the right level of protection. It is important to bear in mind that some travel insurance policies may not cover extended trips, or may only provide a certain level of protection for a set period. So, if you are planning to stay away from home for longer than your policy’s stated duration, you may need to extend it in order to remain covered.
How to Extend Your Travel Insurance while Abroad?
Most insurers now provide the option to extend your travel insurance policy online. The process is usually quite straightforward and can be completed in just a few clicks. All you need to do is enter the details of your policy and the additional period of cover you require, and the premium will be recalculated accordingly. However, depending on the insurer, it may be necessary to provide proof of onward travel, such as a flight ticket, in order to extend your policy.
Is It Expensive to Extend Travel Insurance while Abroad?
The cost of extending your travel insurance policy will depend on the additional period of cover you require, as well as the type of policy and level of protection you have taken out. Generally speaking, extending your policy with the same insurer is likely to be cheaper than taking out a brand new policy with a different provider. However, before you decide to extend your cover, it is important to compare the cost of different policies to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Conclusion
Having the right travel insurance policy in place is essential in order to protect yourself while travelling abroad. Many insurers now offer the option to extend your policy while you are away, so you can be sure you are properly covered throughout your trip. Before you set off on your adventure, make sure you shop around to find the best policy for you, and that you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.