Why travel insurance may fail after policy expiry | Fusion - WeRIndia

International travel is rising quickly, and medical costs abroad continue to surge.

Travellers now face a crucial question: What happens if they are hospitalised overseas after their visa or travel dates expire?

Travel insurance, however, does not automatically extend in such cases.

According to some sources, insurers follow the policy duration very strictly.

The coverage stays valid only for the period purchased. Yet most insurers offer limited automatic extensions.

These usually range from 7 to 15 days. But the extension applies only if hospitalisation begins within the active policy period.

A doctor must also certify that the traveller is unfit to fly. Proper medical documents are essential as well.

If hospitalisation starts after the policy expires, the claim is denied. This often forces travellers to pay huge bills abroad, which may reach ₹8 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

Therefore, travellers must never assume protection beyond the stated dates.

Insurers treat the policy duration as the final benchmark. The traveller’s actual stay does not matter.

Even if flight disruptions or weather issues delay travel, insurers will honour claims only during the valid policy period.

Travellers must therefore extend their policy proactively whenever plans change.

Automatic extensions during medical emergencies are possible. However, they apply only when the emergency occurs before policy expiry.

The insurer must also receive timely intimation. Without this, extensions are not approved.

Timely intimation is critical. Insurers usually require notification within 24 hours of hospitalisation.

Proper documents such as admission notes, diagnostic reports and fitness certificates are equally important.

These records help insurers verify the emergency and approve treatment or evacuation.

Claim rejection is common when travellers overstay without extending coverage.

Claims also fail when delays are personal, non-medical or linked to visa issues.

Pre-existing diseases without prior disclosure also lead to denial.

Visa validity does not influence insurance coverage. The insurance period alone determines claim eligibility.

Travellers must therefore buy policies that cover the full trip and include buffer days for safety.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on December 27, 2016

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/33280