For family members or loved ones visiting the U.S., and parents from overseas in particular, it is not unheard of to extend one's trip to spend more time with relatives or friends. Additionally, there are also unforeseen circumstances which can occur that can cause a traveler to the U.S. to need to go back to their home country earlier than planned or cancel altogether. In either case, how does one navigate their purchased visitors insurance plan? Can it be extended or cancelled to give you flexibility in either situation?
Let's take a closer look at whether visitors insurance plans can be extended, cancelled, and any fees associated with either case.
Are Visitors Insurance Plans Extendable?
The majority of visitors insurance plans are able to be renewed or extended as long as it is done so before they expire. However, a small renewal or extension fee (typically $5) may apply. You'll also be billed the plan premium depending on how many additional days you add to your plan coverage.
Having the option to expand your coverage dates is very helpful, especially for those who know that they have flexibility in their travel dates. If you do decide to stay longer in the U.S., and you already have a visitors insurance plan, it is important to extend your coverage dates (if possible) before it expires to cover your entire trip to ensure that you have eligible medical coverage during your stay. Any treatment you receive in the U.S. after your plan expires will not be covered.
It is also important to note that each visitors insurance plan is different, and whether or not a plan is extendable will vary. Check your plan's benefits and description of coverage to understand whether or not extending your plan's coverage dates is available.
Are Visitors Insurance Plans Cancellable?
There may be certain instances in which you want to cancel your visitors insurance plan. Perhaps, you have to cancel your trip early and return back to your home country and did not utilize your plan in any way. Alternatively, you may have had to cancel your trip altogether and therefore were not able to use your plan.
The good news is, most visitors insurance plans are cancellable. If you cancel your policy before the coverage start date, you can oftentimes receive a full refund. If no claims are made after the start date, a prorated or monthly refund may be available. However, it is important to review a policy's cancellation terms, as some plans may not offer cancellation after the policy start date.
Depending on the policy you choose, there typically is a cancellation fee to be aware of. The cancellation fee will vary, however it typically ranges from $10 to $50. Also, it is important to note that refunds for visitors insurance plans can often take up to seven to ten business days.
Why are the Options to Extend/Cancel Important?
For those who are visiting the U.S. to see family or friends, or even for work or travel who have flexible schedules, there is always the possibility to extend one's trip to stay overseas longer. This is common for parents who are visiting their children in the U.S., so having this option on your visitors insurance plan will ensure that you have medical coverage during the entire duration of your trip.
Alternatively, traveling overseas always brings some uncertainty, and having the opportunity to cancel your plan if you find that you need to cut your travels short or cancel your trip altogether can give you peace of mind before you purchase knowing that your plan isn't completely non refundable. While you may have to pay a cancellation fee, you'll still be able to recoup the majority of your premium costs with certain eligibility and conditions.
When purchasing a visitors insurance plan, look for ones that are extendable and cancellable to remain flexible during your trip to the U.S.