Can I Buy Travel Insurance If I’m Travelling on a One-Way Ticket?

Yes, you can have a secure one-way journey with a travel insurance policy. However, you will have to purchase a single-trip travel insurance policy. Most insurance companies offer single-trip insurance policies or one-way travel insurance, even if you do not have a return ticket for your journey. Apart from this, there are a few things you must know before buying a travel insurance policy for your one-way trip. Let’s know about them in detail.

Contents

• How is One-Way Insurance Different from Other Travel Insurance Plans?
• What Is Covered in a One-Way Trip Travel Insurance Policy? 
  • 1. Medical Emergency Cover
  • 2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Cover
  • 3. Lost Baggage and Delays Coverage
  • 4. Theft or Loss of Passport
  • 5. Missed Connecting Flights
• What is Not Covered in a Travel Insurance Policy for a One-Way Trip?
• Steps to Buy a Flexible Return Travel Insurance
  • Research and Assess Your Needs
  • Compare Multiple Insurers and Scrutinise People’s Reviews
  • Purchase and Finalise
• Things To Remember When Buying Travel Insurance for a One-Way Trip
• The Bottom Line
• Frequently Asked Questions

How is One-Way Insurance Different from Other Travel Insurance Plans?

Travellers who are flying overseas without a set return date are covered by a one-way travel insurance package. Here are the reasons why one-way insurance is different from a traditional insurance policy:

• Return Date Requirement: Unlike round-trip travel insurance policies, one-way plans do not require a confirmed return ticket.

• Policy Duration: Designed for prolonged travels overseas, coverage is often more flexible and lengthier.

• Target Travellers: Ideal for people moving abroad, students, and those with job visas.

• Coverage Focus: Places more emphasis on evacuation, hospitalisation, and medical crises than on brief travel interruptions.

• Benefits for trip cancellation: It is either limited or nonexistent because there is no return trip to cancel.

• Options for Extension: If your trip overseas lasts longer than the initial coverage term, many one-way plans include policy extensions.

What Is Covered in a One-Way Trip Travel Insurance Policy? 

Since you are purchasing a single-trip insurance, you will get the coverage for the whole trip. Let us see what is covered in a Travel Insurance Policy for a One-Way Trip.

1. Medical Emergency Cover

Medical emergency cover applies to accidental injuries or sudden medical emergencies during your trip. It may cover hospitalisation, emergency treatment, and ambulance services. Some policies extend limited coverage for specific pre-existing conditions.

2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Cover

Trip cancellation and interruption cover reimburses your non-refundable or prepaid travel expenses only when your trip is cancelled or cut short due to specific covered reasons. These may include the death, serious injury, or hospitalisation of you or an immediate family member, major natural disasters, large-scale strikes, or carrier-initiated cancellations.

3. Lost Baggage and Delays Coverage

You are only covered for the permanent and total loss of checked baggage and for delays in baggage delivery that last longer than the policy's waiting period. There is no coverage for valuables like money, jewellery, and important papers.

4. Theft or Loss of Passport

In case of theft or loss of your passport while travelling, the insurance policy may reimburse the expenses incurred in obtaining a duplicate or replacement passport. This helps reduce financial stress and ensures you can complete the necessary formalities without major disruption to your trip.

5. Missed Connecting Flights

Your insurer will cover your transportation expenses in case you miss your connecting flights due to reasons beyond your control. For example, you missed a connecting flight due to a delay caused by the first flight.

Enjoy a 100% digital claim process and ensure true financial safety with a one-way travel insurance from ACKO. Click here to get your quote now!

What is Not Covered in a Travel Insurance Policy for a One-Way Trip?

Here is a detailed list of risks that an insurer does not take liability for in a one-way travel insurance policy.

1. Events Before Your Trip Commences: Only events that occur after the policy start date and during the Travel Period are eligible for claims. Any loss or issue before this period is excluded.

2. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: Most policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, but some, like ACKO's, only cover emergency, life-saving treatment for certain conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, CNS disorders, COPD, cancer, and pregnancy complications.

3. Travelling Against Medical Advice: If a physician advises you not to travel, considering your health condition, and you travel anyway. Then your insurer might decline your claim.

4.  Self-inflicted Harm: If an insured tries to inflict self-harm or gets injured while attempting suicide. Then the insurer might decline the claim for medical assistance.

Note: Other exclusions or inclusions might apply depending on your insurance policy and your insurer. Make sure you read the policy details carefully before purchasing an insurance policy.

Steps to Buy a Flexible Return Travel Insurance

Follow the steps below to ensure you have flexible return travel insurance coverage for your entire open-ended trip.

Research and Assess Your Needs

• Research on the different types of opinions above, to choose your insurance type and get an estimate of the premiums you have to pay.

• Consider your trip type, destination and activities that you are planning throughout the trip to choose your travel insurance policy.

Compare Multiple Insurers and Scrutinise People’s Reviews

1. Now that you have decided on the type of flexible return travel insurance policy you are going to choose, compare multiple insurers based on price and coverage and choose the one that fits best for you.

2. Choose a reputable insurance company and go through their pubic reviews to ensure safety. You should look for reviews where people appreciate the insurer’s flexibility in claims.

Purchase and Finalise

1. Buy the finalised insurance policy from your insurer’s website or mobile app. Make sure you enter accurate personal and travel information along with your visiting destinations and activities.

2. Once you have the policy details, read through the policy wording thoroughly and clarify any doubts you have with your insurer.

Things To Remember When Buying Travel Insurance for a One-Way Trip

Here are some things to keep in mind when you are buying a single-trip travel insurance for a one-way trip.

• Tell your insurance company about your one-way trip so they can set the right Travel Period.

• A lot of insurance companies don't require a return ticket; they cover you for a set amount of time.

• The insurer may need to approve benefits like medical evacuation or evacuation during a disaster ahead of time.

• Some claims, like trip delay, cancellation, missed carrier, or theft, need proof.

• Many benefits, like baggage delays, medical bills, and cancellations, have deductibles.

Read More: Multi-Trip vs Single-Trip Travel Insurance - Which One is Better?

The Bottom Line

Buying a one-way travel insurance policy or a single-trip insurance policy offers the same coverage as the multi-trip insurance coverage. However, you must clarify your intentions with your insurer about the reason you do not have a return ticket and finalise the end date of your insurance coverage. Make sure you always read the policy wording carefully, especially your right to claims in a one-way travel insurance policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I purchase an insurance policy without a return ticket?

You can simply get a quote from multiple digital insurers in India and choose the one that has a good reputation for disbursing deserving claims in a one-way trip insurance and offers affordable premiums.

What is a One-Way Travel Insurance Plan?

A one-way travel insurance package covers travellers flying overseas who do not have a confirmed return date. From the day you depart your native country until the policy's expiration date, it provides protection.

Can I Buy Travel Insurance If I Don’t Know My Exact Return Date?

Yes, you can buy travel insurance even if you do not know your exact return date. Many insurers offer flexible return travel insurance that lets you choose a tentative end date without requiring a confirmed return ticket. This is ideal for open-ended trips, long-term travel, or backpacking adventures.

Can I visit any country with a one-way international travel insurance?

The location you can visit with a one-way travel insurance policy depends from insurer to insurer. However, the locations you can visit with a one-way travel insurance and a multi-trip travel insurance are generally the same.

What does a one-way travel insurance policy cover?

A one-way or single-trip travel insurance policy typically covers accidental medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption for specific reasons, total loss or delay of checked-in baggage, missed carrier, and hijack-related compensation. Illness cover, OPD, evacuation, or pre-existing disease emergency treatment depend on the insurer and plan type.

Do all insurers provide travel insurance policies without a return ticket or date?

No, not all insurers provide travel insurance without a return ticket or a return date. Even if they provide, there can be issues during the claim process. Try buying your travel insurance from a reputable insurer to ensure a smooth claim process.

Can I raise a travel insurance claim in case my flight gets hijacked?

Yes, you can get financial compensation daily up to a certain period of time in case your flight gets hijacked.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.

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