I have a year-round travel policy, but it contains the restriction that any trip outside the UK must be limited to a maximum of 31 days.

Last year I was in the USA and, unexpectedly, had to remain there much longer than planned, well over my 31 day insurance limit.

My insurer would not agree to an extension of my coverage, because I was not in the UK at the time of asking; nor would all the other insurance companies I tried cover me, all stating that I had to be in the UK to take out a new policy, a requirement which I'd never previously known about.

I eventually found Globelink International who were prepared to write me a new policy even though I was out of the UK at the time, saying they do this all the time for gap-year backpackers.

They did swallow hard when they found out my age - and said they'd have to run it by their underwriters - but happily they issued me a policy, which saved me from having to make a round-trip TATL flight, just to be in the UK over a midnight to comply with my existing insurer.

I don't know if they could assist your niece, but might it be worth contacting them to see?

Best Regards

Bellerophon