Travel Insurance Frequently asked Questions:
We've answered some common questions below... if you do not see your question please contact us on 01892 833338
Our Products
- What kinds of policies are available?
- We offer a range of travel insurance policies, with various options for residents of the UK, EU or most countries worldwide. These include:
Annual multi-trip cover: ideal if you expect travel more than once within 12 months and want the convenience of one policy.
Single trip cover: buy insurance each time you travel, enabling you to choose the best policy to suit that trip, with options including Wintersports and cover for Cruises.
Longstay cover: if you are travelling for longer periods of several months, we can help. In some cases we can even offer cover if you are already travelling. - All of our policies offer some cover for common sports and activities, and some offer the option to upgrade to cover more adventurous activities. Currently this upgrade is not available for international customers.
- Are there any Age Limits?
- This varies between policies. As a guideline, if you live in the UK, our Annual multi-trip policy is limited to 74yrs, Single Trip is limited to 74yrs and Longstay to 69yrs. However, we do have other policies with no age limit - for details, view our information for older travellers
- Do I really need this type of Insurance?
- Yes, while Travel Insurance is not compulsory, it is an essential part of any holiday or business trip to ensure that you are not left to deal with any problems, and possible high costs, alone. Much of the attraction of a holiday is the different climate, cuisine and customs. But accessing essential services such as Healthcare can also be very different and this can come as a shock in an emergency, particularly if there are language barriers. If you are travelling within the EEA (European Economic Area), you can qualify for limited local healthcare by using a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) or the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). However, you should only use this, or any other reciprocal agreement, in conjunction with a good Travel Insurance policy to ensure that you have the benefit of comprehensive cover including repatriation in the event of serious illness or injury.
- Am I covered for claims relating to Coronavirus (Covid-19)?
- Our Travel Insurance does provide some cover for claims relating to Coronavirus, however this varies depending on the policy type. Please refer to the information provided when you obtain an online quote.
Existing Medical Conditions
- What is classed as an existing Medical Condition?
- This does vary between policies, but most travel insurance terms will either exclude, or require declaration of, conditions which are currently being treated or which you are aware put you at a higher risk of a claim.
- You should contact our office if you live in the UK and any of the following apply:
If you have ever been diagnosed or received treatment for: a Heart or Circulatory condition; a Stroke or High Blood Pressure; a breathing condition e.g. Asthma; Cancer, even if now in remission; Diabetes; Psychological conditions.
If your doctor has altered your regular prescribed medication in the last 3 months
If in the last 2yrs you have been treated for any re-occurring medical condition, or any condition requiring regular prescribed medication, or referral to a specialist or consultant at a hospital. - Do I need to declare my existing Medical Condition?
- If you have an existing medical condition, you must contact us to discuss this before proceeding with cover.
Failure to accurately and fully declare all medical condition(s) for you or anyone insured under the policy will affect your cover and may result in your claim being declined.
Even if you feel that a claim relating to an existing medical condition is unlikely, the purpose of buying insurance is to cover unexpected events, so if you would like to discuss your condition(s), we are happy to help. We can usually insure most stable and well controlled medical conditions. An additional charge may apply.
Please contact our sales office and we can quickly provide you with a premium based on the medical conditions that you require to be insured. - I'm currently having tests but do not have a diagnosis yet. Is this classed as an existing medical condition?
- We cannot cover an undiagnosed condition, so if you have symptoms but no diagnosis, it is not possible to buy an insurance policy to cover related claims. Many travel insurance policies cannot be purchased at all if you are awaiting diagnosis, however we do offer some specialist options so please contact our office to see what is available to suit your needs. It is important to check with your GP / Specialist to ensure that you will be fit to travel as otherwise you may not be able to purchase any insurance at all.
- My treatment finishes soon, should I wait before I buy the insurance?
- No, just answer the questions as of today as it is your medical status as the time of purchase which is relevant.
- I've got a medical condition but the rest of the family does not. Should they go elsewhere?
- No, we recommend that all people on the same holiday be covered under the same travel insurance. Then if we are able to insure your condition then other family members will also be covered to cancel their holiday, if necessary, due to your condition. If they are insured elsewhere they might not be able to claim if a situation arises due to your medical condition.
- Will I need a medical certificate?
- We do not need medical certificates or other letters from your GP or Specialist for you to buy the insuraance. Provided you answer the questions accurately, the cover will be based on the information you provide. In the event of a claim your GP may be asked to verify the information provided and claims relating to an existing medical problem which you do not tell us about will not be insured.
Policy Excesses
- What is a policy Excess?
- Most insurance policies have an Excess, which is simply the portion that you as the customer are responsible for. On our Annual multi-trip and Single Trip policies, we offer a waiver to delete this Excess.
- If I buy on-line how do I receive my policy?
- When you have completed our easy on-line application your policy will be emailed to you immediately. If you also require posted copy just email us, quoting your policy number and we will send it to you at once.
- What happens if I change my mind after I've bought a Worldwide Travel Insurance policy?
- You can cancel your policy with a full refund within 14 days of purchase, as long as the start date of your policy hasn't passed, you haven't travelled, and you are not going to make a claim.
Making a claim
- What do I do if I have a medical emergency whilst abroad?
- Contact the 24-hour medical emergency service as soon as possible. They will be able to assist you immediately in the event of an insured person's illness or injury arising outside the UK. Their telephone number is on your policy wording. Please note when calling that they will require your policy number, so keep it handy at all times.
- How do I make a claim?
- You will need to call the claims office servicing the specific policy that you have purchased. Please refer to the policy wording for the telephone number or contact us for this information.
