We’re working really hard to keep you in the loop as much as possible in the fast-changing circumstances.
We want to help you wherever we can during these challenging times. If you’re struggling financially as a result of Coronavirus and are worried about the payments for your policy, or if you have a policy that you don’t think you’ll need now, such as an annual travel policy, please get in touch. We’ll discuss your options with you and work out how we can provide support.
Our call centres are very busy at the moment and we are trying to answer your questions as quickly as we can. If your query is non-urgent and you are not due to travel in the next two weeks, please don’t contact us yet, so we can prioritise people in need of urgent help or who are due to travel sooner.
In the meantime, we are regularly monitoring the situation and updating our Coronavirus single trip/backpacker and annual multi-trip FAQ pages. To find out more about the impact the outbreak is having on our travel insurance policies, please check the relevant FAQ before calling or emailing us.
We’d also like to highlight that travel insurance only protects against unforeseen circumstances getting in the way of your travel plans, so any policy you buy now will have very limited insurance coverage. While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised against all but essential travel indefinitely, you will not be covered under our travel insurance policies if you decide to go ahead with your trip.
What is worldwide travel insurance?
From the historic temples of Japan to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, there’s so much to see and experience in the world. You can take the kids on the holiday of a lifetime to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, relax surrounded by luxury and romance on a Caribbean island or even go backpacking around East Asia. Seeing the world is a great thrill and, no matter where you visit, your eyes will be opened to new experiences and adventures. Sadly though, even on the holiday of a lifetime, problems can arise. But thankfully, our worldwide travel insurance will help cover you when things don’t go to plan.
Worldwide travel insurance is slightly different to European travel insurance because it takes into account the higher cost of medical treatment outside of Europe. The cost of treatment is particularly high in America, where residents have private medical insurance. This means that, if you suffer an injury or fall ill while on your holiday and you don’t have international travel insurance, you could find yourself tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket. But, by choosing the right travel insurance, you can be protected against these costs, so an accident doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.
On top of this, world travel insurance can protect you if you need to cancel or curtail your trip, if your flights are delayed, or if your luggage is lost or stolen. To get the best protection, you should take out international travel insurance as soon as you can – ideally as soon as you’ve booked your holiday.
Below is some more information about our insurance products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.
What does worldwide travel insurance cover?
- *Not available with Bronze cover
- **Only available with Gold cover
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance types are available?
Our Single Trip, Annual and Backpacker policies all suit different needs. Plus, you can tailor your cover to ensure you’re protected against risks that are specific to your chosen holiday.
For example, if you’re looking to play a round of golf at a top course like Pebble Beach in America, our Golf cover can protect you and your clubs. Or, if you want to ski down the slopes in Whistler, Canada, our Winter Sports and Ski add-on can help protect you against piste closure, lost ski equipment and unused ski-pack costs.
Alternatively, if you’re getting married on the beautiful beaches of Bali, then you can also add our Wedding insurance, which will protect all your essentials like your rings and wedding clothing. Or, if you’re heading away for work, our Business insurance can protect your business equipment and any samples you’re taking.
What countries does worldwide travel insurance cover?
When you choose our world travel insurance, you can select an area of cover that meets your needs. As well as Europe-only cover, we also offer ‘Worldwide exc. USA, Canada and Caribbean,’ and ‘Worldwide inc. USA.’ This means you only pay for the cover you need.
For a full list of countries that are included in your area of cover, please consult your policy documents, or visit our policy information hub.
Are there any destinations where I won't be covered?
There are some destinations where your worldwide travel insurance won’t provide you with cover. As a result, it’s vital that you read your policy documents carefully before you travel. For example, if you take out a worldwide travel insurance policy with us and visit countries or regions where the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all travel, or against all but essential travel, then you will not be covered.
In addition to this, you will only be covered when you travel within your area of cover. For example, if you choose a ‘Worldwide exc. USA, Canada and Caribbean’ policy and travel to the United States, you will not be covered. Your area of cover is clearly shown on your confirmation email, so please check this if you’re unsure.
How long will I be covered for?
The length of time you’ll be covered for will depend on the type of policy you choose. Our Single Trip policy can cover you for up to 180 days at any one time, while an Annual worldwide travel insurance policy can cover you for an unlimited number of trips, up to 35 days in duration over a 12 month period. If you pay an extra premium, we are able to cover trips lasting up to 60 or 90s days under our Annual travel insurance policy.
If you choose our Backpacker travel insurance, you’ll get cover for trips lasting up to 180 days.
Am I insured to take part in sports and leisure activities whilst I'm away?
We know that you’ll want to take part in new experiences and fuel your sense of adventure while you’re away. That’s why our international travel insurance comes with cover for a lot of sports and leisure activities included as standard.
With our world travel insurance, you’re covered for fun activities such as hiking, trekking, glacier walking and windsurfing, as well as selected water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing and water skiing.
If you’re looking to try winter sports while you’re away, you’ll also need our Winter Sports and Ski add-on to make sure you’re properly protected. With this optional extra, you’re covered for activities like skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing.
To understand exactly which sports and leisure activities are covered by your worldwide travel insurance policy, and where any exclusions may apply, please take a look at your policy handbook. We may be able to provide cover for activities that aren’t listed here; to find out whether we can help insure you for a specific activity, please contact us. You may need to pay a premium to get the cover you need.