Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Backpacker

• What is the age limit on the Backpacker policy?

  49 Years of age is the max age limit on the Backpacker Policy.

• What is covered in the Backpacker policy?

  There are two cover levels available with a choice of either Premier or Premier Plus cover depending on your needs. The basic rate covers Cancellation/Curtailment of your trip as a result of an insured event, Medical and Additional Expenses, Personal Property, Money (up to the limits as stated in the policy), Personal Accident, Personal Liability and Overseas Legal Expenses. For full details of what is covered please see the policy wording.

• Am I covered whilst Working?

  It is important to make sure you are covered whilst working. Our policy does provide cover while you are working in certain environments including bar and restaurant work, fruit-picking, au pairs, retail work and light manual work at ground level excluding use of power tools / machinery. If you are unsure if you are covered for your occupation please contact us in advance and also check with your Employer.

• What is the total duration provided for Winter Sports cover on a Backpacker policy?

  Provided you have paid the appropriate additional premium you will be covered for up to 93 days of Wintersports activities. You may use these days in any order that you choose. Further information can be found in the Policy Wording.

• What is the maximum trip duration?

  24 months is the maximum amount of time that we are currently able to provide.

General Questions

• What charges do I incur when buying a policy?

  We charge an administration handling fee of £4.50 on all policies. We charge an additional £6.00 if you choose to book your policy through our call centre. There is also an optional charge linked to administration function, an automatic SMS policy info service is £0.99

• How will I receive my policy documents?

  When you purchase insurance via our website you have the option to print off your Validation Certificate (proof of insurance), Policy Wording and Insurance Product Information Document once the payment has been successfully processed. You will also receive a booking confirmation by email to the email address supplied during the booking process. The booking confirmation contains your account information and details on how you can retrieve your documentation by using the �Your Policy� login section of our website.
  
  If you wish you can also request to receive your documents by post as well as email. Please be mindful of your Environmental Impact when selecting your documents to be sent by post.
  
  If you opt to receive the text message there is a £0.99 charge. The text message contains your policy number and the Emergency Assistance telephone number.
  
  We strongly recommend you bring your Validation Certificate and Policy Wording with you when you travel.

• What should I do if I need to change my details or extend cover?

  You will need to contact us either by email or telephone to change your details or extend cover. Extensions of cover must be requested 14 days prior to your policy expiry date and may incur an additional charge.

• What if I or my travelling companion have a medical condition?

  This policy contains important conditions relating to health with which you must comply in order to have full protection of your policy. For further information, click HERE.

• Is pregnancy covered?

  The policy provides cover for complications of pregnancy/childbirth. Normal pregnancy and childbirth would not be covered. Please refer to the policy wording for further information.

• What if I need to cancel my holiday/trip?

  If it is deemed necessary to cancel your travel arrangements you must contact your Travel Agent/Tour Operator or Transport Company immediately and confirm in writing to Travel Claims within 48 hours.

• What should I be aware of in respect of personal property?

  If personal property is lost, damaged or stolen during a trip, the policy covers repair and replacement costs up the amounts stated in the policy. Reports of damage, loss and theft must be made within 24 hours of discovery to airline or other carrier, Police and hotel management (where applicable). There is no cover for items such as prescription glasses, musical instruments, computers, iPads, notebooks or sports equiments. To see a full list of exclusions and details on what is covered please refer to the policy wording. Please note there are single article/set of article limits and valuables limits, which are stated in the schedule of benefits in the policy wording.

• Do I need a police report for stolen items?

  If you are unfortunate enough to have any stolen items or belongings whilst on holiday, then you must notify the local police within 24 hours and obtain a copy of the police report.

• When should I contact the Emergency Assistance Number?

  In case of Medical Emergency please contact Tel: .
  In the case of any medical emergency or the need to curtail your trip due to an insured reason please call the Emergency Assistance Service.

• How do I make a claim?

  Please click here for more information in relation to making a claim.

• What should I do if I have a complaint about the policy or a claim?

  Please refer to the complaints procedure in the policy wording.

• Is there a cooling off period?

  Yes there is a 14 Day cooling off period from receipt of the policy either at time of print, receipt of email or receipt by post.

• Are there any countries excluded from the policy?

  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues travel advice for all countries and it is wise to take this into consideration when planning your trip. Our policy does not provide cover where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against travel. Please make sure you check whether a warning has been issued by contacting them on Tel 020 7008 1500 or view detail"s on www.fco.gov.uk.

Sports and Activites

• What sports and activities are covered free of charge with backpackertravelinsurance.com?

  The policy automatically provides cover for Personal Accident and Emergency Medical Expenses for the activities listed under Grade 1 in your Policy Wording once they are conducted on an incidental basis whilst you are on holiday. See Policy Wording for full details.

• What is the difference between �Incidental and Non Incidental basis'?

  An incidental basis means that the activity you are doing on holiday is not the specific reason for going on the holiday. Non Incidental is exactly the opposite. Examples: "I am going on holiday and may have a go a Scuba Diving whilst I'm out there, if I can find a place that does it." - That would be participation in an activity on an 'Incidental' basis. "I am going on a specific Scuba Diving holiday, where my main intention is to Scuba Dive" - That would be on participation on a 'Non Incidental' basis.

• I cannot find the sport or activity I want to do under Grade 1?

  We can also provide cover for additional activities under Grades 2 to 4, subject to an additional premium. See the policy wording for full details.

• Does backpackertravelinsurance.com cover scuba diving?

  Beginners: (This cover is provided free of charge) on an Incidental Basis
  Scuba diving to the following depths. Provided you are diving under the direction of an accredited dive marshal, instructor or guide. Alternatively, if qualified, within the guidelines of the relevant diving or training agency or organization and not diving alone:
  
  - PADI Open Water - 18 metres
  - PADI Advanced Open Water - 30 metres*
  - BSAC Ocean Diver - 20 metres
  - BSAC Sports Diver - 30 metres*
  - BSAC Dive Leader - 30 metres*
  
  
  We must agree with any equivalent qualification. If you do not hold a qualification, We will only cover you to dive to a depth of 18 metres.
  You will not be covered under this policy if you travel by air within 24 hours after participating in Scuba Diving.
  
  
  Advanced: (This Cover is subject to Grade 2 Activities additional premium) for Greater Dive Depths and Non Incidental Coverage.
  Scuba diving to the following depths. Provided You are diving under the direction of an accredited dive marshal, instructor or guide. Alternatively, if qualified, within the guidelines of the relevant diving or training agency or organization and not diving alone:
  
  - PADI Open Water - 18 metres
  - PADI Advanced Open Water - 30 metres
  - BSAC Ocean Diver - 20 metres
  - BSAC Sports Diver - 35 metres*
  - BSAC Dive Leader - 50 metres*
  
  
  We must agree with any equivalent qualification. If you do not hold a qualification, We will only cover you to dive to a depth of 18 metres.
  You will not be covered under this policy if you travel by air within 24 hours after participating in Scuba Diving.

• What is the maximum altitude allowed for trekking?

  Our policy covers up to 2,000m on our standard Grade 1 Cover which is included at no additional charge. Above this level, we can then provide trekking for up to 4,200m on our Grade 2 Cover or up to 6,000m on our Grade 3 Cover with an additional premium payable.