Travel Insurance Questions

• Why can't you provide cover for anyone aged 71 or over travelling to USA or Canada?

  Due to recent substantial medical claims, costs in the USA and Canada have forced the Insurer to exclude all cover if you are travelling to the USA or Canada if you are aged 71 or over. Cover for the rest of the world remains in place. We may be able to suggest an alternative supplier for travel to USA and Canada, so please call us for details.

• How do you define USA and Canada?

  For the purpose of the age restriction above, under our policies the USA and Canada is defined as any STATE thereof. If you are aged 71 or over and have any doubt as to the validity of our policy for your destination, please call us on 0845 6077444.

• What happens if I have an accident or need medical attention whilst I'm away?

  When you take out travel insurance with us, you will be given a policy booklet detailing what to do in the event of a claim.
  All of our travel policies include a 24 hour, 365 days per year emergency assistance helpline, so you are always able to get help.

• Is my luggage covered as standard?

  We can offer policies both with and without cover for your luggage under our travel insurance policies. As your possessions may already be covered under your household policy, you may not need to pay to include them on the travel policy.

• Do you cover pre-existing medical conditions?

  We can offer cover including some medical conditions as standard, and will try to help whenever we can, so please call us to discuss your needs.

• Do you offer reduced rates for families/couples?

  Yes. We offer reduced rates for children, families, and one parent families.

   

   

   

• Who can be covered under a "family" policy?

  A family policy covers two adults, plus any number of dependent children. Children must be under 18 years of age when the policy is issued.

• Who can be covered under a "Single Parent" policy?

  A Single Parent policy covers one adult and any number of dependent children. Children must be under 18 years of age when the policy is issued.

• What is an excess?

  An Excess is the first part of a claim which you have to pay. This helps keep down the price of the Insurance. Check what your Excess is before you buy elsewhere as these vary from Policy to Policy.

• Are there any excesses on the CSIS Travel policies?

  There are Excesses on most sections of all travel policies. Please check the Schedules of Cover for the policy that you’re interested in.

   

   

• What happens if I have an expensive item that I want to take with me?

  We do not recommend that you take valuable items away with you as holidaymakers are relatively easy for thieves to spot. However, if you do have an expensive camera that you want to use whilst away then normally, it will be covered up to the single article or valuables limit. You may find that it is necessary to arrange additional cover with possibly your home contents Insurer. Please note that valuables are not covered unless carried by hand and under the personal supervision of the Insured Person.

   

• Do I need to carry my Policy Schedule with me when I travel?

  Some authorities may ask to see your Insurance Policy schedule, so you should at least carry a copy. However, to take advantage of our 24 hour emergency assistance, all you will need is your Policy Number and the 24 hour medical emergency telephone number.

   

• Can I travel whilst pregnant?

  Yes, however, the policy will exclude your travel against any health requirements stipulated by the carrier, their handling agents or any other public transport provider.

   

• Do I have to pay the bill if I am taken ill whilst away?

  No. Providing you report your medical condition, as per our Terms and Conditions. However, you should settle small bills like prescription charges and doctor’s call out fees and keep receipts for a later claim. If is a medical emergency, either phone the provided 24 hour emergency number or have someone phone on your behalf.

   

• Does the CSIS policy cover ambulance and repatriation costs?

  Yes. These charges are covered under the Medical Expenses section.

   

• Does baggage have to be stored in the boot of a car?

  Yes. Do not leave it unattended or on view in the interior of a car. As a rule of thumb, you are expected to treat yourself and your belongings as if they were uninsured. In other words, do not take extra risks just because you have your things insured.  It may cause a problem with your claim. Please note that even if your baggage is out of sight in the boot, there is no cover for valuables or money. In other words, never leave valuables or money unattended in a car, whether locked in the boot or not. Also between the hours of 9.00pm and 9.00am local time, personal baggage must not be left in an unattended vehicle.

   

• I have seen Policies with unlimited medical cover – the Policy only covers £5,000,000.

  Unlimited medical cover is a gimmick and £5,000,000 is more than anyone is likely to need. The largest known medical claim ever was less than £1,000,000.

   

• Is there a 24 hour emergency phone number?

  Yes. On the Summary of Benefit page of the Policy schedule wording. It must be used at once if you are hospitalised, require expensive treatment or need to return home early.

   

• Who can be insured?

  Residents of the UK with journeys commencing in and returning to the UK.

   

   

• Can my family travel independently on an Annual Policy?

  Yes. When they are also named on the Policy Schedule. We provide cover for your spouse/partner and children on all their trips when they are travelling without you up to a maximum duration of 45 days.

   

• Can children under 18 purchase separate cover at a discounted premium?

  Yes, simply enter their ages under an individual (or group if more than one) policy type to get a competitive quote.

• When does Cancellation cover commence?

  Cancellation cover for single trip policies commences immediately after the Travel Insurance Policy has been accepted and the relevant premium paid and ends upon your departure from the UK. For Annual Multi-Trip Policies, Cancellation cover commences from the commencement date of the Policy or the date of booking the holiday, whichever is the later, and ends upon your departure from the UK for each trip taken.

   

• What if I wish to cancel my Policy? Is there a cooling off period?

  A refund of the premium can be allowed only within the first 14 days of the Policy being taken out or before your travel (whichever is the sooner) if the Policy does not meet your requirements. You cannot cancel your Policy and receive a refund of premium after the 14 days or if you travel.

   

• Can I take a single trip policy for 365 days?

   Yes. A single trip policy can be taken for all durations up to and including 365 days.

• Can I cover business equipment?

  No. The policy does not extend to provide cover for business equipment.

• Do you provide cover for back-packers?

  Yes, we can provide cover for any single trip up to a duration of 365 days.

• Do you exclude any specific activities from cover under your policies?

  As with most insurance policies, some hazardous pursuits are excluded from cover. These include Black Water Rafting, Microlighting, Bobsleighing, Motorcycling Holidays, Boxing, Off-piste Skiing, Bungee Jumping, Parachuting, Canyoning, Piloting Aircraft, Hang Gliding, Pot Holing, Hot Air Ballooning, Rock Climbing, Martial Arts and Rugby. Manual work is also excluded.