| What is an excess? |
| An excess is the first part of a claim you have to pay. This helps keep down the cost of insurance and to keep out very small claims. Excesses vary from policy to policy, so make sure you check what yours is before buying a policy. |
| |
| What is an excess waiver? |
| You can pay an extra 15% on the premium at the time of purchasing your policy so that if you make a claim you do not have to pay an excess. This is recommended. |
| |
| What is a pre-existing medical condition? |
|
Health Conditions
You must comply with the following conditions in order to have full protection under this policy. If You do not comply We may cancel the policy, refuse to deal with Your claim or reduce the amount of any claim payment.
This insurance operates on the following basis:
- To be covered, You must be healthy, fit to travel and to undertake Your planned Trip;
- The insurance will NOT cover You when You are travelling against the advice of a Medical Practitioner (or would be travelling against the advice of a Medical Practitioner had You sought his/her advice);
- The insurance will NOT cover You when You are travelling with the intention of obtaining medical treatment or consultation abroad;
- The insurance will NOT cover You if You have any undiagnosed symptoms that require attention or investigation in the future (that is symptoms for which You are awaiting investigations/consultations, or awaiting results of investigations, where the underlying cause has not been established).
No claim arising directly or indirectly from a Pre-existing Medical Condition affecting You will be covered unless:
- You have declared ALL Pre-existing Medical Conditions to Us; and
- You have declared any changes in Your health or prescribed medication; and
- We have accepted the condition(s) for insurance in writing.
Each Insured Person who has a Pre-existing Medical Condition must make a Medical Health Declaration before each Period of Insurance and, if there are any changes in Your health or prescribed medication, prior to commencement of the Period of Insurance or departing on any Trip.
Failure to declare ALL Pre-existing Medical Conditions that are relevant to the insurance may invalidate the policy.
We may require You to obtain a medical report from Your General Practitioner or Consultant in order to assess whether cover applies. Any costs incurred in obtaining this medical report shall be borne by You.
Based on Our assessment of the medical information supplied to Us, We will decide whether or not the person is suitable for insurance, if certain exclusions or restrictions should be imposed, or if cover can be offered subject to the payment of an additional premium. If We offer cover, and, if the cover is subject to the payment of an additional premium, cover will not commence until full payment has been received by Us and written confirmation has been provided by Us.
To declare a Pre-existing Medical Condition or a change in Your state of health or prescribed medication, You should contact the Medical Screening Helpline during office hours on: 0844 338 6284
You should also refer to the General Exclusions.
The following medical conditions are covered without additional charge and subject to the normal terms and conditions of this insurance, provided (a) the Insured is not awaiting surgery for the condition, and (b) the Insured has been fully discharged from any post-operative follow-up.
|
|
Abnormal Smear Test
Achilles Tendon Injury
Acne
Acronyx (Ingrowing Toe-nail)
Adenoids
Allergic Rhinitis
Alopecia
Anal Fissure/Fistula
Appendectomy
Astigmatism
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Bell's Palsy (Facial Paralysis)
Benign Prostatic Enlargement
Bladder Infection (no ongoing treatment, no hospital admissions)
Blepharitis
Blindness
Blocked Tear Ducts
Breast - Fibroadenoma
Breast Cyst(s)
Breast Enlargement/Reduction
Broken Bones (other than head or spine) – (no longer in plaster)
Bunion (Hallux Valgus)
Bursitis
Caesarean Section
Candidiasis (oral or vaginal)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cartilage Injury
Cataracts
Cervical Erosion
Cervicitis
Chalazion
Chicken Pox (fully resolved)
Cholecystectomy
Chronic fatigue syndrome (if only symptom is fatigue and no hospital admissions)
Coeliac Disease
Cold Sore (Herpes Simplex)
Common Cold(s)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Corneal Graft
Cosmetic Surgery
Cyst - Breast
Cyst - Testicular
Cystitis (no ongoing treatment, no hospital admissions)
Cystocele (fully recovered, no hospital admissions)
D & C
Deaf Mutism
Deafness
Dental Surgery
Dermatitis (no hospital admissions or consultations)
Deviated Nasal Septum
Diarrhoea and/or Vomiting (resolved)
Dilatation and Curettage
Dislocations (no joint replacement or hospital admissions)
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dyspepsia
Ear Infections (resolved - must be all clear prior to travel if flying)
Eczema (no hospital admissions or consultations)
Endocervical Polyp
Endocervicitis
Endometrial Polyp
Epididymitis
Epiphora (Watery Eye)
Epispadias
Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
Erythema Nodosum
Essential Tremor
Facial Neuritis (Trigeminal Neuralgia)
Facial Paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Femoral Hernia
Fibroadenoma
Fibroid - Uterine
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyositis
|
Fibrositis
Frozen Shoulder
Gall Bladder Removal
Ganglion
Glandular Fever (full recovery made)
Glaucoma
Glue Ear (resolved - must be all clear prior to travel if flying)
Goitre
Gout
Grave's Disease
Grommet(s) inserted (Glue Ear)
Gynaecomastia
Haematoma (external)
Haemorrhoidectomy
Haemorrhoids (Piles)
Hallux Valgus (Bunion)
Hammer Toe
Hay Fever
Hernia (not Hiatus)
Herpes Simplex (Cold Sore)
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Hip Replacement (no subsequent arthritis and never any dislocation of a joint replacement)
Hives (Nettle Rash)
Housemaid's Knee (Bursitis)
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hypospadias
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Hysterectomy (provided no malignancy)
Impetigo
Indigestion
Influenza (full recovery made)
Ingrowing Toe-nail (Acronyx)
Inguinal Hernia
Insomnia
Intercostal Neuralgia (no admissions)
Intertrigo
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (provided definite diagnosis made and no ongoing investigations)
Keinboeck's Disease
Keratoconus
Knee Injury - Collateral/cruciate ligaments
Knee Replacement (no subsequent arthritis and never any dislocation of a joint replacement)
Kohlers Disease
Labyrinthitis
Laryngitis
Learning Difficulties
Leptothrix
Leucoderma
Lichen Planus
Ligaments (injury)
Lipoma
Macular Degeneration
Mastitis
Mastoidectomy (resolved - must be all clear prior to travel if flying)
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Migraine (provided definite diagnosis made and no ongoing investigations)
Miscarriage
Mole(s)
Molluscum Contagiosum
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (if the only symptom is fatigue and no hospital admissions)
Myxoedema
Nasal Infection
Nasal Polyp(s)
Nettle Rash (Hives)
Neuralgia (no hospital admissions)
Nosebleed(s)
Nystagmus
Osgood-schlatter's Disease
Osteochondritis
Otosclerosis
Overactive Thyroid
Parametritis
Pediculosis
|
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Photodermatosis Piles
Pityriasis Rosea
Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (if the only symptom is fatigue and no hospital admissions)
Pregnancy (provided no complications)
Prickly Heat
Prolapsed Uterus (womb)
Pruritis
Psoriasis (no hospital admissions or consultations)
Repetitive Strain Injury
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Rhinitis (Allergic)
Rosacea
Ruptured Tendons
Salpingo-oophoritis
Scabies
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Scheuermann's Disease (provided no respiratory issues)
Sebaceous Cyst
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shoulder Injury
Sinusitis
Skin Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Sleep Apnoea (no machine used to assist breathing)
Sore Throat
Sprains
Stigmatism
Stomach Bug (resolved)
Strabismus (Squint)
Stress Incontinence (no urinary infections)
Talipes (Club Foot)
Tendon Injury
Tennis Elbow
Tenosynovitis
Termination of Pregnancy
Testicles - Epididymitis
Testicles - Hydrocele
Testicles - Varicocele
Testicular Cyst
Testicular Torsion (Twisted Testicle)
Throat Infection(s)
Thrush
Thyroid - Overactive
Thyroid Deficiency
Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
Tinea Corporis (Skin Ringworm)
Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)
Tinnitus
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toothache
Torn Ligament
Torticollis (Wry Neck)
Trichomycosis
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Turner's Syndrome
Twisted Testicle
Umbilical Hernia
Underactive Thyroid
Undescended Testicle
Urethritis (no ongoing treatment, no hospital admissions)
URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) (resolved, no further treatment)
Urticaria
Uterine Polyp(s)
Uterine Prolapse
Varicocele
Varicose Veins - legs only, never any ulcers or cellulitis (if GP has confirmed that client is fit to travel)
Vasectomy
Verruca
Vitiligo
Warts (benign, non-genital)
Womb Prolapse (uterus)
Wry Neck (Torticollis)
|
|
In addition to any Medical Condition on the ‘Waived Conditions’ list, You may be automatically accepted for cover if You suffer from (or have a prior history of) Asthma, provided:
- You are able to meet ALL the criteria shown below and
- You have NO other Pre-existing Medical Condition.
Asthma (Wheezing):
- There must have been NO hospital admissions EVER.
- Must have been diagnosed prior to age 50.
- Must be controlled with no more than 2 medications (NO nebuliser or home oxygen EVER).
- Must have been a non-smoker for at least 12 months.
- Must be able to walk 200 yards on the flat without becoming short of breath.
If Your Medical Condition does not meet all the above criteria, or if You have any other Pre-existing Medical Condition, You must contact the Medical Screening Helpline to declare the condition(s) and make sure that the cover will meet your needs.
Important Limitations – Cancellation, Curtailment & Trip Interruption Cover
This policy will NOT cover any claims under Section 5 (Cancellation, Curtailment or Trip Interruption) arising directly or indirectly from any Pre-existing Medical Condition known to You prior to the commencement of the Period of Insurance affecting any Close Relative or travelling companion who is not insured under this policy, or person with whom You intend to stay whilst on Your Trip if:
- a terminal diagnosis had been received prior to the commencement of the Period of Insurance; or
- if they were on a waiting-list for, or had knowledge of the need for, surgery, inpatient treatment or investigation at any hospital or clinic at the commencement of the Period of Insurance;
or if during the 90 days immediately prior to the commencement of the Period of Insurance they had:
- required surgery, inpatient treatment or hospital consultations; or
- required any form of treatment, been taking (or should have been taking) any prescribed medication, been prescribed new medication, or had a change in medication.
You should also refer to the General Exclusions. |
| |
| What are the Policy Age Limits? |
| Backpackers Policy and the Adventurer policy have a maximum age of 45 years at date of purchase. The Comprehensive policy, both Single trip and Annual Multi-trip, as well as the Wintersports policy, have a maximum age limit of 55 years at date of purchase. |
| |
| Do I have to take my policy travelling with me? |
| Some authorities will ask to see you policy so you should carry a photocopy. However, to take advantage of our 24 hour emergency assistance all you need is the 24hr medical emergency telephone number and your policy number. |
| |
| What is the 24 hour medical emergency phone number? |
| +44 (0) 1444 442679 (available for enquiries no matter where you are). |
| |
| Am I covered for bungee jumping, scuba diving and white/black water rafting? |
| Yes you are. All of our policies will cover most adventure sports. Please check the policy details to see if your sport is covered. Most sports not automatically covered can be added to your policy for an additional policy. |
| |
| Do you cover valuable items? |
| We do not recommend you take Valuables away with you. However, if you do have an expensive item, like a camera, then it will normally be covered up to the single item or valuables limit (max of £200) contained in your existing policy. If the item is expensive and you would like to insure it for more than your policy allows, items such as photographic and video equipment, telephones, computers, musical instruments and sporting equipment can be insured for a maximum of £1000 per item, up to £2000 in total for all items per insured person, for an additional premium. |
| |
| I am travelling on a 1 way ticket. Does my cover finish when I reach my destination? |
| No, unless you are emigrating to that country or the country that you are travelling to is the country of your passport. Provided it is your intention to return to the UK or Eire, cover will continue for the duration of your policy, subject to the maximum total trip duration limit of 24 months. |
| |
| If I loose my baggage, can I commence my claim from overseas? |
| Yes. You must notify the Underwriters of your claim within 31 days but bear in mind that you will be corresponding with the Underwriters at long range. You could get your family/friends back home to deal with it for you to hasten the process but they will need your Police report and any other relevant documentation. |
| |
| How do I make a claim? |
| Downunder Insurance is your broker.
IN AN EMERGENCY, FIRST CHECK THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE COVERED BY THIS POLICY. HAVING DONE THIS TELEPHONE EUROP ASSISTANCE STATING YOUR NAME AND POLICY NUMBER.
|
HELPLINE
|
NUMBER
|
|
Travel Helpline
|
020 7402 9211
|
|
Medical Screening Helpline
|
0844 338 6284
|
|
Pre Travel Advice
|
0844 338 6281
|
|
Medical Emergency & Repatriation
|
0844 338 6280 or from outside the UK +44 (0) 1444 442679
|
|
Travel Insurance Claims and Cancellation
|
0844 338 6283
|
|
Legal Advice & Legal Expenses Claims
|
0844 338 6282
|
To make a claim on a policy bought on/after 1st March 2007 you need to contact the Underwriter - AIG Travel Assist on +44 (0) 1273 765 339. For policies bought on or prior to 28 February 2007, please contact the Underwriter - Inter Group Claims Services Limited on +44 (0) 208 680 5142.
For Medical claims involving expenses over £500, or an in-patient stay, you should contact the assistance service immediately.
When you make a claim you need to have reported any goods stolen to the Police, or in the case of medical claims, have documentation and all bills from the place you received medical treatment.
|
| |
| Do I have to pay the bill if I am ill? |
| No, providing you report your medical condition as per our terms and conditions and the claim is covered under the policy. However you are expected to settle small bills such as prescription claims and doctors call-out fees. Just keep the receipts and claim them later. In a medical emergency call the 24 hr medical emergency number (above). |
| |
| Must I be a UK resident to get Downunder Insurance Cover? |
| No, but you have to be able to provide a UK address and you must be departing from the UK on your travels. We happily provide cover to EU nationals, Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans - as well as certain other nationals. |
| |
| What is the 25% rule? |
| The rule states that people who have chosen cover for Zone 3 (worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean) or Zone 4 (Australia and New Zealand) should note that this policy extends cover to include Zone 5 Worldwide for up to 25% of their trip duration. |
| |
| Does baggage have to be locked in the boot of a vehicle to ensure a claim? |
| Yes, however you are not covered for luggage/baggage left in the boot between 10pm and 8am. Also, even if your baggage is locked in the boot and out of sight, you are not covered for the loss of money or valuables at any time if left in the vehicle. |
| |
| Can I travel whilst pregnant? |
| Yes, but read policy terms and conditions for full details. Policy Wording 2010 |
| |
| Is it safe to give my credit card details over the internet? |
| Yes. We have a secure site, and use Worldpay, part of the Natwest group, as our Secure Payments Provider. |
| |
| Why is Downunder Insurance policies so much cheaper than everyone else? |
| Downunder Travel Insurance specialises in Backpacker and Independent Traveller policies with varying levels of cover. We perform the majority of our sales over the internet which cuts costs and we don't offer you cover you don't need. Also, due to the age and type of our policy holders, you are viewed as a lower risk and are therefore rewarded with cheaper prices. |
| |
| Can I cancel my policy and get a refund? |
|
If this cover does not meet you requirements, you may return the policy documents to Downunder within 14 days of buying the policy or the date you receive the policy documents, whichever is the later –unless your policy terminates within 30 days of the date of purchase.
In line with the conditions below, we will refund all the premiums you have paid within 30 days of the date you contact us to ask to cancel the policy.
If you are a single-trip policyholder, we will not refund your premium if you have travelled or made a claim before you asked to cancel the policy within the 14-day period.
If you are an annual multi-trip or long-stay policyholder and you have travelled or made a claim before you asked to cancel the policy within the 14-day period, we will only refund a proportionate amount of the premium. |
| |
| Can I still get insurance with Downunder Travel Insurance even though I'm not a backpacker? |
| Yes, however please be aware that our policies have been developed to suit backpackers and independent travellers and you should ensure the policy provides the right type of cover for your needs. You can view the policy wording here. |
| |
| Can I extend my policy? |
| Yes, you can extend your cover whilst abroad for a maximum total duration of 24 months - by purchasing a new policy upon completing the Overseas Application, but you can't extend your cover once your existing policy has expired. Once your policy has expired, you will need to complete an Overseas Application, which will need to be approved thereafter. |
| |
| Can I purchase a policy if I have already left home? |
| Yes, as long as you are a resident of the UK or Republic of Ireland (and you intend to return to the UK after you have finished your travels), you can call or email us for an 'Overseas Application Form.' You will then be emailed or faxed the form and you must return it to us for processing. |