When Does Travel Insurance Actually Start A common question we are asked is when should I start my Travel Insurance policy? The answer depends on whether you have a single or annual policy, but you should try to take out insurance as soon as you book your trip...
FAQ’s
You can find all of P J Hayman’s frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer you need, please email us at info@pjhayman.com with details of your request. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Adventures
There follow some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Adventures Insurance and the cover offered. If you have a question that is not answered below, please reach out using the options on the contact us page.
What activities do you cover?
Adventures Travel Insurance covers a very wide range of activities from Abseiling to Zorbing. Click here for activities we are able to cover. Should your activity not appear on the list please call us on 02392 419 093.
Who is eligible for Adventures Travel Insurance?
The policy is available to people aged 75 years or under who are registered with a medical practitioner and permanently resident in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
Is there an age limit?
Cover is available to people aged 75 years or under. If you are aged over 75 please call us on 02392 419 093.
Single Trip
For individual trips of up to 6 months continuous cover (maximum 3 months for ages 65-69 years or 31 days for ages 70-75 years).
Annual Multi-trip
For any number of trips throughout the year (maximum 60 days per trip - limited to 31 days for ages 70-75 years).
Who are the insurers?
Adventures is underwritten by Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of Sompo International Holdings Ltd. Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
This can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk.
Can you cover groups?
We can cover groups of any number, with discounts of up to 20% available depending on size.
If you are arranging a trip for a group of up to 10, you can get a quote online. For groups of 11 or more, please call us on 02392 419 093 .
Can you use the information from my last policy?
Your medical information and the medical questions we ask you can change, so we aren’t able to transfer your medical information to a new policy. We will need to ask you for some information again to make sure your policy is correct and valid in case you need to make a claim.
What is the maximum duration?
The maximum duration of any individual trip is 6 months (although for persons aged 65-69 years the maximum trip duration is 3 months).
Can I increase the cancellation policy limit on Single Trip cover?
If you select Part B you will be covered up to £5,000 per person for travel, accommodation and pre-paid activity course fees should you find it necessary to cancel, curtail or abandon your holiday/trip. These limits cannot be increased. However, if you require top up cover for cancellation for your travel or accommodation, please call us on 02392 419 093.
What are the advantages of Annual Multi-trip travel insurance?
If you are making several trips a year, Annual Multi-trip cover is usually the most cost effective option. For a single premium you will be covered for any number of trips throughout the year up to a maximum of 60 days each trip.
Please note: a trip must involve pre-booked accommodation or travel unless it is a ‘one-off’ event taking place on a single day.
How many times can I travel and how long can each trip be?
The Annual Multi-trip policy covers you for an unlimited number of trips throughout the year up to a maximum of 60 days each trip.
Please note: a trip must involve pre-booked accommodation or travel unless it is a ‘one-off’ event taking place on a single day.
Am I covered for trips in the UK?
Trips in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are covered.
A trip must involve pre-booked accommodation or travel unless it is a ‘one-off’ event taking place on a single day.
If I am abroad can I extend the 'maximum duration any one trip' limit provided by my Annual Multi-trip policy if I decide to stay longer?
No, we are unable to extend cover beyond the maximum duration limit.
What is family cover?
A family premium is available for Annual Multi-trip cover, for you and your husband/wife/civil partner or partner who are aged 64 years or under at the time of purchasing the policy (and have co-habited for at least 6 months), plus your unmarried, dependent children (including fostered or adopted), all aged under 18 years at the time of purchase of the policy. Independent travel allowed by you and your husband/wife/civil partner or partner but not your children.
As multi-generational family holidays grow in popularity let us inspire you to plan one. Discover what activities Adventures provides cover for during a family holiday.
Is there a limit for my activity equipment?
Part A includes cover for specialist Activity Equipment up to £1,000 per person with a single item limit of £600.
Can I increase the cancellation policy limit on Single Trip cover?
If you select Part B you will be covered up to £5,000 per person for travel, accommodation and pre-paid activity course fees should you find it necessary to cancel, curtail or abandon your holiday/trip. These limits cannot be increased. However, if you require top up cover for cancellation for your travel or accommodation, please call us on 02392 419 093.
Coach Plus
Below are the Coach Plus policy documents. For personal documents like the policy schedule, please either log in to your account or contact us.
Can I extend my cover if I am currently on a trip?
Unfortunately, if you are on a trip and want to extend your cover we will be unable to do so. The policy will expire at the originally agreed date. The only exception to this is if you need to extend your policy following a change in travel plans as a result of the airline reduction and border closures.
In which case, you may extend the policy if:
- it hasn’t expired
- no claims have been made or are to be submitted,
- there has been no change in medical conditions, up to 7 days.
However, only a maximum of 7 days will be granted and no further extension will be given. If you have a valid insurance claim the usual criteria applies, with regards to your insurance extended as part of the assistance case or travel delay after checking in baggage.
Can I get travel insurance if I have an existing medical condition?
Coach Plus Insurance contains conditions relating to your health. You must refer to the Health Declaration & Health Exclusions section of your Insurance Policy.
Can my policy be changed to suit a ‘new/different’ holiday or trip?
On a Single trip policy, if you are offered an alternative destination and or dates from your travel agent, we will shift your insurance policy to fit the new trip without any administration charges, providing the new trip is for the same duration and to the same location or geographical area. Please call the customer service team on the number listed in your policy wording.
Who are the Insurers?
From the 31st December 2024 this insurance will be underwritten by AWP P&C SA registered in France with ID no 519490080 RCS Paris Registered Office: 7 Rue Dora Maar, 93400 Saint-Ouen, France acting through its UK Branch, AWP P&C (UK Branch), registered in the United Kingdom. Registered Branch No. BR015275. Registered Office: 102 George Street, Croydon CR9 6HD
Can you use the information from my last policy?
Your medical information and the medical questions we ask you can change, so we aren’t able to transfer your medical information to a new policy. We will need to ask you for some information again to make sure your policy is correct and valid in case you need to make a claim.
How can I pay for my policy?
You can pay by debit or credit card. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
How will I receive my travel insurance policy documents?
Once you have purchased your policy, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your policy documents via a secure online customer portal.
Please note – if you have not received your email after a few hours, please check your spam email folder.
Can I get my money back if I want to cancel my policy?
If you are not completely satisfied with the cover provided you may return your policy to us within 14 days on receipt of your policy documents, provided that you have not already travelled and are not making a claim.
Euro Plus
The documents below are valid to policies purchased from 1st January 2025. For any policies purchased prior to this, please contact us.
What vehicles will you cover?
The insured vehicle must be:
- Owned by you and not rented or hired under a vehicle rental agreement and not used for motor racing, rallies, public hire, private hire, or courier services.
- A car, motorcycle over 150cc, motorised caravan, minibus, light van, estate car or 4×4 sport utility vehicle registered in the territorial limits (UK).
- For a Single Trip policy, aged 15 years or under since first registration. For an Annual Multi-trip policy, aged 15 years or under since first registration.
- Not more than 3,500kg in weight (including any load), 8 metres in length (3 metres high and 2.3 metres wide).
- Not carrying more than the legal carrying capacity of the vehicle.
- Kept in a safe and roadworthy condition and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Can I be covered for trips in my home country?
This policy does not cover trips within Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and (for residents only) Jersey and Guernsey, other than during the direct journeys between your home and your international departure point.
Do you cover one-way trips?
Cover for one-way trips is not available.
Can I extend my policy if I decide to stay longer?
On a single trip policy, we may be able to extend an individual trip policy providing you let us know before your policy expires. At the time of requesting the extension you will need to confirm you have not required assistance or claimed and are not intending to require assistance or make a claim. Please note, this is subject to your existing trip duration including the extended period not exceeding 90 days which is the maximum trip durations of the Single Trip policy. You will be advised of the additional premium at the time of the request.
It is not possible to extend trip durations on an annual multi-trip policy.
In the event of a breakdown whilst abroad, do I have to pay my bills myself?
On most occasions, we will be able to guarantee costs directly with the repairer or garage. However, where we are unable to do, payment may be asked for directly. Please obtain a detailed invoice of all work carried out to support the claim. In the event of a motor breakdown, accident or theft, the 24 hour motoring breakdown service must be contacted as soon as possible. Any claim may not be paid if this is not done.
Who are the Insurers?
The policy is underwritten by Collinson Insurance. Collinson Insurance (a trading name of Astrenska Insurance Limited) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, under Firm Reference Number 202846. Registered in England number 01708613.
How can I pay for my policy?
You can pay by debit or credit card. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
How will I receive my travel insurance policy documents?
Once you have purchased your policy, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your policy documents via a secure online customer portal.
Please note – if you have not received your email after a few hours, please check your spam email folder.
Can I get my money back if I want to cancel my policy?
If you are not completely satisfied with the cover provided you may return your policy to us within 14 days on receipt of your policy documents, provided that you have not already travelled and are not making a claim.
Free Spirit
See what our previous customers say about their experience with the P J Hayman team.
Do you cover cruises?
Free Spirit covers all types of cruises on both Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip policies, including UK cruises, Caribbean cruises, Mediterranean cruises and short break cruises.
If you are visiting multiple countries on your cruise, please make sure you select the correct geographical area when getting a quote.
What can I do if my trip changes?
If there is a change of destination or additional duration please call us and we can update your policy. This may incur an appropriate additional premium that we will need to collect from you. However, we do not charge administration fees for any changes to a policy.
Can I extend my policy if I decide to stay longer?
Extension requests will be considered but cannot be guaranteed:
Trip extensions:
– if you decide you wish to extend your trip whilst overseas
– if you are unable to return home from your trip as planned
– travel disruption caused by a contagious disease
Subject to Underwriters agreement, we can extend a Single Trip policy at your request. This is providing you let us know before the expiration date of the policy and that at the time of the request you do not intend to make a claim.
Please note – this is subject to the total trip duration including the extended period not exceeding 115 days (45 days if aged 76 years or over), which is the maximum trip duration of the Single Trip policy. You will be advised of the additional premium at the time of the request.
Please contact us on 02392 419 080 to discuss your requirements.
Can you use the information from my last policy?
Your medical information and the medical questions we ask you can change, so we aren’t able to transfer your medical information to a new policy. We will need to ask you for some information again to make sure your policy is correct and valid in case you need to make a claim.
Do you cover one-way trips?
No, Free Spirit only covers round trips that start and end in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Alternatively, the trip may start from a Ministry of defence base or location, so long as it holds a recognised British Forces Post Office address.
However, please contact us on 02392 419 080 as we may be able to offer a different policy.
What are the Geographical Areas on a Single Trip policy?
The geographical areas you can travel to on a single trip policy are as follows:
United Kingdom – England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man.
Europe – Albania, Andorra, Austria, the Azores, Belgium, Balearics, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Corsica, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (and the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia (west of the Ural mountains), San Marino, Sicily, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden. Switzerland, Tunisia and Turkey.
Australia & New Zealand – Australia, including Territory of Cocos (Keeling Islands, The Territory of Christmas Island, Norfolk Island
and Lord Howe Island) and New Zealand, including the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau (including up to 48 hours stopover in a
country within a Worldwide area).
Worldwide – excluding Canada, Caribbean, China, Hong Kong, USA, Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Liberia, North Korea and Sudan but
including Egypt and Israel.
Worldwide – including Canada, Caribbean, China, Hong Kong, USA but excluding Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Liberia, North Korea
and Sudan.
Do be aware that you will not be covered if you travel outside the area you have chosen, as shown on your policy schedule.
Can I take out a Single Trip policy in the UK?
Yes, in fact some features on our policy are specifically for travel within the UK. For example, you will benefit from up to £10,000 for indirect medical costs if you are injured or fall ill while away.
What is the maximum duration of a Single Trip policy?
The maximum duration of any single trip is 115 days (although for persons aged 76 years and over the maximum duration is 45 days). If you are travelling for longer than 45 days and you are aged 76 or over, please call us on 02392 419 080.
Is there an age limit on Single Trip policies?
No upper age limit for most destinations on Single Trip cover.
How do I work out my travel dates?
The start date of your policy should be the day that you leave home. Your end date should be the date you return home. Although, this could be a different day to the day you leave your holiday destination so do ensure your policy covers you and your party for the entirety of your scheduled return journey.
Cancellation cover starts on the date you purchase your policy so even if your holiday/trip is some time away, you will be covered for cancellation until the day your trip starts. For this reason, it is beneficial to purchase a travel insurance policy as soon as you have booked your travel.
Under all other areas of cover, it initiates when you leave your home and ends when you return home.
What start date should I choose?
Cancellation cover Insurance begins on the date you choose to start your policy. If you already have a trip booked and you want to be covered immediately, you should select today’s date. You can choose to start your policy later (up to 31 days from today’s date) but there would not be any cancellation cover between now and the start date you choose.
Is there an age limit on Annual Multi-trip policies?
No upper age limit for most destinations on Annual Multi-trip cover.
How many times can I travel and how long can each trip be?
You can travel as often as you like within the 12 month period. There is a limit of 32 days (Standard Cover and Super Cover) and 45 days (Super Duper Cover) for any one trip.
Does an Annual Multi-trip policy cover me for travel in the UK?
Yes, your cover applies not only in your chosen geographical area, but also in the UK for trips but must include at least 1 nights’ booked accommodation.
In fact, some features on our policy are included with domestic travel in mind. For example, up to £10,000 cover is available for indirect medical costs if you are injured or fall ill while away.
What are the Geographical Areas on an Annual Multi-trip policy?
You will not be covered if you travel outside the area you have chosen, as shown on your Policy Schedule.
•United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).
• Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, the Azores, Belgium, Balearics, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Corsica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (and the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia (west of the Ural mountains), San Marino, Sicily, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden. Switzerland, Tunisia, and Turkey.
• Australia & New Zealand: Australia, including the Territory of Cocos (Keeling Islands, The Territory of Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island) and New Zealand, including the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau (including up to 48 hours stopover in a country within a Worldwide area).
• Worldwide - excluding: Canada, Caribbean, China, Hong Kong, USA, Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Liberia, North Korea, and Sudan but including Egypt and Israel.
• Worldwide - including Canada, the Caribbean, China, Hong Kong, USA but excluding Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Liberia, North Korea, and Sudan.
Can I extend my policy if I am abroad and want to stay over the maximum trip limit?
We are not able to extend the Annual Multi-trip policy. The maximum duration for any one trip is 32 days (Standard Cover and Super Cover) and 45 days (Super Duper Cover).
If you exceed the maximum trip duration, any claims during your holiday will not be covered.
Will I receive a renewal?
If you have Annual Multi-trip cover, we will contact you prior to the expiry of the period of insurance as shown on your Policy Schedule. We will give you at least 21 days written notice before the expiry date.
On receipt of the reminder, we will ask you to complete a new application as we need to make sure that your details are based on your health at the time of taking out a new policy for the next 12 months.
Under an Annual Multi-trip policy, can children travel independently of an insured adult?
No. Adults may travel independently but children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an insured adult.
Do you have a 24 hour medical emergency service?
Healix Medical Assistance Services
Tel: +44 (0)208 608 4227 (this is a basic rate number)
Email: internationalhealthcare@healix.com
You should first call an ambulance using the local equivalent of a 999 number. If you are travelling within the European Union you should dial 112.
You should then, where possible, contact Healix Medical Assistance Services who are available 24 hours a day, all year round.
You have the reassurance of knowing that worldwide medical advice and help is just a phone call away. (For more information see pages 14 to 15).
In the event of a medical emergency whilst abroad, do I have to pay my medical bills myself?
If you are asked to pay a small bill for medicines and/or outpatient treatment it is often easier to settle your bill direct, keep all receipts and claim for the costs incurred on your return home.
If you are admitted as an inpatient, or you require outpatient treatment which is likely to exceed £500, then you must contact the 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance prior to receiving treatment.
I’m on holiday and my camera has been stolen, what do I do?
If an item you took on holiday, personal money or your travel documents get lost or stolen you must notify the police as soon as possible and obtain a written report and reference number from them. You also need to report the loss/theft to your tour operator’s representative or hotel/accommodation manager and (if possible) get a written report.
You should wait until you return home to make a claim. Full details on how to make a claim and what supporting documentation you need are also shown in your Insurance Policy.
How do I make a claim?
How quickly will you settle my claim?
Our claims handling team aim to resolve your claim as quickly as possible. It is important that you provide all the information you are asked at the time of claim to prevent any delays.
Is your website secure?
Yes. The security of your personal information and payment details is of utmost importance to us. We use 128-bit encrypted SSL to help keep all of your data safe.
How can I pay for my policy?
You can pay by debit or credit card. We accept Mastercard and Visa. The payment will show on your statement as ‘P J Hayman'.
How will I receive my travel insurance policy documents?
Once you have purchased your policy, you will receive an email from Free Spirit with instructions on how to access your policy documents.
Please note – if you have not received your email after a few hours, please check your spam email.
How can I access my policy documents?
Please ensure you have set up an account. If you have not already done this, you can create an account by clicking this link. You will need to provide your first name and last name, date of birth and email in order to activate your account.
Please note, please ensure you use the same details to create your account that you used when obtaining a quote and purchasing your policy online.
Do I need to take my policy documents with me on holiday?
Can I get my money back if I want to cancel?
If you are not completely satisfied with the cover provided and have not already travelled and are not making or intend to make a claim, you may cancel your policy within 14 days of purchase and we will refund your full premium.
Longstay & Backpacker
There follow some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Longstay Travel Insurance and the cover offered. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact us.
What is gap year travel insurance?
Gap year travel insurance covers long trips. Longstay and Gap Year Travel Insurance is unique because it offers more coverage, including:
- Gadget cover
- Return home cover for up to four visits depending on the cover level you choose
- Cover for adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as bungee jumps and scuba diving of up to 10 metres. Check your activity pack for more details
- Extensive activity cover for working and volunteering abroad
- Emergency medical cover
- A study abroad extension to cover pre-paid course fees if you need to cancel your trip
Does Longstay & Gap Year insurance cover working holidays?
Yes, cover for working abroad is included in Activity pack 1 for certain work activities such as animal sanctuary or bar work. ‘Permitted manual labour’ is also covered as part of your included activity cover, which will cover you for things like fruit picking, farm work or casual manual work, provided it does not involve the use of heavy machinery.
If you plan on studying abroad, you can also add the ‘study or work placement abroad extension’ where you will be covered for up to £6,000 of pre-paid course fees if you need to cancel or curtail your trip for covered reasons such as illness.
Can I extend my Longstay & Gap Year travel insurance while I'm abroad?
You may be able to extend your cover if the policy has not already expired and you are not travelling for more than the maximum time allowed, which is 548 days or 18 months depending on age. Call our team to discuss your options. Unfortunately, you can’t extend your policy once it has expired.
Ensure your travel insurance policy covers you from your departure date until your return date. If we have already left for your trip and don’t currently have travel insurance, we can suggest P J Hayman’s Already Travelled insurance policy, which is especially for people who have already travelled.
Please contact the sales team to discuss this further on +44 (0) 2392 419 011 (lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm GMT, closed Bank Holidays). Please ensure you contact us prior to your cover expiring as we cannot extend an expired policy. Please Note: Extension requests cannot be accepted by voicemail or email.
Am I able to return home, and then resume my trip?
Yes, the policy allows you to return home for up to two visits, each up to a maximum of 21 days per visit during the policy period if buying the ‘Standard’ or ‘Longstay’ cover, or up to four visits, each up to a maximum of 31 days per visit during the policy period if buying the ‘Longstay PLUS’ cover.
Please note, cover is suspended during the period at home.
Who are the Insurers?
Your policy is underwritten by Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sompo International Holdings Ltd. Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulatory Authority under registration number 219654. Registered in England and Wales, Number 04413524
Gadget Cover is administered by Bastion Insurance Services Ltd and underwritten 100% by Collinson Insurance.
Collinson Insurance (a trading name of Astrenska Insurance Limited) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, under Firm Reference Number 202846.
Your policy is arranged by:
This policy is arranged and administered by PJ Hayman & Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered No. 2534965. Registered Office: Stansted House, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DX. P J Hayman & Company Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Register number 497103.
Do I need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)/Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
The EHIC allows you to access state provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland. Your EHIC will be accepted for the remainder of its validity. If you do not have a valid EHIC you will need to apply for a GHIC.
For more information read our blog on the topic. To apply for your GHIC visit the GHIC website or call: 0300 330 1350.
Presenting your EHIC/GHIC at a public medical facility will allow you to obtain treatment at a reduced cost and in many cases free of charge, provided you are a UK or BFPO resident (please note if you reside in the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands you are not eligible for an EHIC/GHIC). You must carry it with you when travelling abroad. Remember to check your EHIC/GHIC is still valid before you travel.
If you are travelling outside the EEA then there are some countries that have reciprocal agreements with the UK and these can be found on the NHS website.
Can you resend my policy to me?
Yes. Please send us a message with your policy number (if known), the lead name and the address (for verification) and we will then resend the policy.
Can you use the information from my last policy?
Your medical information and the medical questions we ask you can change, so we aren’t able to transfer your medical information to a new policy. We will need to ask you for some information again to make sure your policy is correct and valid in case you need to make a claim.
Why is longstay travel insurance more expensive?
If you’re going on a long trip like a gap year, you’ll need specialist travel insurance to cover the full duration of the trip. Unlike standard travel insurance, which often only provides cover for up to 31 days, a specialist policy like Longstay & Gap Year can provide cover for up to 18 months.
You will find that the longer the trip, the more expensive the policy. This is because the insurer is providing important cover for potentially expensive things like medical treatment abroad.
What Coronavirus cover is provided?
You are covered for Emergency Medical Expenses if you fall ill with COVID-19 whilst on your trip. This includes cover for any reasonable accommodation and/or travelling expenses as well as the cost of any necessary repatriation expenses to the UK.
This cover is not provided, however, where you have travelled against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or against medical advice.
What you are not covered for:
- You won’t be covered if you have to cancel or cut your trip short as a result of any travel restrictions such as a national or local lockdown or if the FCDO is advising against all (but essential) travel due to COVID-19 or any other epidemic or pandemic.
- You also won’t be covered where you need to claim for cancelling or cutting your trip short as a result of any need to self-isolate or quarantine.
- Any claims as a result of your airline or travel provider becoming insolvent or having an administrator appointed and being unable to provide agreed services are not covered.
- We won't cover you if you change your mind and decide you do not want to travel.
Can I remove the policy excess?
Yes, you can select the ‘Excess waiver’ option during the quote process, by paying an additional premium. The standard excess will then be reduced to ‘nil’.
Note: the excess would still apply for Gadget cover and where any additional excess has been imposed following a call to declare a medical condition.
Am I covered for sports & activities?
Longstay & Backpacker includes a wide range of sports and work activities that are automatically covered as standard (Activity Pack 1).
Others (Activity Packs 2- 4) may be covered on payment of an additional premium.
Please view all sports and activities covered in the policy document on pages 28-31. If you wish to take part in an activity not shown in the Activity Packs, please contact us on 02392 419 044, as we may still be able to provide cover.
Do you have a 24-hour Medical Emergency Assistance Service?
Longstay Travel Insurance has a 24 hour medical emergency and repatriation service provided by Healix Medical Assistance.
Tel. +44 (0)208 608 4254
Further details of this service are shown in your Insurance Policy.
Staff are on call 24 hours a day throughout the year. They will, when necessary, guarantee medical bills and arrange repatriation if required.
In the event of a medical emergency whilst abroad, do I have to pay my medical bills myself?
If you are asked to pay a small bill for medicines and/or outpatient treatment it is often easier to settle your bill direct, keep all receipts and claim for the costs incurred on your return home. It is very important to obtain an itemised receipt for any monies paid for medical treatment.
If you are admitted as an inpatient or outpatient treatment is likely to exceed £500, then you must contact the 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance Service as soon as possible. They will then arrange for medical expenses covered by the policy to be paid direct to the hospital/clinic.
How do I make a claim?
See the claims section for details.
Full details of what you need to do to make a claim are also shown in your Insurance Policy.
Please note: You will be expected to follow the claims procedure shown in your Insurance Policy and to substantiate your claim by providing supporting documents.
How can I pay for my policy?
You can pay by debit or credit card. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Is your website secure?
Yes. The security of your personal information and payment details is of utmost importance to us. We use 128-bit encrypted SSL to help keep all of your data safe.
How will I receive my travel insurance policy documents?
Policy documents will be available to download upon completion of purchase. They can also be accessed via the customer portal. Instructions on how to set this up will be emailed to the lead traveller once the policy is purchased.
Do I need to take my policy documents with me?
Yes, you should print a copy of your Schedule and Policy Documents and carry them with you.
The Policy Document includes important telephone numbers including the Medical Emergency Assistance Service that is available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for advice, assistance, making arrangements for hospital admission, repatriation, and authorisation of medical expenses.
Can I get my money back if I want to cancel my policy?
If you are not completely satisfied with the cover provided, you may return your policy to us within 14 days on receipt of your policy documents. Provided that you have not already travelled and are not making a claim, your premium will be refunded in full.
Top Up My Cancellation Cover
There follow some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Top Up My Cover Travel Insurance and the cover offered. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact us.
How much cover can I buy?
You can top up your main travel insurance policy by up to £50,000 per person (up to £15,000 per person if aged 75-79 and £10,000 if aged 80-85), provided each person is on the same booking. The overall limit per policy is £100,000.
If you require cover above these limits, please click here for details of an alternative policy – High-Value Travel Cancellation Insurance.
Does it matter how much cover my main travel insurance policy has?
You must have at least £1,000 of cover per person on your main travel insurance policy. It doesn’t matter how high the cover is.
Do I have to have a policy in force before I top up my cover?
Yes, you must have an existing travel insurance policy in place before you can top up.
Learn how Top Up My Cover works to ‘top up’ your existing insurance.
Is cover immediate?
There is a waiting period of 7 days from the time that you take out your policy. If anything occurs in this period, or you are aware of anything that could give rise to a claim prior to taking out your Top Up Cancellation policy, you will not be covered.
I have a family policy. How does the top up cover apply to my two children?
You will need to check what the total cancellation cover is. Most policies will provide cover per person. So, if you have £3,000 per person and there are two adults and two children covered you will have £12,000 total cover. If your total trip cost is £18,000 then you would need a Top Up of £1,500 per person.
Who are the insurers?
Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited are the underwriters for Top Up My Cover Cancellation. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of Sompo International Holdings Ltd. Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
This can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk.
Can I get Top Up My Cover Cancellation if I have an existing medical condition?
Top Up My Cover Cancellation only pays after a valid claim has been made on your main travel insurance policy so we will not ask you about any pre-existing medical conditions. However, you should always make sure that you have made a full declaration to the insurers of your main travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered with them.
Can I increase the policy limit after I have taken out the policy?
Any change will need to be referred to insurers. Please call us on 02392 419 882 to discuss.
Can I have a joint policy?
In order to have a joint policy, you must be on the same main insurance policy. If you have seperate insurances you wish you top up, you must have seperate top up policies.
What happens if my claim is declined under my main travel insurance policy?
You will not be able to claim under your Top Up policy as it only pays out once your main policy has settled a claim up to the policy limit.
When should I tell you that I am going to make a claim?
You should notify insurers of your intention to make a claim within 31 days following the settlement date of your claim under your main travel insurance policy.
My claim does not exceed the amount covered under my main policy – what now?
You have no further need of the Top Up cover which was there in case you needed to make a claim for the full cost of your trip.
How can I pay for my policy?
You can pay by debit or credit card. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
How will I receive my travel insurance policy documents?
Once you have purchased your policy, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your policy documents via a secure online customer portal.
Please note – if you have not received your email after a few hours, please check your spam email folder.
Can I get my money back if I want to cancel my policy?
If you are not completely satisfied with the cover provided you may return your policy to us within 14 days on receipt of your policy documents, provided that you have not already travelled and are not making a claim.
Travel Plus
There follow some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Travel Plus Travel Insurance and the cover offered. If you have a question that is not answered below, please reach out using the options on the contact us page.
Who is eligible for Travel Plus?
This insurance is only available to people who are:
- legally resident in the United Kingdom (this means having an address in the United Kingdom which you live in for at least 183 days (6 months) a year)
- aged 75 or less and
- registered with a medical practitioner (or entitled to free public healthcare under reciprocal arrangements currently in place in the United Kingdom).
We will not cover anyone who does not meet these requirements.
All children must be under the age of 18 (or 23 if still in full time education) on the date you purchase your policy. Children may travel independently from other adult insured persons. Children under the age of 18 must have the permission of their parent and/or guardian and be accompanied by a responsible adult during the trip.
What is the maximum duration?
The maximum duration of any single trip is 115 days. For trips within your home country (the country you live in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man) you must have pre-booked at least one nights’ accommodation in a hotel, motel, holiday camp, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or similar accommodation rented for a fee.
If you require cover for longer periods, please contact P J Hayman & Company Limited on 02392 419 044. Alternatively, you can get a quote online via our Longstay product that provides cover for single trip travel for periods up to 18 months.
Can I extend my policy if I decide to stay longer?
We may be able to extend an individual trip duration providing you let us know before your policy expires. Please note, we can only consider this if your existing trip duration (including the extended period) has not exceeded 115 days and at the time of requesting the extension, you are not intending to make a claim. An additional premium may be required.
What are the advantages of Annual Multi-trip travel insurance?
If you are making several trips a year, Annual Multi-trip cover is usually the most cost-effective option. This will cover you for an unlimited number of trips in a 12 month period, each up to a maximum of 33 days (extended to 45 to 60 days where you have paid the extra premium and this is shown on your policy schedule).
How many times can I travel and how long can each trip be?
The Annual Multi-trip policy will cover you for an unlimited number of trips in a 12 month period, each up to a maximum of 33 days (extended to 45 or 60 days where you have paid the extra premium and this is shown on your policy schedule)
Under an Annual Multi-trip policy, can children travel independently of an insured adult?
Children can travel independently from other adult insured persons if they are under the age of 18 years and have the permission of their parent and/or guardian and are accompanied by a responsible adult e.g. on a school trip.
Note: we cannot cover unaccompanied children.
If I'm abroad, can I extend the 'maximum duration any one trip' limit provided by my Annual Multi-Trip policy if I decide to stay longer?
The policy provides up to 33 days per trip. If you require trips of 45 or 60 days you can pay an extra premium to increase the maximum trip duration. We cannot offer cover if you have exceeded the maximum trip duration as shown on your schedule.
Do you have a 24-hour Medical Emergency Assistance Service?
The Travel Plus policy has a 24 hour medical emergency and repatriation service provided by:
Travel Plus – 24-hour Medical Emergency Assistance Service.
In the event of a medical emergency you must contact the medical emergency assistance service on:
+44 (0) 203 869 1108
Further details of this service are shown in your Insurance Policy.
Staff are on call 24 hours a day throughout the year. They will, when necessary, guarantee medical bills and arrange repatriation if required.
In the event of a medical emergency whilst abroad, do I have to pay my medical bills myself?
If costs are below £500 for medicines and/or outpatient treatment it is often easier to settle your bill direct, keep all receipts and claim for the costs incurred on your return home. If costs are likely to be more than £500 or you are admitted as an inpatient, then you must contact the 24-hour Medical Assistance Service as soon as possible. They will then arrange for those medical expenses covered by the policy to be paid direct to the hospital/clinic. Please refer to your policy wording for full details.
Can I speak to a GP whilst I'm away?
FOR IMMEDIATE HELP FROM A GP, you will be able to speak with a UK GP any time, day or night, any day of the year.
This simple and highly effective service gives you access to speak to a qualified, NHS practicing GP, 24 hours per day 7 days per week, wherever you are, at home or travelling on holiday.
This service is accessed via an app and gives you:
- Access to UK GP appointments 24/7 every day of the year. When you need to speak to a GP you will follow a link which will take you through a registration process.
- You will then be able to download the app from your device’s app store.
- On the app you can book a telephone or video consultation for a time that suits you.
- A doctor will call you back within 15 minutes of the agreed time.
NOTE:
This service does not form part of your insurance cover - it is an independent service arranged through a third party.
How do I make a claim?
Click here for details.
Full details of what you need to do to make a claim are also shown in your Insurance Policy.
Please note: You will be expected to follow the claims procedure shown in your Insurance Policy and to substantiate your claim by providing supporting documents.
How can I pay for my policy?
You can pay by debit or credit card. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Is your website secure?
Yes. The security of your personal information and payment details is of utmost importance to us. We use 128-bit encrypted SSL to help keep all of your data safe.



