Oops, did you travel without insurance? We can get you back on track
Following the introduction of the traffic light system for international travel, our underwriters have stepped in to outline their stance for green, amber and red list countries. All travellers must check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office before purchasing insurance or travelling.
We offer a variety of travel insurance policies with two main underwriters. Cover benefits, limitations, terms and conditions will vary. Please ensure you read details applicable to your cover and policy type. If you are unsure contact us on 0330 606 1434.
Directive from tifgroup relating to our Pre-Existing Medical Condition policies beginning ISETI/OK:
Green Countries and Territories
- tifgroup will provide cover under policies for customers travelling to 'Green' countries and territories providing they are not travelling against the advice of the FCDO.
- We will include cover for emergency medical expenses providing customers do not act in a reckless manner and comply with all rules and restrictions set by the country or territory they are travelling to.
- All customers must follow any advice that is in place at the time of travel and for the duration of the trip by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This includes returning to the UK if the FCDO change their travel advice based on the risks being presented at the time. Failure to comply with the FCDO advice may invalidate coverage.
Amber Countries and Territories
- tifgroup will provide cover under policies for customers travelling to 'Amber' countries and territories providing they are not travelling against the advice of the FCDO.
- There is no cover under the policy for cancellation claims relating to a country or territories traffic light categorisation. We will include cover under the policy for all other sections of the policy, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
- We will include cover for emergency medical expenses providing customers do not act in a reckless manner and comply with all rules and restrictions set by the country or territory they are travelling to.
- All customers must follow any advice that is in place at the time of travel and for the duration of the trip by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This includes returning to the UK if the FCDO change their travel advice based on the risks being presented at the time. Failure to comply with the FCDO advice may invalidate coverage.
Red Countries and Territories
- tifgroup will not provide any cover under any section of the policy to customers who are, or are planning on, travelling to countries or territories categorised as 'Red'.
- This means no claims will be paid under any section of the policy for trips relating to 'Red' countries, including but not limited to ‘Cancellation, Curtailment and Medical Expenses’.
- Please be advised, that in the unlikely event that the FCDO advice permits travel to a Red Country, our policies will exclude all cover.
Please be aware that there is no cover under any policy for the costs associated with the following:
- Cancellation due to a change in FCDO advice caused by the pandemic (policies issued after the 13th March 2020)
- Denied entry to the country or territory that you are due to travel to
- Having to quarantine or isolate when you return to the UK (this includes hotel quarantine costs)
- Having to purchase/pay for COVID-19 tests in the UK or abroad
The traffic light system will be under constant review based upon the latest COVID risk assessment of each individual country. Whilst countries may be added to the green list, you should check the latest FCDO travel advice for entry requirements before purchasing insurance or travelling.
Directive from Millstream Underwriting Ltd relating to our Classic, HIV, Long Stay, One Way Trip and No Minimum Residency policies beginning ITS, IST and MT:
Following the announcement that some travel abroad is permitted from 17th May 2021, Millstream Underwriting Ltd are providing details below of how your policy will respond in the event that you have a claim caused by COVID-19. Since FCDO advice can differ across countries within the same government travel list, please be aware that claims will be handled in line with the FCDO advice for each destination. This means that you may be able to claim on your insurance even if you travel against government guidance, as long as you're not travelling against the FCDO advice or making a claim for something that is excluded from cover.
Important information:
- If you travel to a destination for which the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel, no claims will be considered unless you have a valid reason for travelling.
- If you are not travelling against FCDO advice, you will have the full benefit of your travel policy; the benefits as they apply to COVID-19 are described below.
- While we have been working throughout the pandemic to ensure the appropriate levels of cover are in place for our customers, please be aware that cover relating to claims caused by COVID-19 is limited and will only apply in the circumstances set out below.
Cancellation:
- If you contract COVID-19 or are obliged to self-isolate and are unable to undertake a valid trip, we will consider a cancellation claim for unrecoverable expenses.
- If you are unable to travel due to a change in FCDO advice (including lockdowns, general quarantines or other government restrictions), there will be no cover under your policy.
- If the entry requirements of the country to which you are travelling require you to self-isolate on arrival, we will not be able to consider cancellation or any other claims, even if the requirements change after you book your trip.
Curtailment:
- If you contract COVID-19 whilst on a valid trip, you should contact the 24hr medical assistance line found in your policy wording; if your condition requires an early return home, this will be covered by your policy.
- We will not be able to consider curtailment claims if you return home early due to a change in the traffic light status of your destination (for example if the government changes it from green to amber or red). Any additional costs incurred due to quarantine in the UK on your return will not be met by your policy.
Medical Expenses:
If you contract COVID-19 while on a valid trip, or are obliged to quarantine due to exposure to someone with the illness, then we will consider claims under the medical expenses section of cover as per the terms of your policy.
- If you require medical assistance, please call the 24hr medical assistance helpline (details found in your policy wording).
General Advice and Additional Information:
- You should always check the FCDO advice for each country you plan to visit on your trip (even if it's a stopover or transfer) both before you book and before you set off.
- We recommend that when booking a trip, you explore the terms offered by your travel provider, especially where they relate to changes in travel conditions caused by COVID-19. You should expect your travel provider to be flexible and offer date changes or refunds if travel is not possible.
- When making a booking, you should check not only the terms set up by the UK government but also those in place at your destination. For example, a country may be designated as green by the UK government, while at the destination there may be specific rules governing entry.
- We also recommend that you acquaint yourself with the terms of the Package Travel Regulation.
- You may wish to consider paying by credit card in order to afford yourself the maximum protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
- Please refer to your policy documentation for full details of cover under your It's So Easy Travel Insurance policy.
Although leisure travel is once again possible from 17th May, the pandemic continues to cause disruption around the world as well as posing significant health risks. We strongly recommend that you follow governmental advice at all times.
Please note: There will be no cover under our policies if you travel to a country or area where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or Government are advising against all or all but essential travel.