Travel Insurance
The university provides personal accident and travel insurance for staff and students travelling on approved university business or study-related trips (outside the UK).
The policy provides cover for payment for loss or damage to personal belongings, business equipment or money, expenses for medical treatment and associated costs, reimbursements of cancellation costs, legal expenses and indemnity in respect of legal liability as more particularly described in individual sub-sections. This list is not exhaustive.
For full details of the policy including the policy wording and schedule please email insurance@hope.ac.uk
COVID-19
There has been a new exclusion add to the travel policy:
“This Policy does not cover and we will not pay for claims under Section B – Travel, Sub-section 1 – Cancellation Curtailment Change of Itinerary Rearrangement or Replacement of any kind directly or indirectly arising from, relating to or in any way connected with the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) (or any mutation or variation thereof) and / or its outbreak. To the extent that any Term or Condition in the Policy may be inconsistent with this exclusion, this exclusion shall prevail.”
Visits to Europe from 1st January 2021
Please view the government guidance here which will advise on the current requirements for travel, including the details you may need for border control and if you will need a visa or permit for your stay.
Checklist prior to travel:
- ensure you have applied for University Travel Insurance,
- check your passport,
- check you have the right driving documents if applicable,
- check the travel advice for the country you are visiting to get the latest information.
If you are travelling on business, there could be additional checks you will need to complete, further information is available here
Applying for Insurance
The university is required to inform our insurance broker of all travel on an annual basis.
You are required to notify the Insurance Section of any travel well in advance. Please email insurance@hope.ac.uk (giving as much notice as possible) with the following information:
- Names of those people travelling,
- Travel destination(s),
- Inclusive travel dates, and
- A copy of your signed Risk Assessment. Further information on Overseas Travel and Risk Assessments is available on the Health and Safety pages.
On receipt of the above information you will be emailed the relevant policy details, including your AONProtect Assistance Card (which includes the emergency contact number).
The university does not charge for this cover.
Key Points
Prior to booking your travel you should consult the Insurance Section if any of the following matters apply as there may be some policy exclusions:
Incidental Holiday Travel – Your policy includes insurance for ‘Incidental Holiday Travel’. This is defined within the policy as ‘any holiday taken in conjunction with a Journey made primarily for Business purposes’, however, you are advised to contact the Insurance Section prior to travel to ascertain whether or not your particular holiday travel will be covered.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions - Your policy includes cover for medical expenses arising out of complications resulting from a pre-existing medical condition, however, our insurers will not pay in respect of any claim as a result of you travelling or intending to travel against the advice of a Qualified Medical Practitioner, i.e. against medical advice. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should speak to your local Doctor before you leave for advice. Note, foreseeable expenses eg repeat prescriptions and routine check-ups are not covered as the policy is designed to pick up emergency medical expenses only.
Extreme Sports / Hazardous Activities – Activities of this nature may not be covered and you are advised to contact the Insurance Section.
EHIC Cards - Please see the latest NHS guidance on EHIC cards here
GHIC Cards - EHIC cards are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU. Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC, furhter information is available here
Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice – You are advised to consult the Travel Advice section of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website frequently and prior to travelling to ensure that there are no advisory warnings in place. If travel is advised against then you must seek approval from the Insurance Section and your trip organiser prior to travel. Please contact us if you have any queries with regards your destination. The policy is worldwide, however the countries that the FCO advises against all travel, will be excluded from the policy. Always refer to the FCO website as it is the most up to date and it could change at any given time.
Duration - Any travel, i.e. business travel or student placements which are due to last for more than 12 months.
Country of Nationality- Any travel back to your country of nationality.