> QUESTIONS about POLICY
What is cancellation cover and what are the benefits of purchasing it before I book my travel/accommodation?
If you have to cancel, alter or delay your trip, the cancellation cover will protect you against financial loss in respect of items you have already paid for or are contractually required to pay.
My university offers their own free insurance cover - why should I purchase extra cover?
The Year Abroad Insurance policy has been specifically designed for Higher Education students studying and working abroad. You should carefully check the cover provided under any alternative insurance policy to ensure it meets all of your needs while travelling and abroad.
See the benefits of the Year Abroad Insurance policy. Who can help me with any general reassurance or questions about the policy purchase or policy coverage that are not included in these FAQs?
You should call the Year Abroad Insurance team on: 0845 287 2823 between 09.00 - 17.00hrs GMT or email:
ask@yearabroadinsurance.com
Why can I only book one month in advance?
Purchasing your travel insurance up to one month in advance of cover commencing allows you to ensure you have cancellation cover from the moment you book your travel or accommodation, and not spend any money on unnecessary cover.
Why should I buy travel insurance at all? I already have an EHIC Card.
The
EHIC card only applies in the EU and not all medical costs are covered. The EHIC does not cover repatriation costs which can run into many thousand of pounds. EHIC does not protect against any of the other travel risks you face and is not an alternative to travel insurance.
How many times can I go home during my year abroad?
There is no limit to the number of times you can return home during the policy period.
I'm going to Spain for the first half of my year abroad and South America for the second half. Do I need two policies? Which cover option should I choose?
The worldwide option enables you to travel anywhere in the world for the duration of your cover, so you just need one policy.
I'm working for the first half of my year abroad and studying for the second half. Am I still covered?
Yes, the policy is designed to offer you this flexibility.
I want to work or volunteer during the summer before/after my year abroad. Am I still covered?
Yes, if your work falls within your duration of cover the policy is designed to offer you this flexibility.
It is also designed to allow you to do any kind of work as an
employee or volunteer including manual work but is subject to policy
terms, conditions and exclusions.
> QUESTIONS about YEAR ABROAD INSURANCE
Why do I need travel insurance at all if I already have an EHIC Card ?
The
EHIC card will only provide resource for certain medical costs within EU and does not cover the costs of repatriation.
Year Abroad Insurance is a new insurance product designed specifically to meet the needs of year abroad students.
Who are RMCI and Year Abroad Insurance?
We are the insurance brokers who have arranged the insurance. Please read the full details about us on the
About Us page.
Who are QBE?
QBE are the insurance company. Please read the full details about QBE by visiting our
Links page.
Can I purchase the insurance in advance of my travel dates?
Yes. You should start your period of cover from the moment you book your travel and accommodation in order that you have cancellation cover. You should also ensure that your trip end dates fall within the remaining period of insurance selected.
Can I purchase the insurance if I’m already abroad?
No. You must be in the UK and have not started your trip to be eligible for this insurance policy.
Should I take a copy of the policy on my year abroad?
Yes, it is vitally important that you do. If you fall ill you will need to provide the hospital with your policy number and the name of the insurer and notify QBE Assist immediately.
Will I get a renewal notice or reminder about the expiry of my insurance policy?
The policy is non-renewable and therefore you will not receive any reminder that it is due to expire.
I did not use all of my travel period. Can I be refunded for the unused period?
No. There is no refund available once you have started your trip and/or if you have claimed or have a potential claim under the policy.
I have just found out I am covered by my parents’ annual policy. Can I cancel and obtain a refund?
You should compare the cover under the two policies. If you want to cancel your Year Abroad Insurance policy you can do. Provided you have not started your trip or have a claim or potential claim under the policy and you cancel within the first 14 days you will receive a full refund. Thereafter, provided you have not started your trip or have a claim or potential claim, you will be entitled to a pro rata return premium.
Does it matter if I am double covered?
You can only claim under one policy.
How long will it take for me to receive my policy documents?
You should receive you policy documents within 3 minutes of purchase. If you do not then please contact the Year Abroad Insurance team by emailing: ask@yearabroadinsurance.com
> QUESTIONS about ELIGIBILITY
What are the eligibility criteria for the insurance policy?
You must be between 19 and 35 years of age at the commencement of the policy.
You must be a full-time student registered at a Higher Education institution in the UK.
You must not be travelling against medical advice or seeking medical treatment.
You must not have already started your trip.
I am a mature student. Am I eligible for this policy?
Yes, up to a maximum age of 35 years at the commencement of the policy.
I am a PhD/Masters student. Am I eligible for the policy?
Subject to all other usual eligibility criteria, PhD/Masters students are eligible, as long as they are not employed by the university.
> QUESTIONS about MEDICAL CONDITIONS
What should I do in the event of a medical emergency abroad?
To comply with policy conditions and for your assistance you will need to make contact as soon as reasonably practical with
QBE Assist (Clause 3.5.2 on Page 11 of the policy wording)
You must contact QBE Global Assistance before incurring any costs. Most emergency medical bills will then be guaranteed by the Assistance company subject to policy terms and conditions.
I have an allergy. Will I be covered by the policy?
The policy is designed to provide cover subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. There are no specific exclusions for this but you should ensure that all appropriate precautions are taken to avoid the condition occurring.
I have a pre-existing medical condition. Do I need to declare it? Will I be covered by the policy?
No, you do not need to declare a pre-existing medical condition. The policy is designed to provide the cover and there is no exclusion in the policy, however travelling against the advice of a doctor and travel to receive medical treatment are excluded. If you are in doubt it is advisable to get a letter from your doctor stating that you are fit to travel with regard to the destination and activities you are planning.
I am pregnant and will be flying. Am I covered for medical expenses?
Provided the airline is aware and has accepted you for travel within their rules then the policy is designed to provide cover subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
I need to renew my routine prescription medication. Will the cost of this be reimbursed?
No, the policy will not cover the cost of routine prescription medication.
I have suffered a medical problem and will need to be repatriated (sent back) to the UK. How does this work?
QBE Assist will organise this. You must not make any repatriation arrangements prior to contacting QBE Assist as these will not be covered by the policy.
> QUESTIONS about POLICY COVER
Is my laptop covered?
Yes, the amount paid in the event of a claim will allow you to replace your computer with a new one that matches your old one. However, if your laptop is valued at more than £350 then you will have to pay the first 35% of the claim. Please
read the policy wording (page 16, section 6.4.9).
What should I do if my money, passport or luggage is lost or stolen?
You should contact the relevant claims office detailed on the
Claims page.
The policy is designed to allow you to do any kind of work as an employee or volunteer including manual work but is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
What happens if my work plans change along the way?
You do not need to notify us of any changes to your work.
Can I do a mixture of studying and/or working and/or volunteering abroad?
Yes, the policy is designed to offer you this flexibility.
What should I do if my travel plans are delayed or cancelled?
If you have a financial loss you should contact the relevant claims office detailed on the
Claims page.
Am I covered for holidays during my year abroad? If I travel outside my Year Abroad country will I still be covered?
Yes, but only within the geographical limits of the destination category you have purchased, and only within the period of insurance.
Once you have selected your category it is not possible to change, i.e. you cannot change from Europe to Worldwide. If you think you may travel further afield you should consider purchasing the widest category at the outset.
I am planning an adventure holiday during my year abroad - what activities are covered?
All activities are covered with the exception of motor sports, scuba diving to a depth of greater than 30 metres, mountaineering, caving or potholing, paragliding, parachuting and skydiving.
The policy is designed to provide cover for activities as long as you do not expose yourself to exceptional danger. See the specific and general exclusions in the policy document.
Is my iPod covered?
The policy is designed to provide cover for single items up to £350. If your iPod is valued at more than £350 then you will have to pay the first 35% of the claim in respect of that item (so don't lose it!). Please
read the policy wording (page 16, section 6.4.9) for terms, conditions and exclusions.
Is my mobile phone covered?
No, you will need to make separate insurance arrangements for your phone and/or discuss with your household contents insurer.
Is my bicycle or scooter covered?
No. You should make good arrangements in the country you are in to have this cover in place.
My laptop/camera had stopped working and I've bought a different model. Do I need to get in touch? Does this affect my policy?
No, but please keep the receipt as proof of purchase in the event of a claim. The policy does not cover breakdown.
I have a musical instrument of high value and importance to me. Will it be fully covered?
No. The policy is only designed to provide cover up to certain policy limits and for higher value items is subject to limits and to your paying 35% of any claim amount. Please read the policy wording carefully in this regard. Goods and equipment are not covered during transhipment. We would suggest you look at making separate insurance arrangements on your own or your parents’ household policy or a separate policy for high value items.
I have lost my suitcase and I don't have any money to replace it. Will it be covered?
You will need to fund this expense but the policy is designed to provide cover subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.
My contents are in transit/being transhipped and will be in store. Are they covered?
No. You should check with the shipper/carrier to see what insurance arrangements they have in place or available to you.
As a general rule you should seek to insure any high value items under a Household policy 'All Risks' extension or specialist high value personal possessions insurance.
I have heard there is a terrorism threat at the destination I am travelling to. Will I be covered if I do not want to travel?
You should contact the Claims department at QBE Assist. Visit the
Claims page for their contact details.
Am I covered for damage to my rented accommodation?
There is limited coverage for damage to property that you rent during your stay abroad. You should look to arrange specific coverage for these liabilities locally to suit the needs of you and/or your overseas landlord.
The host university requires that I purchase their insurance as part of their registration. Do I need both?
Some universities - particularly in North America - try to enrol you into their own schemes, and they have their own terms and conditions. You should check the local requirements before purchasing Year Abroad Travel Insurance. Whilst there may be some duplication in coverage, you may find that the university scheme is heavily focused on Medical Insurance and may not provide valuable benefits like trip cancellation, legal expenses and cover for your personal belongings.
> QUESTIONS about POLICY CHANGES
My travel dates have changed. Do I need to let you know?
You do not need to inform us, provided the new travel dates still fall within the period of insurance you have purchased.
If I need to extend the period of insurance that I have purchased, how do I do that?
The policy is non-renewable and therefore you will not receive any reminder that it is due to expire.
I no longer need the policy. Can I cancel and get a refund?
Within the first 14 days you can cancel the policy and you will receive a full refund provided you have not travelled and/or have made a claim or have potential claim. After 14 days you may still cancel and provided you have not travelled or have made a claim or have a potential claim you will be entitled to apply for a pro rata refund of premium. You must follow the procedures detailed in the policy wording. We may take up to 7 days to process your application for a refund.
My email address has changed. Should I let you know?
Yes, please email the Year Abroad Insurance team with your full name, policy number, new and old email addresses:
ask@yearabroadinsurance.com
Within the first 14 days you can cancel the policy and you will receive a full refund provided you have not travelled, made a claim or have a potential claim. After 14 days you may still cancel, and provided you have not travelled, made a claim or have a potential claim you will be entitled to apply for a pro rata refund of premium. You must follow the procedures detailed in the
policy wording.
> QUESTIONS about CLAIMS
Who do I call if I have a Medical Emergency?
You should contact QBE Assist. Follow the details on the
Claims page.
I have had an accident and will not be able to travel. Will I be covered?
Provided the accident occurred during the period of insurance you may be able to make a claim for cancellation subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. Medical cover only applies from the date you travel.
Who do I call for claims?
You should follow the details on the
Claims page.
Which documents will I need to make a claim?
You should contact the claims helpline published on the
Claims page to find out what documentation you need.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against travel to my destination. Will I be able to make a cancellation claim?
You should contact the claims office detailed on the
Claims page. You may be able to claim provided the trip was booked and the costs were incurred prior to FCO advice.
> QUESTIONS about TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
I have found a problem with the website, in the main area, payment system or auto-generated emails with attached documents.
Please email the Year Abroad Insurance team:
tech@yearabroadinsurance.com
My payment has not been taken from my bank account. What should I do?
Please email the Year Abroad Insurance team:
tech@yearabroadinsurance.com
> QUESTIONS YOUR PARENTS WANT ANSWERS TO
Can my parents fly out if I am seriously ill abroad?
The policy is designed to provide travel and accommodation cover for up to 2 close relatives subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. You must discuss and agree your plans with QBE Assist or they will not be covered.
My parents would like a copy of the policy schedule and wording. Can that be arranged?
Provided you have consented to data disclosure and entered their details a copy will be emailed at the time of purchase. Alternatively a PDF of the policy wording and policy summary is available
on the website.
How many times can I go home during my year abroad?
The policy is designed to allow you to travel home as many times as you like during the policy period.
I am about to travel and realise I cannot locate my policy documents. What should I do?
You should email the Year Abroad Insurance team:
ask@yearabroadinsurance.com
I have suffered a medical problem and will need to be repatriated (sent back) to the UK. How does this work?
QBE Assist will organise this once you
contact them. You must not make any repatriation arrangements prior to contacting QBE Assist as these will not be covered by the policy.
Who can help me with any general reassurance or questions about the policy purchase or policy coverage?
You should call the Year Abroad Insurance team on: 0845 287 2823 between 09.00 - 17.00hrs GMT or email:
ask@yearabroadinsurance.com
I have heard there is a natural disaster at my travel destination. What should I do?
For security advice you should contact Red 24 who will offer you some guidance. +44 (0)203 291 2424 or enquiries@red24.com. You should also contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).
If you then feel you may have a claim you should discuss the situation with the claims office detailed on the Claims page.