Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below a range of frequently asked questions about Explorer Travel Insurance and our products.

Does Explorer Travel Insurance provide cover for COVID-19?

Yes, all of our policies provide cover if you become ill with COVID-19. For more information please see our COVID-19 Cover Fact Sheet.


Does Explorer Travel Insurance provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, we can cover a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions on our Platinum or Platinum Lite policies. Please call us on 0345 373 0253 or get a quote now by clicking here.


What is IPT?

IPT is Insurance Premium Tax. It is a government levied tax applicable to all policies and is at the rate of 20%. IPT is included in all of our prices.


What happens if I need to cancel my trip due to ill health or injury?
You are covered up to the amount shown in the policy wording Schedule of Benefits for cancellation in the event of illness or injury. Please see our Claims Information page for more details.


Is the country I'm travelling to classed as European or Worldwide?
Our country geographic definitions are provided in our policy wordings and there is also an information link next to the destinations drop down on our quote page.


Does your annual policy cover trips within the UK?
Yes, trips within the UK are covered provided that there is a minimum of three nights pre-booked accommodation.


What is the Excess and Excess Waiver?
The excess is the first part of the claim that you are responsible for and is payable by you - these are shown in the policy wording Schedule of Benefits.

By purchasing the excess waiver option, the excess on the policy is reduced to £0 and you would therefore not be responsible for making a payment toward the claim. Please note that the excess waiver does not apply to the Gadget cover.


Do you cover Repatriation?
Yes, repatriation is included under the Medical Expenses section of our policies. If you need to be repatriated back to the UK you must, in the first instance, contact the 24 hour medical emergency assistance service which is operated by the Assistance Team.

The Assistance Team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and the emergency telephone number can be found here. If medically necessary, the Assistance Team will then authorise your repatriation and make any other arrangements.


Are we covered if we travel separately on a joint annual policy?
Yes, adults who appear on a joint annual policy are covered if they take a trip on their own. Please note that children must travel with at least one insured adult.


Are my personal possessions and baggage covered?
Yes, your personal property is covered up to the amount shown in the policy wording Schedule of Benefits. Please see our Policy Documents page for further details.


What do I need to do if my personal possessions are lost or stolen whilst I'm on holiday?
You must report to the local police within 24 hours of the discovery of the loss or theft. On your return to the UK you should then contact the claims service. Please see our Claims Information page for more details.


Does Explorer Travel Insurance provide cover for a cruise holiday?
Yes, we provide cover for cruise holidays as standard on our single trip and annual multi trip policies.  There is also the option to purchase additional cruise related cover when you get a quote.


Can I insure my gadgets with Explorer?
Yes, we provide cover for gadgets as standard on all of our policies. Please see our Policy Documents page for the full terms and conditions.


Is scuba diving covered?
Yes, we can cover scuba diving up to a maximum depth of 30 metres provided that you are on an approved diving course with a qualified instructor, or diving with a buddy if already qualified.


Do I need to take all my policy documents with me when I travel?
We always recommend that you take your full policy wording and schedule with you, which contain important information.


How many times can I travel on an Explorer Travel Insurance annual policy?
You can take an unlimited number of trips throughout the year on an annual policy.


Do I need to tell you every time I travel on an annual policy?
No, you do not need to tell us each time you travel.


I am travelling today. Can I buy a policy?
Yes, you can buy a policy for travel today. You can click here for a quote and get immediate cover by clicking here, alternatively please call us on 0345 373 0253.


Do your policies have a maximum age limit?
We can provide cover to customers on a single trip policy up to any age. Our maximum age for annual policies is 79 years of age. Backpacker policies are available to customers aged 35 years and below.


What is the maximum trip duration on my annual policy?
Our annual policies purchased online offer cover of maximum trip durations of 31 days.


Does my annual policy cover me for skiing?
If you have selected the winter sports option, then you are covered for winter sports up to a maximum of 17 days per policy year.


What is the maximum duration for a single trip policy?
We can cover single trips up to 365 days in duration, dependent on the policy type selected and your age. Please call us on 0345 373 0253 for further details.


Do you sell group travel insurance policies?
Yes, we do. Please call us on 0345 373 0253 or email us at enquiries@explorerinsurance.co.uk


Is your travel insurance only available to UK resident?
Yes, we can only provide you with cover if you are a resident of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and are registered with a UK doctor.
Please note that any trip that has already begun when you purchase this insurance will not be covered.
If you are an EU resident, or you are a UK resident and you have already begun your trip, you can get a quote from our trusted partner Europesure Travel Insurance.


Is off piste skiing covered?
Yes, off piste skiing is covered as long as you are under the supervision of a qualified guide or instructor.


Do you have an age restriction for winter sports travel insurance?
We can provide cover for winter sports to customers up to and including 65 years of age on a single trip policy.