FAQs

SPORTS TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQS

The following questions and answers are specific to Sports Travel Insurance.

 

 

I'm British but live abroad, can you cover me?

We only cover persons who have been resident of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man or at an official BFPO (ie British Armed Forces base) (in which case Country of Residence is substituted for United Kingdom) for at least the last 6 months.

Are there exclusions or limitations to my policy?

Yes, there are some exclusions which are detailed in the policy wording. To check the policy exclusions, please have a look at the policy wording booklet relevant to the policy in question.

How do I make a claim?

Making a claim is straightforward with us. Please see our claims page for details.

Can I get a discount for group bookings?

Yes, we offer a 5% discount for parties of 5 or more and a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.

How can I amend the address or contact details on my policy?

You can change the above details online by logging into your customer area using your member login, or you can call us on the number at the top of the page.

Can you refund me if I change my mind about the policy and want to cancel?

If our cover does not meet your needs, we will refund your premium in full provided that you advise us within 14 days. You will need to provide evidence that you have not relied on this policy to cover your trip (in the case of Sports Travel policies) or for doing any sport or activity, and you cannot have made, or be planning to make, a claim. The premium will be refunded to the card used to purchase the policy.

Do your policies cover third party liability?

Yes, all policy types include third party liability cover, also known as personal liability. However, you may find that some sports have restrictions or exclusions for liability such as horse riding, dog-related activities and motorised sports. Personal liability is also excluded from Sports Accident Insurance and team policies for both any contact sports such as football and rugby.

What if I lose my policy?

You can’t as such. Your policy information will always be held in your unique online customer area if you purchased it online. If you lose your paper documents, just email us or call us on the number at the top of the page and we can resend them.

How is my policy delivered?

All policies will be sent via email and can take up to 5 minutes to arrive in your inbox. Please check your junk mail folder if you appear to have not received it. Alternatively, you can also access your documents by logging into your Customer Area.

 

If requested, we can also send a hard copy of your policy via post.

What is bouldering?

It is a form of rock climbing performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. Unlike free solo climbing, bouldering never usually takes the climber above 20ft. Artificial climbing walls allow boulderers to train indoors in areas without natural boulders but it can also be practiced at the base of larger rock faces or public architecture. It is important to remember the possibility of trips, falls and injuries due to repetitive strain whilst climbing. As a result adequate insurance is recommended.

Will my marathon running insurance policy cover me for duathlons and triathlons too?

Unless you want to participate in a duathlon that is over Olympic distance (60km), for which you would need to upgrade your policy, your marathon running policy will cover you for the majority of duathlon or triathlon events.

Can you insure my child to go kitesurfing?

Yes, we offer children’s cover for all of our listed sports for children up to the age of 16 years at inception of the insurance, or up to 18 years if still dependent, or up to 23 years if dependent and in full time education. You should always ensure that children are adequately supervised, or under instruction when participating in a sport.

Do you cover paramotoring?

Yes, but third party liability is excluded. There is no liability for damage done by motorised units. For tandem aerial activities, Personal liability claims made against the pilot by/on behalf of the passenger (third party) are excluded.

Which level of cover do I need for mountain biking if I want to compete as well?

You will need to take out mountain biking – downhill or any competition.

I have recently finished a skydiving course. Will my policy now cover me for any solo jumps?

Unfortunately, we are unable to cover you under our Sports Travel Insurance and Activity TopUp policies once you are a qualified skydiver. If you want cover for jumps in your country of residence, please have a look at our Sports Accident policy.

What is Via Ferrata?

Via Ferrata is considered a distinct step up from ordinary mountain walking but allows the relatively inexperienced a means of accessing difficult peaks and dramatic positions normally preserved for serious mountaineers. It is a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, stemples (iron rungs), ladders and bridges. The routes are graded according to their difficulty and are designed so that people can climb without using their own ropes. We strongly recommend taking out suitable insurance prior to engaging in the sport and offer a comprehensive policy.

I have a cycle touring (not competition) insurance policy with you and need to upgrade it so I can compete but I see you do not have a cycle touring policy for competitions. What should I do?

For competition and events, please refer to our road cycling policy in our sports groups which includes cover for any competing you may wish to do.

I need to take out kayaking insurance but I don’t know for which grade of difficulty. How can I find out?

The grading system is a standardised scale that relates to the International Scale of River Difficulty. It reflects the technical difficulty and skill level required associated with the section of river/sea. We categorise our kayaking insurance into three separate policies: grade 3 or below/sea, grade 4 or below, and above grade 5.

Up to grade 3/sea: Clear passages, numerous but manageable waves, some rocks. Most white water kayaking in UK (Tay in Scotland, Dee in Wales, Tyne in North England)

Up to Grade 4: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Up to Grade 5: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment, High level of fitness required. Scouting is mandatory. Must be a very good swimmer and able to do a very reliable Eskimo roll and have proper equipment and extensive experience

I am going on a rock climbing holiday. If I select rock climbing, what is included in my cover?

By choosing our rock climbing insurance, you will be covered for bouldering, sport climbing, via ferrata, trad climbing, multi-pitch climbing indoors and outside, and any other sports listed in the same or lower groups. You will also be covered for climbing crags in alpine valleys and abseiling. Examples of areas abroad where you will be covered include Fontainebleau, El Chorro, Colorado and the Dolomites. You will not be covered for climbs with crevassed approaches or descents or any climbing involving snow and/or ice.

What is multi-pitch climbing?

Multi-pitch climbing is the ascent of climbing routes with one or more stops at a belay station. The section of climbing between stops at the belay stations is called a pitch. The leader ascends the pitch, placing protective gear as they go, stopping to anchor themself to the next belay station. This allows the second climber to then ascend to the belay station while collecting the protective / climbing equipment. A new leader might then be chosen to ascend first to the next pitch.

What is trad climbing?

Abbreviated from ‘traditional climbing’, trad climbing is a style of rock climbing whereby a climber, or climbers, put into place all the safety gear required to protect against falls, and removes it when a pitch is complete. It is distinguished from sport climbing in which all protection and anchor points are not installed prior to the climb.

I am going on a climbing holiday with a guide in the Alps. Are there any altitude restrictions to my cover?

Yes, you will only be covered up to 7000m. Please note that if you are likely to come across ice whilst you are climbing, you will need to select mountain climbing incl. ropes/guides. This will cover you for crevassed approaches and descents to mountain summits and ice climbing involving ice axes, crampons, ropes and the use of bolts. For this policy however you will be limited to 4000m when outside of Europe (zones 2 and 3).

I am going on a leisurely trekking holiday for a week. Which sport should I choose?

If you select trekking, walking or hiking, this will insure you for any of these sports that you may do up to a maximum altitude of 2,500m. You will be covered for a simple walk or scrambles along recognised trekking routes. This means that you will not be covered for any walking or ascents above 2,500m or walking involving ropes, crampons or ice axes. If you plan to go above 2,500m, please select ‘Trekking – up to 4,500m’ or ‘Trekking – up to 7,000m’.

I am going on a trekking holiday involving mountain peaks. Which sport should I select?

It depends on the altitude. You can select either ‘Trekking –up to 2500m’, ‘Trekking – up to 4500m’ or ‘Trekking – up to 7000m’. This will cover you for the non-technical ascent of peaks up to 7000m along recognised trekking routes and includes mountain walking in Britain, the Alps, the Pyrenees and lower routes in the Andes and Himalayas. Examples include Tour du Mont Blanc (not summit), The Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt, GR20, the Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua (normal North route). You will not be covered for technical ascents, peaks over 7000m or trekking in very remote or polar regions.

What is the difference between ‘trekking’ and ‘mountaineering’ cover?

If you are climbing a mountain and planning to use any climbing equipment such as ropes, guides or crampons, we would class this as mountaineering. There is no altitude restriction in Europe, but outside of Europe (zones 2&3) please note that you will be limited to 4000m.

I am going to be spending time in the mountains and am likely to come across glaciers, summits requiring technical ascent and graded climbs involving ropes/guides. Which sport should I pick?

You will need to select whichever of the following is most appropriate:  glacier walking / ice climbing / mountain climbing / mountaineering.  This will cover you for any glacier walking you may encounter including crevassed approaches and descents to mountain summits,  ice climbing involving ice axes, crampons, ropes and the use of bolts. Please note that when outside of our zone 1 which includes Europe and selected other countries you will be limited to cover for altitudes up to 4000m when choosing Mountaineering.

I’m planning to do a sport / activity that I can’t see listed on the website. Can you cover it?

Call or email us with your details and we would be happy to have a look into it for you. As we already cover over 500 sports, we might just be able to add another one.

Can I get cover for a pre-existing medical condition on my policy?

It will depend upon what the condition is and the treatment being received, and it may be affected by the sport that you are planning to do. You would need to provide details which would be submitted to our underwriters, who would then agree the terms under which they would approve the condition. For some more common conditions we can tell you instantly whether or not you would be covered. Otherwise you can expect to hear within 24 hours (during the working week).

Will my medical condition affect the price of the policy?

No. The only difference it will make is whether or not we will include cover for any claims relating to that condition. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes we will apply a higher excess to any claims that were connected to that condition.

I already have a policy but have been diagnosed with a new medical condition, what should I do?

You should advise us of any new medical condition or injury sustained after you purchased your policy and before you undertake your activity. Otherwise cover for it will automatically be excluded.

I’m abroad, and require medical treatment. What should I do?

At the first opportunity, you (or someone on your behalf) should call our Emergency Assistance no. +44 (0) 1494 412402. They will be able to help and advise you, and where possible deal direct with the hospital / clinic. If you need alternative flights / transport to get you home, they can help to arrange this. If the treatment is not an emergency, you should always check first to ensure that it will be covered. If you are in Europe, show your EHIC or GHIC card whenever requested – if it is accepted you will not be charged the excess on your policy.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition refers to any medical condition which has been previously diagnosed, treated or medicated in any way prior to travel. Even if this condition is currently stable, you must inform us before purchasing insurance by contacting us on the number at the top of the page.

I am a professional sportsperson, can you cover me?

No, we only insure amateurs or semi-professionals. We define a professional as someone earning more than £5,000 per year from their sport, doing their sport as a full-time occupation: paid or unpaid, or on a sports scholarship. If in doubt, please email or call us to discuss.

What if I need insurance for two or more different sports groups?

Simply take out a policy for the sport in the higher group and you will be covered for all sports in that and lower groups. Check under “sports we cover” for a comprehensive list of all sports and their group.

Will the football (soccer) policy you offer cover me for training as well as tournaments?

Yes. We place no restriction on most of our sports with regards to taking part in competitions or organised matches. Unless we specifically list it as excluding competition or non-competitive, then you would be insured for competitions.

What is the maximum age limit with this policy?

Our policies will cover anyone up to the age of 74 at the time of purchase. An applicant aged 75 or over cannot be covered.

How do I claim for stolen sports equipment?

All claims must be notified to the claims helpline within 5 days of an incident. Loss or theft must be notified to the local police or authority, and a crime reference number will be required.

I've taken out an annual policy to cover myself for European trips. Will it also cover trips in the UK?

Yes, so long as it is a “trip” which we would define as a minimum of two nights away in pre-booked accommodation

I already have holiday insurance but it will not cover me for a certain sport that I'm planning to do for two days. Can you help?

Yes, simply take out Activity TopUp cover for the two days. Top up cover is valid while participating in the chosen sporting activity. Benefits include medical expenses, repatriation, and search and rescue. This policy can be taken out whilst you are away, and documents will be emailed to you as soon as your payment is processed.

If I am injured on my travels, will I be repatriated?

You should contact the 24 hour assistance helpline  for any medical emergency, and/or if repatriation is required. The number you need can be found in our Claims area. They will assess the situation with you or your representative. If it is an agreed medical necessity, repatriation will be included under the Medical Expenses benefit section.

Does my Sports Travel Insurance Policy provide loss of earnings cover?

No, there is no loss of earnings cover under the Sports Travel Insurance policy although loss of earnings can be covered under the Sports Accident policy if required. If you take out annual Sports Travel cover and annual Sports Accident cover, you will get 5% discount off the second policy.

Do you cover mountain rescue?

Yes, the costs for mountain rescue will be covered under the Search and Rescue benefits section detailed in the benefits table of the relevant policy. Helicopter rescue is included up to the benefit level selected for Search and Rescue, assuming that is deemed to be necessary at the time of the accident/incident, and subject to restrictions such as access/altitude/availability of a helicopter in remote areas. These factors are outside our control. If the evacuation is a medical emergency, costs will be covered up to the maximum limit of £10 million under the Medical Expenses section.

Do you cover sports equipment?

Yes, we cover sports equipment under all our levels of cover: up to £600 on the Gold Sports Travel Insurance, £400 for Silver and £200 for Bronze. Cover under the Gold level of cover can be increased in £500 increments from the standard £600 cover, up to a maximum of £5,600

If we buy an annual policy for a couple or a family, does that mean that individuals covered under that policy cannot travel alone?

No. However for children there are restrictions. Children under the age of 12 should always travel with an adult insured under the policy, or with a responsible adult. If travelling without an adult named on the policy, cover would need to be upgraded to the equivalent adult rate, and the appropriate additional premium would need to be paid. Children aged 12 and over can travel independently, but would need to pay / upgrade to the equivalent adult rate. A child can be included under the policy at the appropriate child rate up to the age of 23 as long as they are in full time education at time of purchase. A child under the age of 23 who is not still in full time education can be covered under the policy, but would need to pay the appropriate adult rate. Please call or email us to get a quote.

What is the longest period for which you can get fixed cover?

You can get single trip cover for any period of up to 12 continuous months so long as you include the day you leave and the day you return. The annual multi-trip policy will allow for multiple trips so long as each trip does not exceed the multi-trip limit as detailed on your policy (Bronze: 35 days, Silver: 60 days, Gold: 90 days (or 89 days for the USA)). You must return to your home address for a minimum of 2 nights before starting a new trip. Please call for further details.

Which countries are excluded from your policies?

We are not able to provide cover under any section of the policy if you are travelling to a destination against the advice of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). You can check this online at www.fco.gov.uk or by calling 0207 008 0232.

The travel agent / airline / tour operator that I booked with has gone into administration?

You will need to let us know via email or phone. We will pay you up to the sum amount shown in your policy wording/schedule for insolvency of the airline prior to your departure or after your departure. If curtailment of the holiday is unavoidable we will cover the cost of return flights to the UK to a similar standard to that originally booked, providing it’s within the benefit limits covered under your chosen level of cover.

What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen abroad?

You should report it to the local police in the country you are in as soon as possible and obtain a crime reference number (LS01 is the Lost or Stolen Passport Notification form). You should also inform the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), embassy, or consulate of the country you are in. The FCDO will issue you with a replacement travel document so you can return to the UK. Visit their website www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office to find out details of the nearest FCDO office to wherever you are, or call +44 (0)207 0081500 (0870 606 0290 within the UK).

What documents do I need to take on holiday with me?

We advise that you take the relevant Policy Wording Booklet and your travel insurance certificate / schedule away with you, or have access to them electronically. We can also provide you with a policy card that contains all your insurance details and is easy to carry around. To obtain a card, please contact us using the details on the contact page. Please note there will be an additional charge for providing you with a cover card(s) and posting it to you. You will be advised of the additional price prior to payment.

If travelling to Europe, we would also recommend that you take the EHIC / GHIC card. This can be obtained for free via the following website: www.nhs.uk/ehic (beware – other websites will charge you for this card).

What happens if my baggage/equipment is lost when I arrive?

It is important to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately from the airport authorities. When you return to the UK, send this off with all other relevant documentation to validate your claim. If your baggage/equipment is mislaid on your outward journey, an amount can be claimed for obtaining replacement essentials subject to the benefit levels for Delayed Baggage shown under your policy in your Policy Wording Booklet

Can I extend my cover while I'm away?

Yes, but you will need to call us on the number at the top of the page at least 3 days before your policy has expired, or before the multi-trip limit has been exceeded (Bronze policies: 35 days, Silver: 60 days, Gold: 90 days). You cannot extend cover after this. Please note our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm.

Can you cover me if I'm pregnant?

We can cover you provided that you are not expecting to give birth within 2 months of return from the trip and you will not be travelling against medical advice.

Will I be covered if I am competing in a competition?

Most of our sports include cover for competitive sports unless they say otherwise. Often we then list the same sport including competition, so please check our full list of sports, or contact us to check.

What dates do I need to cover myself for?

With this policy you would need to cover yourself from the date that you leave home to the date that you return to your home – not just for the dates that you will be doing an activity. You don’t need to add on extra days in case your flight is delayed though – if that happens through no fault of yours, you would be covered under the policy.

Can I take out this policy after I have left my country of residence?

No you can’t. It must be taken out prior to departure.

I am going away for a week, but only doing my sport on 1 day. Do I need to cover the sport for the whole week?

If you are taking out our Sports Travel Insurance policy then yes, you do. If you are going to be practising for an event earlier in the week, you need to consider whether you want cover for that under the policy.

If you already have general / basic travel insurance you can take out our Activity TopUp policy for the day(s) that you will be doing the sport.

Do you provide cover for children?

Children aged 6 yrs and over can travel on their own provided they pay the full adult premium. On a family Sports Travel policy, the first child aged between 2-16*yrs is charged at 50% of the standard premium provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian also insured, the second child would be charged at 25% of the adult rate, and 3rd or subsequent children would be free, as would any children under 2. *The same discounts also apply to children up to 23 yrs if dependent and in full time education. Otherwise anyone over 16 yrs is charged the standard adult premium.

How do you define a partner?

A partner is considered to be the spouse/common law partner/girlfriend/boyfriend of the insured person.

Will it cover me like a standard travel insurance policy would?

Yes, just like any other travel insurance, we’ll cover you should you become unwell or have an accident abroad, lose your luggage or experience delays even on trips not involving sports.

What are hazardous activities for travel insurance?

Each insurance provider has their own terms and conditions and will have different classifications for which sports are considered as hazardous. Therefore, it is important to check your travel insurance details before buying a policy to ensure your sports activity is covered. Examples for hazardous activities include bungee jumping, abseiling, rock climbing and skydiving.

 

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance will depend on the person’s individual requirements and needs. There are general travel insurance policies which will normally cover your medical expenses, cancellations and personal possessions. However, if you are going abroad to  try some adventurous sports or have a specific medical condition then you may need a specialist travel insurance cover.

 

ACTIVITY TOPUP INSURANCE FAQS

The following questions and answers are specific to Activity TopUp Insurance.

 

 

I'm British but live abroad, can you cover me?

We only cover persons who have been resident of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man or at an official BFPO (ie British Armed Forces base) (in which case Country of Residence is substituted for United Kingdom) for at least the last 6 months.

Can I get a discount for group bookings?

Yes, we offer a 5% discount for parties of 5 or more and a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.

Are there exclusions or limitations to my policy?

Yes, there are some exclusions which are detailed in the policy wording. To check the policy exclusions, please have a look at the policy wording booklet relevant to the policy in question.

How do I make a claim?

Making a claim is straightforward with us. Please see our claims page for details.

How can I amend the address or contact details on my policy?

You can change the above details online by logging into your customer area using your member login, or you can call us on the number at the top of the page.

Can you refund me if I change my mind about the policy and want to cancel?

If our cover does not meet your needs, we will refund your premium in full provided that you advise us within 14 days. You will need to provide evidence that you have not relied on this policy to cover your trip (in the case of Sports Travel policies) or for doing any sport or activity, and you cannot have made, or be planning to make, a claim. The premium will be refunded to the card used to purchase the policy.

Do your policies cover third party liability?

Yes, all policy types include third party liability cover, also known as personal liability. However, you may find that some sports have restrictions or exclusions for liability such as horse riding, dog-related activities and motorised sports. Personal liability is also excluded from Sports Accident Insurance and team policies for both any contact sports such as football and rugby.

What if I lose my policy?

You can’t as such. Your policy information will always be held in your unique online customer area if you purchased it online. If you lose your paper documents, just email us or call us on the number at the top of the page and we can resend them.

How is my policy delivered?

All policies will be sent via email and can take up to 5 minutes to arrive in your inbox. Please check your junk mail folder if you appear to have not received it. Alternatively, you can also access your documents by logging into your Customer Area.

 

If requested, we can also send a hard copy of your policy via post.

Do you cover paramotoring?

Yes, but third party liability is excluded. There is no liability for damage done by motorised units. For tandem aerial activities, Personal liability claims made against the pilot by/on behalf of the passenger (third party) are excluded.

What is bouldering?

It is a form of rock climbing performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. Unlike free solo climbing, bouldering never usually takes the climber above 20ft. Artificial climbing walls allow boulderers to train indoors in areas without natural boulders but it can also be practiced at the base of larger rock faces or public architecture. It is important to remember the possibility of trips, falls and injuries due to repetitive strain whilst climbing. As a result adequate insurance is recommended.

Will my marathon running insurance policy cover me for duathlons and triathlons too?

Unless you want to participate in a duathlon that is over Olympic distance (60km), for which you would need to upgrade your policy, your marathon running policy will cover you for the majority of duathlon or triathlon events.

Can you insure my child to go kitesurfing?

Yes, we offer children’s cover for all of our listed sports for children up to the age of 16 years at inception of the insurance, or up to 18 years if still dependent, or up to 23 years if dependent and in full time education. You should always ensure that children are adequately supervised, or under instruction when participating in a sport.

I need to take out kayaking insurance but I don’t know for which grade of difficulty. How can I find out?

The grading system is a standardised scale that relates to the International Scale of River Difficulty. It reflects the technical difficulty and skill level required associated with the section of river/sea. We categorise our kayaking insurance into three separate policies: grade 3 or below/sea, grade 4 or below, and above grade 5.

Up to grade 3/sea: Clear passages, numerous but manageable waves, some rocks. Most white water kayaking in UK (Tay in Scotland, Dee in Wales, Tyne in North England)

Up to Grade 4: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Up to Grade 5: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment, High level of fitness required. Scouting is mandatory. Must be a very good swimmer and able to do a very reliable Eskimo roll and have proper equipment and extensive experience

Which level of cover do I need for mountain biking if I want to compete as well?

You will need to take out mountain biking – downhill or any competition.

I have recently finished a skydiving course. Will my policy now cover me for any solo jumps?

Unfortunately, we are unable to cover you under our Sports Travel Insurance and Activity TopUp policies once you are a qualified skydiver. If you want cover for jumps in your country of residence, please have a look at our Sports Accident policy.

What is Via Ferrata?

Via Ferrata is considered a distinct step up from ordinary mountain walking but allows the relatively inexperienced a means of accessing difficult peaks and dramatic positions normally preserved for serious mountaineers. It is a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, stemples (iron rungs), ladders and bridges. The routes are graded according to their difficulty and are designed so that people can climb without using their own ropes. We strongly recommend taking out suitable insurance prior to engaging in the sport and offer a comprehensive policy.

I have a cycle touring (not competition) insurance policy with you and need to upgrade it so I can compete but I see you do not have a cycle touring policy for competitions. What should I do?

For competition and events, please refer to our road cycling policy in our sports groups which includes cover for any competing you may wish to do.

I am going on a rock climbing holiday. If I select rock climbing, what is included in my cover?

By choosing our rock climbing insurance, you will be covered for bouldering, sport climbing, via ferrata, trad climbing, multi-pitch climbing indoors and outside, and any other sports listed in the same or lower groups. You will also be covered for climbing crags in alpine valleys and abseiling. Examples of areas abroad where you will be covered include Fontainebleau, El Chorro, Colorado and the Dolomites. You will not be covered for climbs with crevassed approaches or descents or any climbing involving snow and/or ice.

What is multi-pitch climbing?

Multi-pitch climbing is the ascent of climbing routes with one or more stops at a belay station. The section of climbing between stops at the belay stations is called a pitch. The leader ascends the pitch, placing protective gear as they go, stopping to anchor themself to the next belay station. This allows the second climber to then ascend to the belay station while collecting the protective / climbing equipment. A new leader might then be chosen to ascend first to the next pitch.

What is trad climbing?

Abbreviated from ‘traditional climbing’, trad climbing is a style of rock climbing whereby a climber, or climbers, put into place all the safety gear required to protect against falls, and removes it when a pitch is complete. It is distinguished from sport climbing in which all protection and anchor points are not installed prior to the climb.

I am going on a climbing holiday with a guide in the Alps. Are there any altitude restrictions to my cover?

Yes, you will only be covered up to 7000m. Please note that if you are likely to come across ice whilst you are climbing, you will need to select mountain climbing incl. ropes/guides. This will cover you for crevassed approaches and descents to mountain summits and ice climbing involving ice axes, crampons, ropes and the use of bolts. For this policy however you will be limited to 4000m when outside of Europe (zones 2 and 3).

I am going on a leisurely trekking holiday for a week. Which sport should I choose?

If you select trekking, walking or hiking, this will insure you for any of these sports that you may do up to a maximum altitude of 2,500m. You will be covered for a simple walk or scrambles along recognised trekking routes. This means that you will not be covered for any walking or ascents above 2,500m or walking involving ropes, crampons or ice axes. If you plan to go above 2,500m, please select ‘Trekking – up to 4,500m’ or ‘Trekking – up to 7,000m’.

I am going on a trekking holiday involving mountain peaks. Which sport should I select?

It depends on the altitude. You can select either ‘Trekking –up to 2500m’, ‘Trekking – up to 4500m’ or ‘Trekking – up to 7000m’. This will cover you for the non-technical ascent of peaks up to 7000m along recognised trekking routes and includes mountain walking in Britain, the Alps, the Pyrenees and lower routes in the Andes and Himalayas. Examples include Tour du Mont Blanc (not summit), The Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt, GR20, the Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua (normal North route). You will not be covered for technical ascents, peaks over 7000m or trekking in very remote or polar regions.

What is the difference between ‘trekking’ and ‘mountaineering’ cover?

If you are climbing a mountain and planning to use any climbing equipment such as ropes, guides or crampons, we would class this as mountaineering. There is no altitude restriction in Europe, but outside of Europe (zones 2&3) please note that you will be limited to 4000m.

I’m planning to do a sport / activity that I can’t see listed on the website. Can you cover it?

Call or email us with your details and we would be happy to have a look into it for you. As we already cover over 500 sports, we might just be able to add another one.

I am going to be spending time in the mountains and am likely to come across glaciers, summits requiring technical ascent and graded climbs involving ropes/guides. Which sport should I pick?

You will need to select whichever of the following is most appropriate:  glacier walking / ice climbing / mountain climbing / mountaineering.  This will cover you for any glacier walking you may encounter including crevassed approaches and descents to mountain summits,  ice climbing involving ice axes, crampons, ropes and the use of bolts. Please note that when outside of our zone 1 which includes Europe and selected other countries you will be limited to cover for altitudes up to 4000m when choosing Mountaineering.

Can I get cover for a pre-existing medical condition on my policy?

It will depend upon what the condition is and the treatment being received, and it may be affected by the sport that you are planning to do. You would need to provide details which would be submitted to our underwriters, who would then agree the terms under which they would approve the condition. For some more common conditions we can tell you instantly whether or not you would be covered. Otherwise you can expect to hear within 24 hours (during the working week).

Will my medical condition affect the price of the policy?

No. The only difference it will make is whether or not we will include cover for any claims relating to that condition. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes we will apply a higher excess to any claims that were connected to that condition.

I already have a policy but have been diagnosed with a new medical condition, what should I do?

You should advise us of any new medical condition or injury sustained after you purchased your policy and before you undertake your activity. Otherwise cover for it will automatically be excluded.

I’m abroad, and require medical treatment. What should I do?

At the first opportunity, you (or someone on your behalf) should call our Emergency Assistance no. +44 (0) 1494 412402. They will be able to help and advise you, and where possible deal direct with the hospital / clinic. If you need alternative flights / transport to get you home, they can help to arrange this. If the treatment is not an emergency, you should always check first to ensure that it will be covered. If you are in Europe, show your EHIC or GHIC card whenever requested – if it is accepted you will not be charged the excess on your policy.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition refers to any medical condition which has been previously diagnosed, treated or medicated in any way prior to travel. Even if this condition is currently stable, you must inform us before purchasing insurance by contacting us on the number at the top of the page.

I am a professional sportsperson, can you cover me?

No, we only insure amateurs or semi-professionals. We define a professional as someone earning more than £5,000 per year from their sport, doing their sport as a full-time occupation: paid or unpaid, or on a sports scholarship. If in doubt, please email or call us to discuss.

What if I need insurance for two or more different sports groups?

Simply take out a policy for the sport in the higher group and you will be covered for all sports in that and lower groups. Check under “sports we cover” for a comprehensive list of all sports and their group.

I’m just doing one day of sport. What dates do I need to take out cover for?

Just the day that you will be doing the sport / activity. So the start and end dates would be the same day.

I've already left home and gone abroad. Can I take out this policy?

Yes you can, as long as you have general travel insurance in place (this doesn’t have to be in place through us). Documents are emailed as soon as your payment details go through.

SPORTS ACCIDENT INSURANCE FAQS

The following questions and answers are specific to Sports Accident Insurance.

 

 

I'm British but live abroad, can you cover me?

We only cover persons who have been resident of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man or at an official BFPO (ie British Armed Forces base) (in which case Country of Residence is substituted for United Kingdom) for at least the last 6 months.

Can I get a discount for group bookings?

Yes, we offer a 5% discount for parties of 5 or more and a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.

Are there exclusions or limitations to my policy?

Yes, there are some exclusions which are detailed in the policy wording. To check the policy exclusions, please have a look at the policy wording booklet relevant to the policy in question.

How do I make a claim?

Making a claim is straightforward with us. Please see our claims page for details.

How can I amend the address or contact details on my policy?

You can change the above details online by logging into your customer area using your member login, or you can call us on the number at the top of the page.

Can you refund me if I change my mind about the policy and want to cancel?

If our cover does not meet your needs, we will refund your premium in full provided that you advise us within 14 days. You will need to provide evidence that you have not relied on this policy to cover your trip (in the case of Sports Travel policies) or for doing any sport or activity, and you cannot have made, or be planning to make, a claim. The premium will be refunded to the card used to purchase the policy.

Do your policies cover third party liability?

Yes, all policy types include third party liability cover, also known as personal liability. However, you may find that some sports have restrictions or exclusions for liability such as horse riding, dog-related activities and motorised sports. Personal liability is also excluded from Sports Accident Insurance and team policies for both any contact sports such as football and rugby.

What if I lose my policy?

You can’t as such. Your policy information will always be held in your unique online customer area if you purchased it online. If you lose your paper documents, just email us or call us on the number at the top of the page and we can resend them.

How is my policy delivered?

All policies will be sent via email and can take up to 5 minutes to arrive in your inbox. Please check your junk mail folder if you appear to have not received it. Alternatively, you can also access your documents by logging into your Customer Area.

 

If requested, we can also send a hard copy of your policy via post.

What is bouldering?

It is a form of rock climbing performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. Unlike free solo climbing, bouldering never usually takes the climber above 20ft. Artificial climbing walls allow boulderers to train indoors in areas without natural boulders but it can also be practiced at the base of larger rock faces or public architecture. It is important to remember the possibility of trips, falls and injuries due to repetitive strain whilst climbing. As a result adequate insurance is recommended.

Will my marathon running insurance policy cover me for duathlons and triathlons too?

Unless you want to participate in a duathlon that is over Olympic distance (60km), for which you would need to upgrade your policy, your marathon running policy will cover you for the majority of duathlon or triathlon events.

Do you cover paramotoring?

Yes, but third party liability is excluded. There is no liability for damage done by motorised units. For tandem aerial activities, Personal liability claims made against the pilot by/on behalf of the passenger (third party) are excluded.

Which level of cover do I need for mountain biking if I want to compete as well?

You will need to take out mountain biking – downhill or any competition.

I have recently finished a skydiving course. Will my policy now cover me for any solo jumps?

Unfortunately, we are unable to cover you under our Sports Travel Insurance and Activity TopUp policies once you are a qualified skydiver. If you want cover for jumps in your country of residence, please have a look at our Sports Accident policy.

I have a cycle touring (not competition) insurance policy with you and need to upgrade it so I can compete but I see you do not have a cycle touring policy for competitions. What should I do?

For competition and events, please refer to our road cycling policy in our sports groups which includes cover for any competing you may wish to do.

What is trad climbing?

Abbreviated from ‘traditional climbing’, trad climbing is a style of rock climbing whereby a climber, or climbers, put into place all the safety gear required to protect against falls, and removes it when a pitch is complete. It is distinguished from sport climbing in which all protection and anchor points are not installed prior to the climb.

What is multi-pitch climbing?

Multi-pitch climbing is the ascent of climbing routes with one or more stops at a belay station. The section of climbing between stops at the belay stations is called a pitch. The leader ascends the pitch, placing protective gear as they go, stopping to anchor themself to the next belay station. This allows the second climber to then ascend to the belay station while collecting the protective / climbing equipment. A new leader might then be chosen to ascend first to the next pitch.

I’m planning to do a sport / activity that I can’t see listed on the website. Can you cover it?

Call or email us with your details and we would be happy to have a look into it for you. As we already cover over 500 sports, we might just be able to add another one.

Can I get cover for a pre-existing medical condition on my policy?

It will depend upon what the condition is and the treatment being received, and it may be affected by the sport that you are planning to do. You would need to provide details which would be submitted to our underwriters, who would then agree the terms under which they would approve the condition. For some more common conditions we can tell you instantly whether or not you would be covered. Otherwise you can expect to hear within 24 hours (during the working week).

Will my medical condition affect the price of the policy?

No. The only difference it will make is whether or not we will include cover for any claims relating to that condition. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes we will apply a higher excess to any claims that were connected to that condition.

I already have a policy but have been diagnosed with a new medical condition, what should I do?

You should advise us of any new medical condition or injury sustained after you purchased your policy and before you undertake your activity. Otherwise cover for it will automatically be excluded.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition refers to any medical condition which has been previously diagnosed, treated or medicated in any way prior to travel. Even if this condition is currently stable, you must inform us before purchasing insurance by contacting us on the number at the top of the page.

I am a professional sportsperson, can you cover me?

No, we only insure amateurs or semi-professionals. We define a professional as someone earning more than £5,000 per year from their sport, doing their sport as a full-time occupation: paid or unpaid, or on a sports scholarship. If in doubt, please email or call us to discuss.

What if I need insurance for two or more different sports groups?

Simply take out a policy for the sport in the higher group and you will be covered for all sports in that and lower groups. Check under “sports we cover” for a comprehensive list of all sports and their group.

Will the football (soccer) policy you offer cover me for training as well as tournaments?

Yes. We place no restriction on most of our sports with regards to taking part in competitions or organised matches. Unless we specifically list it as excluding competition or non-competitive, then you would be insured for competitions.

I have bought your horse-riding non-competitive policy but would like to enter one competition. Will I be covered?

Yes you would be covered, as non-competitive and competitive horse-riding are both in the same sports group

How quickly is a claim handled?

A lot will depend upon how quickly you send in your claim form including all the requested paperwork including wage slips, or proof of earnings for previous months.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes – where the premium (the total price of the policy) is above £60.00, the payment can be split over 11 months. The initial payment will be 20% of the total premium, and the following 10 payments will split the remaining premium into equal instalments. There is no additional charge for paying your policy in instalments.

 

If you choose to pay by instalments when buying online, the payments will be charged to your card each month. If you get a new card during the duration of the policy, you would need to let us know. Alternatively, if you would prefer to pay via Direct Debit, please call us.

Can I take out cover for 6 months?

No, the policy is an annual policy but it is also available for one specific day or several consecutive days. If you require more than about 7 days cover, it would be more cost effective to take out the annual policy.

Am I covered abroad?

While the Sports Accident and Children’s Personal Accident policies are valid worldwide, they are not designed to replace travel insurance and are only for personal accident (death/disability cover) and liability. No medical fees or repatriation costs are covered and therefore it is best to use Sports Travel Insurance for all travel purposes as we can provide full travel cover tailored to the sport you plan to do. If however you already have some general / basic travel insurance in place through your bank account for example, and want to do one or two days of sport abroad, you can take out our Activity TopUp policy which will cover your medical expenses and repatriation if you get injured whilst overseas.

Is the cover transferable in the case of unexpected weather conditions?

Yes, we allow two postponements, provided that we have written confirmation of cancellation from the activity centre where you planned to undertake the activity.

I want to take out gym work insurance but I also power-lift. Can you cover me?

Yes, we also offer cover specifically for power-lifting. As it is in a higher group, you will need to select the sport of power-lifting and then you will automatically be covered for any gym work you choose to do as well.

I'm moving out of the UK, will my policy still be valid?

Yes, your policy remains valid until it’s natural expiry date. However, you will not be able to purchase another policy once you are no longer a UK resident.

Can I claim for loss of earnings immediately?

You cannot claim for any loss of earnings for the first 2 weeks that you are unable to work, but after that, as long as you are signed off by a doctor, you can claim for up to 26 weeks from the date of the accident.

I'm self employed and my pay varies from week to week. How would you calculate my loss of earnings?

We would ask to see evidence of your take home pay for the previous year, and divide that by 52 to calculate the weekly payout. Earnings are classed as anything that you pay yourself that you pay tax on.

I currently take home £400 a week. Would the policy pay me that amount as loss of earnings?

No, the maximum that you would receive would be a maximum of 75% of your normal take home pay, so £300 in this case assuming you had taken out cover for up to £300 loss of earnings.

What is the maximum age limit with this policy?

Our policies will cover anyone up to the age of 74 at the time of purchase. An applicant aged 75 or over cannot be covered.

Can I top up my cover?

Yes, you can increase your cover by buying income protection units to increase your levels of cover for loss of earnings. Each unit increases the benefit by £50 per week. Up to 20 additional “loss of earnings” units can be purchased meaning that the maximum payout per week could be £1000 as long as that did not exceed 75% of your normal take home pay.

CHILDREN’S SPORTS ACCIDENT INSURANCE FAQS

The following questions and answers are specific to Children’s Sports Accident Insurance.

 

 

I'm British but live abroad, can you cover me?

We only cover persons who have been resident of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man or at an official BFPO (ie British Armed Forces base) (in which case Country of Residence is substituted for United Kingdom) for at least the last 6 months.

Can I get a discount for group bookings?

Yes, we offer a 5% discount for parties of 5 or more and a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.

Are there exclusions or limitations to my policy?

Yes, there are some exclusions which are detailed in the policy wording. To check the policy exclusions, please have a look at the policy wording booklet relevant to the policy in question.

How do I make a claim?

Making a claim is straightforward with us. Please see our claims page for details.

How can I amend the address or contact details on my policy?

You can change the above details online by logging into your customer area using your member login, or you can call us on the number at the top of the page.

Can you refund me if I change my mind about the policy and want to cancel?

If our cover does not meet your needs, we will refund your premium in full provided that you advise us within 14 days. You will need to provide evidence that you have not relied on this policy to cover your trip (in the case of Sports Travel policies) or for doing any sport or activity, and you cannot have made, or be planning to make, a claim. The premium will be refunded to the card used to purchase the policy.

Do your policies cover third party liability?

Yes, all policy types include third party liability cover, also known as personal liability. However, you may find that some sports have restrictions or exclusions for liability such as horse riding, dog-related activities and motorised sports. Personal liability is also excluded from Sports Accident Insurance and team policies for both any contact sports such as football and rugby.

How is my policy delivered?

All policies will be sent via email and can take up to 5 minutes to arrive in your inbox. Please check your junk mail folder if you appear to have not received it. Alternatively, you can also access your documents by logging into your Customer Area.

 

If requested, we can also send a hard copy of your policy via post.

What if I lose my policy?

You can’t as such. Your policy information will always be held in your unique online customer area if you purchased it online. If you lose your paper documents, just email us or call us on the number at the top of the page and we can resend them.

Can you insure my child to go kitesurfing?

Yes, we offer children’s cover for all of our listed sports for children up to the age of 16 years at inception of the insurance, or up to 18 years if still dependent, or up to 23 years if dependent and in full time education. You should always ensure that children are adequately supervised, or under instruction when participating in a sport.

I’m planning to do a sport / activity that I can’t see listed on the website. Can you cover it?

Call or email us with your details and we would be happy to have a look into it for you. As we already cover over 500 sports, we might just be able to add another one.

Can I get cover for a pre-existing medical condition on my policy?

It will depend upon what the condition is and the treatment being received, and it may be affected by the sport that you are planning to do. You would need to provide details which would be submitted to our underwriters, who would then agree the terms under which they would approve the condition. For some more common conditions we can tell you instantly whether or not you would be covered. Otherwise you can expect to hear within 24 hours (during the working week).

Will my medical condition affect the price of the policy?

No. The only difference it will make is whether or not we will include cover for any claims relating to that condition. Sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes we will apply a higher excess to any claims that were connected to that condition.

I already have a policy but have been diagnosed with a new medical condition, what should I do?

You should advise us of any new medical condition or injury sustained after you purchased your policy and before you undertake your activity. Otherwise cover for it will automatically be excluded.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

A pre-existing medical condition refers to any medical condition which has been previously diagnosed, treated or medicated in any way prior to travel. Even if this condition is currently stable, you must inform us before purchasing insurance by contacting us on the number at the top of the page.

I am a professional sportsperson, can you cover me?

No, we only insure amateurs or semi-professionals. We define a professional as someone earning more than £5,000 per year from their sport, doing their sport as a full-time occupation: paid or unpaid, or on a sports scholarship. If in doubt, please email or call us to discuss.

What if I need insurance for two or more different sports groups?

Simply take out a policy for the sport in the higher group and you will be covered for all sports in that and lower groups. Check under “sports we cover” for a comprehensive list of all sports and their group.

I have bought your horse-riding non-competitive policy but would like to enter one competition. Will I be covered?

Yes you would be covered, as non-competitive and competitive horse-riding are both in the same sports group

Will the football (soccer) policy you offer cover me for training as well as tournaments?

Yes. We place no restriction on most of our sports with regards to taking part in competitions or organised matches. Unless we specifically list it as excluding competition or non-competitive, then you would be insured for competitions.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes – where the premium (the total price of the policy) is above £60.00, the payment can be split over 11 months. The initial payment will be 20% of the total premium, and the following 10 payments will split the remaining premium into equal instalments. There is no additional charge for paying your policy in instalments.

 

If you choose to pay by instalments when buying online, the payments will be charged to your card each month. If you get a new card during the duration of the policy, you would need to let us know. Alternatively, if you would prefer to pay via Direct Debit, please call us.

Can I take out cover for 6 months?

No, the policy is an annual policy but it is also available for one specific day or several consecutive days. If you require more than about 7 days cover, it would be more cost effective to take out the annual policy.

Am I covered abroad?

While the Sports Accident and Children’s Personal Accident policies are valid worldwide, they are not designed to replace travel insurance and are only for personal accident (death/disability cover) and liability. No medical fees or repatriation costs are covered and therefore it is best to use Sports Travel Insurance for all travel purposes as we can provide full travel cover tailored to the sport you plan to do. If however you already have some general / basic travel insurance in place through your bank account for example, and want to do one or two days of sport abroad, you can take out our Activity TopUp policy which will cover your medical expenses and repatriation if you get injured whilst overseas.

Is the cover transferable in the case of unexpected weather conditions?

Yes, we allow two postponements, provided that we have written confirmation of cancellation from the activity centre where you planned to undertake the activity.

How quickly is a claim handled?

A lot will depend upon how quickly you send in your claim form including all the requested paperwork including wage slips, or proof of earnings for previous months.

I'm moving out of the UK, will my policy still be valid?

Yes, your policy remains valid until it’s natural expiry date. However, you will not be able to purchase another policy once you are no longer a UK resident.

What is the maximum age limit on a children's sport accident insurance policy?

The Children’s Sports Accident policy will cover anyone under the age of 19 at time of purchase.

My child is 18, but is no longer in education? Can he take out this policy?

Yes he can, but we suggest that you look at the Sports Accident policy first as that may be more suitable, especially if he is earning money.

TEAM INSURANCE FAQS

The following questions and answers are specific to Team Insurance.

 

 

Will the football (soccer) policy you offer cover us for training as well as tournaments?

Yes. There is no restriction with most of our sports with regards to taking part in competitions or organised matches. Unless we specifically list it as excluding competition or non-competitive, then you would be covered for competitions.

Can I get a discount for group bookings?

Yes, we offer a 5% discount for parties of 5 or more and a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.

Are there exclusions or limitations to my policy?

Yes, there are some exclusions which are detailed in the policy wording. To check the policy exclusions, please have a look at the policy wording booklet relevant to the policy in question.

How do I make a claim?

Making a claim is straightforward with us. Please see our claims page for details.

Does this policy include cover for any of our players with pre-existing medical conditions or who have had an injury in the last two years?

No it doesn’t. A player who has had an injury in the last 2 years would be covered for injuries incurred as a result of a accident whilst playing for your team. However, if the injury related to an old injury incurred in the last 2 years, he would not be eligible to claim for that. Eg, if he tore his left ACL ligament 18 months ago, and did the same thing again, he could not claim for that.

How can I amend the address or contact details on my policy?

You can change the above details online by logging into your customer area using your member login, or you can call us on the number at the top of the page.

Can you refund me if I change my mind about the policy and want to cancel?

If our cover does not meet your needs, we will refund your premium in full provided that you advise us within 14 days. You will need to provide evidence that you have not relied on this policy to cover your trip (in the case of Sports Travel policies) or for doing any sport or activity, and you cannot have made, or be planning to make, a claim. The premium will be refunded to the card used to purchase the policy.

Do your policies cover third party liability?

Yes, all policy types include third party liability cover, also known as personal liability. However, you may find that some sports have restrictions or exclusions for liability such as horse riding, dog-related activities and motorised sports. Personal liability is also excluded from Sports Accident Insurance and team policies for both any contact sports such as football and rugby.

How is my policy delivered?

All policies will be sent via email and can take up to 5 minutes to arrive in your inbox. Please check your junk mail folder if you appear to have not received it. Alternatively, you can also access your documents by logging into your Customer Area.

 

If requested, we can also send a hard copy of your policy via post.

What if I lose my policy?

You can’t as such. Your policy information will always be held in your unique online customer area if you purchased it online. If you lose your paper documents, just email us or call us on the number at the top of the page and we can resend them.

If one of our team gets injured and can’t work, how much will he /she be able to claim?

This will depend upon the level of cover that you have taken out, as we offer varying levels of loss of earnings / temporary total disablement benefit. You would need to check your documents to see this. The policy has a 2 week deferment period, so you will not be able to claim anything for the first 2 weeks off work, and you will never be able to claim for more than 75% of your normal take home pay.

Will this policy cover us for playing abroad as a team?

Yes and no! All the benefits listed for this policy still apply if one of your team gets injured abroad whilst playing for your team. However, this policy does not include any cover for Medical Expenses abroad or Repatriation, so you should ensure that you have a separate policy that covers that. See our Sports Travel policy for a quote for either individuals or groups.

Who will be covered under the policy?

After you have selected the sport that you will be doing, all the members of that team, plus extra members / substitutes in the squad will be covered. So, for example for an 11-a-side football team, you would have cover for a total squad size of 26.

We only have 25 players and they play on either our A or B team. Can we just take out one policy to cover the total squad?

No – if you have 2 teams, you would need to take out 2 policies. A record should be kept of who is playing for which team on which day / match which you would be asked to produce in the event of a claim.

Some of our players would like a higher level of loss of earnings cover. Can we add this on under the policy?

No – the benefits are fixed, and are the same for all members of the team / squad. However, individuals can take out their own Sports Accident policy, and cover themselves for higher levels of loss of earnings for example.

We are a professional team. Can you cover us?

No, we only insure amateurs or semi-professionals. We define a professional as someone earning more than £5,000 per year from their sport, doing their sport as a full-time occupation: paid or unpaid, or on a sports scholarship. If in doubt, please email or call us to discuss.

GOLF INSURANCE FAQS

The following questions and answers are specific to Golf Insurance.

 

 

Why buy with SportsCover Direct?

We have been providing specialist sports insurance to amateur sportsmen and women for over 25 years. As experts in what we do, we are able to design a policy that will most benefit you, both on and off the golf course. With over 1,000 five-star reviews on Feefo, our customers are overwhelmingly happy with the service and cover that we provide.

How long will it take for my insurance documents to be delivered once I have purchased the insurance?

Upon purchase, your policy documents will be sent to you automatically by email. As well as this, you will be able to access your documents and schedule from within your Customer Area. If you have any trouble locating your documents, please get in touch.

Is the policy available to non-UK residents?

No, we can only cover UK residents under our golf insurance policy.

Are there any age restrictions with the insurance?

We are able to cover golfers of all ages, however there are restrictions for those aged over 80 or under 18. For those under the age of 18, the amount payable under the Personal Accident section of the policy is 50% of those stated on the benefits table. The same applies for golfers over the age of 80, as well as the exclusion of the Permanent Total Disablement benefit.

Does your policy cover professional golfers?

We are unable to cover professional golfers under this policy. We define a professional as anyone that earns more than 50% of their income from playing golf, teaching or coaching golf, or is employed by a golf club as a golf professional.

Does my health affect me taking out the insurance?

Any pre-existing conditions won’t affect your ability to take out our golf insurance policy, but you will not be able to claim for injury, accident, or illness that pre-dates the start of your policy or is not the result of a single accident.

Does SportsCover Direct’s golf policy cover me to drive a buggy on the course?

When driving any golf buggy on the course you are covered under the Personal Liability section for claims for damage to a third-party’s property, or injury to their person caused by you.

The Personal Accident benefit also includes cover for you when driving any buggy on the course subject to the limits of cover selected / shown on your policy documents.

Under the Golfing Equipment benefit section, cover only applies for single seater buggies.

Does the buggy insurance cover me going to and from the golf course?

No, our coverage only includes protection when you are driving a buggy on the course, not on public roads.

What is defined as ‘Golf Equipment’?

Under our policy, we include clubs, bags, balls, trolleys,  single seated buggies, GPS equipment and range finders in our Golf Equipment benefit.

Are my clubs and equipment insured in a locker at the golf club?

As long as your equipment is placed securely in a locked environment at the club, we will cover it.

Is my equipment insured when in a car?

Your equipment is only covered when in a motor vehicle when it is place in a locked boot or a covered luggage area and the vehicle’s security devices are fully enabled. We will also need to see evidence of forced entry verified by a police report.

Is golf equipment covered on a ‘New for Old’ basis?

Yes, we will replace any equipment that is damaged, lost or stolen with a brand-new replacement, to the same value as per your original purchase, as long as you have proof of purchase. There is no age limit to this, so works in the same way for clubs that are two-years-old and 10-years-old. If you don’t have a receipt, you should at least have proof of ownership eg. photographs/bank statement. In such cases depreciation for age, and wear and tear may be applied.

Do I need my original receipts to make a claim for equipment damage, loss or theft?

In the event of making a claim we may ask for proof of purchase or ownership. In the event of equipment needing to be replaced, our specialist claims teams will endeavour to provide you with equipment to the same specification and value as the items you are claiming for. If you don’t have a receipt, you should at least have proof of ownership eg photographs/bank statement. In such cases depreciation for age, and wear and tear may be applied.

Do you offer a 24-hour cover for my golf clubs?

Yes, we really can protect your clubs 24/7. As long as your equipment is locked away in a secure environment when not in your possession they are covered for damage, loss and theft.

What happens if I go abroad to play and my clubs are lost or delayed in transit?

If you need to make a claim for equipment that is lost in transit you are required to report them missing with the relevant carrier. We will require you to show us that you have taken all precautions to deal with the missing equipment directly with the carrier in this situation.

If your clubs are delayed in transit, you will have cover under the Golf Equipment Hire section of the policy to temporarily hire clubs of a similar specification until yours arrive.

Am I covered for equipment that I hire as well as my own?

No, we do not cover damage caused to equipment that is hired to you. Our equipment cover is limited to items owned by you.

Is there a single article limit?

There is no limit to the amount you can claim for a single item, except that of your total cover as shown in your policy documents.

Am I insured to play abroad?

This depends on the level of cover you take out. If you select the relevant level we will cover you for playing golf worldwide. You will also be covered if you are sued while outside of the UK for damage or injury you have caused on the golf course.

How are my tournament fees covered?

If you have already paid to enter a tournament and are unable to take part due to an unexpected, unforeseen sickness or accidental bodily injury, we will pay you the total non-refundable portion of fees, up to the maximum limit stated on your policy.

What Personal Possessions are covered under my policy?

If you have selected a policy with Personal Possessions cover this will provide protection for clothing, baggage and items worn, used or carried by you on the golf course. This includes spectacles, contact lenses, hearing aids, as well as photographic, mobile communication and computer equipment. Please check your policy documents if you are unsure whether you have this cover on your policy.

Do you really cover the drinks bar bill if I get a hole-in-one?

Yes! It’s a tradition that should a golfer score a hole-in-one, they purchase a round of drinks for those present in the club house bar when they return. Under our policy, if you achieve the feat in a medal or club competition, we will cover the cost of the round, up to £250 (depending on your chosen level of cover).

What is the likelihood of me ever actually making a claim?

In an increasingly litigious society it is important to protect yourself in case you injure another player or damage their property on the golf course. A misplaced shot could result in a lengthy and costly legal case should you injure a third-party.

The most serious case of this came in 2011 when a golfer was ordered to pay nearly £400,000 in damages after his shot struck another golfer in the face, causing him to lose an eye. As well as Personal Liability claims, having equipment cover in place means that should you be the victim of theft you’re protected against having to replace your stolen items.

What do I do if I need to make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, please visit our Claims page and download the relevant form, complete it, and send it on to our specialist claims handlers at this address:

Woodgate and Clark Limited
The Red House
King Street
West Malling
Kent
ME19 6QT

What are the policy excesses?

We do not apply an excess to any claims relating to Personal Liability, Personal Accident or Hole-In-One Liability on our policy. Excesses for claims relating to Golfing Equipment and Personal Possessions depend on your level of cover and can be seen on your policy schedule.

Do you need Golf Insurance?

Legally, you do not need insurance to play golf, but it can cover the cost of injury or damage caused while you are playing golf. It will also help protect you and your equipment. Personal Accident cover means that should you injure yourself on the course you may be eligible to claim.

Does travel insurance cover golf clubs?

Depending on the level of cover, most golf policies are designed to protect your clubs, balls, bags and more up to a certain value and regardless of whether the damage occurred on or off the course.

SHOOTING INSURANCE FAQS

The following questions and answers are specific to Shooting Insurance.

 

 

What is the excess on the policy?

Excess levels vary depending on the section of the policy you are making a claim for. The following excesses apply:

  • Public Liability: £250
  • Shooting Equipment: £50
  • Gun Dog Veterinary Fees: £100
  • Personal Accident: Nil (though terms do apply when claiming under Loss of Shooting Event Fees and Hospitalisation)

 

Am I covered for shooting abroad?

Our policy covers you to undertake shooting activities in the UK and the rest of Europe. The protection is included on all policies as standard.

Is there a maximum amount of shooting equipment I can cover?

The highest level of cover we can provide for shooting equipment is a total of £50,000, with a single item limit of £10,000.

Is equipment covered while in my car?

So long as your shooting equipment is locked away in the boot or within a covered luggage area, and there is evidence of forced entry, your equipment is covered for theft.

Is hired equipment covered under this policy?

No, cover does not extend to shooting equipment hired, loaned or entrusted to you. The equipment cover is designed to cover items owned by you, the insured.

Who is eligible to take out this cover?

Anyone can take out a policy provided that they are compliant with the Fireams Licensing Law 2016 or any subsequent legislation, are not a professional (receiving more than 50% of your income through shooting) and are not undertaking any vermin or pest control in a professional manner.

How do I prove I’m covered?

Once you have purchased your Shooting Insurance we will send you all your documents via email including your Policy Schedule to show you are fully covered.

If you have chosen to include Public Liability in your policy, we will also provide you with a handy Cover Card which you can take with you on shoots to show others that you have suitable cover before you start shooting.

Does my policy include the animals I work with (e.g. Gun Dogs)?

Although it is not included as standard, if required you are able to add on protection for vet bills should your gun dog require treatment.

We are able to provide up to £1,000 worth of protection for vet bills should your gun dog sustain an injury whilst you are shooting. Select the level of cover you require under “Gun Dog Veterinary Fees” when getting your quote.

What is included under the equipment cover benefit?

Any guns that are licensed and named under the Firearms Act can be covered by our shooting insurance policy.

We also offer cover for the following equipment:

  • Sights
  • Binoculars
  • Ammunition
  • Clothing
  • Any other accessories specifically designed and purchased for shooting

Your equipment is covered for loss or damage whilst on a shoot, and when securely stored on your or anyone else’s premises.

What activities are covered?

The following nine shooting activities are covered under our shooting insurance policy:

  • Game Shooting
  • Rough Shooting
  • Wildfowling
  • Target Shooting
  • Clay Pigeon Shooting
  • Black Powder Shooting
  • Archery
  • Paintballing
  • Airsoft

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