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TRAVEL INSURANCE GUIDE

How your cover works - and when to call us

Plain answers to the questions we’re asked most: paying hospitals directly, cancelling your trip, vouchers, and what to do in an emergency.

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Your questions, answered

Based on real ERGO claims - the situations that actually come up, explained in plain English.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND GETTING HOME

The hospital wants payment before treating me further. Can ERGO pay the hospital directly?

In a real claim: A customer was told by a US hospital that treatment would stop without a payment of…

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MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND GETTING HOME

I have a well-managed pre-existing condition. My GP says I am fine to travel. Do I still have to declare it?

In a real claim: A customer with “well-managed” type 2 diabetes was told by their GP it did not need…

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CANCELLATION

Can I cancel my holiday for any reason and claim?

In a real claim: A customer cancelled a £3,400 trip because she was too anxious to fly. A family member…

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CANCELLATION

My relative has a terminal diagnosis. We booked the holiday before she became ill. Are we covered?

In a real claim: Complaints data shows this is the most emotionally charged cancellation scenario. Four evidence gaps most commonly…

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CANCELLATION

The FCDO has just changed its advice for my destination. Can I cancel and claim?

In a real claim: A customer had a family holiday to Egypt. FCDO advice changed two weeks before departure. The…

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CANCELLATION

My airline gave me a voucher instead of a cash refund. Can I claim the full original cost?

In a real claim: One of the highest-volume complaint themes across the portfolio. A customer received a £600 airline voucher…

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✈︎ See it played out →

CUTTING YOUR TRIP SHORT

My doctor confined me to my hotel room for four days. Can I claim for the days I lost?

In a real claim: A customer had a 14-night holiday and was confined to her hotel room for five days…

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PERSONAL BELONGINGS

What should I do if my luggage is lost by the airline?

In a real claim: Heathrow August 2024: 270,000 passengers in one day with 98% of bags arriving as expected. The…

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Cancellation

Cutting your trip short

Medical emergencies and getting home

Who do I call first in a medical emergency abroad, and does the order matter?

In a real claim: A customer in the USA paid a private clinic $14,000 without calling. We would have issued…

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I used my Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) in Spain. Does that mean my insurance claim is handled automatically?

In a real claim: A customer in Spain used their GHIC and assumed the insurance claim was complete. When they…

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Why does the policy require me to get approval before spending more than £500 on medical costs?

Letting us know early gives us the best chance of helping you properly. If we’re involved before costs are run…

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My children are with me abroad and I can’t look after them because I’m in hospital. What happens?

If you have children under 18 travelling with you, we’ll cover the cost of getting them back to the UK…

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1. If I’m no longer suffering from a condition because it is managed with medication, do I still need to declare it?

It depends on your answers to the medical screening questions when you take out your policy. We will ask you…

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2. Why are you asking me about my medical conditions?

We ask about your medical history because it affects your cover in a number of ways. If you need emergency…

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5. I am suffering with symptoms, but nothing has been diagnosed, can you cover me?

We can’t cover symptoms or conditions that haven’t been diagnosed at the point you take out your policy. If those…

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6. I had a short-term infection that has resolved, do I need to declare this?

It depends on the medical screening questions when you take out your policy. If the infection occurred in the last…

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Personal accident

Personal Belongings

One rule to remember: call before you pay

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