FAQs

Backpacker

• What is the age limit on the Backpacker policy?

  49 years of age is the maximum age limit on the Backpacker Policy.

• What is covered in the Backpacker policy?

  There are two cover levels available with a choice of either Premier or Premier Plus cover depending on your needs. The basic rate covers Cancellation/Curtailment of your trip as a result of an insured event, Emergency Medical and other expenses, Baggage, Passport, Personal Money, Documents, Missed Departure, Personal Accident, Personal Liability, Legal expenses and Holiday Abandonment.
  For full details of what is covered please see the Policy Wording.

• Am I covered whilst working?

  It is important to make sure you are fully covered whilst working. Our policy does provide cover while you are working in certain environments including bar work, waiting/waitressing, fruit-picking (excluding the use of machinery), au pairs and clerical or administrative work.
  (Please refer to the definitions section of the Policy Wording for a full list of work that is covered on the policy).

• What is the total duration provided for Winter Sports cover on a Backpacker policy?

  Provided you have paid the appropriate additional premium you will be covered for up to 93 days of Wintersports activities. You may use these days in any order that you choose. Wintersports definitions and policy limits can be found on the Policy Wording.

• What is the maximum trip duration?

  24 Months is the maximum amount of time that we are currently able to provide.

General Questions

• What charges do I incur when buying a policy?

  We work hard to try and minimise any additional charges you may incur in the supply of your policy. We charge an additional €6.00 if you choose to book your policy through our call centre. There is also an optional charge linked to administration function, an automatic SMS policy info service is €0.99

• How will I receive my Policy Documents?

  When you purchase insurance via our website you have the option to print off your Validation Certificate (proof of insurance), Policy Wording and Insurance Product Information Document once the payment has been successfully processed. You will also receive a booking confirmation by email to the email address supplied during the booking process. The booking confirmation contains your account information and details on how you can retrieve your documentation by using the "Your Policy" login section of our website.
  
  If you wish you can also request to receive your documents by post as well as email. Please be mindful of your Environmental Impact when selecting your documents to be sent by post.
  
  If you opt to receive the text message there is a €0.99 charge. The text message contains your policy number and the Emergency Assistance telephone number.
  
  We strongly recommend you bring your Validation Certificate and Policy Wording with you when you travel.

• What should I do if I need to change my details or extend cover?

  You will need to contact us either by email or telephone to change your details or extend cover. Extensions of cover must be requested 14 days prior to your policy expiry date and may incur an additional charge.

• What should I do if I have a medical condition?

  This policy contains important conditions relating to health with which you must comply in order to have full protection of your policy. For further information, click here.

• Is Pregnancy Covered?

  Our Pregnancy cover provides cover for unforeseen events, accidents, illnesses and diseases. Normal childbirth would not constitute an unforeseen event. In any event, you must not travel against doctors? advice or any carrier stipulation. Any complications or previous miscarriages need to be declared to Healthcheck.

• What if I need to cancel my Holiday/Trip?

  If it is deemed necessary to cancel your travel arrangements you must contact your Travel Agent/Tour Operator or Transport Company immediately and confirm in writing to Travel Claims within 48 hours.

• What should I be aware of in respect of baggage/money claims?

  If any item of your baggage is lost, stolen or damaged whilst in transit then you must report this to the Airline, Hotel or Tour Operator Representative immediately. Baggage excludes bicycles, diving equipment, computer equipment, antiques and mobile phones. It is important that you obtain a property damage/loss report or a PIR in the case of damage/loss by an airline. Fragile items are excluded under this policy. Cash must always be kept in a safety deposit box.

• What is Long Stay Insurance?

  This is Backpacker Travel Insurance for travellers going away for a longer duration of time.

• Do I need a police report for stolen items?

  If you are unfortunate enough to have any stolen items or belongings whilst on holiday, then you must notify the local police within 24 hours and obtain a copy of the police report.

• When should I contact the Emergency Assistance Number?

  In the case of any medical emergency or the need to curtail your trip due to an insured reason please call the Emergency Assistance Service on 00353 91 560 637. If you have private health insurance, then you must also contact that Company?s Assistance telephone number and inform them of your medical emergency.

• How do I make a claim?

  Please refer to Make a Claim section of our website or your Policy Wording.

• What should I do if I have a complaint about the policy or a claim?

  Please refer to the complaints procedure in the policy wording.

• Is there a cooling off period?

  Yes there is a 14 day cooling off period from receipt of the policy either at time of print, receipt of email or receipt by post.

• Are there any countries excluded from the policy?

  The Department of Foreign Affairs issues travel advice for all countries and it wise to take this into consideration when planning your trip. Our policy does not provide cover where the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against travel. Please make sure you check whether a warning has been issued by contacting the Department on 01 4780822 or www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice.

• What destinations am I covered?

  You can select from the following destinations:
  
  Europe: The Continent of Europe west of the Ural Mountains, Madeira, Canary Islands, Iceland, the Azores, Mediterranean Islands and non-European countries bordering the Mediterranean (except Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Albania and Syria).
  Worldwide excluding USA/Canada: Worldwide including the Caribbean but excluding Canada, The United States of America, Alaska and Hawaii.
  Canada Only: Canada (Includes up to 21 days travel to The United States of America).
  Worldwide including USA/Canada: Worldwide including Canada, The United States of America, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
  

Sports & Activities

• What Sports & Activities are covered free of charge with backpackertravelinsurance.ie?

  The policy automatically provides cover for Personal Accident and Emergency Medical Expenses for the activities listed under Grade 1 in your Policy Wording once they are conducted on an incidental basis whilst you are on holiday. See Policy Wording for full details.

• What is the difference between 'Incidental and Non-Incidental basis'?

  An incidental basis means that the activity you are doing on holiday is not the specific reason for going on the holiday. Non Incidental is exactly the opposite. Examples: "I am going on holiday and may have a go a Scuba Diving whilst I'm out there, if I can find a place that does it." - That would be participation in an activity on an 'Incidental' basis. "I am going on a specific Scuba Diving holiday, where my main intention is to Scuba Dive" - That would be on participation on a 'Non Incidental' basis.

• I cannot find the sport or activity I want to do under Grade 1?

  We can also provide cover for additional activities under Grades 2 to 4, subject to an additional premium. See the policy wording for full details.

• Does backpackertravelinsurance.ie cover scuba diving?

  Beginners: (This cover is provided free of charge) on an Incidental Basis
  Scuba diving to the following depths. Provided you are diving under the direction of an accredited dive marshal, instructor or guide. Alternatively, if qualified, within the guidelines of the relevant diving or training agency or organization and not diving alone:
  
   - PADI Open Water - 18 metres
   - PADI Advanced Open Water - 30 metres*
   - BSAC Ocean Diver - 20 metres
   - BSAC Sports Diver - 30 metres*
   - BSAC Dive Leader - 30 metres*
  
  We must agree with any equivalent qualification. If you do not hold a qualification, We will only cover you to dive to a depth of 18 metres. You will not be covered under this policy if you travel by air within 24 hours after participating in Scuba Diving.
  
  
  Advanced: (This Cover is subject to Grade 2 Activities additional premium) for Greater Dive Depths and Non Incidental Coverage.
  Scuba diving to the following depths. Provided You are diving under the direction of an accredited dive marshal, instructor or guide. Alternatively, if qualified, within the guidelines of the relevant diving or training agency or organization and not diving alone:
  
   - PADI Open Water - 18 metres
   - PADI Advanced Open Water - 30 metres
   - BSAC Ocean Diver - 20 metres
   - BSAC Sports Diver - 35 metres*
   - BSAC Dive Leader - 50 metres*
  
  We must agree with any equivalent qualification. If you do not hold a qualification, We will only cover you to dive to a depth of 18 metres. You will not be covered under this policy if you travel by air within 24 hours after participating in Scuba Diving.
  
  

• What is the maximum altitude allowed for trekking?

  Our policy covers up to 2,000m on our standard Grade 1 Cover which is included at no additional charge. Above this level, we can then provide trekking for up to 4,200m on our Grade 2 Cover or up to 6,000m on our Grade 3 Cover with an additional premium payable.