Travel Insurance

Staff and post-graduate students of the University who travel overseas on University business are eligible to apply for insurance cover under the University’s travel policy. If your trip is covered in this way, but you are experiencing problems due to the severe weather and its effects on flights, you may find the following advice helpful.

Am I covered if my flight has been cancelled?

If you booked before the severe weather warnings were issued, the policy cover will apply subject to the normal terms and conditions.

Am I covered for my revised dates of travel?

The travel insurance cover will apply from the revised date of departure to the revised date of return.

My flight has been cancelled. Can I make my own rearrangements?

If the airline will rearrange the flight at no extra cost, the insurer expects travellers to take that option. However, if it is vital that a traveller reaches his/her destination earlier (e.g. important appointments to keep), and can make the arrangements to do so, then the insurer will consider a claim to cover the additional transport costs.

My flight has been cancelled and it is no longer worth making the trip because I have missed my meeting

You will need to retain your booking details and provide evidence that the flight was cancelled. You must first seek a refund from the airline. If you are not able to obtain a full refund, the insurer will consider claims for the non-refundable portion of the ticket, and any non-refundable deposits for accommodation or other fees that you have incurred as a result of the cancellation.

I am due to fly in a few days’ time and my flight has not yet been cancelled. Can I make alternative travel arrangements now?

The insurance will not cover additional travel costs under these circumstances because your flight has not yet been cancelled. However, if the flight is subsequently cancelled, a claim might be considered. It is important that you apply for any refund due from the airline, and when submitting the claim, you will have to put forward a case explaining why you needed to make alternative arrangements, rather than accepting a rescheduled flight.

Am I covered for extra accommodation costs?

There is cover for additional accommodation costs incurred because of circumstances beyond the traveller’s control.

Am I covered for subsistence?

The cost of meals is not covered by the University’s insurance. Please take note of your College / Departmental guidelines and retain your receipts. You will need to discuss reimbursement with your College or Department on your return.

Receipts and documents

It is vital that claimants retain evidence of the original flight details, and the rearranged flight details. Please also try to obtain evidence from the airline confirming the reason for the delay. Claims for additional expenditure will have to be supported by receipts.

Emergency assistance

The insurer’s emergency assistance line is +44 (0)20 7173 7872. The policy number is UKBBB00303.

Making a claim

Please fill in this Cancellation claim form

When you return to the UK, please complete the form and send it to:

Insurance & Business Continuity Services
University of Exeter
Streatham Farm
Prince of Wales Road
Exeter
EX4 4PX

Email: insurance@exeter.ac.uk
Tel : +44 (0)1392 723087

You will need to attach the following documents to support the claim:

Original itinerary details and receipts
Rearranged itinerary details and receipts
Statement from the airline confirming the reason for the delay (if possible)
If you were not able to accept the rescheduled flight offered by your airline, please provide a statement outlining the reasons
Copy of documentation from airline / travel agent confirming the amount of the refund, or explanation if no refund is offered
Accommodation receipts (if additional accommodation was required)
The reference number issued to you when we confirmed that the travel insurance was in place for your trip

This information will help us to make it clear to our insurer exactly how much we are claiming and why.