Travel Insurance Scenario
This guide provides UK-based contact centre agents with essential information and a structured approach to facilitate the initial sale of travel insurance to customers based in the UK. Adhering to these guidelines ensures compliance with FCA regulations and promotes a customer-centric sales experience.
Key Principles for Travel Insurance Sales (UK):
- Non-Advised Basis: As agents, you operate on a non-advised basis. This means you provide factual information about the policy to help the customer make their own decision. You must not give advice or recommend a specific policy as suitable for their needs.
- Treating Customers Fairly (TCF): Always ensure the customer understands the product, its benefits, and its limitations. Do not mis-sell a policy or sell/recommend one that does not suit their needs.
- Transparency: Clearly communicate significant information, especially exclusions, before the customer agrees to purchase.
- Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMCs): Special attention is required for customers with PEMCs.1 You may need to signpost them to specialist directories like the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory if certain conditions are met (e.g., premium loading of £100 or more, or if a quotation is declined/an exclusion cannot be removed).2
- Documentation: Ensure customers receive all relevant policy documents, including the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and the full policy wording, after the sale. Advise them to read these carefully.
Initial Sale Process: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Opening the Call & Building Rapport
- Greet the customer warmly: "Good morning/afternoon, thank you for calling [Your Company Name], my name is [Your Name]. How can I help you today?"
- Identify the purpose of the call: "I understand you're interested in obtaining a travel insurance quote. Is that right?"
2. Gathering Essential Information (Personal & Trip Details)
This information is crucial for generating an accurate quote and ensuring the policy meets the customer's needs.
Personal Information to Confirm (for each traveller):
- Full Name: (As per passport)
- Date of Birth: (To confirm age and eligibility)
- UK Residential Address: (Including postcode, to confirm UK residency)
- Contact Number:
- Email Address: (For sending policy documents)
- Relationship to Main Policyholder: (e.g., spouse, child, friend, etc.)
Trip Details to Confirm:
- Destination(s):
- All countries to be visited: Even if just in transit where they leave the airport/ship.
- Specific regions/areas within countries: (e.g., if travelling to the USA, clarify if it includes Hawaii, etc.)
- Travel Dates:
- Departure Date from UK:
- Return Date to UK:
- Total Duration of Trip: (Ensure it falls within policy limits)
- Type of Trip: (e.g., single trip, annual multi-trip)
- Number of Travellers:
- Purpose of Travel: (e.g., holiday, business, study)
- Activities Planned: (e.g., winter sports, water sports, adventure activities – these often require additional cover)
- Cruise Travel: (If applicable, often requires additional cover)
Medical Information (Crucial - Handle with Sensitivity and Accuracy):
- For ALL travellers on the policy, confirm:
- "Do you or any other person to be insured on this policy have any pre-existing medical conditions?"
- "Have you or any other person to be insured on this policy received any treatment, medication, consultations, investigations, or check-ups for any physical or psychological condition in the last two years?"
- "Are you or any other person to be insured on this policy currently awaiting any test results or further investigations?"
- "Have you or any other person to be insured on this policy ever been diagnosed with or treated for specific conditions like cancer, heart conditions, respiratory conditions, strokes, or mental health conditions?" (Some insurers may ask for conditions regardless of when they occurred).
- Important: Emphasise the importance of declaring all conditions accurately. Explain that failure to declare could invalidate their policy.
3. Providing the Quote & Key Information
- Present the quote(s): Clearly state the premium and any different levels of cover available (e.g., basic, comprehensive).
- Highlight key features and benefits: Focus on the main aspects like medical emergency cover, cancellation, baggage, etc.
- Crucially, explain significant exclusions:
- "It's important to be aware that this policy does not cover [specific exclusion, e.g., pre-existing medical conditions not declared and accepted, claims arising from FCDO 'advise against all travel' warnings, certain hazardous activities unless an add-on is purchased]."
- "For your full terms and conditions, please refer to the Policy Wording and the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID)."
- Medical Condition Signposting (If applicable): If the customer's medical conditions result in a declined quote, an unremovable exclusion, or a premium loading of £100 or more, you must signpost them to the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory.3
- "Based on the medical information you've provided, it appears this policy may not be suitable, or the premium for your medical condition is [£100 or more]. In these circumstances, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requires us to inform you about the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory. This is a free service that can help you find specialist insurance providers who may be able to offer cover for your specific medical conditions.4 Would you like me to provide you with their contact details?"
- Provide the MoneyHelper contact details (website and phone number).
- "Based on the medical information you've provided, it appears this policy may not be suitable, or the premium for your medical condition is [£100 or more]. In these circumstances, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requires us to inform you about the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory. This is a free service that can help you find specialist insurance providers who may be able to offer cover for your specific medical conditions.4 Would you like me to provide you with their contact details?"
4. Addressing Questions & Overcoming Objections
- Answer questions factually: If unsure, state that you cannot provide advice and offer to refer them to the policy wording or a supervisor if appropriate.
- Address common concerns: (See FAQ section below)
- Reinforce value: Remind them of the peace of mind and financial protection travel insurance offers.
5. Closing the Sale
- Confirm understanding: "Are you happy with the cover offered and do you understand the terms and conditions?"
- Obtain consent to purchase: "Would you like to proceed with purchasing this policy?"
- Payment: Guide them through the payment process.
- Confirmation: "Thank you for your purchase. Your policy documents, including your IPID and full policy wording, will be sent to your email address within [timeframe]. Please read them carefully. You should also take your policy details with you when you travel."
- Cooling-off Period: Inform them about the 14-day cooling-off period during which they can cancel the policy for a full refund, provided they have not travelled or made a claim.
List of Regions and Countries (Common Travel Insurance Definitions)
Travel insurance policies often categorise destinations into regions.5 It's crucial to confirm which specific countries are included in each region for the policy you are quoting, as definitions can vary between insurers.
Common Regions:
- United Kingdom Only:
- England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands.
- Europe:
- Typically covers countries west of the Ural Mountains.6
- Examples often included: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Eire (Republic of Ireland), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira, Mediterranean Islands (e.g., Majorca, Ibiza, Malta, Rhodes), Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey (often included in Europe), Ukraine, Vatican City.
- Note: Some insurers may include Egypt, Israel, or Jordan in their European definition.
- Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean & Cuba:
- Covers all countries globally except those specifically excluded.
- Examples of countries typically included: Australia, New Zealand, Asia (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, India), South America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina), Africa (e.g., South Africa, Kenya).
- Worldwide including USA, Canada & Caribbean (excluding Cuba):
- Covers all countries globally including North America and the Caribbean.
- Examples of countries typically included: United States of America (USA), Canada, Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
- Note: Cuba is often explicitly excluded by many insurers due to US sanctions.
Always confirm the exact country list with the specific insurer's policy wording.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance
Q1: When should I purchase my travel insurance?
A: It's highly recommended to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. This is because cancellation cover typically starts from the moment you buy the policy, protecting you from unrecoverable costs if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances before you even depart. At a minimum, you must purchase it before leaving the UK.
Q2: Do I need to declare my pre-existing medical conditions?
A: Yes, absolutely. It is crucial to declare all pre-existing medical conditions for all travellers on the policy. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance, leaving you personally liable for potentially very expensive medical bills if you require treatment abroad. Be honest and accurate when providing this information.
Q3: What if I have a medical condition diagnosed after I buy the policy?
A: You must inform your insurer immediately if there are any changes to your health or the health of anyone insured on the policy, or if you receive a new diagnosis before you travel. They will advise if this affects your cover and if an additional premium is required.
Q4: Am I covered if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to my destination?
A: Generally, no. Most travel insurance policies will not cover claims if you travel against FCDO advice. Always check the FCDO website for your destination's current advice before travelling and review your policy wording carefully. Some specialist policies or add-ons may offer limited cover for FCDO advice related solely to COVID-19.7
Q5: What activities are covered?
A: Standard policies cover typical holiday activities. However, "hazardous" or "adventure" activities like skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, scuba diving, rock climbing, or even certain water sports often require an additional premium or specialist cover.8 Always declare any planned activities to ensure you are covered.
Q6: Is COVID-19 covered?
A: Many policies now include enhanced COVID-19 cover as standard, but the specifics vary. This might include cover for cancellation due to a positive COVID-19 test before departure, or medical expenses if you contract COVID-19 abroad. It's essential to check the policy wording for the exact scope of COVID-19 cover.
Q7: What is an Annual Multi-Trip policy?
A: An Annual Multi-Trip policy covers multiple trips within a 12-month period, typically with a maximum duration for each individual trip (e.g., 30, 45, or 60 days). This can be more cost-effective if you plan to travel more than once a year. Single Trip policies cover just one return journey.9
Q8: Does travel insurance cover airline or tour operator failure?
A: Standard travel insurance often does not cover airline or travel agent insolvency.10 For package holidays, look for ATOL protection. Some travel insurance policies offer an optional "End Supplier Failure" add-on that provides cover if your airline, hotel, or tour operator goes out of business.11
Q9: Do I need an EHIC or GHIC if I have travel insurance?
A: Yes, a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not a substitute for travel insurance.12 They allow access to state-provided medically necessary healthcare in EU countries and some others on the same terms as residents. However, they do not cover private medical costs, repatriation to the UK, or non-medical expenses like lost baggage or cancellation. Some insurers may waive your medical excess if you use a GHIC/EHIC.13
Q10: What should I do if I need medical assistance abroad?
A: Your policy documents will contain a 24-hour emergency assistance helpline number.14 Contact them immediately if you need medical attention. They can advise on local medical facilities, guarantee payments, and arrange repatriation if necessary. Always keep your policy number and the emergency contact details handy when you travel.
