Have you ever had the misfortune of having your travel plans disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances? Maybe you lost your luggage, missed your flight or got sick while abroad. Travel mishaps can be a real bummer, but with the right travel insurance policy, you can have peace of mind when you’re on the go. One such policy, the Natwest Platinum Travel Insurance Policy, is designed to offer comprehensive coverage for all kinds of travel-related incidents. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what the Natwest Platinum Travel Insurance Policy entails, what you can expect from its coverage, and the importance of reviewing the policy document before you purchase it. Read on to find out more!
Table of Contents
1. NatWest Travel Insurance Overview
NatWest offers travel insurance as part of its packaged bank accounts, which are only available to existing NatWest current account customers. Depending on the level of cover, their European and Worldwide travel insurance can protect you and your property against unforeseen circumstances while you’re travelling or on holiday, such as medical care, cancelled flights, or lost luggage. Customers over 70 or with pre-existing medical conditions may have to pay extra for extended cover, but it’s worth checking with NatWest, as their insurers may be able to offer help.
The Silver, Platinum, and Black bank accounts offer European, Worldwide, and Worldwide Plus travel insurance, respectively. The family cover for Platinum and Black account customers provides cover for the account holder, their partner, and dependent children under 18, while Silver account customers are only covered along with their joint account holder. NatWest’s travel insurance also covers trip cancellations, delayed or missed departure, cutting your trip short, personal accident, personal liability, and lost or delayed baggage.
It’s a good idea to have travel insurance because some tour operators may require it before confirming your booking, especially in countries like the USA where there’s no public health service. The cover provided by NatWest’s travel insurance is subject to policy terms and conditions, so customers should review, print, and/or save a copy of them. In addition, customers should check the latest advice from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Government about travel and Coronavirus (Covid-19), as coverage related to pandemics may vary. If a customer needs to cancel their trip for one of the cancellation reasons covered by the policy, they can submit a claim. However, the policy won’t cover expenses that can be recovered from elsewhere, so customers should first consider seeking a refund from their travel provider or their card issuer under Section 75 or chargeback rules. [*][**]
2. Benefits of Packaged Bank Accounts
Packaged bank accounts can be a great option for travelers looking for financial protection while they’re away. With a NatWest account, customers can access European or worldwide travel insurance, depending on their account level. This insurance can cover a range of unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies, canceled flights, or lost luggage. Additionally, those with pre-existing medical conditions can have them added to their policy for extra peace of mind. It’s not a legal requirement to have travel insurance, but some tour operators may insist on it, particularly when traveling to countries without a public health service, such as the USA.
NatWest offers Silver, Platinum, and Black accounts with varying levels of travel insurance cover. Only existing current account customers are eligible for these packaged accounts. While Silver accounts come with European travel insurance, Platinum and Black customers can access worldwide insurance. Family cover is included for Platinum and Black customers, providing protection for partners and dependent children under 18, or under 23 if in full-time education. Silver account customers are only covered themselves and any joint account holder.
For those over 70 or with pre-existing medical conditions, NatWest offers extra help and support. Customers can contact the bank to find out if they can extend their travel insurance to cover someone who’s over 70 or has a pre-existing condition. However, it’s important to note that pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered by the insurance and may require an additional premium or specialist policy. NatWest’s travel insurance offers peace of mind for travelers, ensuring they’re protected against a range of potential problems that could arise while on a trip.
3. Types of Travel Insurance Coverage
Travel insurance is an important aspect to consider when planning a trip, as it offers financial protection against unforeseen incidents while travelling. NatWest offers travel insurance through their packaged bank accounts, which are available to existing NatWest current account customers. Depending on the level of cover selected, the insurance can protect against medical care, cancelled flights, and lost luggage, among other things. The Silver account comes with European travel insurance, while the Platinum and Black accounts come with worldwide coverage. Family cover is included for Platinum and Black account holders, providing protection for the customer, their partner, and dependent children under 18. The policy also covers winter sports and other holiday-related expenses.
Although travel insurance is not a legal requirement, some tour operators may require it before confirming a booking, especially when travelling to countries where there is no public health service, such as the USA. Silver account holders and their joint account holders are the only ones covered under their respective policies. For those aged 70 or over, an annual premium of £75 per person is required to renew the policy, and pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered. However, customers can extend their insurance to cover someone over 70 or with a pre-existing medical condition by completing an online form or contacting NatWest directly.
Overall, NatWest’s travel insurance policies offer a range of cover across their packaged bank accounts, providing peace of mind for customers while travelling. The policies may be particularly beneficial for frequent travellers, as they provide coverage for a variety of incidents, including emergency medical costs, cancellations, personal accidents, personal liability, and lost or delayed baggage. While the Silver account offers European travel insurance, the Platinum and Black accounts offer worldwide coverage and family cover for the customer, their partner, and dependent children under 18.
4. Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel insurance is a crucial requirement for any traveler. Luckily, most banks and insurance companies offer travel insurance policies to make the process simpler. One such policy is the NatWest International Gold Account. For a monthly fee of £18, customers can access a range of benefits, including travel insurance with comprehensive worldwide cover, including winter sports. This policy covers you and your partner plus any dependent children under 18, and even those up to 23 if they are in full-time education. Emergency medical assistance is available 24/7, providing peace of mind during your travels. However, it’s important to note that this policy is only available to residents of Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, or the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar residents must be existing NatWest customers.
In comparison, FlexPlus Worldwide Family Travel Insurance, offered by Nationwide, covers you and your family, including business, wedding, golf, and winter sports cover. This policy grants you access to an online portal, allowing you to manage your insurance on the go. An extension upgrade is required for trips longer than 31 days, and the policy is only for UK residents who live in the UK for at least six months of any 12-month period. The ages of the insured people also matter, and those over 70 must pay for an age upgrade to cover them. This policy covers medical conditions declared and accepted by the insurer and is only valid if your trip starts and ends in the UK. As with any insurance policy, it’s vital to read the policy documents carefully to avoid any surprises.
As with any policy, each policy has its pros and cons. For instance, the NatWest International Gold account offers preferential rates for a fee-free overdraft, VIP treatment from a concierge service, and private motor excess insurance. Their gold standard features make clients feel like a VIP. Whereas, the FlexPlus Worldwide Family Travel Insurance policy may work better for those with children and those looking for a more comprehensive policy. They even cover travel documents costs and offer coverage for wedding essentials. This policy also grants you access to an online portal, making managing your insurance more convenient.
In conclusion, both the NatWest International Gold Account and FlexPlus Worldwide Family Travel Insurance offer robust policies with their own unique benefits. Before selecting either policy, it’s essential to assess your travel requirements carefully. Factors like the length of your travels, the age of the insured party, and your destination can impact the type of coverage you need. However, both policies come with extensive coverage that will cater to most domestic and international travelers.
5. coverage for Individuals Over 70
NatWest offers travel insurance as part of their packaged bank accounts, which is available for existing customers. The European travel insurance is included in their Silver bank accounts, while their Platinum and Black bank accounts offer Worldwide travel insurance. The insurance covers unforeseen circumstances such as medical care, cancelled flights, or lost luggage. It is not a legal requirement to have travel insurance, but it is highly recommended, especially when travelling to countries without a public health service.
For those over 70 years of age or with pre-existing medical conditions, there may be extra charges or restrictions on coverage. NatWest requires notification of any individual aged 70 or over and each year the individual must contact NatWest to get a cover extension at an annual premium of £75 per person. No coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is provided. If a customer cannot get an upgrade to extend their coverage level or their premium upgrade is unexpectedly high due to medical conditions, NatWest’s insurers, UK Insurance Limited, suggest seeking help from the Financial Conduct Authority and MoneyHelper directory.
On the other hand, InsureandGo is an alternative provider for travel insurance that aims to keep things simple and offer comprehensive coverage even for those over 70 years old or with pre-existing medical conditions. Children can also be covered for free under a policy. Their policies come with standard coverage of over 50 activities and sports. InsureandGo is licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been specialising in travel insurance for over ten years.
Travel insurance is a wise investment for any trip, and NatWest and InsureandGo offer competitive options with different coverage for various types of travel.
6. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Coverage
Travel insurance is crucial when going abroad, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. NatWest offers travel insurance, but for those over 70 or with pre-existing medical conditions, an additional charge may apply. It is important to check if your medical condition is covered, as some medical needs may not be included in the policy. Be sure to review the policy document thoroughly to know what the policy covers and what it doesn’t.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions and are unable to get travel insurance for your trip, you may need to reconsider your travel plans. However, there are options available to you, such as working with an insurance broker or looking at specialist travel insurance providers that cater to those with pre-existing medical conditions. Getting several quotes from multiple providers can also help you find coverage that is right for you.
When speaking with brokers and insurance providers, they may ask for detailed information about your medical condition. It is important to be truthful and as specific as possible about your condition and any treatment you may be undergoing. You should also ask about the coverage amount, excess, and any exclusions that may apply to your policy. This way, you will have a clear understanding of what is covered and what is not, providing you with peace of mind when travelling.
It is also worth knowing that having a UK European Health Insurance Card or a UK Global Health Insurance Card can provide you with free or reduced-cost healthcare should you require it while abroad. However, these cards may not cover everything, so it’s important to have travel insurance that covers any additional costs that may arise during your trip. In case of any doubts or queries, you can always reach out to your insurance provider for assistance.
7. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Coverage
Travel insurance is an essential part of any trip and offers financial protection against unforeseen incidents. With NatWest’s packaged bank accounts, customers can benefit from European or worldwide travel insurance, depending on their account. The insurance covers a range of areas, including medical care, cancelled flights, lost luggage, and personal liability. Additionally, family cover is included for Platinum and Black account holders, providing protection for the account holder, their partner, and dependent children under 18 or 23 if in full-time education.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NatWest has updated its travel insurance policy to cover certain cancellations related to the virus. For trips booked from 5th January 2021 to 1st March 2022 and taken before 2nd March 2022, an endorsement was in place which changed the cover available for trip cancellation due to COVID-19. However, this endorsement was removed on 2nd March 2022. The cover has been extended to include the need to quarantine or self-isolate, FCDO advice against ‘all’ or ‘all but essential’ travel due to COVID-19 or another disease declared a pandemic and the inability to use pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation in an area adversely affected by COVID-19 or a pandemic. It is advisable to check the latest government and FCDO advice before booking a new trip or travelling.
In the event that a trip is cancelled for one of the approved reasons, a claim can be submitted. However, it is essential to consider other options for a refund first. If the travel provider has been unable to provide the booked service, customers should seek a refund. If the payment was made by credit card and the value of the booking is over £100, customers may be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. They should contact their card issuer for further information. Similarly, debit or charge cardholders can contact their card issuer for advice as they may be able to make a claim under their chargeback rules. If unable to obtain a refund from any party, customers can consider making a travel insurance claim.
Customers who require an extension to their travel insurance due to being over 70 or with pre-existing medical conditions can complete the online form or call NatWest to find out if they can be covered. However, it is imperative to note that pre-existing medical conditions won’t be covered, and the upgrade insurance premium may be higher than expected. In such cases, help is still available through a directory created by UKI, NatWest’s insurers, in collaboration with the Financial Conduct Authority and MoneyHelper. Customers can search for alternative options by contacting the directory’s phone number. Overall, NatWest’s travel insurance policy provides reliable coverage for travellers with additional options for COVID-19-related cancellations and extensions for those over 70 or with pre-existing conditions.
8. Cancellation Reasons Covered
NatWest offers travel insurance as part of their packaged bank accounts, which are only available to existing customers. Depending on the level of cover chosen, the policy can provide financial protection against unexpected incidents such as medical emergencies, cancelled flights, or lost luggage. Even though travel insurance is not a legal requirement, some tour operators may insist on it before confirming a booking, particularly in countries without a public health service.
Silver, Platinum, and Black account holders have access to different levels of travel insurance cover depending on their account. The Silver account comes with European travel insurance, and the Platinum and Black accounts come with Worldwide travel insurance. Family cover is provided for Platinum and Black account holders, which includes the account holder, their partner, and dependent children. Silver account holders, on the other hand, are only covered along with their joint account holder.
People aged 70 and over must contact NatWest to get their cover and pay an annual premium per person, as pre-existing medical conditions won’t be covered. In case the insurer can’t offer an upgrade to the needed cover level or if an upgrade premium is higher than expected due to existing medical conditions, help is available through a directory created in partnership with the Financial Conduct Authority and MoneyHelper.
The policy provides coverage related to a pandemic such as Coronavirus (Covid-19) for trips taken from 2nd March 2022, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. For trips scheduled before that, an endorsement was in place until 2nd March 2022, which changed the cover available for trip cancellation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The policy won’t cover travel to countries where the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel. If a trip must be canceled for one of the covered reasons, a claim can be submitted, but expenses recoverable from elsewhere must first be considered.
NatWest encourages clients to apply for their travel insurance policy after booking a trip as they’ll only need upgrades or extensions to their policy once they travel. If a claim is necessary, they recommend using their online claims service and keeping records of communications with the provider or another party involved. Customers who have booked through their Travel Service or bought tickets for an event and are concerned about cancellations should check the NatWest FAQs or contact them for more information.
9. Making a Claim
NatWest International offers a comprehensive Gold account that includes travel insurance, among other benefits. One of the significant benefits of the Gold account is the travel insurance that provides comprehensive worldwide coverage for the account holder and their family, including winter sports cover. They also offer emergency medical assistance, 24/7, wherever in the world an account holder may be. The partner of the account holder is also covered, whether married or cohabiting, and dependent children under 18 (or 23, if they are in full-time education). The policy is underwritten by AWP P&C SA and administered in the UK by Allianz Global Assistance. However, for more information on how coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your Gold account travel insurance, it is essential to check their website before travelling.
In addition to travel insurance, NatWest International’s Gold account also offers VIP treatment with their concierge service to help account holders with their bookings, flights, holidays, and more. This concierge service is provided by Ten, a leading lifestyle management company, and is available 24/7. Members also enjoy exclusive dining, travel, entertainment, and retail benefits negotiated with world-leading brands by their team of specialists. The concierge service also offers unlimited dining, travel, and ticket requests. Moreover, the account holders can save on flights departing from the UK with Ten’s partnered airlines, including various long-haul destination flights with British Airways.
If the account holder owns and insures their private motor vehicle, the Gold account offers peace of mind with private motor excess insurance, as well as car rental loss damage coverage. The insurance works alongside the existing car insurance and covers the cost of the excess if and when a claim is made and the damage to the vehicle is greater than the excess limit. The limit is £3000 under the policy. There is also coverage under the Car Rental Loss Damage Waiver Insurance for up to £50,000 (or equivalent in local currency) incurred as a result of damage, fire, vandalism, theft, or use of the rental vehicle. Account holders can also claim £20 per day (up to a maximum of £200) if the car rental is cancelled or cut short on the advice of a physician. Lastly, the coverage includes £200 to pay for drop-off charges incurred through the car rental station following an accident or illness and £50 for calling out a locksmith if a named beneficiary unintentionally locks their keys in the rental vehicle.
Choosing travel insurance can be a daunting task, but Which? offers a comprehensive review of the best and worst travel insurance policies. They rate cover for travel and reveal the best policies, with details on medical expenses, cancellation, and airline failures. They have assigned each travel insurance policy a policy score reflecting how comprehensive the coverage is, as well as a dedicated Covid cover rating. To compare travel insurance companies, one can check their tables and reviews of the biggest and best insurers. By clicking on the links in the reviews, one can find more information about them. Comparing policies, especially specialised ones for medical conditions or winter sports, is essential before buying. It is also crucial to read and understand the policy wording, general exclusions, and conditions before purchasing any policy. Lastly, checking the holiday provider’s protection is necessary in case anything goes wrong, and the compensation needs to be claimed from them first before the insurer accepts the claim.
10. NatWest Travel Service FAQs
NatWest offers travel insurance as part of their packaged bank accounts. These accounts are only available to existing NatWest current account customers. The Silver account comes with European travel insurance, while the Platinum and Black accounts come with Worldwide travel insurance. Depending on your level of cover, travel insurance could protect you against unforeseen circumstances while you travel such as medical care, cancelled flights, or lost luggage. It is not legally required to have travel insurance, but some tour operators may require it, especially if you’re travelling to a country like the USA. One of the great things about NatWest’s travel insurance policies is that you have the option of cover for over 70s, and pre-existing medical conditions can be added.
If you’re considering NatWest’s travel insurance policies, it’s important to understand what you’ll be covered for. Their policies cover a range of incidents, including cancelling your trip, delayed or missed departure, cutting your trip short, emergency medical costs, personal accident, personal liability, baggage (lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged), delayed baggage, and lost passports or driving licences. Family cover is included for both Platinum and Black account customers, which provides cover for you, your partner, and dependent children under 18. For Silver account customers, only you and any joint account holder are covered.
If you or your joint account holder are aged 70 or over, you’ll need to get in touch with NatWest each year to get your cover. There will be a £75 annual premium per person, and pre-existing medical conditions won’t be covered. However, you may be able to extend your travel insurance to include cover for someone over 70 or with a new or existing medical condition by completing an online form or calling NatWest. If their insurers are unable to help, they have created a directory in collaboration with the Financial Conduct Authority and MoneyHelper that you can search for help.
In comparison, InsureandGo offers cheap travel insurance policies with free coverage for your children on your policy. They cover over 50 activities and sports as standard under all of their travel insurance policies. InsureandGo is a trading style of Insure & Go Insurance Services Limited, registered in England and Wales, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. InsureandGo prides themselves on providing comprehensive cover and having specialised in travel insurance for over 10 years. Their policies are easy to obtain with a quick and simple application process.
