Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Like Tree30Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #61  
Old 6 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Travel Nation

we are currently in the process of challenging Travel Nation on their policy. Because Rose and Dave had such a good experience we have decided to go with them, especially as they let you extend on the road. So I spoke to them about the FCO list, same as Dave, and they said the same thing to us. So I have asked for this in writing, and the agent, Karl, asked me for a list of countries we are going to, and is going to get that OK'd by the underwriters. I have yet to hear back, but I will update here if we do get this.

Thanks to all contributing, this is one handy thread!
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #62  
Old 6 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Hi Ollie / all

FWIW, we used Campbell Irvine (contact: Mike Berry) due to a number of conversations I had had with insurance companies on the FCO-blacklisted issue.

The best I was able to get was an assurance from Mike that we would be covered in such places subject to the following:-

a) Underwriters were informed of our intention to visit such places by way of a declaration to that effect on the proposal form, or
b) In the event that plans changed once on the road and we wanted to go to a place we hadn't put on the proposal form, Underwriters consent was obtained prior to us going there.
c) In any event, cover would NOT be applicable for claims that arose out of the reason a place was blacklisted. Eg - if we got shot/kidnapped/caught in a bomb blast in Kashmir we would not be covered, but if we were involved in a road accident, or any other incident that could have happened anywhere, we would be OK.

This is an improvement on most standard companies, which simply exclude all cover in such places no matter what.
Reply With Quote
  #63  
Old 6 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Yes - if we can get that sort of assurance we will take it, although Travel Nation comes in cheaper than Campbell Irvine ...
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #64  
Old 6 Mar 2009
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Ollie, I looked into this seriously a few years ago and am now starting to again now. CI offered a very high standard of insurance from what I remember, very comprehensive and they are a good solid 'name' from what I can gather.

So perhaps don't base you decision 100% on costs (if you are, I don't know ;-) as you may need to use the insurance in a real emergency etc

Just a thought!
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #65  
Old 6 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: wherever our vehicle is
Posts: 135
hi good point but we have used travel nation for 3 years now and guess who was the under writer yes campbell and irvine, so you get good cover for a good price instead of a high price, just because you havent heard of the insurance company doesnt mean that they are sub standard.
travel nation now use axa for under writing now but we have had no problem with their service for three years of constant overlanding.

so to sum up you could get your insurance from BIN LADEN EXSPLOSIVE INSURANCE just because the name is a bit iffy dosent mean the under writers are
dave
Reply With Quote
  #66  
Old 6 Mar 2009
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
No worries, I was trying to make a generic point that not all policies are the same, rather than a specific point about one company. Trying to get across the point that comparing the costs should be part of the assessment.

The Bin Laden's probably do offer insurance by the way. They own quite a few companies!
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #67  
Old 11 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Travel Nation

Right - looks like we will be going with Travel Nation, for 4 reasons:

1. Rose and Dave have already had a positive experience with them
2. Their price is pretty competitive
3. We can renew on the road
4. They have given assurance that the insurance will cover us for all our countries (within reason) in writing.

Below is the response I had regarding the complete list of our countires. included in this list were

Pakistan, Iran, China, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, East timor etc etc

Many thanks for your email enquiry below, I am delighted to confirm your client’s planned trip itinerary scheduled to visit all of the countries listed below during the course of their planned 12 month drive from the UK to New Zealand would be covered subject to the standard policy terms and conditions of both the Standard and Superior policies.

In relation to General Exclusion 10 of the policy, I am able to confirm that provided your clients are aware of the current FCO advice and wherever possible avoid any specific areas where the FCO advised not to travel, then the policy will remain valid throughout the entire duration of the trip. Please however note that insurers would reserve the right to decline any claims which may arise from the reasons why the FCO advise against all but essential travel to certain regions. Therefore if an individual were to suffer an unforeseen insured event which gave rise to a claim whilst travelling to a region against FCO advice, the insurers would honour any such claim provided the event which gave rise to the claim was not as a direct result of the reasons why the FCO advised against travel in the first place.

I trust that you find this to be in order, however should you have any questions or require any further assistance please feel free to contact me.
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #68  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: london
Posts: 19
keepin' it safe...key word for mexico is: slow

hey all,

just thought ide throw in that Navigator can be bought over the phone, and you can extend on the road...

in southern mexico now, Puerto Angel, lovin it! Done 3500 miles from Fort Myers, Florida and glad i went for the KLR650, still runnin' sweet; and no need for the insurance and touch wood we never will...

anyways hope you all get it sorted and we'll see down here in mexico - south america if you're down here in the next 8 months.

stay safe all

dylan
Reply With Quote
  #69  
Old 20 Mar 2009
Graham uk's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: London UK
Posts: 36
sorry everyone somehow missed this if your after a good company check out the post in trip paperwork
Reply With Quote
  #70  
Old 1 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: London
Posts: 11
Hard, but we got there...

My girlfriend and I are in India and were looking to buy new insurance that covered us for riding motorbikes. We also wanted to be able to extend it from abroad. Below are the three companies that we could find (having tried pretty much everyone on this great thread). Hope it helps. We ended up going with the Navigator policy.

Navigator Travel (T: 0161 973 6435 - contact Yvonne) - they've got a new scheme coming out within the next 24-48 hours which might well suit. The main proviso is that you have to have a full UK bike licence to cover a 350cc? She reckons it'll cost around £240 per year exc USA. 'Personal accident' isn't covered; this means loss of eyesight/limb/compensation etc but medical expenses are covered.

World Wide Insure (Cheap worldwide Travel Insurance. Holiday Travel Insurance) (T: 01892 833338 - contact Alison) who do a 'long stay overseas' policy of a maximum of 18 months which would cost £450. Minimum is 2 months for £50. Check their long stay section: Worldwide Travel Insurance - Longstay Travel Insurance, instant quote
'Personal accident' isn't covered; this means loss of eyesight/limb/compensation etc but medical expenses are covered.

Cambell Irvine (T: 020 7937 6981) can do it for £556. They point out that you won't be covered for any areas in India that the FCO have deemed unsafe to travel, or 'essential travel only' This will be the case with all insurance companies.
Reply With Quote
  #71  
Old 2 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Hi Solomon

Read your post with interest. When did Campbell Irvine say they would no longer entertain ANY cover for FCO-blacklisted places? And who did you speak to? This sounds like a change from what I and other people have been told by them.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #72  
Old 7 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Crazy

I was in the process of making a note of all my details before we set off on our trip, and what did I notice ... that our insurance policy is actually underwritten by campbell invine. So two things to note:

a) It's a lot cheaper to get their insurance through a broker
b) They have explicitely written to me to explain they will cover the FCO areas, as long as the problem is not caused by what the FCO are warning against. See my post above.
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #73  
Old 13 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Saw this on TV in the gym recently....

DON'T leave home without travel insurance - you may have to copy and paste this into a browser
http://collections.europarchive.org/..._030_mpeg1.mpg
Reply With Quote
  #74  
Old 2 Jul 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: London
Posts: 1
1 Stop Travel Insurance

Hi all,
Am quite new to all this but got the heads up from Maria. I know I am replying to her posting back in 2006 but I am sure you'll all agree that travel insurance is as relevant now as it was then. We are actually overlanding with a 4x4 and will be starting off from Montreal all the way down to South America, so I hope this is ok, seeing as though this is a motorcycle forum

After several days of calling and web surfing, I finally decided on 1 Stop Travel Insurance. Why? Price. I paid £283 for both of us for 12 months (excluding personal belongings and excess). I did this on line after reading the small print and was all done in 15 minutes. I am now covered (whatever that really means).

World Wide Insurance came in second at around £370 for the both of us. Similar cover so price was the decider.

I have to say that I really wanted to go with Navigator. I really like their business and the fact that they were down to earth and honest. I enjoyed their website and found it easy to understand. They even have a fools guide to the small print which is a good read: Things you should know about travel insurance, but probably don’t

It's an honest assessment of the rip off that is insurance. I also spoke to a really compitent and very nice guy (didn't get his name). You do speak to experts, not just call centre folk, which makes a difference. If price is not such an issue (their 12 month cover came in at £264 each) then I would really consider them.

I hope I made the right choice. Just like someone in the thread, 1 Stop just seems to good to be true, I am waiting for the catch. I hope I don't regret not taking Navigator, or else, I hope I will never actually need to use it anyway. Isn't that what we all want?
Reply With Quote
  #75  
Old 11 Aug 2009
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
IMPORIMPORTENT! Travel Nation and roundtheworldinsurance.co.uk

I emailed Travel Nation/roundtheworldinsurance.co.uk to get the same agreement as Ollie did above for my trip down the West Coast of Africa in a 4x4.

Travel Nation replied that they would +not+ cover me.

I pressed them on why not and the owner of the company phoned me and we had a constructive conversation which I will paraphrase below and Haydn the owner said he will add his comments from his side in another posting.

Briefly:

- Current policy owners will be covered.
- Travel nation were apparently unaware that overland travelers like us were using their polices for these kinds of trips (even though people like Ollie had emailed them and received the replies posted above - I was just doing the same and wanting the same reply in writing like Ollie).
- This decision is on my trip - they felt it was too much of a risk compared to somebody back packing around Australia for example ( a drunk 19 year old is less of a risk than a teatotaler like me! I'm insulted ;-).
- They may cover your intended trip, but suggest you email them first to recieve a yes or no.
- They will put a note on their website shortly to make this clearer.
- Their policies are really aimed at 'normal' travel use rather than 'niche' travel like us overlanders.
- I suggested overland travel is not so niche anymore and they look into creating a policy for us. They are only a small company and this probably wouldn't be possible for them.
- They suggested getting insurance through Campbell Irvine. I noted that this was much more expensive!

I'll add anything else I have forgotten if I remember it!

So, the search goes on for me at least - shouldn't have sent a bloody email......!!!!
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Travel insurance and motorcycle bolla Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 5 7 Mar 2012 11:03
Travel Insurance Iran, Pakistan....? SimonR West and South Asia 4 19 Sep 2006 16:56
European Theft Insurance for UK Residents levitan Trip Paperwork 3 11 Jan 2006 22:52
Security in Niger roro North Africa 2 11 Jun 2004 22:47
Travel Insurance for Canadian residents Sojourner Staying Healthy on the Road 7 28 Jan 2004 19:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:11.