How to Contact Nationwide Aviva Travel Insurance: Your Comprehensive Guide
Travel insurance is an essential safety net when planning any trip, offering peace of mind against unforeseen circumstances. If you've purchased travel insurance through Nationwide that is underwritten by Aviva, knowing exactly how to get in touch is crucial, whether you need to make a claim, amend your policy, or simply have a general query.
This lengthy guide will walk you through every step of contacting Nationwide Aviva travel insurance, ensuring you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. So, let's dive in!
Step 1: Identify Your Policy Underwriter and Policy Type
Before you even think about picking up the phone or sending an email, it's absolutely vital to confirm who underwrites your travel insurance policy. While you might have purchased it through Nationwide, many of their travel insurance offerings are underwritten by Aviva.
Nationwide changed their travel insurance provider from UK Insurance Limited to Aviva Insurance Limited on May 1st, 2024. This means:
- If you opened your FlexPlus current account or purchased/renewed your travel insurance policy on or after May 1st, 2024, your policy is likely underwritten by Aviva Insurance Limited.
- If your FlexPlus current account was opened, or your travel insurance policy was purchased/renewed before May 1st, 2024, and your upgrade with UK Insurance Limited expires on or after May 1st, 2024, you might still be under the old provider for a period, or your cover may have transitioned to Aviva. It's best to confirm by checking your policy documents.
Engage with us! Do you know when you originally opened your Nationwide FlexPlus account or purchased your travel insurance? Knowing this will significantly help you determine the correct contact path.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
How Do I Contact Nationwide Aviva Travel Insurance |
Why is this important?
The contact numbers and processes for claims, customer service, and emergencies can differ between underwriters. Using the wrong contact details can lead to delays and frustration. Always refer to your policy documents first and foremost.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Once you know who the underwriter is (most likely Aviva for newer policies), gathering the correct information before contacting them will save you significant time and make the process much smoother.
What to have ready:
- Your Policy Number: This is your unique identifier and will be required for almost any interaction. You can usually find this in your policy documents, online portal (like MyAviva if applicable), or in the confirmation emails you received.
- Personal Details: Your full name, date of birth, and address as registered on the policy.
- Details of Anyone Else Claiming: If someone else on your policy is involved in the query or claim, have their details ready too.
- Trip Details: Dates of travel, destination(s), and booking references (e.g., airline, accommodation).
- Nature of Your Query/Claim: Be clear and concise about why you are contacting them. For claims, have all supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, medical reports, police reports, photos, booking confirmations).
Step 3: Choosing the Right Contact Method
Nationwide Aviva offers various ways to get in touch, depending on the nature of your query.
Sub-heading: For Medical Emergencies Abroad (24/7)
This is the most critical contact point if you or someone on your policy experiences a medical emergency while travelling.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
- Telephone (from abroad): 0044 1603 208 044 or +44 1603 605 159 (for policies underwritten by Aviva, this number is widely cited in their policy documents).
- Telephone (from the UK): 01603 208 044 or 01603 605 159
Remember: These lines are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, specifically for medical emergencies. Do not call this number for general policy queries or non-emergency claims.
Sub-heading: For Non-Emergency Travel Claims
If your claim is not a medical emergency, there are both online and telephone options.
Online Claim Submission:
- Aviva's Online Claims Portal: The easiest and often quickest way to start a non-emergency claim is online. Visit the Aviva website and look for their "Make a Travel Insurance Claim" section. You'll typically need to log in to MyAviva or provide your policy details.
- Website: Look for the "Travel Claims" section on the Aviva or Nationwide travel insurance websites.
- Benefits: Online submission allows you to upload supporting documents easily and track the progress of your claim.
Telephone for Non-Emergency Claims:
- From the UK: 0345 030 6983 (Aviva direct) or 0800 046 2555 (for Nationwide FlexPlus policies where Aviva is the underwriter).
- From Abroad: 0044 1603 603 716 (Aviva direct) or 0044 1243 976 418 (for Nationwide FlexPlus policies where Aviva is the underwriter).
- Opening Hours: Typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed Sundays and bank holidays for some numbers). Always check the most current hours on their website.
Sub-heading: For General Policy Enquiries and Customer Service
This is for anything related to your policy that isn't an emergency or a claim, such as:
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Understanding your cover
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Making changes to your policy (e.g., adding a new traveller, changing trip dates)
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Renewals
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Questions about premiums
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Telephone (Aviva Customer Services): 0345 030 8715
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Telephone (Nationwide FlexPlus General Travel Insurance Queries/Upgrades): 0800 0512 532
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Opening Hours: These vary, but generally extend to evenings and weekends. For example, Aviva's customer service lines might be open Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, and Bank Holidays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Nationwide's dedicated lines might have different hours (e.g., 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm Saturday, 10am – 4pm Sunday and Bank holidays). Always verify the current opening hours on the official Nationwide or Aviva websites.
Sub-heading: For Travel Assistant Service (Advice & Non-Medical Emergencies)
This service can help with a wide range of travel advice before and during your trip, excluding policy queries, changes, or claims.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
- Telephone (from the UK): 01603 208 045 (Aviva direct) or 0345 030 8028 (Nationwide FlexPlus policies).
- Telephone (from abroad): 0044 1603 208 045 (Aviva direct) or 0044 1603 603 467 (Nationwide FlexPlus policies).
- Opening Hours: This service is typically available 24 hours a day.
Sub-heading: For Legal Expenses Claims & Advice
If you require advice for a personal legal problem that may lead to a claim under your policy, or need to report a legal expenses claim.
- Telephone (Aviva direct): 01603 208 244 or 0044 1603 208 244 (from abroad).
- Telephone (Nationwide FlexPlus): 0345 030 8029 or 0044 1603 603 468 (from abroad).
- Opening Hours: Often 24 hours a day.
Step 4: Utilizing Online Accounts and Resources
Both Nationwide and Aviva provide online portals and extensive FAQ sections that can be incredibly helpful.
Sub-heading: MyAviva Account
If your policy is directly with Aviva, or if your Nationwide policy is administered through Aviva's systems, you can register for and log in to MyAviva.
- Benefits of MyAviva:
- View Policy Documents: Access your policy wording, schedule, and other important documents.
- Manage Your Policy: Make certain changes, like updating personal details or sometimes even trip dates.
- Start a Claim: Initiate a non-emergency claim quickly and easily.
- Track Claims: Monitor the progress of your ongoing claims.
- Renew Your Policy: Manage your renewal preferences.
Sub-heading: Nationwide Online Resources
Nationwide also has dedicated sections on its website for FlexPlus travel insurance, providing access to policy documents and FAQs.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
- Website: Navigate to the "Current Accounts" section, then look for "FlexPlus" and its associated insurance benefits. They often have a tool to help you determine your travel insurance provider based on when you opened your account.
Sub-heading: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before contacting customer service, it's often worth checking the FAQ sections on both the Nationwide and Aviva websites. Many common queries are answered there, potentially saving you a phone call.
Step 5: Making a Complaint
While we hope you have a smooth experience, if you do need to make a complaint, there's a clear process.
How to Lodge a Complaint:
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Initial Contact: Begin by explaining your issue to the customer service representative you are speaking with. They are often empowered to resolve issues quickly.
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Formal Complaint (if needed): If your issue isn't resolved, you can usually lodge a formal complaint online via a dedicated form on the Aviva or Nationwide websites, or by writing to their Customer Relations department.
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Financial Ombudsman Service: If you remain unhappy with the resolution after their internal complaint process, you have the right to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). This is a free and independent service. You typically have 6 months from the date of the final response from the insurer to contact the FOS.
- FOS Contact Details:
- Phone (UK): 0300 123 9123 or 0800 023 4567
- Phone (from abroad): +44 20 7964 0500
- Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- FOS Contact Details:
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, focusing on "How to," with quick answers, to further assist you:
How to find my Nationwide Aviva travel insurance policy number?
- You can typically find your policy number in your original policy documents (sent via email or post), by logging into your MyAviva online account, or by checking your Nationwide FlexPlus account details online.
How to make a medical emergency claim while abroad with Nationwide Aviva?
- Immediately call the 24-hour Medical Emergency Assistance helpline: 0044 1603 208 044 or +44 1603 605 159. Have your policy number and details of the emergency ready.
How to submit a non-emergency travel insurance claim to Nationwide Aviva online?
- Visit the Aviva website and navigate to their "Make a Travel Insurance claim" section. You'll usually be prompted to log in to MyAviva or provide your policy details to start the online claim process.
How to change my travel dates on my Nationwide Aviva policy?
- For policy changes like travel dates, contact the Customer Service line: 0345 030 8715 (Aviva direct) or 0800 0512 532 (Nationwide FlexPlus). You may also be able to do this through your MyAviva account.
How to add another traveller to my existing Nationwide Aviva travel insurance policy?
- Contact the Customer Service line (0345 030 8715 or 0800 0512 532) to inquire about adding a new traveller and any associated premium adjustments.
How to get a copy of my Nationwide Aviva travel insurance policy documents?
- You can access your policy documents by logging into your MyAviva account. If you don't have one, or prefer not to use it, you can request them by calling the general customer service number.
How to check if my pre-existing medical condition is covered by Nationwide Aviva travel insurance?
- Refer to your policy documents, specifically the "Your Health" section. If you need to declare or confirm cover for a pre-existing condition, contact the customer service or upgrades line, or use their online medical screening tool if available.
How to cancel my Nationwide Aviva travel insurance policy?
- Contact the customer service line (0345 030 8715 or 0800 0512 532) to discuss cancellation. Be aware of cancellation periods (e.g., 14-day cooling-off period) and any applicable refund policies.
How to complain about a Nationwide Aviva travel insurance claim decision?
- Initially, speak with the claims team. If the issue isn't resolved, follow their formal complaints procedure, which can usually be found on their website. If still unsatisfied, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
How to get travel advice from Nationwide Aviva before my trip?
- Utilize the Travel Assistant helpline: 01603 208 045 (from UK) or 0044 1603 208 045 (from abroad). Remember, this line is for advice and not for policy queries or claims.