Level Up Your Trip: A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading Your Nationwide Travel Insurance
So, you've got your Nationwide travel insurance in place – excellent choice for peace of mind! But what happens when your travel plans evolve? Maybe you've decided to extend that dream vacation, add an exciting new activity, or perhaps a pre-existing medical condition has cropped up. Don't sweat it! Upgrading your Nationwide travel insurance is often a straightforward process, ensuring your coverage keeps pace with your adventures.
Ready to ensure your trip is fully protected, no matter what twists and turns it takes? Let's dive in!
 |
| How To Upgrade Nationwide Travel Insurance |
Step 1: Understand Your Current Nationwide Policy – The Foundation of Your Upgrade
Before you can upgrade, it's crucial to know what you already have. Nationwide travel insurance, particularly for FlexPlus account holders, often comes with a base level of worldwide family cover. However, the specifics can vary depending on when you opened your account and who your underwriter is (e.g., Aviva Insurance Limited or U K Insurance Limited).
Sub-heading 1.1: Locate Your Policy Documents
- Physical Documents: Did you receive a policy booklet in the mail? Dig it out! This is your primary source of information.
- Online Portal: Nationwide usually offers an online portal where you can view and manage your policies. If you haven't already, take a moment to register and log in to your account. This is often the easiest and quickest way to access your policy details. Look for sections related to "Travel Insurance" or "FlexPlus benefits."
- Email Confirmation: Check your email for policy confirmation emails from Nationwide or their travel insurance provider. These often contain links to your policy documents or a summary of your cover.
Sub-heading 1.2: Identify Key Details
Once you have your policy in front of you, pay close attention to:
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
- Policy Number: This is essential for any communication with Nationwide or their insurance partner.
- Underwriter: Note down whether your policy is underwritten by Aviva or U K Insurance Limited. This is important because the process for managing upgrades might differ slightly.
- Current Coverage Limits: Understand what your current policy covers in terms of trip cancellation, medical expenses, baggage, and trip duration. For example, FlexPlus travel insurance typically covers trips up to 31 days as standard.
- Existing Upgrades: Did you purchase any upgrades when you initially got the policy? Make a note of them.
Step 2: Determine What Kind of Upgrade You Need – Tailoring Your Protection
Now that you know what you have, consider what you need to add or change. Common reasons for upgrading Nationwide travel insurance include:
Sub-heading 2.1: Extending Your Trip Duration
- Going on a grand adventure that lasts longer than 31 days? You'll likely need a "Trip Extension Upgrade." Nationwide policies typically have a standard trip length limit (e.g., 31 days). This upgrade allows you to extend cover for longer journeys, sometimes up to 120 or even 180 days, but this must usually be done before your departure from the UK.
Sub-heading 2.2: Covering Pre-existing Medical Conditions
- This is a critical upgrade. If you or anyone insured on your policy has a new medical condition, or a pre-existing condition has changed, you must declare it. Failure to do so could invalidate your cover. Nationwide (and their underwriters) will likely require a medical screening process and may charge an additional premium.
Sub-heading 2.3: Adding Specific Activity or Event Cover
- Winter Sports: Planning a skiing or snowboarding trip? Standard policies often exclude winter sports. You'll need a specific "Winter Sports Upgrade."
- Cruises: Cruising has unique risks. A "Cruise Upgrade" can provide enhanced cover for things like itinerary changes and mechanical breakdowns specific to cruises.
- Increased Cover Limits: Perhaps your trip value has increased, or you're carrying more valuable items. You might want to increase the limits for:
- Cancellation Cover: If your trip costs more than the standard cancellation limit (e.g., £5,000), you can often increase this to a higher amount (e.g., £7,500 or £10,000).
- Baggage/Personal Effects: If you're travelling with expensive gear, you might want to increase the per-item limit or overall baggage cover.
- Business Travel/Weddings/Golf: Some older Nationwide policies might have covered these as standard, but newer ones (especially with Aviva as the underwriter) may no longer include them. Check your policy document carefully and consider if you need to add specific cover for these.
Sub-heading 2.4: Changes to Insured Persons
- Adding Family Members: If your policy is a family policy and you need to add a new dependent, you'll need to inform Nationwide. Note that the definition of "dependents" can vary (e.g., under 23, regardless of full-time education, for Aviva policies).
- Age Upgrades: If an insured person (e.g., you or your partner) has reached a certain age (e.g., 70 or over), some policies may require an "Age Upgrade" or might include cover for over 70s as standard with newer policies. Always verify this.
Step 3: Initiate the Upgrade Process – Making the Change
This is where you contact Nationwide or their travel insurance partner to make the necessary amendments.
Sub-heading 3.1: Online Portal (Recommended for many upgrades)
- Nationwide's travel insurance is now often managed via an online portal provided by their underwriter (e.g., nationwidetravel.online.aviva.co.uk for Aviva policies).
- Register or Log In: If you haven't already, register for an online account.
- Navigate to "Manage My Policy": Look for options like "Get cover for pre-existing medical conditions," "Purchase an upgrade," or "Find information about your cover, make changes to your cover."
- Follow the Prompts: The online system will guide you through the process, asking for necessary details and providing quotes for any additional premiums. This is often the most convenient and quickest way to get an instant quote and make changes.
Sub-heading 3.2: Telephone (For complex changes or personal assistance)
- If your upgrade request is complex, you're unsure about something, or you prefer speaking to someone, calling Nationwide's travel insurance helpline is your best bet.
- Nationwide Travel Insurance Customer Helpline: The primary number is often 0800 051 0154. (Lines are typically open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 9am to 4pm, but check the latest opening hours on the Nationwide website).
- Have Your Details Ready: Before you call, have your policy number, personal details, and a clear idea of the changes you want to make. This will speed up the process considerably.
- Be Prepared for Questions: Especially for medical condition upgrades, you will be asked a series of questions about health, medication, and treatments.
Sub-heading 3.3: Important Considerations During Upgrade
- Timing is Key: For most upgrades (especially trip extensions and pre-existing medical conditions), it's crucial to make the changes before you depart on your trip. Some time-sensitive benefits, like waivers for pre-existing conditions, might require purchasing the policy or upgrade within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit.
- Additional Premium: Be aware that upgrading your policy will likely incur an additional premium. Make sure you understand the cost before confirming the changes.
- Confirmation of Changes: Always request and keep a written or email confirmation of your upgraded policy. This document is vital proof of your enhanced coverage.
- Read the Updated Policy Document: After any upgrade, carefully read the updated policy wording to ensure you understand the new terms, conditions, and any exclusions that may apply.
Step 4: Verify and Document Your New Coverage – Peace of Mind Secured
Once you've completed the upgrade process, it's essential to confirm everything is in order.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Sub-heading 4.1: Review Your New Policy Documents
- If you upgraded online, download and save the updated policy documents. If you did it over the phone, wait for the new documents to arrive via email or post.
- Cross-check all details: Ensure the dates, destinations, names of insured individuals, and specifically the added coverages (e.g., "Winter Sports," "Pre-existing Medical Conditions Accepted") are accurate.
Sub-heading 4.2: Store Documents Safely
- Keep a digital copy of your policy documents on your phone or in cloud storage for easy access while travelling.
- Print a physical copy to carry with you, especially the emergency contact numbers.
- Share a copy with a trusted family member or friend.
By following these steps, you can confidently upgrade your Nationwide travel insurance, ensuring you have the right level of protection for your evolving travel plans. Don't let an unforeseen circumstance turn your dream trip into a nightmare – be prepared!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my current Nationwide travel insurance policy details?
You can typically check your current Nationwide travel insurance policy details by logging into the online portal provided by their underwriter (e.g., Aviva's online portal for FlexPlus customers), or by referring to the policy documents sent to you via email or post. You can also call the Nationwide travel insurance customer helpline.
How to extend the duration of my Nationwide travel insurance policy?
To extend the duration of your Nationwide travel insurance policy (if your trip will exceed the standard 31 days), you usually need to purchase a "Trip Extension Upgrade" through their online portal or by calling their customer helpline before your departure.
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
 |
How to add cover for pre-existing medical conditions to my Nationwide policy?
You must declare pre-existing medical conditions by contacting Nationwide's travel insurance provider, often via their online portal for medical screening or by calling their customer helpline. Be prepared to answer questions about your health and pay an additional premium if required.
How to include winter sports cover in my Nationwide travel insurance?
To include winter sports cover, you'll need to purchase a specific "Winter Sports Upgrade." This can typically be done through the online policy management portal or by calling the Nationwide travel insurance helpline.
How to add a family member to my Nationwide travel insurance policy?
If your policy is a family policy and you need to add a new dependent, you'll generally need to contact Nationwide's travel insurance provider by phone to confirm eligibility and make the necessary amendment.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
How to change the dates of travel on my Nationwide travel insurance?
Changes to travel dates often require contacting Nationwide's travel insurance customer service directly via phone. Have your policy number and new travel dates ready.
How to get a confirmation of coverage letter for visa purposes from Nationwide?
You can typically obtain a letter confirming proof of insurance for visa or other travel requirements by logging into the online policy management portal or by contacting Nationwide's travel insurance customer service.
How to find the contact number for Nationwide travel insurance customer service?
The primary customer service number for Nationwide travel insurance (particularly for FlexPlus accounts) is often 0800 051 0154 within the UK. You can also find contact details on Nationwide's official website under their travel insurance section.
How to know if my Nationwide travel insurance is underwritten by Aviva or UK Insurance Limited?
Nationwide changed its travel insurance provider to Aviva Insurance Limited on 1 May 2024. If you opened your FlexPlus account on or after this date, you are likely with Aviva. If you had an existing account before this date, you might have moved to Aviva on 1 May 2024, or will move when existing upgrades expire. Check the Nationwide website or your policy documents to confirm your current underwriter.
How to make a claim with Nationwide travel insurance after upgrading?
The claims process remains generally the same after an upgrade. For medical emergencies, you should contact the 24-hour medical assistance helpline provided in your policy document. For other claims (e.g., lost baggage, cancellation), you typically report the claim online or follow the instructions in your policy document for contacting the claims department.
 |
