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Travel Insurance Hints and Tips

The following articles provide useful information on travelling.


Lost or Stolen Passports

If you are travelling abroad, check your passport at least one month before your trip so that you will have enough time to replace it should you need to.  Keep a record of your passport number and a photocopy of the personal details page.  This will help the UK Passport Service to issue you with a new one should you lose your passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must reduce the possibility of someone else using your passport or identity.

What to do if your passport is lost or stolen abroad

  • Report the loss or theft of your British passport to the local police and to the nearest British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission of the country you are in as soon as possible.
  • They will help you to report the loss to the UK Passport Service and provide you with replacement travel documentation so that you can travel back to the UK.
  • You will need to fill in and sign an LS01/LSW01 which you can get by visiting the UK Passport Service website.

What to do if your passport is lost or stolen in the UK

  • Report the loss or theft of your passport as soon as possible by calling the 24-hour Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410.
  • You will need to fill in and sign a lost or stolen declaration form (LS01) in order to get a replacement passport.
  • You must also report the loss or theft to the local police as crime reference details must be inserted in the relevant section of the LS01 form.
  • If you find your passport after you have reported it missing, you will not be able to use it as it will have been cancelled.  You must return it to your nearest passport office as you will not even be able to use it as a form of identification.

Winter Sports Cover

On activity holidays, the chances of getting injured are higher so it's important to ensure you have the correct cover.  Skiing is a demanding sport so it's worth trying to increase fitness prior to taking to the slopes.  Remember that even though it's cold, it's still important to wear sunscreen as the snow reflects the sun.  Alcohol takes effect more quickly at high altitudes, so try to drink moderately.

Ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive – most policies don't include winter sports cover and it needs to specified as an add-on.  If travelling in Europe, it's worth getting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free from the Post Office, which entitles the owner to reduced or free healthcare.  However, the EHIC needs to be used in conjunction with travel insurance to offer full cover.   

Remember:

  • Take out fully comprehensive winter sports cover
  • Obtain an EHIC card from the Post Office
  • Increase fitness in the weeks building up to a winter sports holiday
  • Be aware alcohol takes effect more quickly at high altitudes
  • Use sunscreen - it may be cold but the sun glares off the snow 

Some useful links to look at before travelling:

British High Commission
British Embassy
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Identity and Passport Service
Victim Support 


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