Does Income Protection Cover Overseas Travel?

Overseas Travel and Income Protection

Income Protection Insurance will cover overseas travel, but there may be some variation as to how certain types of travel are viewed. Some distinction should be made between planned trips when taking out the cover and anything that might happen once the policy is in force.

What happens if you need to make a claim

If you need to make a claim when you are abroad, depending on where you are in the world at the time of claim and if you are residing in that country, the insurance company will normally pay your monthly benefit for a around 3-6 months, depending on the insurer.

To receive a continuous payout you’ll normally need to return to the UK or another Western European country, North America, Australia or New Zealand.

What kind of information the insurers will want to know on application

When you complete your Income Protection Insurance application with the specified insurer you will need to answer questions on your lifestyle and travel, these will normally include when and if you travel for business, where you have been in the last 2-5 years (generally excluding holidays of less than 3 weeks).

If you’ve travelled extensively to parts of the world were certain diseases are endemic, the insurer may want additional blood tests to ensure you’re healthy before placing you on risk.

From the application the insurer will decide if they can offer cover. Any travel plans that come about after you have already taken out the policy would be covered.