This Frequently Asked Questions page will help you answer any questions you may have about our travel insurance products, if you have any questions about our event insurance. please visit our contact page.
What’s the cover designed for?
It’s designed primarily for cyclists and triathletes, wanting to be covered for personal injury abroad when participating in sportives, training camps or amateur only races, but it’ll also cover you for your general holidays. The needs and requirements have been set out by Cyclosport.org, so are tailored to sportive riders and keen cyclists.
I make lots of trips; can I have an annual policy?
Of course, we do an annual worldwide policy, as well as offering a European single trip policy.
I’ll be racing, am I covered?
Yes, we cover competitive events abroad (as long as you are racing as an amateur in an amateur event)
I don’t want to cover money/belongings loss, can I have a discount?
We offer 15% discount if you choose to exclude money/belongings from your policy.
I’m over 70, am I covered?
We can cover up to age 70 for Cycling and up to age 64 for Triathlon.
What’s Towergate Wilsons’ background in insurance?
Wilsons became part of the Towergate Group back in 2002, but prior to that has a history stretching back over 60 years insuring the British military community on and off duty. This has developed a wealth of knowledge as a specialist travel insurer for individuals and groups undertaking sporting and outdoor challenges all over the world. A few years ago, Towergate Wilsons entered into partnership with HotChillee as insurer to The London-Paris cyclosportive event and now uses that expertise to provide great value tailor-made insurance packages to any UK-based cycling event.
What counts as a sporting tour, is this covered?
You will be covered for any non-professional group cycling tour or triathlon training camp, even if it includes a competitive element.
I only want to cycle for leisure, and am not participating in events, can I get cover?
Our cover is just as applicable to families and individuals who cycle recreationally or undertake cycling tours.
What do you know about cycling and triathlon?
We teamed up with ‘The Home of Sportives’, Cyclosport.org who have been providing calendar listings, news and info for sportives since 2003. Our policy is geared up to cater for cyclists, so unlike some other policies available, this one caters for the specific needs of cyclists. Many of the Cyclosure team also compete and take part in triathlons both in the UK and abroad.
Other providers offer insurance, why shouldn’t I choose them as a cyclist/triathlete?
Most policies aren’t designed specifically to cover cyclists or triathletes, they’re aimed at the general holiday-goer. Some have exclusions against cycling abroad, especially when competing. Always check the ‘Dangerous Exclusions’ list.
Is my bike insured?
Unfortunately not. As bikes differ greatly in value it wouldn’t be possible to offer a one-size-fits-all policy for the sportive market. Bikes can be insured separately. We are looking into this at Cyclosure and it may be something that we offer in the future. We appreciate that for many of our customers, their bike is their life!
Do you cycle?
The whole of the Cyclosure team are in training for their various cycling challenges this year. Charlie is off to The Alpine Challenge in Annecy, while Rod is gearing up for The London-Paris 2012. All the expertise to develop a specific cycling product has come from feedback and consultancy from cyclists from a variety of backgrounds. It’s our passion and our business, which is a nice place to be!
Is insurance a substitute for the EHIC (formerly E111)?
No, we always recommend cyclists to have their EHIC card when abroad to help in healthcare should they be involved in an accident in a European Country.
Who am I insured through?
Our products are underwritten by certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s and other UK authorised insurers.
Is this travel insurance only available to cyclists?
No, we specialise in travel insurance for both cyclists and triathletes who train or take part in amateur racing overseas.
Am I covered whilst mountain biking?
Yes, providing you are taking part as an amateur, although you are not covered for injuries resulting from stunts.
Is cyclo-cross included?
Yes, providing you are taking part as an amateur.
Am I covered for triathlons, road cycling, time trials?
Yes, providing you are taking part as an amateur.
If I have an accident, is my kit (helmet, clothing etc) covered? (eg motorbike insurance usually has a premium/separate insurance for leathers)?
Yes, cover is provided under the Baggage and Personal Effects section subject to our single item limit.
Am I covered for training holidays / camps / etapes / stage events?
Yes, providing you are taking part as an amateur.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
For the purposes of this Insurance, a pre-existing medical condition is considered to be any Pre existing defect, infirmity or condition for which you are receiving regular medical treatment, advice or consultation at the time of effecting the Insurance or at the commencement of a Covered Trip, whichever is the later.
Can I insure my pre-existing medical condition?
We are able to consider most pre-existing medical conditions, however, some conditions may be excluded or require payment of an additional premium to provide cover. If you have a pre-existing medical condition then simply answer the medical questions provided in the online quote process.
When does cancellation cover come into effect for Annual Multi Trip?
For the purposes of cancellation, cover is only deemed to be effective from the inception date of this Insurance or the date the covered trip is booked, whichever is the later.
What is an excess?
Under most Sections of this Insurance, claims will be subject to an excess. This means that you will be responsible for paying part of your claim. The amount you have to pay is the excess and this will be deducted per person under each Section to which an excess applies. In the event of us accepting liability for a medical expenses claim which has been reduced by the use of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) we will not apply an excess to your claim.
What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
If you are travelling within the European Union (EU) you are strongly advised to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you leave. This will entitle you to benefit from the reciprocal health arrangements which exist between European Union countries. Application forms can be obtained from the Post Office. Alternatively, you can also apply online through www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by telephoning 0845 606 2030.
What is a single article limit?
This is the maximum amount that will be paid for any single item of property under the Baggage and Personal Effects section. A pair or set of articles are deemed to be a single item. The single item limit is shown on your Schedule.
Is there a limit to the number of days I can travel abroad on an Annual Multi-Trip policy?
The Annual Multi-Trip product provides cover for trips of up to 60 days duration which take place entirely during the period of insurance (or continue into the next period of insurance if your contract is renewed with us and is in force at the time of any incident resulting in a claim). A trip which exceeds 60 days duration will NOT be deemed a Covered Trip.
This Insurance is only available to persons who are permanently resident in the United Kingdom.
Are my belongings covered whilst in my car?
Cover under the Baggage and Personal Effects section is limited to £500 in all in respect of losses from unattended vehicles. There is no cover under the Money section for losses from unattended vehicles.
Can I insure my family?
Yes, cover can be extended to include you, your husband, wife or partner plus all your unmarried dependant children aged under 19 years at the inception of this insurance (or under 23 if in full time education) all permanently residing at the same address in the United Kingdom.
Can children travel independently on Annual Multi-Trip policies?
No, children are only covered when travelling with their own parents insured under this policy. For the purposes of this Insurance, children are deemed to be your unmarried, dependent children aged under 19 years at the inception of this insurance (or under 23 if in full time education) all permanently residing at the same address in the United Kingdom.
Does my insurance cover me whilst travelling within the UK?
Yes, providing you have a minimum stay of two nights pre-booked accommodation.
Can I cancel my travel insurance?
You will for a period of 14 days from the date you receive your documentation, have a right to cancel the Insurance and receive a refund. Any refund will be subject to a charge for the period of cover you have received, plus our reasonable administration charges.
