Field Trips and Expeditions

The University has in place medical expenses, personal accident and liability insurance cover for students and staff on overseas trips. Routine overseas field trips are included within the cover, but trips / expeditions that are out of the ordinary must be notified to the Insurer in advance of the trip in order to obtain Insurer approval.

There is not a specific policy definition as to what constitutes ‘out of the ordinary’ but as there is a duty of disclosure on the part of the Insured, the location, purpose and nature of the trip should be advised to the insurance section, who can seek advice from the Insurer.

Points to note about the existing cover are:

• Medical and Emergency Travel Expenses are covered, but only if an insured person is injured or becomes ill during the period of the trip.
• Rescue Expenses are covered, but only if an insured person is injured or becomes ill during the period of the trip. There is no cover for rescue without an insured person being injured or becoming ill – eg search and rescue expenses are not covered.

The University’s insurers are unable to provide specific Search & Rescue cover, but further information can be obtained via the British Mountaineering Council if appropriate to the trip.

• The University’s public liability policy provides legal liability cover for third party injury or damage arising out of authorised University activities. There is no cover for a financial loss by a third party arising out of a University organised trip.

Cover under the University’s travel insurances is available only to staff and students of the University participating in trips/expeditions which have been

• authorised by the University
• in connection with the business of the University

Please note that these conditions will not necessarily be met by the University providing funds in support of a trip/expedition.