Where schools require that students travel with individual passports, all passengers must possess their own valid, standard 10-year passport. We advise passengers to check well in advance of the tour that all travel documents are valid. To assist with preparation, please consider the following:

• The Passport Office recommends that the passport expiry date is at least 6 months after the return date to the United Kingdom. (Only 3 months for EU travel.)
• Passengers who are not British nationals should consult their embassy for advice regarding any visa requirements for travel to, from, and within their destination country.
• For assistance with visa requirements for your destination, refer to the website of the Foreign Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk.
• Non-EU nationals are required by officials to be identified at entry and exit ports.
• Please allow at least 4 to 6 weeks if applying for a new individual passport.
• Premium 1-day services are not available for new passport applications, and the fast-track service requires a week to deliver the passport after the date of submission and can be costly.

Contact www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport for further information on passport renewals.

Ultima Tours/Ski Astons Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is included as standard on all Ultima Tours/Ski Astons tours. Our insurance has been specifically designed to match the activities provided by Ultima Tours/Ski Astons, offering additional cover and protection for schools and groups.

Whilst Ultima Tours/Ski Astons travel insurance is included in the cost of the trip, it is not compulsory, and you are welcome to make your own arrangements. If you choose to arrange your own insurance, the cost of the trip will remain unchanged. We ask that you carefully check your cover to ensure it meets your needs.

Whatever you decide, please inform us and provide a copy of your policy. You should also take a copy of the policy with you on the expedition and ensure you know who to contact in case of a medical emergency. It is advisable to save the emergency telephone numbers listed in the policy to your mobile phone.

As with any insurance, it is important to read the policy document to ensure it is suitable for all members of your group. We recommend including links to the insurance documents in any letters to parents or pre-booking presentations. This allows parents, other teachers, and Party Leaders to verify that the cover is appropriate for both them and their children.

If you have an existing medical condition, it is important to obtain the right cover for your condition at a reasonable price.
You should check your chosen policy with regards to declarations in relation to pre-existing medical conditions. Some policies may require that the individual pays a premium or apply additional medical excesses.
If you feel the quoted price is too high or our insurers are unable to provide cover, you can access a number of specialist providers through a directory provided by the Money & Pensions Service (MaPS)
The current policy under the Ski Astons inclusive package automatically covers existing medical conditions for students under 16yrs of age.

Ski Astons has partnered with Howden Insurance to create a bespoke school group travel insurance policy that covers a variety of unforeseen risks. You can read about our policy by clicking on the following link: Ski Astons Insurance Policy.

In addition to winter sports insurance, passengers should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) when travelling to Europe. This card replaces the EHIC & covers state healthcare in Europe. It facilitates access to emergency attention or visits to A&E. They are issued free of charge through the NHS website. You can also apply here.

MaPS is a free and impartial money advice service set up by the Government to provide information and guides to help improve your finances. The MaPS travel insurance directory has been created for people who have potentially been refused cover, had cover excluded, or received a high additional premium in connection to their medical conditions, allowing them to shop around for alternative providers.

To find out more information and contacts for the MaPS Directory:

Call: 0800 138 7777 (Monday – Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Online: For a full list of participating travel insurance brands, please refer to the online travel insurance MaPS directory: MaPS Directory

Email: traveldirectory@maps.org.uk