Frequently Asked Questions
Before departure
How can I sign up for the Erika coverage?
When you book with EF, Cultural Care Au Pair or Hult International Business School in London the Erika travel insurance group coverage is automatically included. On some programs there is a possibility to renounce the coverage. You need to contact your EF or Hult representative as you would have to show you have alternative insurance coverage.
Where can I find information about the insurance coverage?
The complete general conditions are available here under Find your coverage.
Can the insurance coverage be extended?
On some programs you can extend the coverage period to also include a private stay in conjunction with the program. This option is available up to 10 weeks. Contact your EF representative to add weeks.
What is Erika Sport?
In some of our general conditions, there is an exclusion under the Illness & Accident section that speaks about risky sports that are not covered unless organized by EF or you have Erika Sport. With Erika Sport you eliminate this exclusion, and ALL risky sports and activities are covered. Peace of mind for you! See the details under Policies.
When does the insurance start to cover?
The insurance coverage starts the moment you leave your home country to travel directly to the EF destination. The coverage is in place as long as you are on the EF, Hult or Cultural Care program.
In what countries is the Erika coverage valid?
The Erika coverage is valid worldwide, except in your country of residence.
Can anyone be covered by Erika?
All EF, Hult students and Cultural Care au pairs have the Erika coverage included in their booking when signing up. Someone who is not traveling with EF, Hult or Cultural Care Au Pair cannot be covered by Erika.
While abroad / How to claim
Can I go to any doctor when I am abroad?
Outside the US, yes, we cover both public and private care. Just make sure to get a medical report and receipt from the doctor so you can claim for expenses paid up-front. In the US you should go to an Aetna network doctor, see below.
Can I go to any doctor in the US?
In the US, we encourage you to always go to an Aetna network doctor. Aetna has one of the largest networks of doctors in the US. By going in-network, you do not have to pay the total cost up-front, only the deductible/copay. The Aetna doctor will be able to send the bill to our claims agent. You can find a doctor online at www.aetna.com/docfind/erika or ask a staff member, a local representative or call Aetna Student Health toll free at: +1-800 783 7447.
What is the Aetna ID number?
If you are a student or an au pair in the US you will have an individual Aetna ID number. You can find this number at www.aetna.com/docfind/erika, just enter your booking number and date of birth to retrieve it. The Aetna number makes it easier for the Aetna doctor to find you in their system so the bill can be sent directly to us instead of you having to pay up front. You can also call Aetna Student Health toll free at +1-800 783 7447 to get your Aetna ID number.
Do I need to pay up-front when I go to a doctor?
It depends on where you are and which doctor you go to. In the US, you don’t have to pay up-front when using the Aetna network. In other countries, you should always be prepared to pay up-front. For more expensive things like hospitalization, scheduled surgery, physical therapy sessions, etc., always contact our assistance company who can arrange payment. Find the right contact here.
Does the insurance cover Covid-19?
If you get sick in Covid-19, medically necessary expenses are covered as well as testing prescribed by a doctor. We do not cover testing required by airlines, local authorities etc.
If I want to file a claim, what should I do?
It’s easy, go to Make a claim and file your claim online.
What do I need to show in order to get refund from Erika?
You need to fill out the online claim form and attach all relevant documents such as medical reports, receipts, police reports, etc. For more information, go to How to claim.
Is medicine covered?
Only medicine prescribed by a doctor is covered. Remember to keep receipts from the pharmacy.
Is a routine doctor's visit covered?
Doctor's visits are covered if necessary and acute and if related to an illness or an accident. Routine visits and health checkups are therefore not covered.
My bag was delayed. Does Erika cover that?
If the bag is delayed more than 24 hours upon arrival to the host country, Erika will cover up to a certain amount for necessities if the airline doesn’t pay anything. For details on how to claim, go to How to claim.
I did not get a police report from the police when reporting the theft; I was only given a crime reference number. Is this enough when sending in a claim for stolen items?
Yes, as long as you have reported it to the police and can provide us with the crime reference number and the name of the police station.
I don’t have the purchase receipt for my camera which was stolen. Can I still send in a claim?
Yes, as long as you send in some other proof of ownership, such as a warranty paper or a credit card statement.
What kind of bank details do I need to send you in order to be refunded?
We need to know the following: Account holder’s name, the name and address of the bank, the bank account number, the IBAN number and the SWIFT/BIC code. Contact your bank if you don’t have your IBAN number and SWIFT/BIC codes.
How long does it take before I get an answer about the claim that I sent in?
If you have attached all the relevant information to your claim, the handling time is approximately 2-3 weeks.
Why have I not received a refund of the total amount I claimed?
Most likely, we have taken a deductible, which is an amount that you are responsible for, or there was a limit in the policy that made us refund less than you actually claimed for.
After returning home
I finished my EF program 6 months ago. I just realized that I had some receipts for medication that I would like to be refunded for. Is it too late to send in a claim now?
It is not too late as you have 10 years to claim.
My son was traveling with EF last year and had Erika. We were impressed by the coverage and the service and would like to get Erika for the entire family when we are off on vacation next month. Is that possible?
We are happy you are pleased with Erika. Unfortunately, our coverage is only available to EF and Hult students as well as Cultural Care au pairs.