Preparing to travel
Find out what you need to do before you travel, so you can escape with peace of mind.
Coronavirus help: Travel insurance cover may be restricted as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fraud protection while you’re away
Our fraud detection systems monitor your accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If we spot a transaction we're unsure about, we’ll call or text you straight away.
Make sure we’ve got your mobile number
If your Nationwide debit or credit card gets blocked because of suspicious activity, your mobile is the number we'll use to call you.
You can update your mobile number:
- in the Internet Bank or Banking app
- by visiting us in branch (opens in a new window)
- by calling our customer support team.
Check your Nationwide travel insurance is valid
If you have a FlexAccount or FlexPlus, you may already have travel insurance. So, check you're covered and whether you need to upgrade it for your trip.
If you have European travel insurance with your FlexAccount, you’ll have received a letter or email from us letting you know that we’ll be removing this benefit from 31 December 2021. Find out more about how this will affect your cover and what options are available.
Things to take with you
Pack your insurance policy document just in case you need to claim while you're away. It's also worth taking your confirmation or cover letter if you have it. You can use it as proof of cover.
Make a note of U K Insurance Limited’s telephone numbers
FlexPlus and FlexAccount holders can use the following numbers if you need help while travelling.
Emergency assistance
For 24-hour assistance in case of emergencies, call U K Insurance Limited:
UK: 01413 49 01 09
Abroad: +44 1413 49 01 09
FlexPlus medical assistance
For 24-hour medical assistance, call U K Insurance Limited:
UK: 01413 49 02 88
Abroad: +44 1413 49 02 88
General FlexPlus and FlexAccount insurance enquiries
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm.
Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
Closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
UK: 0800 051 01 54
Abroad: +44 1793 65 67 89
Pack your card reader
If we think we see a suspicious transaction on your account, we might ask you to confirm that it's really you. You'll need to use your card reader to confirm your ID and that you want to make the payment.
If you need a new card reader, make sure you order a new card reader at least a week before you travel, or head to your local Nationwide branch to pick one up.
Check for travel updates that could affect your trip
The UK Foreign Office has the latest travel advice by country. It covers safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health.
It’s a good idea to check the Government's latest advice (opens in a new window) on the country you're travelling to.
If you hear of anything that might affect your travel plans, like a natural disaster or tour operator going out of business, you can call us and we'll do our best to give you advice.
Decide how to pay for things while you’re away
It's sensible to take both local currency and cards. This gives more flexibility and can help make your money go further.
Some cards cost more to use abroad than others. We want you to get the most value, so check the fees and charges for using your cards.
And to avoid any unpleasant surprises, double-check the daily withdrawal limits for your cards.
Buy foreign currency in advance
We recommend buying your currency before starting your trip. It always costs more at the airport.
Always buy your currency from a reputable bank or company. We don't sell foreign currency at our branches or have any in our cash machines.
Information:
Always buy your currency from a reputable bank or company. We don’t sell foreign currency at our branches or have any in our cash machines.