Booking conditions - frequently asked questions

From our experience, the questions below are the most frequently asked but please feel free to contact us should you have any others!

• Do I need a passport or visa?
• How do I pay?
• Can I still go if I have an existing medical condition?
• What does the insurance policy cover?
• Do I need to pay an excess if I need to make an insurance claim?
• What are your hidden costs?
• What can I expect to pay in additional costs?
• If I drop out because I change my mind, how much money will I get back?
• If I have to withdraw because of a medical condition, will I get a refund?
• One of my relatives is very ill and I can no longer go on expedition, what refund is given in these circumstances?
• I am changing schools and can no longer participate in the programme. As this was not my fault, do I get my money back?
• My mum/dad lost his/her job/my parents have got divorced and we cannot afford the payments, where do I stand if we cannot pay the rest?
• What happens if a Challenger misbehaves during the expedition?
• Can I have access to the risk assessment made by World Challenge?
• How is this expedition different from a package holiday?

Do I need a passport or a visa?
You don’t need to have a passport at the time of application but everyone travelling to an overseas destination will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the scheduled return date of the expedition. Passports must also be machine readable. Some countries require a visa but full details can be found on the expedition members’ site.


How do I pay?
We will ask you for a cheque for either £100 or £200 when you apply depending on which
payment plan you choose. If you live in the UK and have a British bank account, you can pay by Direct Debit either by monthly payments of £100, or by four instalments as detailed in the handout. If you don’t live in the UK you can pay by Standing Order. Alternatively, wherever you live you can pay online or over the phone.


Can I still go if I have an existing medical condition?
Having an existing condition very rarely excludes anyone from taking part in the programme.  Obviously we need you to provide full details so that our medical consultant can screen your application, and this allows us to fully brief the Leaders on the expedition. Once a condition has been cleared by our consultant, it is covered by our insurance policy. It is essential that you tell us of any existing medical conditions, otherwise your insurance will be invalid.


What does the insurance policy cover?
Our policy will cover all direct and indirect medical costs throughout the expedition. We review our policy annually so will not be able to provide you with the specific breakdown until just before the expedition departs but the safety of our teams is our primary concern so this is one area of insurance that we invest in very heavily.  Expense is never an issue where your safety is concerned. Please note that personal belongings are not included but this is often covered by home insurance policies.


Do I need to pay an excess if I need to make an insurance claim?
No. We make the claim on your behalf and cover the cost of the excess.


What are your hidden costs?
We do our best to ensure there are no hidden costs. You will find more detailed information on what is and what isn’t included in the total price in the handout you received at the presentation and in section 4.2. Any concerns, please ask us.


What can I expect to pay in additional costs?
This depends on where you are going and how much you choose to spend. Some people borrow most of their kit; others spend a lot of money buying new equipment. Some people are able to get free or discounted vaccinations from their GP, whilst others aren’t. Our advice is to shop around for good deals on kit and vaccinations, make the most of the discounts we offer, borrow as much kit as you can, and budget for some additional costs from the outset. All additional costs are identified in the handout received at the presentation.


If I drop out because I change my mind, how much money will I get back?
It is really important that you are absolutely certain at this stage that this is something you want to be involved in. The instalments that you pay cover our costs during the build-up and not just the expedition itself, so if you choose to withdraw you probably won’t get much money refunded. A full breakdown is available in section 6.1.


If I have to withdraw because of a medical condition, will I get a refund?
If you have declared a pre-existing condition on your application form and it has been cleared by us, you may be entitled to some refund (minus a small administration fee) if the condition later deteriorates and prevents you from taking part in the expedition. If you have a new and unforeseen injury/illness, you may be entitled to a refund (minus a small administration fee). See sections 6.2 and 9.2 for more information. In both circumstances we require a letter from your doctor.


One of my relatives is very ill and I can no longer go on expedition, what refund is given in these circumstances?
We can offer a refund (minus a small administration fee) if the relative is your parent or sibling. See section 6.2 for more information.


I am changing schools and can no longer participate in the programme. As this was not my fault, do I get my money back?
In this case you are not entitled to a refund but we can offer four possible options:

1. You can still take part in the programme with your old school providing the School Leader is in agreement
2. If your new school is running a World Challenge expedition programme you can transfer all of your money over to this new expedition
3. You can transfer all of your money to an individuals expedition programme
4. You can find someone to replace you on the original team and transfer all monies paid to them less a £100 administration fee.

My mum/dad lost his/her job/my parents have got divorced and we cannot afford the payments, where do I stand if we cannot pay the rest?
Refer to the money management section of the expedition member’s website for loads of useful hints and tips. There is also the possibility of getting a hardship grant from the Challenger Trust which we can advise you on. However you are not eligible for a refund as it should be you who is raising the funds for your payments and not your parents.


What happens if a Challenger misbehaves during the expedition?
World Challenge retains the right to return Challengers early from the programme on grounds of serious misbehaviour, deliberate failure to adhere to the agreed code of conduct based on Annex D of the contract or persistent ill discipline: this decision will not be taken lightly and will be made at Director level in consultation with the Leadership team on the ground. Repatriation costs are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Please refer to clause 7.2 for more details.


Can I have access to the risk assessment made by World Challenge?
Of course, please speak to your World Challenge manager to view the specific risk assessment for your destination. Risk assessments are also available online on the expedition members’ website at https://expedition.world-challenge.co.uk


How is this expedition different from a package holiday?
This World Challenge programme is an adventurous expedition with managed risks and is not a package holiday where all activities are pre-booked. We work hard to keep the balance right between maximum challenge and minimal risk to ensure skills development. During the expedition the conditions on the ground are likely to change but our Expedition Leaders have the flexibility to adapt the itinerary to ensure the safety of all participants. Safety is always the top priority.

Do you have a question?