Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Winter Sports cover to my insurance policy?
Winter sports cover is an optional add-on to policies and must be selected at the time of purchase.

Am I covered for winter sports on my annual multi-trip policy?
If you have taken a specially designed winter policy. If not, winter sports cover can be added any time but the additional premium must be paid as if the cover was requested at the beginning of cover. If the policy schedule includes winter sports cover, you should check the policy wording for full details.

Am I covered for any sporting or hazardous activities?
Some activities are covered as standard premiums, such as cricket, course fishing, golf, marathon racing and scuba diving (down to 9m/30 ft). Some activities can be covered at automatically at an additional premium, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating and scuba diving between 9m and 30m (30ft and 100ft). All hazardous activities can be covered through the Sports Travel insurance range on this website.

What is a Hazardous Activity?
Hazardous activity means any activity that requires skill and involves increased risk of injury such as mountaineering (requiring the use of ropes and/or guides), pot-holing, racing (other than on foot), scuba diving below 9 metres, parachuting, gliding, go-karting, hot-air ballooning, rugby, football, winter sports. If you are taking part in any sport not listed above please contact us to ensure you are covered.

When does my insurance policy start?
Part A: from the date your policy was issued and covers you for cancellation up until you leave home to begin your trip.
Part B: begins from the time you leave home up until you return home or the policy expires, whichever is first.

On a Backpacker or Longstay policy?
As soon as you purchase one of our policies, the Cancellation section starts. All other covers begin from the moment you leave your home for your holiday until you return home again

On a cruise holiday policy?
As soon as you purchase one of our policies, the Cancellation section starts. All other covers begin from the moment you leave your home for your holiday until you return home again.

On a single-trip travel insurance policy
As soon as you purchase one of our policies, the Cancellation section starts. All other covers begin from the moment you leave your home for your holiday until you return home again.

On an annual multi-trip travel Insurance Policy
ALL cover begins on the start date chosen by you and runs for a year from that date.

On a winter sports-trip policy?
As soon as you purchase one of our policies, the Cancellation section starts. All other covers begin from the moment you leave your home for your holiday until you return home again.

Is there an age limit on this policy?
The age limits are different on all our policies, please see below:

Standard Single and Annual Multi-trip policy – up to 65
Backpacker policy – up to 40
Longstay policy - from 40 and up to 55
Cruisesafe policy - has no age restrictions
Winter sports standard and annual multi-trip policy: - up to 65 years of age
Over 65 Single Trip policy – up to 84 at the start of your trip.
Over 65 Annual Multi-trip policy – up to 74 at the start of your trip.
Please note: all age limits apply from the first day of your trip.

If your birthday falls whilst you are away, your insurance policy will continue until you return home.

What about cover for Adventure Sports Travel Insurance and other adventurous activities? We can arrange travel cover for most sports and activities without any additional premium as these would fall into our Sports category. However, with extreme sports, the higher risk of the activity, the more likely that there will be an additional premium. Please contact our Customer Services Team to clarify either by email customerservices@tif-plc.co.uk or by phone 0845 658 0570.

Do you provide Scuba Diving Insurance and what does it cover?
Under most of our policies scuba diving is covered up to a depth of 30 meters and members of the insured party diving must hold a PADI certificate of proficiency or must be diving with a PADI qualified instructor. We would strongly advise checking the cover under your policy before your trip starts. If you require a more comprehensive level of Scuba Diving cover, depending on what type of policy you have, you may be able to purchase a cover upgrade.

Do you cover Off Piste skiing and what is the definition of Off Piste?
Definition of Off Piste: on an unprepared, trackless area away from regular ski runs.

We can offer cover for off piste skiing on most of our policies. Depending on the type of cover you have will depend on whether a sports extension should be purchased. Please contact our customer service department should you have any queries.

Please take the utmost care if you decide to give this sport a go. You should be aware of any threats to your safety and those around you. Also, in some countries it is illegal to go out of bounds and you may find yourself helping the local police with their enquiries.

What's the difference between an Annual Multi trip and Backpacker Insurance policies
The Annual Multi-trip policy provides cover for unlimited trips during the course of a year, as long as no one trip exceeds 31 days in total and you have a pre-booked return arrangements in place.

The Backpacker policy covers you for one individual trip of up to 18 months duration and offers a lower level of cover designed for those that travel light such as students.

How do I find out if my sport or activity is covered?
The Holidaysafe Winter Sports travel insurance policy offers cover for most winter sports activities. Some activities are covered as standard and other activities can be covered at an additional premium. If your sport is not listed in activity pack one, please contact our friendly customer services department who may be able to extend your cover and will ensure you have the insurance policy you need.

I am still abroad and need to make a claim on my Backpacker / Longstay what do I do?
Please download a claim form from our website www.travel-claims.net or send us an email at claims@tif-plc.co.uk, don’t forget to supply your name and address and brief details of what has happened.

You can email or fax the completed claim form to us along with the supporting documentation or fax us on 0870 620 5001. We advise that we may still require you to provide the original documentation as proof of ownership for Personal Possessions claims.

You will be expected to follow the Claims Procedure shown in the Policy wording and to substantiate your claim by providing supporting documentation. Please note that failure to supply full information and documentary evidence may cause a delay in the handling of your claim.

.If I have an annual worldwide policy, am I covered for trips to Europe?
The cover under a worldwide policy also includes trips within the UK and Europe.

Which countries come under Europe?
Holidaysafe.co.uk split the definition of Europe into: Europe excluding Spain: This includes the following countries: all countries west (to the left of) of the Ural Mountains, including the United Kingdom, Iceland, the Balearic Islands, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, the Azores, Madeira, the Mediterranean islands and the majority of Russia which falls west of the Ural Mountains, including St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Europe including Spain: As above but includes Spain and the Canary islands. All areas east of the Ural Mountains, such as Siberia, and are classed as worldwide.

Do I need worldwide cover for a European cruise which has an overnight stop-over outside Europe?
If you plan to disembark and spend a night in a country considered as Worldwide, then you will need to purchase the appropriate cover. Please bear this in mind for any pre- booked excursions and ensure cover is in place before you sail.

However, where the trip on land is less than 12 hours and is all during daytime with the ship leaving in the evening this can be included as Europe.

Am I covered for trips within the UK on my annual multi-trip policy?
Yes, for trips of more than 3 days duration i.e. 2 nights away.

Does my European policy cover Ireland?
Yes, Holidaysafe.co.uk split the definition of Europe into:

Europe excluding Spain:
This includes the following countries: all countries west (to the left of) of the Ural Mountains, including the United Kingdom, Iceland, the Balearic Islands, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, the Azores, Madeira, the Mediterranean islands and the majority of Russia which falls west of the Ural Mountains, including St. Petersburg and Moscow.
Europe including Spain:
As above but includes Spain and the Canary islands. All areas east of the Ural Mountains, such as Siberia, and are classed as worldwide.

What is the maximum length of any one trip I can take on an Annual Multi-trip policy?
The maximum for any one trip is 31 days with return arrangements in place within that period. With regards to Winter Sports cover (if chosen and additional premium paid), the maximum period in any one year is 17 days.

Medical FAQ's

Do I need to declare my relatives’ material facts or pre-existing medical conditions?
There is no cover as a result of a pre-existing medical condition of a close relative or close business associate.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?
Any medical condition, serious or recurring, which has previously been diagnosed, investigated or treated in anyway, at any time prior to travel, even if this condition is currently considered to be stable and under control by the use of drugs.

What do I do if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
All travel insurance companies require the policyholder to disclose any material fact that may influence them in their decision to accept or decline a risk. To be covered, you must be healthy, fit to travel and to undertake your planned trip.

For the purposes of this insurance a Pre-existing Medical Condition is considered to be any serious or recurring medical condition which has been previously diagnosed, investigated or treated in any way, at any time prior to travel, even if this condition is currently considered to be stable and under control.

You can declare your Pre-existing Medical Conditions by contacting our medical screening helpline, Travellers HealthCheck, on 08456 582 999. Please refer to the policy wording for the criteria regarding pre-existing medical conditions

Am I covered for treatment in the UK when returning from a holiday abroad?
Travel Insurance is designed to get people home and into the care of the NHS or perhaps a private healthcare scheme if the person involved is a member

If I am rushed home in an emergency at what point does my cover end?
Travel Insurance is designed to get people home and into the care of the NHS or perhaps a private healthcare scheme if the person involved is a member. If the situation called for evacuation of a casualty back to the UK by air ambulance, the traveller would be met on arrival by an ambulance (paid for by the insurance company) to take them to hospital, at which point the cover ends.

How do I get medical assistance when I am away?
Please contact our Emergency Assistance Facilities 24 hour Emergency advice line on +44 (0) 845 260 3260. You will need to have your policy details and policy number to hand to verify your cover. Their role is to guide and advise you, and to liaise with the treating doctors where appropriate. If you have to make any payments relating to sickness overseas remember to hold onto all the receipts as you'll need these when making a claim. cWhat is an EHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the previous E111 certificate in January 2006. The card entitles the holder to receive medical treatment provided by the state hospitals within the country being visited in the EU. It provides you with same benefits as the local residents. In some countries (France for example) you may have to make a contribution towards the treatment you receive.

You can obtain a card through the Post Office or by completing a form over the internet (which is considerably quicker). Other than your name and address they will require your National Insurance number.

If your EHIC card is presented and accepted at a state hospital, your policy excess may be waived if a reduction in costs has been obtained.

Do I have to pay my medical bills myself?
If you are asked to pay a small cost for medicines and/or outpatient treatment, it is often easier to settle your bill direct, keep all receipts and claim for the costs incurred on your return home.

If your treatment is more extensive or you are admitted as an in-patient, the Emergency Assistance Facilities must be contacted as soon as possible. If you do not do this, then payment of any medical bills cannot be guaranteed.

If in any doubt, please contact the Emergency Assistance Facilities who can discuss your options and can also arrange for any medical expenses covered by the policy, to be paid direct to the hospital/clinic.

The policy would automatically extend to cover the person receiving treatment in hospital and for one other person who is required to remain with them as advised by the treating medical team.

Can I have cover for Psychological conditions?
Psychological conditions are excluded from all policies. Psychological conditions are stress, anxiety (which would include fear of flying, travelling by boat etc), depression, eating disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia etc) or any form of mental instability.

I am travelling to Europe, why do I need insurance if I have an EHIC?
European Health Insurance Card is not a substitute for travel insurance and will only cover you for medical treatment you may need whilst abroad. It will not get you home (repatriation). Travel insurance will provide repatriation cover as well as cover for cancellation, personal possessions, money, liability etc, which are not covered by EHIC.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the previous E111 certificate in January 2006. The card entitles the holder to receive medical treatment provided by the state hospitals within the country being visited in the EU. It provides you with same benefits as the local residents. In some countries (France for example) you may have to make a contribution towards the treatment you receive.

You can obtain a card through the Post Office or by completing a form over the internet (which is considerably quicker). Other than your name and address they will require your National Insurance number.

If your EHIC card is presented and accepted at a state hospital, your policy excess may be waived if a reduction in costs has been obtained.

Will I automatically get Helicopter Rescue?
Ski patrollers are generally well trained and experienced at assessing injuries. They manage the evacuation of the injured person from the mountain and to hospital in the manner most appropriate to the patients’ injury. They will decide what is appropriate for the circumstances regardless of insurer. Their priority will always be the patient. Serious cases often involve helicopters but, more often, a combination of sled and ski lift is more immediate and appropriate. Other factors such as weather are also taken into account. Please note, it is not uncommon to be asked for proof of insurance whilst on the mountain.

I have received an outstanding invoice for medical treatment abroad, what should I do?
If you have an existing emergency medical expenses claim with us, please forward the original invoice to us quoting your claim reference number and we will arrange payment of the invoice.

If you have not submitted a claim to us, please obtain an Emergency medical expenses claim form and return the completed form to us along with the outstanding invoice and other supporting documentation requested

General FAQ's

The airline has damaged my case. Can I make a claim on my insurance policy?
Firstly, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be obtained from the airline in the baggage reclaim area, which acknowledges the damage.

Secondly, you should make a claim against the airline or their ground handlers as soon as possible (within 7 days). They may supply a replacement case from their store cupboard.

The PIR does not itself constitute a formal claim. You will need to write to the airline, within certain time limits, enclosing a copy of the PIR.

If you are unsuccessful, you can then make a claim under your travel insurance policy. However, please note that the policy excess would apply.

I am travelling to Europe, why do I need insurance if I have an EHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card is not a substitute for travel insurance and will only cover you for medical treatment you may need whilst abroad. In some countries you will be asked for payment towards any costs involved incurred, your EHIC does not cover 100% of all expenses incurred. It will not get you home (repatriation). Travel insurance will provide repatriation cover as well as cover for cancellation, personal possessions, money, liability etc, which are not covered by EHIC.

Which countries come under Europe?
Holidaysafe.co.uk split the definition of Europe into:
Europe excluding Spain: This includes the following countries: all countries west (to the left of) of the Ural Mountains, including the United Kingdom, the Balearic Islands, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, the Azores, Madeira and the Mediterranean islands.
Europe including Spain: As abover but includes Spain and the Canary islands.

I have a camera worth £1,000, would this be covered on the policy?
Please note that the cover under our standard Backpacker policy does not include cover for Personal Possessions.

Travel Insurance policies were designed to cover the average amount a person may carry on them at any one time in relation to Personal Possessions i.e. clothing, a watch, sunglasses, a camera, holiday jewellery etc. It is not intended to cover large amounts of valuables and the sums insured and the limits set on a single article reflect this. Therefore, if you have a something you wish to take on holiday that exceeds the limits under the policy, please consult your Household Insurers as you may already have cover outside the home for these items.

We recommend that when you are in your resort that you use the safety deposit box or the safe in your room for any valuables, cameras, passports, money etc. as your policy will not provide cover for the loss or theft of valuables left unattended unless in a locked safe or out of sight in your locked trip accommodation.

A full list of Valuables can be found under the Definitions in the Policy Wording.

What do I do if I am travelling with valuables?
Travel Insurance policies were designed to cover the average amount a person may carry on them at any one time in relation to Personal Possessions i.e. clothing, a watch, sunglasses, a camera, holiday jewellery etc. It is not intended to cover large amounts of valuables and the sums insured and the limits set on a single article basis reflect this. Therefore, if you have a something you wish to take on holiday that exceeds the limits under this policy, please consult your Household Insurers as you may already have cover outside the home for these items.
We recommend that when you are in your resort that you use the safety deposit box or the safe in your room for any valuables, cameras, passports, money etc. as your policy will not provide cover for the loss or theft of valuables left unattended unless in a locked safe or out of sight in your locked trip accommodation.
A full list of Valuables can be found under the Definitions in the Policy Wording.

Is my wheel chair/pedal cycle/pram or pushchair covered?
These items are only covered whilst being carried as luggage on public transport. The sum insured can be found within your policy wording under the Personal Possessions section.

Am I covered for business travel?
The products on this site have been designed primarily for the leisure traveller. However limited cover for business travel is included. This is restricted to business activity that follows your normal occupation provided this does not involve manual work or exposure to hazardous risks. Cancellation of a business trip is excluded. If you require wider business cover, please call us on 0871 250 7500 for an alternative quotation and product.

My baggage is being sent 2 weeks before I travel. Is it covered?
No, your baggage must travel with you.

I am travelling out of the UK on a one way or open ticket, am I covered?
Yes. However, in the event of a claim you would have to provide written evidence that you intended to return to the UK i.e. work commitments. Please note that this policy is not intended to offer cover if you are emigrating.

What do I do if I have a dispute with the insurer and want to make a complaint?
If you have a complaint regarding the assistance service or claims handling, please contact:

The Branch Manager
URV, Oast Business Centre,
North Frith Farm,
Ashes Lane, Hadlow.
TN11 9QU

If you have a complaint regarding selling of the policy, please first contact the company who sold you the policy. If you remain dissatisfied you should obtain a final decision and then write to the Insurance Ombudsman who operates under the aegis of The Financial Ombudsman Service:

The Financial Ombudsman Service,
South Quay Plaza,
183 Marsh Wall,
London. E14 9SR
Phone 0845 080 1800 Switchboard 020 7964 1000 Main Fax 020 7964 1001

I have bought a policy but now wish to change my details or cover.
In the first instance, please email us at customerservice@infinityinsurance.co.uk including your policy number and the required alteration. In the vast majority of cases we will simply update and re-send your cover letter by email. If you need to extend your cover there may be an additional premium to pay, in which case this will be completed over the phone as for security reasons we do not hold your credit card number.

Is there a cooling off period?.
All our policies provide a 14 day cooling-off period. This gives you time to read through the policy to ensure that the cover you have purchased meets your requirements. As long as you haven’t already travelled and you have not and do not intend to submit a claim, please confirm in writing and we will issue a full refund.

You can cancel your policy at any time outside of the 14 day cooling-off period, however no refund of premium will be given.

What is meant by 'taking reasonable care'?
With any insurance policy, the policyholder should always act as though there is no insurance at all and take all measures to protect their property and themselves as if they were uninsured.

What is an excess on the policy?
An excess is the amount you have to pay towards any claim under the policy. The excess will be applied per person, per incident, per section claimed under. For example, a person makes a claim of £300 and the policy excess is £75, the final claim settlement will be £225.

Can non-UK residents purchase your travel insurance?
No. Our policies require you to have been a resident in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), for at least 6 months. The only exception is students who are in full-time education within the United Kingdom.

How do I find out about the country I am travelling to?
To obtain up to date information about the country you are travelling to, we recommend that you visit the Foreign Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk

What if my baggage does not arrive with my flight?
If your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours on your outward journey, cover is provided for the purchase of essential items, up to the limit shown in your policy wording. Essential items include toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, towels etc. You must keep all receipts for these items and submit your claim when you return home. You will also need written confirmation from the airline of when the delayed luggage was delivered to you or is not considered permanently lost.

Are the rates based on my age at the date of departure or time of purchase?
No, your age is calculated at the date of booking. Depending on the type of policy you choose, you must be 74 or 84 at the start of your trip. If your birthday falls whilst you are away, your insurance policy will continue until you return home.

I do not live in the UK; can I purchase one of your policies?
Our policies are available to anyone who has had their main home in the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands and has not spent more than six months abroad in the year before buying this policy.

Can I purchase insurance if I have been abroad for the last 6 months?
No. Our policies require you to have been a resident in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), for at least 6 months. The only exception is students who are in full-time education within the United Kingdom.

Family FAQ's

Who is classed as a close relative within the terms of this travel insurance policy?
A spouse or partner of over six months, parents, grandparents, legal guardians, parents-in-law, step-parents, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, child, grandchild or fiancé(e).

Who is classed as a close relative within the terms of this travel insurance policy?
A spouse or partner of over six months, parents, grandparents, legal guardians, parents-in-law, step-parents, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, child, grandchild or fiancé(e).

>My children are away at university and only live with me at weekends and holidays, can I still purchase a family policy?
A family policy would cover parents for travel with their children. However, please note that any child listed on the policy would not be able to travel independently.

Can I have a family policy if my children do not live with me?
Yes, as long as the children are dependent on you, in full time education and under 18.

Can a couple not living at the same address have a family policy?
No, to have a family policy both parents must live at the same address. However, if the parents are separated we have a single parent policy specially designed and priced for this situation

Will you insure me whilst I am pregnant?
Will you insure me whilst I am pregnant? Cover is given for you and your unborn baby for any unforeseen medical circumstances and will not include natural childbirth whether baby arrives on time, late or prematurely. There is no cover if you travel against medical advice.

All our policies can offer cover if you are travelling whilst pregnant and many pregnant women travel abroad without any issues or problems. However there are certain factors and possible complications that must be considered before starting your trip and you should be aware that guidelines apply.

If you are pregnant before purchasing the policy:
You will be given the option to cancel your holiday insurance if due to unexpected medical complications with your pregnancy.

If you fall pregnant after purchasing the policy:
You will be given the option to cancel your insurance within 14 days of confirmation of the pregnancy from your doctor.

If you choose to travel you will be covered for unexpected medical complications, unrelated to any pre existing conditions you may already be suffering as a result of your pregnancy. You should disclose these as soon as you can to our Travellers HealthCheck team on 0845 658 2999.

Please refer to the following list of covered unforeseen emergency medical conditions for pregnancy and childbirth.

• Toxaemia (toxins in the blood)
• Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure arising as a result of pregnancy)
• Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus)
• Post-partum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding following childbirth)
• Pre-eclampsia (where you develop high blood pressure, carry abnormal fluid and have protein in your urine during the second half of pregnancy)
• Molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole (a pregnancy in which a tumour develops from the placental tissue)
• Retained placenta membrane (part or all of the placenta is left behind in the uterus after delivery)
• Placental abruption (part or all of the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus)
• Hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting as a result of pregnancy)
• Placenta praevia (when the placenta is in the lower part of the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix)
• Stillbirth
• Miscarriage
• Emergency Caesarean section
• A termination needed for medical reasons
• Premature birth more than 12 weeks (or 16 weeks if you know you are having more than one baby) before the expected delivery date

Can I cover my grandchild, foster child or step child under my policy?
Yes. Any child under 18 that is part of your close family, can be covered under your policy if you opt to have the Family cover.

Is cover provided for minors travelling alone?
If a minor is travelling alone you must purchase an adult policy.

One of my family is ill and I will need to cancel my trip, will I be covered?
You are covered under your policy for cancellation caused by the death, injury or illness of a close relative, providing that their condition was not known about at the time of purchasing the Policy or the booking date of the trip. There is no cover as a result of a pre-existing medical condition of a close relative or close business associate.

Close Relative: A spouse or partner of over six months, parents, grandparents, legal guardians, parents-in-law, step-parents, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, child, grandchild or fiancé(e). The medical certificate within the claim form must be completed in all cases by the GP of the person who has caused the claim.

Am I covered if I need to cut my trip short if my parents or a close relative fall ill at home?
As long as the illness is NOT as a result of a pre-existing medical condition, there will be cover for you to return home if it is thought necessary. Before you begin to make arrangements you should contact the Emergency Medical Assistance facilities on+44 (0) 845 260 3260.

If the illness is due to an unexpected medical condition, cover will be provided for you cut short your trip, but only if it is necessary.

Will you insure me if I take a cruise whilst pregnant
Most mainstream cruise lines do not allow women in their third trimester of pregnancy aboard (weeks 28 – 42). This is because the cruise vessels are not equipped to handle childbirth or to treat any complications arising from the pregnancy or childbirth. Therefore each cruise company have their own set of guidelines.

As a general rule, you should be at least 12 weeks at the start of your trip and not over 24 weeks at the end of your cruise. You will also require a letter from your GP stating you are fit to travel.

Please make sure that you check with your cruise line to establish their individual guidelines.

Do the sums inured benefit the whole group or each person?
The Underwriters will pay up to the sum insured listed for each insured person.

What is the definition of a Couple, Family, Child and a Close Relative?
Family: Two adults (married or common law partners including same sex couples) and any number of dependent children under 18years, in full time education and still living at home.
Couple: Two adults who are married or common law partners.
Child: A dependent child under 18 and still residing at home
Close Relative: A spouse or partner of over six months, parents, grandparents, legal guardians, parents-in-law, step-parents, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, child, grandchild or fiancé(e).
Single Parent Family: One adult and their dependent children under 18 years old and in full time education

Am I covered if I need to cut my trip short if my parents or a close relative fall ill at home? As long as the illness is NOT as a result of a pre-existing medical condition, there will be cover for you to return home if it is thought necessary. Before you begin to make arrangements you should contact the Emergency Medical Assistance facilities on+44 (0) 845 260 3260

What happens if I am made redundant before the start of my trip?
If you are made redundant after booking your holiday and before the start of your trip, you will be covered for cancellation costs. Unless:

• you have not been continuously employed for 2 years
• the redundancy was voluntary
• you are self employed
• you were employed on a short term contract