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Travel insurance for Australians

Simple and flexible travel insurance for international travel. Buy, extend and claim online anywhere in the world.

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How World Nomads travel insurance can help Australians

World Nomads travel insurance plans are designed to suit the needs of Aussies at every stage of the travel journey and we provide cover options for unfortunate and unexpected events that can happen. 

Whether you’re backpacking through South America, relaxing on the beach in Hawaii, skiing in New Zealand or taking a cultural journey across Europe, our policies provide numerous benefits. Access to emergency overseas medical coverage, cancellation protection, and ongoing support through our 24/7 Emergency Assistance services, and much more.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones and consider travel insurance with World Nomads and get ready to explore the world with confidence.

Why consider World Nomads for your travel insurance?

Buy travel insurance while travelling

If you're travelling and want to travel longer, World Nomads lets you buy more cover to keep you on the road.

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Our multi-lingual assistance team can help you when you need it most, connecting you with medical treatment and transportation.

Travel Cover for 220+ Adventure Activities

At World Nomads, we love to explore our boundaries when we travel, so we've worked for over ten years developing one of the longest lists of covered activities.

Donate to local communities

We connect our customers to projects run by established charities so you can fund projects in destinations with the greatest need.

A true claim story

  • Never travel without insurance. I bought trekking insurance with World Nomads in Dec 2016 for my trek to Everest Base Camp. I came down with severe mountain sickness on my trip, and WN covered my helicopter rescue and all of my hospital expenses. They made it extremely easy for me and I am just so happy I went with them. If I hadn't gone with them, I would've been forced to pay around $12,000 for heli rescue as there was no possible way I could walk down. Thanks for your help World Nomads!
    Australian in Nepal.
  • I contracted dengue typhoid fevers in Bali. The doctor and medical expenses incurred, were all paid within 10 days of claim, which I submitted by email from Bali. Monies were paid into my bank account - efficient and simple!
    Australian in Bali.
  • On a recent holiday to Thailand, my IPhone suffered water damage on a boat trip. World Nomads were very prompt with my claim and covered the entire cost quoted by Apple to repair the damage. It is the second time I have used World Nomads for travel insurance, however this was the first claim I have had to make. I will definitely be using them again! Thanks for your help!
    Australian in Thailand.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy seriously hurt?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medicine?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

Travel Insurance for 220+ Adventure Activities

Snow
Water
Air
Land
Sports
Experiences
  • Scuba diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Surfing
  • Bungee jumping
  • Skiing
Blue activities are automatically included in both the Standard and Explorer plans. All activities listed in orange will need to be added to your policy at the time of purchase. The list is intended as a guide only and there are restrictions on what you can and cannot do, so read the PDS or contact us. For a more detailed list click here

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team

Frequently asked questions

  • What is travel insurance and why do I need to consider it?

    Travel insurance is designed to protect you from financial losses you could incur prior to or while travelling. The cost of travel insurance will depend on a range of factors such as:

    • Your age
    • Your medical history
    • The length of trip
    • Your chosen destination(s)
    • Activities you may have planned, such as snow sports

    A customer may currently be in Australia or already travelling when they buy or extend their policy. Travellers pay the insurance company a fee, called a 'premium’, which varies based on factors such as where they’re travelling, how long the trip is, the number of travellers, their age(s) and what activities they plan to participate in.

    The insurance company agrees to cover costs (up to a certain limit) for events and benefits like emergency medical treatment abroad, damaged or stolen luggage, delayed flights, and many more benefits. With World Nomads you can customise your coverage, adding in extra optional benefits and limits.

    World Nomads travel insurance can help protect your next trip when you’re getting ready to explore the world. Our plans are designed to protect you from unexpected mishaps that can turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. From medical emergencies and trip cancellations to lost luggage and adventure activities gone wrong, our Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans may help cover the costs and stress associated with these unforeseen events.

    Get a quick online quote in just minutes!

    Things to look out for when buying travel insurance

    • Make sure you select the right trip dates, age limit, and level of cover. 
    • Ensure all your destinations are covered.
    • Make sure you understand what a pre-existing medical condition is under our policy. 
    • Some activities and sports may require extra level of cover or may not be covered. 
    • Make sure you clearly understand the benefit limits and the excess as per the level of cover you’ve selected. 
    • Understand that there will be General Exclusions in your cover for which you won’t be covered under any circumstances.
    • Make copies of travel documents and keep receipts in case you need to make a claim.

    If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or you’re unsure about coverage, you can get in touch with the Customer Service team.

  • What does World Nomads travel insurance typically cover?

    World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of Aussie travellers – the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. The Standard Plan provides coverage such as overseas medical expenses, coverage for personal belongings, trip cancellation, and cover for certain adventure activities. The Explorer Plan builds on the Standard Plan and offers even more benefits, higher benefit limits, and broader sub-limits. It's crucial to select the right plan from the outset, as you cannot upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip.  

    To decide which plan suits you best, you should consider factors like your destination, activities planned, trip cost, and personal circumstances. Choose wisely to ensure a worry-free travel experience with the right coverage in place. 

    Are there an exclusions or limitations to travel insurance coverage?

    As much as we would love to cover every single unexpected event or unforeseen scenario that happens when travelling, unfortunately we cannot do that. World Nomads has specific exclusions and limitations for Aussies taking out travel insurance, these are clearly stated in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Here are just some of the main exclusions to be aware of: 

    • Medical expenses in Australia: Travel insurance doesn't cover medical expenses incurred within Australia. 
    • Travel warnings: If you travel to a destination with a 'Do not travel' warning from the Australian Government, you won't be covered. 
    • Existing medical conditions: Existing medical conditions may not be covered unless specifically stated as covered in the PDS.
    • Adventure activities: There are specific exclusions, limitations and conditions for many of our activities and sports. 
    • Change of mind: Simply changing your mind or reluctance to travel isn't covered. 
    • Unlawful acts: Any losses arising from unlawful or dishonest acts won't be covered. 

    Always refer to the specific terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of your PDS to understand the full scope of coverage. Always ensure you buy the right policy that aligns with your travel plans and needs. If you need more information visit our Help Centre, or get in touch.

  • Can I purchase travel insurance after booking my trip?

    If you’ve left Australia without travel insurance or your policy has run out and you’re still on the road, World Nomads can offer cover. With World Nomads, you can buy a policy online, anytime, from anywhere in the world. Please note that if you buy a policy while already travelling overseas, you have to wait 72 hours (waiting period) before cover is activated, as explained in ‘When cover starts & ends’ in your policy. 

  • Will travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

    World Nomads does not offer cover for a number of medical conditions which exist before you buy or extend your policy. However, there are over 40 medical conditions that we do offer cover for and are automatically covered which may exist at the time you buy your policy and when specific requirements are met. Carefully consider your medical history, as well as the health of your close relatives, others in your travelling party and anyone else, as your and their conditions (past or present) may affect your trip and cover.  

  • How do I make a travel insurance claim?

    Making a claim is a straightforward process designed to assist you during unforeseen circumstances while travelling. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

    1. Report the incident: Contact us as soon as possible after the incident occurs. Provide details about what happened and gather any necessary documentation, like police reports or medical records. 
    1. Sign in: Sign into your World Nomads membership. Use the links to 'Make a claim' once signed into your membership dashboard. 
    1. Submit documents: Depending on your claim type, you may need to submit documents such as medical bills, receipts for additional expenses, or proof of trip interruption or cancellation. 
    1. Follow Up: Stay in touch with us and provide any additional information we may request promptly. This will help expedite the claims process. 
    1. Review Your policy: Familiarise yourself with your policy's terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions to understand what's covered. 

    Remember, the sooner you initiate the claim process and provide all required documentation, the quicker your claim will be processed. Always keep your policy details and emergency contact numbers handy when travelling. 

    What documents do I need to submit a travel insurance claim?

    When you lodge your travel insurance claim, you need to provide the correct documentation to ensure a smooth process. For Australian travellers, here's a list of essential documents you'll typically need to submit:

    • Proof of travel: Itinerary or booking confirmations showing your travel dates. 
    • Medical records: If claiming for medical expenses, provide medical reports, prescriptions, and bills detailing the treatment received. 
    • Receipts and invoices: For any expenses you're claiming, such as accommodation, transport, or lost/damaged belongings, keep all receipts and invoices. 
    • Police reports: In case of theft, loss, or any criminal activity, a police report is essential. 
    • Cancellation notices: If claiming trip cancellation or interruption, provide documentation from airlines, tour operators, or accommodation providers confirming the cancellation. 
    • Claim form: Fill out and submit the insurance claim form, ensuring all details are accurate and complete. 

    Remember, providing comprehensive and accurate documentation is crucial to validate your claim and ensure a timely payout. Always keep copies of all submitted documents for your records and check your email to keep track of any progress of your claim. If you need more information on what to do if you don’t have all the required documents and adding documents online, click on our FAQ article

    You can email or call: 
    Australian residents email: claimsAUS@worldnomads.com 
    Phone (local call within Australia): 1300 787 375 
    Phone (while overseas): +61 2 8263 0400 
    Fax (everywhere): +61 2 8263 0494 
      
    World Nomads Claims 
    nib Travel Services 
    PO Box A975 
    Sydney NSW 1235 Australia 

  • Will travel insurance cover cancellation due to a pandemic or epidemic?

    World Nomads does not cover any loss arising from an epidemic, pandemic, or World Health Organization declaration of a public health emergency of international concern. However, we do offer cover for COVID-19-related events. Your level of cover for some COVID-19 related events will depend on whether you’ve selected the Standard or Explorer plan. For more information on what you may be covered for when it comes to COVID-19 go to our COVID-19 coverage article

  • Can I cancel my travel insurance policy and receive a refund?

    If you decide that you don’t want to travel or can’t travel due to unforeseen events, you can cancel the policy up to 11:59pm AEST/AEDT on the day before you start your trip for a full refund provided: 

    1. You haven’t started your trip; 
    2. You haven’t made a claim; and 
    3. You don’t want to make a claim or exercise any other right under the policy. 

    All you need to do is sign into your membership, choose your policy and follow the links to cancel before your policy Departure date. If you need to cancel, contact World Nomads

    Please note that we don’t refund you any unused portion of your premium if you decide to return home early for any reason. 

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Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.