Photo © Lumina/IStock

Travel Insurance Cover for COVID-19 Related Events

Travel insurance may help if Coronavirus cancels your travel plans

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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 03 February 2022, please check the PDS provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 03 February 2022 please see below.

We know Aussie travellers can’t wait to travel again which is why we’ve added some Coronavirus (COVID-19) specific cover to our insurance plans, to help make it clear what COVID-19 related events our travellers may have coverage for. All our travel insurance plans include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with Coronavirus while abroad. Our Explorer plans also offer cover for some COVID-19 related events with the COVID-19 travel costs benefit a new feature.

World Nomads travel insurance for Coronavirus and our plans

  • Standard and Explorer plans: Offer cover for emergency medical assistance if you get sick with COVID-19 overseas – cover includes medical assistance, repatriation and hospitalisation benefits.
  • Explorer Plan: Offers cover for some COVID-19-related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs, as well as additional benefits for healthcare workers, residential care workers and law enforcement officers who have their pre-arranged leave cancelled by their employer due to COVID-19.

Benefit limits apply and vary between plans.

Benefit Standard  Explorer 

Emergency medical expenses overseas

Yes

Yes

Medical repatriation/ evacuation (including funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains if the worst-case scenario happens)

Yes

Yes

Coronavirus Travel Costs
Note: This section has its own benefit limits which apply. Check your PDS for full details or read our Help article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.

NA

Yes



What do I do if I get COVID-19 before or during my trip?

If you need to cancel or cut short your trip because you or a member of your travelling party is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical practitioner, or if your close relative in Australia is hospitalised or dies due to COVID-19, these tips may be helpful, especially if you intend to make a claim.

  • Contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible – they can help direct you to local medical facilities if needed and help you understand your options.
  • Isolate! And seek the relevant medical attention.
  • If you haven’t left home yet and might need to cancel your trip – make sure you’ve got medical evidence of your diagnosis. This can include certification from your doctor that due to the COVID-19 diagnosis you are medically unfit to continue with your original travel plans, or an official PCR test. The diagnosis of COVID-19 must be made after your policy was purchased.
  • Don’t delay in the cancellation of your plans to maximise the opportunity of refunds from your providers.
  • Always keep receipts for any trip payments you make and, wherever possible, request written reports from providers or local authorities.
  • Follow Australian government and local advice – different countries have different rules. What’s okay in Australia may not be okay in the countries you visit. While some countries may be more relaxed in their COVID-19 protocols, others may be very strict in who they allow to enter.

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so make sure you’re careful with your planning and you read the PDS to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions get in touch.

Contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance teams as soon as possible, so they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.

When you call please have ready:

  • Your policy number
  • A contact number and travelling companion details for where you are now
  • The nature of your problem

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about Coronavirus cover and travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.

  • Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
    Our international policies can offer cover for emergency overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation and repatriation following a serious injury or sudden illness; this includes coronavirus, subject to all policy terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. However, if the plan you already purchased doesn’t include the benefit section ‘Coronavirus Travel Costs’ (which offers some cover for eight specific coronavirus-related events), contact us for assistance. We are not able to change the plan issued after purchase, but, provided you have not used your original policy, and do not need to make any claim, we may be able to assist with issuing a replacement policy and providing you with a refund of your original premium. It is important to remember that this would be a new policy, subject to the policy terms conditions and pricing in effect at the date it is issued and would not offer cover for any event that has already occurred.
  • What do I do if my test hasn’t come back in time, and I need to cancel my trip?
    If you need to cancel or rearrange your travel arrangements, even at the last minute, don’t delay in speaking with your airline or other travel providers to minimise any potential cancellation costs or fees.  If you booked through a travel agent, they may be able to assist you with this, too.  If you do need to make a claim, the cover available will depend on your individual circumstances, as well as the plan you have purchased. For us to assess if cover can apply, you’ll need to submit a claim along with all supporting documentation. Remember, if you are required to take a test prior to travel, it is important to allow sufficient time for results to come back.
  • Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
    Cover may be available if you are unfit to travel due to contracting COVID-19, depending on the plan you have purchased, and the facts of your claim - check the policy you have purchased and if it has Coronavirus Travel Costs cover. We assess all claims on a case-by-case basis. Speak with your travel providers, you may be able to cancel or change your arrangements at no or minimal cost. If you booked through a travel agent, they may be able to assist you with this, too.  Please note, if you’re already travelling and need to make changes to a flight change or your accommodation, even at the last minute, don’t delay in speaking with your airline or provider.  If you can’t continue with your planned arrangements due to a positive diagnosis, simply not showing up could mean you forfeit your booking or incur additional fees when you may have been able to move your dates or times at no or minimal cost. If you booked through a travel agent, they may be able to assist you with this, too
  • Do I need medical proof of my positive COVID-19 result if I need to cancel my trip?
    Yes. You will need to provide documentation to support the circumstances of your claim. We understand that the type of documentation you can provide may vary and assess every claim on a case-by-case basis. You should submit as much information as you’re able to along with your claim, this will help us to assess your claim in a timely manner and reduce the possibility that we may need to ask you for further information. Information you supply may include: PCR Test demonstrating that at the time you were due to travel, you had an active case of COVID-19; Proof you were subject to mandatory isolation at the time you were due to travel due to a registered RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) result; Letter from medical practitioner confirming you are medically unfit to travel due to COVID. Don’t forget to contact your travel service providers as well, as you’ll also need to demonstrate that you have requested to refund or reschedule your arrangements, and what your out of pocket costs are. Remember, not all of our plans cover pre-trip cancellation for COVID-19. This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.

Bag snatched in Latvia.

It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, Iphone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and, as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours, because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
C.E. Australian in Latvia.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team
Photo © Nikada/IStock

Travel Insurance when visiting the Caribbean

Essential travel insurance tips

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Your Caribbean adventure could be trekking through rainforests in Dominica or taking a splash in the waters of Aruba. With its countless island destinations, Irish travellers will have the time of their lives when they visit the Caribbean. You may like to consider purchasing travel insurance first just in case your island adventure takes a turn for the worst.

What’s Covered

World Nomads offer travel insurance for Irish travellers who can choose between the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan as they both offer different levels of cover.

The following is a brief list of what we cover. Each policy has different conditions and limits, please check your policy wording for a thorough list of what is and is not covered.

Overseas emergency medical: cover is offered for hospitalisation (both inpatient and outpatient), as well as treatment at medical centres in the place where you are staying. You must notify our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.

Overseas emergency dental: must relate to an injury that you sustain on your overseas trip. There is no cover for routine treatment such as regular dental cleans or check-ups.

Baggage cover: if your baggage or personal belongings are lost or damaged during your trip, then you may claim for these. However, claims without supporting documentation such as police reports and receipts may not be covered. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.

Extended stays: if you decide to lengthen your overseas holiday, you may extend your travel insurance up to a maximum of 12 months past the start date listed on your Certificate of Insurance.

Medical evacuation and repatriation: we offer emergency medical transport and repatriation back to Ireland if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.

Cover for Coronavirus-related events: Irish travellers may be covered for their non-refundable travel expenses if they are forced to cancel their holiday plans due to a Coronavirus diagnosis. For more information, please read our Coronavirus cover article, which includes all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.

How to get the most out of your insurance when visiting the Caribbean

We recognise that you may have different activities and experiences in mind for your overseas adventures.

Our Standard Plan provides cover for all the main risks facing overseas travellers such as illness, injuries, and theft. While the Explorer Plan offers everything that the Standard Plan does, the benefit limits and/or sub-limits are higher, and a wider range of activities are included.

For instance, if you wanted to go Scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, then you might want to check out all the different levels of coverage that we offer, and to find out what conditions or exclusions apply for this underwater activity.

Though both our Standard and Explorer plans include benefits for Scuba diving, each plan has a different level of coverage and may exclude certain types of diving or dives of a certain depth. Be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as search-and-rescue missions.

Besides Scuba diving, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:

  • Surfing.
  • Hiking.
  • Backpacking.
  • Kayaking.
  • Sandboarding.
  • Snorkelling.

If your favourite sport isn’t on the list get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.

What to look out for when travelling around the Caribbean

Like all holiday destinations, there are certain dangers that can present a challenge for anybody travelling through the Caribbean. Check your policy for all the conditions and exclusions associated with the following risks:

Extreme weather: this island region is sometimes struck by fierce storms that damage hotels and disrupt lines of transport.

Travel insurance tip: if your booked accommodation becomes uninhabitable due to extreme weather conditions, you may be eligible to claim for alternative accommodation and transport expenses up to the policy limit (Explorer Plan).

Crime: thieves are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists whose bags may be snatched from them in street mugging incidents or sneakily taken whilst their attention is diverted elsewhere.

Travel insurance tip: if you are the victim of a theft, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details along with any photographs, comply with all the conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim you make.

What’s not covered

Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions, as well as the terms and conditions.

  • Pre-existing conditions as explained in your policy.
  • Treatment that you had been having in Ireland, before travelling to the Caribbean.
  • Unattended luggage and other personal items that are damaged, lost or stolen.
  • Expenses that other organisations such as hotels or transport companies are responsible for paying.
  • If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Failing to comply with official organisations and our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to repatriate you back to Ireland.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team
Photo © Nikada/IStock

Travel Insurance for the Caribbean

Essential travel insurance tips

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Why spend your next holiday on the couch doing Sudoku puzzles, when you could be sipping cocktails watching the sun go down in Jamaica or Puerto Rico? With countless island destinations to choose from, you can explore the Caribbean’s verdant rainforests and white sand beaches.

Before you book your flight for this popular holiday destination, you might want to consider buying travel insurance first.

What’s covered?

For all the beauty in the Caribbean, there is also the possibility of running into unexpected trouble. The following are some examples of how travel insurance can help if the unexpected happens to you:

Overseas emergency medical: if you become sick or are injured then your travel insurance may cover your treatment, hospitalisation, and medication expenses. However, you must notify our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible, when you are aware you will be admitted as an inpatient for at least one night. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care could be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.

Emergency medical evacuation: if you are injured and require emergency transport to the nearest hospital via ambulance or helicopter, then the transportation costs may be covered. You will need to check with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team first.

Medical repatriation: we offer emergency medical repatriation back to the UK if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.

Baggage cover: if your bags or other personal items are stolen, delayed, or go missing during your holiday, report the incident to the local police and get a Loss Report from them, as you’ll need to include this as supporting evidence, along with your receipts for these items, when submitting your claim. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.

Extended stays: you may extend your travel insurance policy past the expiration date if you’re planning to stay longer in the Caribbean. This will need to be done prior to the current expiration date of your policy and can be extended up to 12 months from the start date of your policy (Single Trip only).

Cover for Coronavirus-related events: British travellers may be covered for medically necessary expenses if they get Coronavirus in the Caribbean. 

How to get the most out of your insurance when visiting the Caribbean

The policy that you ultimately choose should depend on what type of Caribbean holiday you are planning to have. World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan.

Both plans offer travel insurance essentials such as trip cancellation cover, baggage cover and emergency medical evacuation cover. However, the Explorer Plan offers higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard Plan, as well as cover for a wider range of activities.

For example, if you plan to go hiking in the mountains of St Lucia, then you might want to check out our different levels of cover for hiking in case you are injured. World Nomads offers different levels of cover for hiking depending on the altitude, these include:

  • 3,000 metres (Level 1).
  • 4,500 metres (Level 2).
  • 6,000 metres (Level 4).

Note: make sure you check your policy for specific exclusions, such as search-and-rescue missions.

Besides hiking, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:

  • Surfing.
  • Scuba diving.
  • Kayaking.
  • Sandboarding.
  • Snorkelling.

If your favourite sport isn’t on the list, get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.

What to look out for when travelling around the Caribbean

Here are some common problems that travellers can encounter when visiting the region:

Extreme weather: well known as a sun-drenched paradise with a year-round warm climate, the Caribbean Islands are occasionally lashed by powerful tropical storms that wreak widespread destruction.

Travel insurance tip: if a hurricane, flood, or another natural disaster damages the hotel or hostel that you are booked to stay at, then you may be covered for additional accommodation expenses with an alternative at the same destination up to the policy limit. (Explorer Plan).

Crime: travellers to the Caribbean are sometimes the targets of bag snatchings and other types of crimes, both petty and more serious.

Travel insurance tip: if you are the victim of a theft, you must obtain a written police report within 24 hours. Where possible, provide witness details along with any photographs, comply with all conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim you make.

What’s not covered?

Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions, as well as the terms and conditions.

  • Any pre-existing conditions, unless otherwise stated in your policy;
  • Travelling to or staying in a country that the British Government has issued a public directive instructing travellers to avoid all travel;
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances;
  • If you are acting in an irresponsible manner or not complying with local laws;
  • Disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team;
  • Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unattended.

 

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team
Photo © Nikada/IStock

Travel Insurance when visiting the Caribbean

Essential travel insurance tips

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

The Caribbean, with its many island destinations such as Jamaica, St Lucia, and the Dominican Republic, has always been a mecca for international travelers who dream of escaping chilly climates and their frantic way of life. If you’re planning a trip to this unique part of the globe, considering travel insurance can provide support if your Caribbean holiday suddenly goes awry.

What’s covered

World Nomads travel insurance provides cover for illness, injury, or damage to your personal belongings. Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you have selected, you may be covered for:

Overseas emergency medical: if you’ve had an injury or need urgent medical attention and require a medical centre or hospital, you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you’re given proper care.

Medical evacuation and repatriation: we offer emergency medical transport and repatriation back to your Country of Residence if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.

Baggage cover: if your baggage or other personal belongings are lost or damaged during your trip, then you may claim for these. However, claims without supporting documentation such as police reports and receipts may not be covered. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.

Extended stays: 
if you are having way too much fun on your Caribbean holiday and choose to stay longer, you may also extend your travel insurance for a maximum of one year past the start date of your policy.

Coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events: if you are forced to cancel your holiday plans due to being diagnosed as having Coronavirus by your treating doctor, then you may claim for any non-refundable travel expenses. To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.

How to get the most out of your insurance when visiting the Caribbean

The two travel insurance plans that we offer are the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both offer cover for injuries, illness, trip cancellation expenses and theft. However, the Explorer Plan offers higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard Plan and cover for a wider selection of activities.

For example, if you plan to go Scuba diving in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, then you might want to consider our levels of coverage for Scuba diving in case you are involved in a Scuba diving accident.

Though both our Standard and Explorer plans include benefits for Scuba diving, each plan has a different level of coverage and may exclude certain types of diving or dives of a certain depth. Be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as unguided dives or search-and-rescue missions.

Besides Scuba diving, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:

  • Surfing.
  • Hiking.
  • Backpacking.
  • Kayaking.
  • Sandboarding.
  • Snorkelling.

If your favorite sport is not on the list get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.

What to look out for when traveling around the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a tropical playground where travelers from all over the world gravitate to enjoy the lush wilderness, white sand beaches and laid-back vibes. However, getting sick or injured could prove to be very costly, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance before you go.

Here are some common problems that travelers can encounter when visiting the region:

Extreme weather: well known for being a sun-drenched paradise with year-round warm climates, the Caribbean Islands are occasionally lashed by powerful tropical storms that wreak widespread destruction.

Travel insurance tip: if your hotel is damaged by a natural catastrophe, you may be covered for transport expenses as well as accommodation in a different hotel up to the policy limit.

Theft: thieves are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists whose bags may be snatched from them in street mugging incidents or sneakily taken whilst their attention is diverted elsewhere.

Travel insurance tip: if any of your belongings are stolen, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details as well as photographs, comply with all conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim that you make.

What’s not covered?

Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions as well as the terms and conditions.

  • Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in the policy wording.
  • Any medical treatment, medication, or hospitalization for a non-urgent condition. Examples could include cosmetic surgery, general check-ups, or other elective surgeries.
  • Theft, damage, or loss of items that were unattended.
  • Expenses that other organisations, including hotels and airlines are liable for.
  • If you were breaking the law or acting in a careless manner.
  • Failing to comply with official organisations and our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to repatriate you back to your country of residence.
  • Traveling to or staying in a country that the government in your country of residence has declared an official travel ban on or warned against non-essential travel.

 

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

 

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team
Photo © Gary John Norman / Getty Images

Travel Insurance when sailing

Don’t let an accident take the wind out of your sails.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

When you’re sailing, you can navigate the storied inlets of the French Riviera or British Virgin Islands, using the wind as your guide.

Along with your boat shoes, boating license and guide to nautical terminology, it’s worth considering bringing travel insurance onboard. Having it in your (waterproof) pocket can help if you were to fracture your finger hoisting a sail or lose your wallet to the churning white caps in a squall.

What’s covered for sailing?

Even as a seasoned sailor, you don’t want to be caught up the creek without a paddle (or, in this case, a mast and jib). Here are a few eventualities typically covered in World Nomads plans for inland sailing and coastal waters:

Emergency medical

Even without wet decks and choppy seas, you could find yourself with a medical emergency, be it an ankle sprain or a collarbone fracture. Our coverage may help cover everything from the services of a physician to ambulance services and x-rays in the case of an accident or injury at sea or on shore. World Nomads policy holders also have access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team... a wonderful thing if you need to translate your medical needs to your kind, but non-English-speaking doctor.

Evacuation

Most of our earth is covered in water... which means you have plenty of places to sail but could easily hit a snag in a far-flung destination. Subject to approval of 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, your World Nomads policy can transport you by air ambulance to get treatment at an appropriate medical facility if medically necessary.

Baggage protection

Maybe your backpack slipped off the sopping wet stern, or your windbreaker got stolen right off the port. Our gear coverage can help replace your stuff, up to its actual cash value at the time of the loss.

Trip cancellation

Say a physician advises you to not to travel until your health improves, or a hurricane at your destination renders your chartered course and your pre-sail accommodation totally unusable, you may be able to recoup your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses... handy when you’re ready to re-book the adventure.

World Nomads water sports coverage

Besides sailing, World Nomads covers other activities on island and coastal waters, such as:

  • Yachting
  • Parasailing
  • Sailboarding
  • Cruising
  • Catamaran sailing
  • Hydro foiling
  • Hydrospeeding
  • Water skiing
  • Barefoot water skiing
  • Deep Water soloing
  • Kiteboarding (on land or water)
  • Kayaking
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Wakeboarding
  • Wake skating
  • Scuba diving

Your coverage depends on your Country of Residence, and certain conditions may apply for coverage to be available. An additional premium may also apply. Check out the sports, activities and adventures covered by World Nomads for more details.

What’s not covered?

Not every day is smooth sailing, but if you check the weather forecast, you can avoid some choppy waters. The same is true for travel insurance: if you know what’s excluded beforehand, you’ll be better equipped to navigate any unexpected losses. And sorry, we may not be able to cover you for:

  • Sailing beyond the allowed distance from a safe haven or shore, as specified in your policy
  • Racing and/or professional sailing
  • Boat rental damage or loss
  • Search-and-rescue missions
  • Extreme sport sailing
  • Losses that come from knowingly exposing yourself to needless risk
  • Fraudulent and criminal acts
  • Any claims resulting in the violation of local laws
  • Any losses related to non-compliance with a license, contract or permit
  • Sports equipment such as scuba, snorkel and scuba gear if it’s damaged while in-use

In addition to life jackets, floatation devices and other safety gear, be sure to BYO sunscreen. For more travel info, read our Explore, Travel Safety, and Responsible Travel articles.

Get a quote for your next sailing trip

Fill out the form below and navigate your way to the right travel insurance for your next boating adventure.

Got questions? We’re here to help. Get in touch and we can help get you set sail with peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

Should I consider insurance to sail while overseas?

Without the right cover, you could be setting sail for disaster. Consider choosing travel insurance that covers you for all the water-based adventures you plan to enjoy overseas, even sailing. Securing travel insurance specifically for sailing means you and your vessel will be protected for a wide variety of unforeseen disasters. Check your country’s policy wording for details on what’s covered.

Which destinations am I covered for when sailing?

Depending on your Country of Residence and the policy you choose, your boating in your desired destination could be just a gust of wind away. Check your country’s policy wording to see if your preferred destination is covered for sailing trips.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Work emergency?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.
Photo © lechatnoir / Getty

Travel Insurance for France

What Americans need to know before traveling to France

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance

  • World Nomads offers four travel protection plans for your trip to France. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections. 
  • Coverage may apply to popular activities in France like skiing, sailing and hiking. 
  • Plans for Americans include protection for medical emergencies, trip delays and lost luggage. 

France comes second only to Mexico as the country Americans visit most. Paris is easy to love, of course – once you’ve ticked off the must-visit sights, there are countless neighborhoods, museums and markets to explore. As for nightlife, Paris offers everything from underground clubs to cabaret at the Moulin Rouge. France’s rivers lead to cities like Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Nice, each with a storied past to uncover. Indulging in the food and wine of Alsace, Burgundy and Champagne is a given, and art lovers wanting to walk in the footsteps of their favorite artists can do so in the rolling countryside, towns and hilltop villages of Provence – you can even have a croissant and cafe au lait at the same Arles cafe Van Gogh painted. With any luck, the worst you’ll deal with is a hangover after a night out – but it may pay to be prepared for more serious surprises with travel protection. 

Plan Comparisons

Choosing the right travel protection coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.

Standard PlanExplorer PlanEpic PlanAnnual Plan

Ideal for:
Budget Travelers

Coverage Includes:

  • Accident & Sickness Medical Expense – $125,000
  • Medical Evacuation – $400,000 
  • Trip Cancellation – $2,500

Covering the basics for your trip to France.

Get a quote

Ideal for:
Adventure Travelers

Coverage Includes:

  • Accident & Sickness Medical Expense – $150,000
  • Medical Evacuation – $500,000
  • Trip Cancellation – $10,000

Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available.*

Get a quote

Ideal for:
Bucket-list trips

Coverage Includes:

  • Accident & Sickness Medical Expense – $250,000
  • Medical Evacuation – $700,000
  • Trip Cancellation – $15,000 

Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available.*

Get a quote

Ideal for:
Weekend warriors & avid travelers

Coverage Includes:

  • Accident & Sickness Medical Expense – Up to $100,000 per trip
  • Medical Evacuation – Up to $100,000 per trip
  • Trip Cancellation – $5,000 per individual coverage term
Get a quote
*Additional cost, terms and conditions apply. Not available to residents of NY

Travel insurance for adventure activities in France

If you’re all about getting outdoors, France has plenty on offer. In winter, hit the slopes in the French Alps, then come back in summer for hiking, climbing and paragliding over alpine valleys. Down south, the French Riviera is made for life on the water, from sailing and kayaking to swimming in clear Mediterranean coves. Ready to ride? Cycle through Provence’s countryside or take on longer routes through the Loire Valley. If you’re feeling adventurous, go canyoning in southern France, bungee jump off the highest bridge in Europe, ride horses on the beaches of Normandy or sky dive over Cannes. 

Coverage for activities in France

Snow 31 activities
Water 74 activities
Air 15 activities
Land 65 activities
Sports 85 activities
Experiences 18 activities
Activities shown in blue are automatically included in the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip Plans. Activities shown in orange require an optional upgrade for coverage to apply. Special conditions and exclusions may apply to certain activities, check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

Common insurance considerations for France

Accidents and emergencies 

No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get sick or have an accident that sends you to the hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel protection before you left home. Took a tumble on the ski slopes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and ended up in the hospital? Ate a seafood galette at a dodgy Parisian bistro and ended up with food poisoningEmergency assistance is a phone call away. All World Nomads plans include non-insurance services like portable health records. This enables medical staff to access your records 24/7. Having that information available may be critical if you experience an unexpected medical emergency while travelling.

 

Trip cancellation

The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel protection plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home. Change your mind about traveling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase the Cancel For Any Reason benefit within 7 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight) and remember to cancel no later than two days before your departure date. Additional cost, terms and conditions apply; not available to New York residents.

Emergency evacuation

If you get sick or injured and your condition is acute, severe, or life threatening and you’re far from suitable medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage may help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the maximum benefit amount, to get you to the closest suitable medical facility or to your primary residence for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies.

Trip interruption

No matter how good of a time you’re having in France, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get injured or sick while you're traveling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.

 

Tips we recommend for traveling to France

  • Book ahead for major attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower to avoid long queues and sold-out time slots 
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in busy areas and on public transport, especially in Paris  
  • If you don’t speak French, try not to get offended at restaurants and shops if busy people get frustrated with your attempts to communicate. Use Google Translate 
  • Avoid locking valuables in your rental car and use luggage locks. 
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FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for France. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

  • Is France safe for tourists?
    France is generally safe for travelers, though petty theft can occur in busy areas and on public transport, particularly in Paris. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow US Department of State travel advisories*. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected situations that arise. 
  • What if my passport gets stolen in France?

    World Nomads travel protection plans cover theft or damage of the following documents: 

    • Passports 
    • Driver’s licenses 
    • Birth certificates 
    • Travel visas 

    You can claim up to the maximum limit stated in the plan towards the replacement of your passport or one or more other travel documents mentioned above. 

  • What is the best time to visit France?
    Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be crowded, especially in Paris and along the coast.
  • What is the best way to get around France?
    France has an excellent train network, including high-speed TGV services connecting major cities. Car hire is useful for exploring rural regions like Provence and the Loire Valley.
  • Do I need to tip in France?
    Service is usually included in restaurant bills, so tipping isn’t expected, though rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated.
  • What currency is used in France?
    France uses the euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
  • What do I do if I need emergency assistance?

    No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergencystolen gearmissing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.  

    When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back. 

    The contact information for medical emergency assistance is: 

    Phone: +1 (877) 289-0968 (toll-free from the Continental US); or 

    Phone: +1 (954) 334-8143 (collect from anywhere else in the world) 



Need destination inspiration for France?

Not sure where your next adventure should take you? Take a look at these travel and safety ideas and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Lille and Lyon, France: Gorgeous Alternatives to Paris

Cycling the Seine From Paris to the Sea

Is it Safe to Drive in France? Road Safety Tips

Skiing and Snowboarding Travel Insurance Coverage

20260709-5731893. *This website is not affiliated with United States Fire Insurance Company, World Nomads, or Trip Mate. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.
Photo © Getty/Roberto Westbrook

Travel Insurance for volunteering

Don't let your good deeds go uncovered.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Whether you have specific skills to offer or you’re in search of meaningful connectionsvolunteering abroad can be life changing experience. While out in the world helping others, make sure you also look after yourself and consider buying travel insurance before you pack your bags. 

World Nomads travel insurance can cover you when participating in a range of round-the-world volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. Whatever the cause, we’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back. 

What's covered   

Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected, World Nomads travel insurance may provide cover for: 

  • Trip cancellation 
  • Trip interruption  
  • Emergency medical care 
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation 
  • Trip delay 
  • Baggage and personal belongings cover 
  • Extend or buy more cover while traveling 
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events 

Traveler tip 1: if you intend to work or study, you must have the appropriate visa to work or study under the local laws of the country you’re visiting. 

Travel insurance cover on our Standard and Explorer plans 

At World Nomads, we do our best to support volunteers, whether it's protecting endangered turtle hatching grounds or teaching school children in an under resourced village. 

Before you take off on your next volunteer adventure, consider packing travel insurance that provides cover for the things you plan to do.  

Volunteer activities our Standard Plan may cover include: 

  • Hospitality or work at bars. 
  • Farming such as fruit picking, WWOOFing or other manual labor. 
  • Wildlife or animal care. 
  • Environmental or conservation work. 
  • Au pair, nanny or other volunteer childcare. 
  • Teaching. 
  • Retail work such as shop assistant or store manager role. 
  • Office or clerical work. 

Volunteer activities our Explorer Plan may cover include: 

  • Undertakings in construction or renovation projects, including painting, using power tools, operating machinery, or roadwork. 
  • NGO support and disaster relief. 
  • Medical and health care work (health education, medical services, medical practitioner). 

Note: you can upgrade your cover for a range of other activities and experiences and manual work if you select the activities (listed as Level 2 and 3) and pay any required additional premium at the time you buy your policy. 

If you feel unsure about whether your volunteer activity is covered, you can get in touch with our Customer Service team and they will be able to assist you. 

Am I covered for Coronavirus-related events? 

While volunteer work is rewarding, getting sick while overseas can be costly in more ways than one, especially with Coronavirus still causing major issues worldwide. The cover you will have under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. They include: 

  • Standard and Explorer plans: offer cover for emergency medical assistance if you get sick with Coronavirus (COVID-19) overseas (excluding pre-existing medical conditions, as defined in the policy wording) – cover includes medical assistance, repatriation, and hospitalization. 
  • Explorer Plan: additionally, offers cover for some Coronavirus-related events including but not limited to cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs, as well as additional cover for healthcare workers, residential care workers and law enforcement officers who have their pre-arranged leave cancelled by their employer due to Coronavirus. Benefit limits apply. 

To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions. 

Traveler tip 2: do your research well in advance of your trip around vaccines needed for your intended destination. Make sure you follow government, health department, and World Health Organization preventative and precautionary measures, including any relevant vaccinations, hygiene, or social distancing guidelines. Please refer to who.int for further information. 

What’s not covered? 

Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover. This includes volunteer work that includes: 

  • Taking part in activities such as base jumping, wingsuit flying, cliff diving, martial arts competitions, motor sports, and piloting an aircraft among others. 
  • Going on dangerous expeditions; mountaineering expeditions or expeditions to inaccessible regions of the Arctic, Antarctica, or Greenland, unless approved by us. 
  • Crewing of a vessel more than 60 miles (96.5km) from a protected body of water. 
  • Work as a guide where ropes or other specialist climbing equipment is required. 
  • Work offshore or underground, including in caves. 
  • Work operating machinery or heavy/industrial equipment. 
  • Work at height without proper safety equipment. 
  • Working with dangerous animals, for example, hippopotami, crocodiles, alligators, sharks, elephants, bears, big cats, and deadly snakes. 

Traveler tip 3: you must have the appropriate skills and training and hold the necessary licences and/or certificates for the work you undertake. You should only work from ground level up to two metres above ground, as the risk of injury is significantly increased when working at heights greater than two metres. 

If you’re not sure about coverage, contact us and we’ll help you. 

If haven't yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in the following articles: 

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn't covered. 

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
    Who pays depends on what happened. If it’s an emergency situation, where medical evacuation is required, World Nomads can cover these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording and you get pre-approval from the Emergency Assistance team). You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
Photo © Getty/Matteo Colombo

Travel insurance when off the grid

Ready to unplug and cleanse mind, body, and spirit? We have coverage for unexpected setbacks while you’re getting away from it all.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Whether off-grid for you means a remote mountain escape in Jasper National Park, a solo road trip in New Zealand, or experiencing rural village life by volunteering, it can be a great way to escape the stresses of daily life.

While you’re planning your off-grid getaway, don’t forget to consider travel insurance which could save you a few headaches and avoid some nasty hospital and medical bills.

Why should I consider travel insurance?

Going off-grid can be the ultimate form of social distancing if you’re seeking solitude, avoiding large crowds, and wanting to unplug from digital devices. Both our Standard and Explorer plans may offer coverage (up to the benefit limits) if:

  • You get injured and need medical transport or evacuation back to your home country.
  • You need coverage for your bags and valuables in case they’ve been lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
  • You’ve already left home and forgot to buy travel insurance.
  • You need coverage for emergency medical expenses and hospitalization costs for sudden injury or illness.
  • You’re looking for coverage for a range of adventure sports, activities, and experiences.

Don’t forget to read the policy wording as all plans are different and coverage will depend on your Country of Residence. Never assume you’ll be covered in every situation, as benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions may apply. If you are still unsure about what you are covered for then contact us.

Want to know more about what is and isn’t covered by travel insurance? Read your policy and contact us if you have any questions.

Rental coverage when your road trip comes to a halt

Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your Country of Residence and your choice of insurance plan, a Standard or an Explorer. Make sure you read your policy and check the amount of coverage your plan provides.

Remember, if you leave your gear in your rental vehicle unattended or unsecured, and it gets stolen, our plans are unlikely to cover it.

If you get into a car accident, rental car travel insurance may help by covering damage to your vehicle and the cost of repairs, as well as charges imposed by the rental company, depending on your circumstances.

Make sure you report the damage to the local authorities and the rental car company as soon as possible. Also, it almost goes without saying, damage due to irresponsible behaviour will not be covered.

Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you purchase there may be coverage for vehicle rentals. However, coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

Travel insurance tip 1: before you rent that 1960s Jaguar E-type you’ve always dreamed of, check the policy. Many classic or luxury cars are not covered.

Coverage for adventure seekers and sports lovers

Off-grid getaways are a great way to engage in some high-energy activities.  

Maybe abseiling or a thrilling zip line is your thing? Before you pull the rip cord on that adventure, check that your insurance covers your activityDepending on your Country of Residence, you may need to include an insurance upgrade when you buy to have coverage for some activities. If you don’t have the right level of coverage, you won’t be able to claim if something goes wrong.  

Many policies cover white water rafting and kayaking, for example, but Class 6, Extreme and Exploratory Rapids aren’t covered. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. Your policy may have conditions and exclusions.

Top travel insurance tip 2: when it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Responsible behavior is vital for your health and safety. If you need emergency medical treatment or evacuation, you, or someone with you, should contact our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible. They will contact a suitable assistance or ambulance company and arrange medical care.

Coverage for unexpected medical emergencies  

Our plans cover emergency medical expenses when you're sick or injured. If your injuries are more serious than minor bumps and scratches, you may need to get to a hospital. Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for ambulances or transfers to an appropriate medical facility. Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount and terms of coverage in your policy.

Travel insurance tip 3: if your medical emergency means you need to return to your Country of Residence, then your coverage may include medical repatriation.

Go REALLY off the grid, but check your destinations

OK, so there’s off-grid and then there’s really off the grid. Just be aware that the more remote your destination, the more chance there is that these may not be covered. Make sure to check if your off-the-grid destination(s) are covered by our policies.

Some destinations may not be covered due to violence, terrorism or possibly due to being designated a COVID hotspot. Additionally, there will also be certain activities, including volunteering activities, that we cannot cover as they are too dangerous.

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.

What does my travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance tip 4: Depending on your Country of Residence, if you decide to travel to a country where there’s already been a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning or its equivalent put in place by your government, then your policy will be cancelled. Governments can issue or change travel warnings without notice, so always check with World Nomads before you pay anything towards your trip.

True Claims Stories

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team