Essential travel insurance tips for Australia

Ignoring the practicalities of traveling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has caught out many experienced travelers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover before you travel around Australia.

Protect your gear from theft

Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, while the majority are friendly to travelers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Theft is a common claim in Australia. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi while you’re swimming, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also don’t leave anything in your car as break and enters are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. Check your policy carefully for full details of cover, including the limit payable on each item, the excess (your contribution or deductible) and any exclusions or conditions of cover such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.

Baggage delay

Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a halfday plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 24 hours for your bags to arrive. Travel insurance isn’t designed to swap your ripped jeans for a designer pair, so read this section of your policy carefully before you spend up big and then try and claim.

Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.

Medical insurance for accidents or injuries

The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so make sure you take out a full medical travel insurance plan before you travel. This is different to the medical insurance cover you might have at home which won’t cover you overseas. Medical Insurance is your safety net if you become very unwell; it’s not designed to pay for every scratch and headache, which is why benefit limits and excesses apply. If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.

Adventure sport coverage

There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing; over water only. Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. Check your policy carefully so there are no surprises Your travel insurance policy will have limits and exclusions. This ensures the policy you pay for is kept at a lower cost. And, remember, engaging in risky activities, such as handling wild animals or swimming in dangerous areas (to name just two examples), may result in your coverage being voided. 

Brazilian residents are not covered by World Nomads travel insurance plans for the destination of Nepal.

Why is travel insurance to Nepal so expensive?

Travel insurance providers around the world have been hit with an extremely high number of claims in Nepal, which seriously threatens the viability of providing cover. 

Insurance, which has been costing travelers around $100-$150 USD for a three-week trip, pays for helicopter evacuations that cost $5000 USD. And there’s been an extraordinary number of them. In April 2019 we had to deal with and pay for 140 helicopter evacuations – that’s more than four per day! 

In 2014, 5% of claims for one part of our business was from travelers in Nepal. In just three years this had increased to 25%. In the most recent 2019 trekking season, the percentage of our travelers in Nepal who made a claim rose from 15% to 60%. This is why premiums have risen dramatically for some World Nomads customers (the price change doesn’t apply to policyholders who are residents of USA, Canada, Brazil, China or Philippines). 

There are lots of claims, and the cause is varied and complex

There is evidence of Nepalese providers over-servicing and inflating costs. This has been documented by several investigative journalists as you can read in this article published by The New York Times. Those investigations have revealed trekking companies, acting as ‘middlemen’, are collecting commissions of 50% of the cost billed to insurers. Helicopter companies are billing for four-hour flights that take only two or three hours and charging an inflated hourly rate. Hospitals have admitted to producing fake invoices for patients they never treated and have been accused of performing unnecessary medical procedures on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) sufferers. 

There are now more than 2000 trekking companies in Nepal, and they are under pressure to move more travelers through treks at a faster rate, which may be contributing to the rise in AMS cases. Altitude sickness plays no favorites and can strike anyone regardless of their level of fitness and preparedness. Greater numbers of unwell trekkers means an increase in insurance claims. Please note, however, that the percentage rise in AMS cases far exceeds the percentage rise in travelers. 

How travel insurance works

Like any insurance, we collect a pool of money from insurance premiums, which those in need can call on to pay bills. If the amount of money going out exceeds the amount being paid in, obviously the pool will empty. Right now, that pool is emptying fast and it’s mostly going out through Nepal. 

The average cost of a claim from Nepal is $3000 USD. By comparison the average claim cost from the USA is $1600 USD – and the US has the most expensive medical system in the world.

What are our options? 

1. We could stop offering plans which cover Nepal, which is exactly what some travel insurance providers have done. But we don’t want to do that. We love Nepal. We love that you love Nepal. Pulling out of the market would also not be the right thing to do by the Nepalese people. They have given so much to travelers over the years, we don’t believe it is right to abandon them. We’re doing everything we can to avoid that. 
2. We could put prices up across the board for travelers to all destinations. In other words, everyone pays more, regardless of where they’re going, to put more money in the pool. Frankly, we’ve been doing that. A little bit of the premium for someone traveling to a low-claim destination helps offset the cost of the premium for someone traveling to a high claim destination. But continuing to do it is not fair on Nomads not going to Nepal because the costs are now excessive. 
3. The alternative is for travelers to Nepal to pay a fairer share of the costs and carry a higher burden of the risk. We’ve used this strategy in the past, but it hasn’t been enough. This is why the premium has gone up so much. Be warned, it could go even higher if the situation in Nepal doesn’t change. 

What we’re doing about it 

We are continuing with what we call “cost containment” procedures, such as:

• Asking trekking and helicopter companies and hospitals to justify the bills they are sending us.
• Asking for flight manifests and other documentation, not to make travelers jump through hoops, but to understand if what’s been charged is a fair price.
• Negotiating with trusted providers to set fixed prices for services. 
• Sending investigators into Nepal to interview and counsel providers. 
• Sending team members to Nepal to negotiate better deals with providers. 
• Asking trekking companies to call us for approval, where possible, before commencing an evacuation. We have asked if we can speak to the traveler prior to evacuation commencing. 
• Working with the Nepalese government to find a solution to this problem. 

What we are NOT doing is threatening to boycott Nepal or withdraw our services. We believe collaborative effort can find a solution that is right for our travelers, the Nepalese people, the trekking companies and the insurers. 

What you can do to help 

First, know that your health and wellbeing is our primary concern. If you are suffering from altitude sickness, please call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible. We will do everything in our power to get you the medical care you need and will assist you in overcoming the condition. If it is possible (and it’s not always) call us to discuss your situation. Despite what you may be told, all the lodges at Gorek Shep have landline telephone connections, and all trekking companies have phone connection (cell or satellite). 

• Be as prepared as you can before commencing a trek. 
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of AMS.  
• Understand how the over-servicing is happening, this article of ours may help. 
• Take extra time to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. 
• If you suffer from symptoms of AMS descend to below 3800 meters, where medical evidence shows the symptoms will dissipate in between 12 and 24 hours. If that doesn’t work, you will need emergency evacuation and we’ll arrange it. 
• Acknowledge that at high altitude you may struggle to cope with the unfamiliar conditions – the cold, the lack of oxygen and the physical activity. 

Before you go, please familiarize yourself with what’s happening in Nepal and your policy wording, and where possible contact us before agreeing to any evacuations. Your health is paramount but eventually these rising costs will discourage travelers from choosing to go to Nepal, which will hurt the Nepalese people economically.

Essential tips for traveling in New Zealand

Home to outstanding natural wonders, a rich culture, and delectable eats, New Zealand is a land of plenty when it comes to travel experiences.

• What’s covered
• What’s not covered
• Protect your gear from theft
• Adventure sport
• Hiking safety
• FAQs

‘Kiwis’ are an affable bunch who prefer the outdoors to in. And when you step foot on “Aeoteroa” it’s clear why. The Bay of Islands offers world-class sailing, Fjordland National Park should be an immersive experience, and coming face-to-face with the cerulean waters of the Kawarau River on a bungy jump in Queenstown is all but a rite of passage.

No matter what your plans are, you should consider travel insurance as you never know when it may come in handy in the land of the long white cloud.

What’s covered?

Planning a trip to a laidback country has a way of rubbing off on you - you can feel impervious to the unruly. The truth is accidents, theft, and medical emergencies happen. Ease your mind before you go (or while traveling) with World Nomads travel insurance. With two levels of cover, Standard and Explorer, and depending on your Country of Residence, all our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:

• Loss of baggage and personal effects
• Medical emergencies
• Unexpected trip cancelation
• Trip interruption and delays
• Issues arising from a wide variety of sports, activities, and experiences.

Consider your travel insurance needs and select the right plan for you. If you need to make a claim, extend your policy, or get a quote (even while traveling), we’re here to help.

Note: all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy.

What’s not covered

World Nomads is here to help, however travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, like if you decide you’d rather travel to Australia instead. With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip from home or while you're already traveling around New Zealand. These are some circumstances where you won’t be covered:

• Cancellation costs because you’ve changed your mind.
• Participation in a sport or activity that is not listed in the policy wording (or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid an additional premium)
• Mishaps as a result of reckless behavior.
• Costs arising from refusal to be repatriated once declared medically unfit to continue a trip but fit for repatriation.
• Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's travel insurance for medical emergencies).
• Expenses you have not made every reasonable attempt to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking or travel agents, any compensation scheme, or other source.

If you have any questions or are unsure if something is covered, contact us for more information.

Protect your gear from theft

Yes, Kiwis are a friendly bunch but that doesn’t mean theft and crime don’t exist. While not high, petty crime can be an issue.

Vehicle theft

Thieves are known to target vehicles. Never leave your valuables in your car or campervan, whether you’ve locked the doors or not, particularly in remote regions.

Never leave valuables unattended

Even in a safe country like New Zealand it’s important to always keep your valuables in sight. In cities, on public transport, and crowded areas be aware of your surroundings and never leave your valuables unattended - even for a minute.

Adventure sport

Adventure is all but New Zealand’s middle name. We cover a wide variety of sports and activities but before you strap on that bungy cord or slay the slopes in Queenstown, paddle down rushing rapids, or zorb down a grassy knoll, confirm which activities are covered as part of your travel insurance.

Hiking safety

New Zealand is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world. From tramping The Milford Track to exploring Fox Glacier Valley, you’ll want to pack your walking shoes. No matter the trail it’s important to be prepared: always check the weather, hike with someone, and pack water and an emergency survival kit - because you never know what’s going to happen on the trail.

Access our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock

When you have World Nomads travel insurance you have access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. If something goes awry our team can help, whether that’s finding a local medical facility, assisting with consular details, or getting you home for the medical help you need via repatriation.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

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.

Watch Anton's true claim story

I fell on my side and heard the sound of dry stick breaking, I realized my leg was broken, then I just lay on the beach... The first phone call I got was from World Nomads and they basically told me, you don't worry about this Anton, just focus on getting better...and we'll take care of the rest.

Anton,
World Nomads customer from Iceland

Essential travel insurance tips

Ignoring the practicalities of traveling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has caught out many experienced travelers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover before you travel around Australia.

Protect your gear from theft

Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, while the majority are friendly to travelers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Theft is a common claim in Australia. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi while you’re swimming, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also don’t leave anything in your car as break and enters are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. Check your policy carefully for full details of cover, including the limit payable on each item, the excess (your contribution or deductible) and any exclusions or conditions of cover such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.

Baggage delay

Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a halfday plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 24 hours for your bags to arrive. Travel insurance isn’t designed to swap your ripped jeans for a designer pair, so read this section of your policy carefully before you spend up big and then try and claim.

Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.

Medical insurance for accidents or injuries

The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so make sure you take out a full medical travel insurance plan before you travel. This is different to the medical insurance cover you might have at home which won’t cover you overseas. Medical Insurance is your safety net if you become very unwell; it’s not designed to pay for every scratch and headache, which is why benefit limits and excesses apply. If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.

Adventure sport coverage

There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing. Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. Check your policy carefully so there are no surprises Your travel insurance policy will have limits and exclusions. This ensures the policy you pay for is kept at a lower cost. And, remember, if you do something really stupid, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.

Thailand welcomes millions of visitors each year. Learn how travel insurance could help you in Thailand.

Traveling to Thailand soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and more.

• Surviving traveler's diarrhea
• Riding Motorbikes and Scooters
• Theft
• Will an excess or deductible apply?

Surviving traveler's diarrhea

You're going to find a variety of delicious food while traveling in Thailand but food preparation standards can vary. Gastro and its unpleasant side effects are one of the more common medical complaints our World Nomads have while traveling through Thailand.

Fortunately, our Emergency Assistance team can support you 24/7, even if you’re held up in a squat toilet. We can help you find a doctor, particularly useful in Thailand’s remote areas, where access to medical care is harder to come by. Or if it’s really serious, the team can arrange for an emergency evacuation.

Hospitals in Thailand (especially if you’re near Bangkok or Phuket) are usually well-equipped to treat you even if they may seem less modern than facilities you’d find at home.

But let’s hope you don’t get there. Here are some simple actions that can help save you and your tummy:

• Always wash your hands before and after eating or use a hand sanitizer… that little action can save you a lot of time and expense!
• Never eat anything that's been sitting around, even for a short while. How long has that food in the hotel buffet really been sitting there?
• Try to pick clean, fly-free food stalls that have a lot of people at them. A food stall that's popular will have a high turnover of produce, so nothing is left sitting around to go off.
• Don't drink tap water in Thailand; stick to bottled, boiled or treated water. Most restaurants use ice from the extensive network of ice factories which use purified water. The safe ice is easy to spot… it’s tubular in shape.
• Gastro can turn deadly quickly if you lose more fluids than you can keep down. Seek help early and carry rehydration sachets with you.

Riding Motorbikes and Scooters

It’s easy to rent a motorcycle, so it’s not surprising that we see everything from exhaust pipe burns to injuries caused by horrific crashes, which can sometimes be fatal.

For your coverage to take effect, certain conditions apply:

• You must bring your driver’s license from home.
• You need to comply with local laws and safety practices (obey speed limits, don’t drive drunk).
• Always wear a helmet.

If you choose to ride, be sure to buy a travel insurance plan that covers motorbike and scooter use. Read our article on covered sports, activities and adventures. In some cases, you may also have to buy an adventure sport upgrade for an additional premium.

World Nomads coverage for travelers hurt in motorcycle accidents may include:

• Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or by a doctor at the local medical center
• Evacuation to more suitable medical facility if it’s urgent, medically necessary and if you’re fit to travel
• Repatriation if you’re seriously ill or injured and unable to continue your trip.

If you need medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation, you or a travel companion MUST contact our Emergency Assistance team immediately.

Limits, conditions and exclusions to coverage will apply so read your policy carefully for full details.

Theft in Thailand

Before you travel to Thailand, store a copy your receipts, as you’ll need proof of ownership to make claim should your items get stolen. Contact your bank before departure to let them know of your travel plans, and be on the lookout for any suspicious transactions, especially after you return home.

All World Nomads travel insurance plans will have some coverage for theft. However, with any insurance plan, limits, conditions and exclusions may apply. For example:

•  If you have simply spaced out and misplaced your gear or if your tech gets damaged from everyday wear and tear, this is not covered.
• Generally, you need to be able to show that you took reasonable care of your belongings. That means you should carry your electronics and valuables with you at all times and lock your belongings up in a secure location, as can be described in your policy wording.

If your stuff is stolen, you’ll need a police report, or some other kind of report from an authorized representative (for example, a property irregularity report from the airline or bus company if your bags were checked in) to validate your claim.

Will an excess or deductible apply?

An excess or deductible is the amount you pay for covered expenses before insurance coverage kicks in. Whether or not you have an excess or deductible depends on your country of residence. Check your policy wording. If your claim adds up to less than the excess or deductible, then you don’t get paid out.

1. Report it to your carrier

Once you realize your luggage is missing, report it immediately to the carrier – your airline or tour operator, for example. Get a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as a confirmation of the delay. To qualify for benefits, the delay must be at least 12 hours.

2. Ask for compensation

Check with your carrier to see if you qualify for any compensation, such as for the cost of basic personal items while you wait for your bags to be returned. You should keep a copy of the exchange with your carrier that confirms or denies any coverage.

3. Keep your receipts

If you’re not compensated by the carrier, you may qualify for coverage should the delay be a minimum of 12 hours – and if it doesn’t happen on your return flight home. Keep the original receipts for any personal items you purchase – such as toothbrushes, prescription medication or a change of clothes. 

Before you go shopping for designer jeans or a fancy ballgown, consider that your plan has limits on what’s considered a reasonable expense. Read your policy carefully and contact us if you have any questions on what might be covered. (You wouldn’t believe some of the outrageous claims we’ve seen!) 

4. Get a second report

Once you get your luggage, get written confirmation from the carrier confirming the length of the delay. As mentioned above, that period counts as at least 12 hours after the scheduled arrival time. You won’t qualify for any reimbursements for under that amount of time. 

5. Prepare your claim

Read over your insurance policy to see what’s covered and to check if any terms, conditions or exclusions apply. With World Nomads, you can file your claim on the website and send in any supporting documentation afterwards. 

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions.  If you do not understand your coverage, of if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.