Travel insurance for health emergencies
Travel Insurance isn't health insurance. Here's why...
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- Travel insurance for health emergencies
- So this isn't a health insurance plan?
- What does travel insurance cover if I'm sick or injured?
- 24/7 multilingual support when you need it the most
- Is there medical cover for Coronavirus?
- What’s not covered?
Travel insurance for health emergencies
Travel insurance is there to help you when you've been involved in an accident or you've fallen ill and need medical care. Our travel insurance policies can help patch you up and get you back on the road.
Just keep in mind that our policies are travel insurance policies and not health insurance policies or private medical insurance (PMI) policies, and they don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Make sure you read through your policy wording carefully to see exactly what’s covered and how we might be able to help if you find yourself in a health emergency overseas.
So this isn't a health insurance plan?
Nope, it's a travel insurance policy. There’s a key difference: travel insurance can include cover for health issues and medical emergencies while you’re traveling overseas, while health insurance is designed to support healthy living at home (and while we do encourage healthy living, we don’t offer health insurance, sorry).
Our travel insurance policies are there for overseas medical emergencies and are not designed to cover ongoing illness or treatment overseas, or any treatment when you get home.
What does travel insurance cover if I'm sick or injured?
If you’re injured in an accident or suddenly become ill while traveling, you may be covered for overseas emergency medical treatment, including:
- Hospitalization
- Day surgery and out-patient treatment
- Visits to registered medical practitioners
- Prescribed medicines
- Ambulances
- Extra expenses to get you home, if medically necessary.
24/7 multi-lingual support when you need it the most
We also have 24-hour, multi-lingual assistance teams who can guide you to the nearest hospital, arrange medical transport, set up direct payments to the medical facility, and keep you in contact with your family back home. Coverage may depend on your past medical history, what's happened to you and any other conditions, limits or exclusions of cover as described in your policy.
Is there medical cover for Coronavirus?
Some, but not all, of our policies offer cover for medical expenses and repatriation if you get ill with Coronavirus (COVID-19) while overseas when it is not a pre-existing medical condition. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care
- Medical costs, including hospitalization
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
It’s important to note coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims for overseas medical expenses we see where there's no cover include:
- If you've become intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs
- If you've been behaving in a reckless manner
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (that's what your health insurance or national health coverage at home is designed to do)
- Pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in your policy wording
- Ongoing treatment at home
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. There are limits and conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our articles on overseas emergency medical coverage and adventure sports coverage, and read your policy carefully before you buy. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
How to get medical assistance for health emergencies.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our Emergency Assistance teams as soon as possible, so that our teams can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Travel Insurance Tip: Our policies may offer coverage for insured events resulting in cancellation, trip interruption and trip resumption. Please take the time to read your policy wording as there are limits on your coverage depending on which plan you buy and your Country of Residence.
Cramps in India
I had been sick in India for about a month with ongoing symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, loss of appetite etc. Once we had arrived in Turkey, I had an attack during the night at our hostel. I was vomiting, had diarrhea and intense stomach cramping, so my boyfriend and I thought it was best to head to a hospital. Due to my condition I could not walk, it was also 2 or 3am and we had no other method of getting to a hospital other than arranging for the hospital to send an ambulance to pick me up. Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctors undertook an examination of me and my conditions and due to severe dehydration they gave me a drip to restore my fluids. To find out what the cause of my symptoms were, they conducted tests on my blood and stool. The doctor also prescribed me medication to treat both my symptoms and illness. These included creams and also antibiotics.
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)
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 teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask our customer service team.
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I'm at expat, but return to see family once a year. Can I buy a World Nomads' policy?
You can buy a policy for your return trip. However, if you intend to move somewhere permanently, you'll need health insurance.
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Will I need medical records if I need to claim?
Yes. The team will ask for medical records before processing any medical claim.
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Does it matter if my receipts are in another language?
You can submit your claim with the receipts in another language. If the claims examiner requires you to translate it, they'll let you know.
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Is there an excess or deductible?
Some policies have an excess or deductible, so it's a good idea to check your policy.
Travel insurance for natural disasters
For when nature intervenes
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- What’s covered for natural disasters
- What’s not covered by travel insurance in the event of a natural disaster?
- Claims process made simple
- FAQ’s
Natural disasters not only cause physical harm, they also shut down airports, wipe out accommodation and cancel trips. While natural disasters are unpredictable, some give off enough warning so you're not caught off guard.
While you can’t control the weather, you can do your part to insure yourself against unexpected weather events. If you don’t want to risk it, you should consider travel insurance on your next trip just in case it gets cancelled, or you become stranded overseas and need to pay for additional accommodation and flights.
What’s covered
If you’re affected by a natural disaster, you may be able to make a claim for:
- Trip cancellation: You must do what you can to minimize your expense (which may mean cancelling your booking) and notify us as soon as possible within seven days.
- Trip interruption: You can make a claim for pre-paid, non-refundable travel arrangements that you haven’t been able to use, such as flights and other types of transportation, tours and hotels.
For World Nomads policies that do cover natural disasters in one way or another, you'll need to have bought a policy before the natural disaster event is known and do everything you can to minimize your expenses.
For example, if you’re a UK resident, you’ll be covered for reasonable additional accommodation (room only) and transport costs (Economy Class) you incur during your trip, if you’ve taken out the Explorer plan and you:
- Cannot use your booked accommodation during your trip due to a natural catastrophe.
- If you need to move to the nearest place of safety due to a natural catastrophe.
Always read the policy wording as you go through the purchase path, as there are terms and conditions, limits and exclusions on the cover. Cover will depend on your Country of Residence and which plan – Standard vs Explorer – you buy.
Travel insurance tip: If your destination is impacted by a natural catastrophe or severe weather then you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible so we are advised of the situation. If you do not comply with this condition, it may impact what we pay you for your claim.
What’s not covered by travel insurance in the event of a natural disaster?
- If you don’t follow the advice of the authorities.
- If you hang around to watch what happens.
- If you buy a policy after an event becomes known.
For more information regarding cover for natural disaster check out our Help Center article - Am I covered for a natural disaster? Just pick your country of residence in the country picker at the top of the page to access the latest information.
Claims process made simple
In the event that you need to file a claim, we’ve created this easy to follow step-by-step guide. Be sure to gather the following documentation, as it pertains to your case:
- Proof of all non-refundable, prepaid deposits or payments.
- Complete unused transportation tickets and vouchers.
- Original receipts for any expenses incurred because of the natural disaster.
- Original receipts for any new tickets.
- Invoices and original receipts from travel service providers.
If you have any questions about how World Nomads travel insurance covers natural disasters, please contact us.
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.
If you’re traveling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
Get a quote 24/7
World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you come unstuck in sticky situations, like when you show up, but your bags don’t. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.
Tsunami in Sumatra.
One night, I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
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)
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 teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about natural disasters and insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center.
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Will I be covered if my trip is delayed due to a natural disaster?
If your trip is delayed due to a natural disaster, you may be covered for travel delay benefits. However, this will depend on the plan you purchased and your Country of Residence. Always read your policy to find out what is the minimum number of hours required there is for a trip delay. If a natural disaster delays your trip by the specified number of hours, your travel insurance plan can reimburse you for your reasonable and necessary prepaid trip expenses such as meals, hotel rooms, communication and transportation, up to the benefit limit of your plan.
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What if I change my mind about traveling to destination due to a possible natural disaster?
Unfortunately, you will not be covered if you cancel your trip due to fear of travel or just changing your mind. The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. 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.
Travel and Holiday insurance
Simple and flexible travel insurance for international travel. Buy, extend and claim online anywhere in the world.
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Trusted by:
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families. You'd rather not think about all of the things that might go wrong on your trip, but these things can and do happen. World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers, to cover your trip essentials. Even if you run out of travel insurance or leave without it, World Nomads can cover you. We don't just keep you and your family protected, with us, you'll travel smarter and safer.A true claim story
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?
- Called to jury duty?
- 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 drugs?
- 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?
- You or a family member dead?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- 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)
We cover 200+ Adventure Activities you love + more
- Scuba diving
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Skiing
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 teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions. You can also visit our help center for more answers.
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Do you cover adventure sports and activities
Yes - our travel insurance plans offer cover for more than 200 adventure sports and activities.
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Am I covered if I need to see a dentist while overseas?
Yes, there’s cover if you need to go to a dentist while abroad for emergency dental treatment.
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Do you need to include stopovers as a destination when buying travel insurance?
While there may be many reasons to buy travel insurance to help protect you for unforeseen events such as trip cancellation, injuries, overseas medical or dental emergencies, or baggage cover, you don’t need to purchase any extra travel insurance if you are making a quick stop-over in a country and not planning to leave the airport.
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Can I buy travel insurance if I'm already overseas?
Yes - If you're a UK resident then you are most welcome to buy a policy while already travelling, although waiting periods and limitations may apply,
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Do you offer a student discount?
UK students and graduates may qualify for a discount with World Nomads, subject to terms and conditions. To check whether you meet the requirements for a discount, you need to verify your student details with Student Beans or Grad Beans - these are third party services who provide student or graduate verification services. The following links take you to third-party pages outside of World Nomads. For students, you'll need to either register for an account with Student Beans, and verify your student status, or if you're already a verified student on Student Beans, you can log in with your existing Student Beans account. For graduates, you'll need to either register for a Grad Beans account and verify your graduate status, or if you're already a verified graduate on Student Beans, you can log in with your existing Grad Beans account.
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Do you offer a discount for essential service providers?
Essential service providers may qualify for a discount with World Nomads, subject to terms and conditions. To check whether you meet the requirements for a discount, you need to verify your account details with Beans - these are third party services who provide status verification services. The following links take you to third-party pages outside of World Nomads. For essential service providers (referred to as ‘closed consumer groups’ on Beans), you'll need to either register for an account with Beans, and verify your status, or if you're already verified on Beans, you can log in with your existing account.
Travel insurance for trip resumption
Get back on track after your trip's been interrupted.
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Trip resumption: what will be covered by travel insurance?
If you've had to interrupt your trip and return home because you were sick or injured overseas, or one of your close relatives has been hospitalized or has died, or a severe weather event has impacted your holiday, certain World Nomads policies offer coverage for reasonable transport and accommodation expenses to get you back on the road so that you can finish your trip.
What am I covered for if my trip has been cut short?
Every World Nomads policy will differ depending on your selected plan and your Country of Residence. As part of our Trip Interruption coverage, and depending on which plan you purchase – Standard vs Explorer - you may be covered (up to the benefit limits) for:
- An unexpected illness or injury
- A death in the family, yourself, or someone in your traveling party
- Trip interruption expenses – when a travel interruption over a certain number of hours occurs and you need to cover the essentials such as, phone, internet, refreshments or additional travel and accommodation. Terms and conditions apply.
- A missed connection
- An official government authority has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning to a specific region or country and that warning was first given after you purchased the policy and after you booked the arrangements.
- You or a member of your traveling party are directly involved in a motor vehicle, railway, air or marine accident resulting in your inability to meet your connecting transport.
- Theft or damage of your or a member of your traveling party’s passport (excluding government confiscation for any reason not related to damage), travel documents or credit cards.
- Cancellation of a pre-paid, overseas tour, conference, music concert, international sporting event, funeral or wedding, or you being forced to use alternative public transport to arrive on time to attend this event.
- And many more.
You should read your policy wording carefully to understand what you will be covered for when it comes to trip interruption. Particularly the defined Insured Events, which relate specifically to the cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Your policy still needs to be valid for the period of your resumed trip and needs to be the one that you were traveling on when you had to return home.
Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. With World Nomads you can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling.
Am I covered if my trip is interrupted by a pandemic?
It depends on which policy you have chosen. As much as we would love to cover every possible Coronavirus (COVID-19) scenario, that‘s not what travel insurance is designed for. Some exclusions may apply for epidemics, pandemics or World Health Organization (WHO) declarations of a public health emergency of international concern. When they apply, these exclusions are outlined in your policy wording.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.
Trip resumption: what's not covered by travel insurance?
- Any expenses incurred while you're at home
- Expenses to get you back on your trip if you went home because you're homesick
- A business class upgrade where you've been flying budget airlines
- Resumption if your policy has expired.
This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits and conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our article on trip resumption and read your policy carefully before you buy.
Be prepared if you need to claim for trip resumption.
Depending on your claim, you'll need copies of:
- Receipts
- Itineraries
- Doctors' reports/death certificates
- Medical history (ruling out pre-existing conditions)
- New flight tickets
Travel Insurance Tip: Some, but not all, of our policies offer coverage for some insured events resulting in cancellation, trip interruption and trip resumption. Please take the time to read your policy wording as there are limits on your coverage depending on your Country of Residence and which plan you buy.
Grandma in palliative care
My grandmother suffered an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage after having a fall and was subsequently placed in palliative care in November. I received a phone call to return home as my grandmother only had a few days to live according to the doctors. I returned home, and she passed away. I then recommenced my travels after her passing and funeral.
Claim Paid.
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)
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 teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about trip resumption and insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask our customer service team.
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Does my insurance pay upfront or do I have to pay and claim?
You'll need to pay and claim for your expenses to resume your trip.
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Is there an excess?
Yes, all policies which cover trip resumption have an excess.
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If my policy has expired, can I still claim for resumption?
If the policy is expired, it can no longer cover your travel expenses.
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What's considered to be reasonable expenses?
The same standard you've been traveling. So if you've been traveling on a budget airline, business class on a full carrier wouldn't be reasonable.
