What to do if you must cancel your trip due to illness or injury
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- 1. Rearrange or cancel your bookings straight away
- 2. Provide all written documents
- 3. Don’t forget your receipts
- 4. Cover for some COVID-19-related events
- 5. Need to know more?
- What does my travel insurance cover?
1. Rearrange or cancel your bookings straight away
If you’re injured or get ill during your overseas holiday, ask your treating doctor to give you a report or medical certificate stating your diagnosis and period that you will be unfit for travel. Then contact the airlines and hotels with whom you have bookings as soon as reasonably possible. Try to make alternative arrangements for when you’ll be fit to resume your holiday.
If your doctor believes there is no option but to cancel your holiday and return home, then you may be covered for any of your previously paid, non-refundable expenses. However, if you are only unfit for a brief period, then your expenses may only be covered for the time stated on your medical certificate, not for the remainder of your holiday.
Don’t leave it to the last minute to cancel or rearrange your hotel or airline bookings as this may lead to additional costs. If you delay notifying these organisations, then your claim for expenses may not be approved.
Any cover offered for accommodation and flights will only be made up to the maximum benefit limits stated in your Policy Document. That’s why it’s important to read through your policy so that you know the applicable terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions.
2. Provide all written documents
To submit a claim for expenses, you’ll need to submit all the medical reports related to your illness or injury, as well as general correspondence regarding your cancellations. Examples of reports you’ll need to provide include:
- The treating doctor’s report or medical certificate must state the diagnosis, date of injury or when you first noticed the symptoms of your illness, and period that you’ll be unfit to travel.
- The specialist’s report and other medical reports including any medical imaging and pathology reports.
- A hospital admission report confirming the dates that you were admitted and discharged.
- Emergency medical transport reports if you were taken to hospital by an ambulance or helicopter.
- Police report (if the police were called to the scene of your accident).
- Emails or letters from hotels or airlines regarding your cancellations.
- Your itinerary.
3. Don’t forget your receipts
If you cannot provide receipts for your accommodation, flights, and treatment expenses, then your claim may be dismissed, or any payment that you do receive might only be for a minimal amount. Types of receipts that you’ll need to provide include the following:
- Receipts for doctor’s consultations, hospital stays, medical imaging tests, and consultations with any allied health providers.
- Pharmaceutical products.
- Accommodation, flights, train, or bus journeys.
4. Cover for some COVID-19-related events
If you or one of your travelling companions’ contracts Coronavirus (COVID-19) during your overseas holiday, and have to cancel the rest of your trip, then your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses may be covered if you have selected the Explorer Plan.
You’ll need to ask your treating doctor for a report stating the diagnosis of COVID-19, as well as a pathology report or public health statement indicating a positive COVID-19 result.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 within the 72-hour waiting period after being issued with your Certificate of Insurance, then your non-refundable travel expenses may not be covered.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details including terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions. Please note: COVID-19 cover varies between plans.
5. Need to know more?
This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. 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. Your Policy Document will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.
If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.
What does my travel insurance cover?
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 teamPlanos Standard, Explorer e Explorer Plus
Por que três planos de Seguro Viagem e quais as diferenças?
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Não há dois viajantes iguais, então por que o Seguro Viagem deve ser o mesmo para todos?
Você pode estar na estação de esqui em Queenstown ou Sapporo, e metade da sua turma decide ficar no café enquanto você se diverte nas pistas. Ou talvez sua irmã sempre alugue um carro quando viaja, enquanto você prefere ir de ônibus. A World Nomads oferece três planos diferentes, com níveis distintos de cobertura, para que você possa escolher o que atenda melhor às suas necessidades.
Três opções de plano
A World Nomads oferece três planos, o Plano Standard, o Plano Explorer e o Plano Explorer Plus, cada um com diferentes benefícios, limites e sublimites de cobertura.
Plano Standard: inclui diversos benefícios, como assistência médica no exterior, cobertura para extravio de bagagem, cancelamento de viagem e determinadas atividades de aventura.
Plano Explorer: Possui todos os benefícios do Plano Standard e mais alguns, incluindo cobertura relacionada à COVID, além de limites e sublimites de cobertura mais altos.
Plano Explorer Plus: Oferece todos os benefícios dos Planos Standard e Explorer, com os mais altos limites e sublimites de cobertura das três opções.
Escolha seu plano com cuidado antes de viajar, pois você não poderá optar por um upgrade, por exemplo passando de um Plano Standard para o Explorer ou o Explorer Plus durante a sua viagem.
Uma maneira fácil de comparar as diferenças é verificar o resumo dos benefícios quando você faz uma cotação em nosso site. A página de cotação também informa quanto custa cada plano e possui links para a verificação das condições gerais da apólice do seguro viagem, que possui todas as informações sobre as coberturas. Para residentes no Brasil, temos parceria com a Chubb para administrar nossos planos, assistência emergencial e sinistros.
Qual plano devo escolher?
É você quem deve tomar essa decisão. Pergunte a si mesmo qual a cobertura necessária se algo der errado. Somente você sabe para onde está planejando viajar, quanto já está investindo, o que planeja fazer, ver e visitar e como sua situação pessoal pode afetar sua escolha.
Este é apenas um resumo da cobertura e não inclui todos os termos e condições do plano. Leia o texto da apólice na íntegra para entender o que está e o que não está previsto na cobertura. Dessa forma, não haverá surpresas caso você precise usar o seu seguro. Caso você tenha alguma dúvida, por favor, fale conosco.
Incapaz de viajar
Eu estava grávida de 8 semanas, mas dois dias antes da minha viagem, tive que ir ao hospital para fazer exames de emergência devido a um sangramento. Me disseram que o coração do feto havia parado de bater e que eu deveria esperar pela eliminação espontânea, o que poderia acontecer a qualquer momento nos 14 dias seguintes e por isso eu não poderia mais viajar, porque isso colocaria a minha saúde em risco.
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
- Você ou sua família estão doentes, feridos ou mortos?
- Perdeu seu emprego?
- Teve sua casa destruída?
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
- Precisa de medicamentos?
- Sofreu um acidente?
- Ficou doente?
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
- Se acidentou no exterior?
- Precisa urgentemente de um hospital?
- Impossibilitado de prosseguir viagem?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Suas malas sumiram?
- Não encontra sua bagagem?
- Malas danificadas?
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 teamObtenha uma cotação de seguro de viagem
Seguro viagem simples e flexível. Compre em casa ou durante a viagem e faça a solicitação online de qualquer lugar do mundo
Faça uma cotação
Standard vs Explorer vs Explorer Plus Plans
Why three travel insurance plans and what’s the difference?
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No two travelers are the same, so why should travel insurance be one-size-fits-all? You might be at the ski lodge in Queenstown or Sapporo, and half your crew are heading to the café while you hit the slopes. Or maybe your sister always rents a car when she travels, while you prefer to bus it. World Nomads offers three plans with different levels of cover so you can choose one to suit your needs. Three plans to choose fromWorld Nomads offers three plans – a Standard Plan. an Explorer Plan and an Explorer Plus Plan – each with different benefits, limits and sub-limits of coverage.
Please choose carefully from the outset, as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer or Explorer Plus Plan mid-trip. An easy way to see the differences is in the coverage summary when you get an instant online quote. The quote page will also tell you how much each plan costs and has links to the policy wording, which details the coverage in full. For Brazilian residents, we partner with Chubb to administer our plans, emergency assistance and claims. Which plan should I choose?That’s your decision to make. Ask yourself, how much coverage will you need if something goes wrong? Only you know where you’re planning to go, how much you paid, what you’re planning to do, see and visit, and how your personal situation might influence your choice. This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch. |
True Claims Stories
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
- Come to a sticky end?
- 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)
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 teamGet a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quotePor que contratar um seguro viagem?
Quer saber mais sobre Seguro Viagem e o que ele pode fazer por você?
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Na maioria dos casos, não ocorrem problemas em viagens. No entanto, as contas médicas podem ser exorbitantes se você sofrer um acidente ou ficar doente inesperadamente no exterior. Só por isso, o Seguro Viagem vale a pena. Listamos três coberturas essenciais que são muito procuradas, mas há muitas outras - faça uma cotação para ver a nossa lista de coberturas! Cobertura médica e regresso sanitárioSe existe um grande motivo para contratar um Seguro Viagem, é esse! Em muitos casos, se você ficar doente, o hospital não o tratará sem pagamento antecipado ou comprovante de uma apólice de seguro. O Seguro Viagem World Nomads pode cobrir despesas médicas no exterior, incluindo:
Esta não é uma lista completa sobre o que está, ou não, coberto pelo Seguro Viagem. Limites e condições se aplicam em diversos casos e podem variar dependendo do plano que você adquirir e do seu histórico médico. Para mais informações, leia atentamente o Manual do Segurado antes de adquirir o produto e veja todas as condições, coberturas, limites e riscos excluídos. Cancelamento de viagemCancelar a sua viagem pode acontecer nos momentos em que você menos espera. Quando você começa a pagar por suas passagens aéreas e acomodações, já faz sentido proteger o seu investimento comprando um Seguro Viagem. Todos os nossos planos podem ajudar a reaver alguns custos não reembolsáveis que você terá se você não puder viajar porque:
BagagemAs malas podem ser extraviadas e os pertences podem ser roubados. A perda de objetos pessoais é uma das principais razões pelas quais as pessoas contratam Seguro Viagem. Apesar do rastreamento, códigos de barras e de todo o processo envolvido, não é tão incomum que uma ou duas malas se desviem dos voos. Esperamos que não seja a sua. E se for, nossos planos podem ajudá-lo na perda, roubo ou dano quando a sua bagagem foi devidamente entregue aos cuidados da companhia aérea. Nós também podemos cobrir itens essenciais se a sua mala estiver atrasada - pense em produtos de higiene pessoal, roupa íntima, uma camisa limpa e algumas meias. Não se esqueça de ler o Manual do Segurado para ver todos os detalhes, não pense que seus pertences estarão cobertos em qualquer situação, pois condições ou exclusões podem ser aplicáveis. Este é apenas um resumo da cobertura e não inclui os termos e condições completos. Você deve ler o Manual do Segurado para entender o que está e o que não está coberto. Dessa forma, não haverá surpresas se você precisar usar qualquer cobertura. Em caso de dúvidas, entre em contato conosco. |
Quer saber mais sobre a nossa cobertura?
Você pode comparar nossos preços e coberturas dos planos Standard e Explorer fazendo uma cotação online.
Apendicite em Chiang Mai.
Gostaria que todos soubessem da minha gratidão por toda a ajuda que recebi da World Nomads em um dos momentos mais dolorosos e assustadores da minha vida. Nunca pretendi usar o meu seguro e nunca usei em nenhuma das minhas viagens anteriores, mas desta vez uma dor de estômago repentina e insuportável me forçou a ir ao hospital enquanto estava na Tailândia (Chiang Mai Ram Hospital). Eu pensei que conseguiria o antibiótico certo e final da história. Mas não, o caso real foi que meu apêndice estava inflamado e infectado. A única maneira de lidar com isso era realizando uma cirurgia. Eu simplesmente não podia acreditar! Foi assustador, eu estava sozinho e eles foram incríveis, responderam imediatamente por e-mail, o que foi fantástico, porque eu não tinha tempo para fazer telefonemas. E junto dos Serviço Internacional de Pacientes do Hospital, cuidaram de tudo e salvaram a minha vida. Eu só quero que todos estejam cientes da importância de ter um seguro, e um bom, mesmo que pensem que são saudáveis e que nada de ruim vai acontecer, coisas inesperadas acontecem o tempo todo e isso pode arruinar a sua diversão e a sua conta bancária. Estou muito agradecido por ter meu seguro World Nomads sempre ao meu lado.
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
- Você ou sua família estão doentes, feridos ou mortos?
- Perdeu seu emprego?
- Teve sua casa destruída?
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
- Precisa de medicamentos?
- Sofreu um acidente?
- Ficou doente?
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
- Se acidentou no exterior?
- Precisa urgentemente de um hospital?
- Impossibilitado de prosseguir viagem?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Suas malas sumiram?
- Não encontra sua bagagem?
- Malas danificadas?
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 teamObtenha uma cotação de seguro de viagem
Seguro viagem simples e flexível. Compre em casa ou durante a viagem e faça a solicitação online de qualquer lugar do mundo
Faça uma cotaçãoWhy buy travel insurance?
Learn more about travel insurance and what it does.
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In most cases, traveling goes without a hitch. Yet, medical bills can be crippling if you’re accidently injured or unexpectedly ill overseas. For that alone, travel insurance is worth it. We’ve listed three of the main things people want cover for, but there are many more – have a look at our list of benefits! Medical and medical evacuationIf there’s one big reason to buy travel insurance, this is it. In many cases, if you get sick, the hospital won’t treat you without upfront payment or providing proof of an insurance policy. World Nomads travel insurance can cover overseas medical expenses including:
This is not a full list of what's covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so for more information read your policy carefully before you buy. CancellationHave to cancel your trip can't happen at the times you least expect it. When you start paying for your airfares and accommodation, it only makes sense to protect what you've spent in case you can't travel. All of our policies can help cover flights and accommodation if:
BaggageBags go missing from airline check-ins and things get stolen too. Loss of personal belongings is one the main reasons people buy travel insurance. Despite tracking, barcodes and all the rest of it, it’s not all that uncommon for a bag or two to go astray on flights. Hope it’s not yours. If it is, our policies can help you for loss, theft or damage when your bag is checked in with a carrier. We can also cover you essential items if your bag is delayed – think toiletries, undies, a clean shirt and some socks. Don’t forget to read the policy wording when you hit the quote button as all plans are different – don’t just assume your gear is covered in every situation, as conditions or exclusions may apply. This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch. |
Want all the details?
You can compare the Standard and Explorer plans and prices through getting an instant online quote.
True Claims Stories
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
- Come to a sticky end?
- 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)
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 teamGet a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quoteDoes Travel Insurance Cover Dental?
Learn how travel insurance may cover emergency dental treatment abroad.
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Broken or chipped teeth can happen at any time. It can be seeded bread in Berlin, olives in Athens or dried fish in Krasnodar. If pain suddenly strikes, World Nomads travel insurance can cover the emergency dental treatment you need to get relief so you can keep traveling.
What does travel insurance cover for overseas dental?
If you have to see a dentist while traveling for the immediate relief of sudden pain to healthy, natural teeth you can be covered if:
- You get an unexpected infection.
- You've broken your tooth.
- You injure your mouth or jaw in an accident.
- Your pre-existing condition leads to a clinical emergency.
Not all of our policies are the same. Limits, terms and conditions of cover vary depending on the policy you buy and your past dental history.
What’s not covered
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, so be sure to read your full policy wording to avoid surprises. Here are the main things that aren't covered:
- General check-ups.
- Getting your teeth straightened in Thailand.
- New teeth or fillings following pain relieving treatment.
- Major dental work, such as crowns, dentures, bridges and implants.
- If you've bought a policy after the pain has set in.
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's for travel emergencies).
If you purchase your policy after you’ve already left your home country, there is a 72 hour waiting period before cover begins.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. It is important that you read and understand your policy before you travel as your coverage is subject to certain limitations and exclusions.
How to get dental assistance
If you're in a serious accident, it’s essential that you get in contact with our emergency assistance teams as soon as possible so that our teams can support you.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
If you've already visited a dentist and received emergency treatment, you can submit your claim online.
I bit on something hard
A bone chipped my front tooth, on the top row, and cracked it. Blood started to run down so I had an emergency visit to the dentist to repair it.
B.P. U.S Resident in South Africa.
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 teamGet a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quoteTravel Insurance for Backpacking
US residents can stay protected on the trail - essential travel insurance coverage for backpackers
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At a glance:
- Backpacking travel insurance may help if your trip is interrupted, your gear is stolen, or you’re injured on the trail.
- World Nomads offers plans with coverage for emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and 250+ adventure activities.
- Coverage varies by plan, including treks up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters with the Epic Plan.
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage adds flexibility if plans change unexpectedly (must be added within 7 days of first deposit for your trip).
- Access pre-trip telehealth to get essential meds, like altitude sickness pills or necessary vaccinations, before you go.
- How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance coverage?
- Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
- Backpacking Travel Insurance Benefits
- What's not covered
- Top tips for backpackers
- FAQs
For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
Just you, your pack, and the open road. Backpacking is a rite of passage for nomads chasing big experiences on a small budget.
Whether you're out to find your crew or yourself, travel insurance coverage can help if things go off track.
World Nomads Travel Insurance covers backpackers exploring Thailand, Vietnam, South America, Europe and beyond.
How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance coverage?
Backpacking looks different for every traveler—maybe you're hostel-hopping across Europe and want protection in case your gear gets stolen, or you’re trekking through the Andes where emergency medical expense coverage could be very helpful. That’s why World Nomads Travel Insurance offers flexible travel protection plans for backpackers, with coverage designed to match your style of adventure. From safeguarding your belongings to covering accidents at high altitudes, we’ve got your back.
-
Standard Plan
covers backpacking trips up to
19,685 feet/6,000 meters -
Explorer plan
covers backpacking trips up to
21,325 feet/6,500 meters -
Epic plan
covers backpacking trips up to
26,247 feet/8,000 meters -
Annual plan
covers backpacking trips up to
19,685 feet/6,000 meters
Plus, our plans include coverage for 250+ other activities you might do along the way, so you can explore confidently, wherever your backpack leads you.
Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
Backpacking is all about freedom and spontaneity—but that flexibility also comes with risk. From sprained ankles on rocky trails to food poisoning in rural villages or stolen gear on overnight buses, the unexpected can derail your trip fast. That’s where travel insurance for backpackers can help—covering emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, evacuations from high-altitude regions, and lost or stolen passports. And if your plans change before you even leave, optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage may reimburse you for non-refundable, unused trip costs—ideal for travelers who like to keep their options open. Whether you're trekking through South America or hopping between hidden towns in Southeast Asia, having the right coverage gives you the confidence to go wherever the trail takes you. Certain conditions and limitations apply.
What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the plan maximum benefit amount) for:
- Medical expenses:if you get hurt while backpacking and need medical attention, our accident and sickness medical expense insurance benefit may provide reimbursement for the treatment you need.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: If your injuries are severe, acute, or life-threatening our plans may cover evacuation and transportation to a medical facility best suited for your care, subject to approval from the treating medical physician and the non-insurance 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Baggage and personal effects protection: Our gear coverage may help with reimbursement of the cost to repair or replace damaged, lost or stolen items, including airline checked bags.
- Trip cancellation: if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an unexpected illness, we may be able to reimburse your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations. Want even more freedom to cancel? Check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit available on some plans (additional cost applies; not available in NY).
- Natural disaster evacuation assistance: if unforeseen severe weather or natural disaster event puts a stop to your trekking adventure, your plan may cover costs to get you out of there and to the nearest place of safety. Certain conditions and limitations apply.
Get a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quoteWhat may not be covered by the travel protection plan for backpackers?
Here are a few things we may not cover:
- Being under the influence of narcotics.
- Travel within 100 miles of your home.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
Top tips for backpackers
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right plan for your adventure sport or activities. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide on whether to buy a Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plan, as they have different levels of coverage.
- Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your plan may not apply in all countries.
- Traveling long-term: You can buy another plan for more travel insurance coverage while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Multi-Trip plan could be best for you.
- Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider using our non-insurance service partner to initiate an online consultation to obtain prescription medications for the most common travel needs, like altitude sickness pills, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip (costs may apply).
- Keep your receipts and paperwork:any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
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What does travel insurance cover for backpacking trips?
Travel insurance for your backpacking trip can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, stolen gear, emergency evacuations, and more. World Nomads offers flexible plans that include coverage for 250+ activities you might encounter on the road.
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Do I need travel insurance for a backpacking trip?
Only you can decide your travel insurance needs however our plans were created with backpackers – and their unique circumstances - in mind. Whether you're trekking in high altitudes or navigating unfamiliar cities, the right travel insurance coverage can protect you from unexpected bills due to injuries, illness, theft, and trip disruptions.
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Is emergency evacuation included in backpacking travel insurance?
Yes, our travel insurance coverage includes emergency evacuation. If you’re seriously injured or become unexpectedly ill while backpacking. If you’re in a remote area and need transport to the nearest adequate medical facility, the Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains benefit may help cover the cost – which can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Evacuation must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plans’ elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you’re protected for your specific adventure.
- The Standard and Annual plans cover hikes up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
- The Explorer plan covers up to 21,325 feet (6,500 meters)
- The Epic plan extends coverage up to 26,247 feet (8,000 meters)
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Does the travel insurance coverage include protection for stolen backpacks or gear?
Yes, backpacking gear and equipment may be covered under the baggage and personal effects benefit of our plans if it’s lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged during your trip. Coverage maximum benefits amounts and conditions vary by plan, so be sure to review your chosen plan documents – especially if your carrying high-value items like trekking poles, boots, or GPS devices. Note: coverage does not include wear and tear, or gear damaged during use. Additional terms and conditions apply.
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Can I cancel my backpacking trip and get reimbursed?
If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason—like an unexpected illness or injury—your plan may reimburse the pre-paid, unused, non-refundable trip costs with the ‘trip cancellation’ benefit. Want more flexibility? World Nomads offers optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage if you buy it within 7 days of your first trip deposit. Optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit is available on some plans (additional cost applies; not available in NY).
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Am I covered for high-altitude trekking while backpacking?
Yes, but coverage depends on your plan. World Nomads offers multiple plans that cover hiking and trekking at different altitudes—from lower elevation hikes to epic multi-day routes up to 8,000 meters (26,247 feet).
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Can I buy travel insurance after my backpacking trip has started?
Yes, with World Nomads you can purchase travel insurance and non-insurance services even if you’ve already started your trip. Waiting periods may apply for certain benefits, so it’s best to buy coverage early.
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What should I do if I get sick while backpacking abroad?
If you become ill while backpacking, your travel protection plan may help with reimbursement of medical expenses. If Emergency Medical Evacuation is required it must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plan’s elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you're protected for your specific adventure.
Need destination inspiration for your next backpacking trip?
When you buy a World Nomads Travel Insurance plan, rest assured that your coverage has been crafted by passionate travelers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs, and fought with food poisoning along the way as well. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts, as well as some of our favorite backpacking trips:
Climbing Kilimanjaro: What to Know and How to Prepare
6 Backpacking Tips for Staying Safe in Thailand
2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Get Your Day-by-Day Travel Guide
How Traveling Cheaply Can Also Be Good for the Planet
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
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
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
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
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
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
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 for Mountain Biking Adventures
Ride prepared: Learn how travel insurance for mountain biking can help when the unexpected happens to Canadians
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Article at a glance:
- Mountain biking travel insurance plans may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip delays, and stolen or damaged gear while riding trails around the world.
- Coverage includes off-road mountain biking, BMX, cycling—plus 250+ other adventure sports.
- Emergency medical expenses, 24/7 assistance, and baggage protection are included in World Nomads plans.
- Choose from the Standard or Explorer plans with optional additional activity level coverage to match your biking trip style, budget, and adventures.
- Stay safe with proper equipment checks, and licensed guides to help ensure your ride—and your insurance—goes smoothly.
- Why should you consider travel insurance coverage for your mountain biking adventure
- What types of mountain biking adventures can be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
- Mountain Biking Travel Insurance: What’s Covered?
- What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my mountain bike trip?
- What's not covered when mountain biking?
- Top safety tips for your mountain biking adventure
- Frequently asked questions
Why should you consider travel insurance coverage for your mountain biking adventure
Mountain biking adventures are thrilling—but they can come with unexpected bumps and twists. That’s why World Nomads includes mountain biking in our list of 250+ covered adventure sports for Canadians. If your biking trip leads to an injury or other emergency, our travel insurance coverage for mountain biking may help with medical expenses, evacuations, and trip interruptions. Whether you're biking through the jungle in Costa Rica or exploring remote trails in Asia, the right coverage gives you peace of mind to ride hard, knowing you’re protected if the unexpected happens.
What types of mountain biking adventures can be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
As long as you're not doing anything reckless, like riding without a helmet or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, World Nomads offers coverage for:
- On or off road/downhill/cross country up to 3,000 metres in elevation
- On or off road/downhill/cross country up to 6,000 metres in elevation
- BMX – on road
- BMX - off road/on-track/cross country
- Quad biking
- Scooter biking/riding
- Triathlons and endurance races (non-professional) may also be covered!
Note: Special conditions and exclusions, in addition to the General Conditions and General Exclusions, may apply while taking part in certain sports or activities.
Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Plan is limited once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province too.
Mountain Biking Travel Insurance: What’s Covered?
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For broken bones, cuts, and sprains after an epic crash on the trail. -
Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Your first call in any emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Broken or stolen biking gear (no coverage for in-use damage, though)
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
At World Nomads, we know your mountain biking trip is about more than just the ride down the trail. That’s why our travel insurance plans for mountain bikers also cover 250+ other adventure sports and experiences—from alpine hikes and rock climbing to zip-lining and white-water rafting. Whether you’re navigating rugged backcountry or adding extra thrills to your itinerary, we offer two travel insurance plans with different coverage levels to match your trip style, budget, and adventure sports coverage to match your appetite for adventure. Be sure to check out our (extensive!) list of covered activities to pick the plan and activity level that fits everything you’re planning to do.
*All coverage is subject to plan terms and conditions. Be sure you read and understand your plan documents. Any questions, just ask!
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my mountain bike trip?
- Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travellers and families. Includes up to $5,000,000CAD in emergency medical expenses and $2500 for trip cancellation. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
- Explorer Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Our plan with the highest benefit limits, including up to $500 for baggage delay and $5,000 for trip cancellation.
You can compare plans and coverage limits when you get a quote. .
Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.
Get a mountain biking travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quote
What's not covered when mountain biking?
While we can offer coverage for mountain biking, there are some things we just won't cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Participating in any activity or sport as a professional athlete.
- If you travel against medical advice.
- Bicycles and other sporting equipment that are damaged while in use.
- Search-and-rescue missions.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Biking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Top safety tips for your mountain biking adventure
- Get bike fit: Mountain biking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases, the ability to handle altitude. Be sure you are physically capable of it and consider seeing a doctor prior to your trip.
- Make sure your bike is set up correctly before you ride check the saddle, pedals, handlebars, brakes, and tire pressure.
- Put your safety first: only go riding with professional, qualified, licensed, and reputable operators. If something doesn't feel right, then don't go.
- Keep your body loose and springy. Be prepared to stand up on the bike; doing this moves you with the bike and can help you avoid injury and accidents.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for hiking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
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What is mountain biking travel insurance coverage, and why do I need it?
Mountain biking travel insurance coverage helps cover unexpected events like injuries, medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or stolen gear during your biking adventure. Whether you're riding downhill trails or exploring remote backroads, having coverage can give you peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
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Does travel insurance cover off-road mountain biking and BMX riding?
Yes! World Nomads travel insurance plans offer coverage for a wide range of biking styles, including off-road mountain biking, BMX and quad biking. Be sure to check this list to confirm that your specific activity is included.
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What travel insurance benefits are included for mountain biking trips?
Coverage may include emergency medical expenses, baggage and gear protection, trip delays, cancellations, and 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance. This means if you crash on the trail, miss a flight, or your bike gear is stolen, you may be covered depending on your plan.
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What happens if I get injured while mountain biking abroad?
If you're hurt while biking overseas, World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval). Access to a 24/7 Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere.
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Can travel insurance cover stolen or damaged biking gear?
Yes—World Nomads plans offer baggage and personal effects protection, which can help reimburse the cost of stolen or damaged biking gear, such as helmets, pedals, or tools. There is no coverage for damage that occurs while the gear is in use.
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What types of travel insurance plans are available for mountain bikers?
World Nomads offers two plans tailored to your adventure style and budget:
- Standard Plan – Great for budget-conscious riders. 3,000 meters maximum ride elevation
- Explorer Plan – Has higher benefit limits that may be best for someone pushing the limits, or mountain biking in more remote locations. 3,000 meters maximum ride elevation
- Optional additional activity level coverage – provides coverage for rides up to 6,000 meters in elevation
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What are some exclusions in mountain biking travel insurance?
Travel insurance may not cover:
- Professional competition biking
- Damage to gear while in use or from wear and tear
- Search-and-rescue costs
- Incidents involving drugs or alcohol abuse.
- Unattended gear or personal items
Always read your plan details to understand what’s not included.
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Are there altitude limits for mountain biking insurance coverage?
Yes, both travel insurance plans have elevation limits for covered activities. If you're planning to bike at high altitudes (like in the Andes or Himalayas) of up to 6,000 metres, you will need to pay an additional premium. If you need help, give our customer service team a call.
Need destination inspiration for your next mountain biking adventure?
Check out our handy guides and insider travel tips on the best places to go mountain biking:
- The best mountain biking tracks around Nepal
- A guide to mountain biking in New Zealand
- 4 of the best places for mountain biking in the US
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, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
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 for Backpacking
If something unexpected happens to Canadians, we’ve got your back – pack or no pack.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance:
- Backpacking can come with risks—injuries, stolen gear, or trip interruptions—travel insurance can help cover the unexpected.
- World Nomads offers plans with coverage for emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and 250+ adventure activities.
- Coverage varies by plan and corresponding activity level purchased. The maximum elevation covered is 6,000 meters.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team is available in dozens of languages.
- Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
- How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance?
- What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
- What doesn't backpacker insurance cover?
- Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- FAQs
Just you, your pack, and the open road. Backpacking is a rite of passage for nomads chasing big experiences on a small budget.
Whether you're out to find your crew or yourself, travel insurance can help if things go off track.
World Nomads Travel Insurance covers backpackers exploring Thailand, South America, Europe and beyond.
Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
Backpacking is all about freedom and spontaneity—but that flexibility also comes with risk. From sprained ankles on rocky trails to food poisoning in rural villages or stolen gear on overnight buses, the unexpected can derail your trip fast. That’s where travel insurance for backpackers can help—covering emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, evacuations from high-altitude regions, and lost or stolen passports. If you have to cancel your trip before departure due to a covered reason—like sudden illness or injury—trip cancellation coverage may help reimburse your prepaid non-refundable expenses. Whether you're trekking through South America or hopping between hidden towns in Southeast Asia, having the right coverage gives you the confidence to go wherever the trail takes you.
How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance?
Backpacking looks different for every traveller—maybe you're hostel-hopping across Europe and want protection in case your gear gets stolen, or you’re trekking through the Andes where emergency medical expense coverage could be very helpful. That’s why World Nomads offers flexible travel insurance plans for backpackers, with coverage designed to match your style of adventure. From safeguarding your belongings to covering accidents at high altitudes, we’ve got your back.
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Standard & Explorer Plans
Hikes and Backpack trips covered up to 3,000 meters -
Optional Extra
Hikes and Backpack trips covered up to 6,000 meters
Plus, our plans include coverage for 250+ other activities you might do along the way, so you can explore confidently, wherever your backpack leads you. Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the plan maximum benefit amount) for:
- Emergency medical expenses:if you get hurt while backpacking and need medical attention, our emergency medical coverage for injury or sickness may provide reimbursement for the treatment you need.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: If your injuries are severe, acute, or life-threatening our plans may cover evacuation and transportation to a medical facility best suited for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Baggage and personal effects protection: Our gear coverage may help with reimbursement of the cost to repair or replace damaged, lost or stolen items, including airline checked bags.
- Trip cancellation: if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an unexpected illness, we may be able to reimburse your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations.
What doesn't backpacker insurance cover?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Here are a few things we don’t cover:
- Any alcohol related sickness, death or injury or the abuse of medication, drugs, alcohol or any other toxic substance.
- Travel within your home province
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
- Backpacking over 6,000 metres.
Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.
Get a backpacking travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quoteTop travel insurance tips for backpackers
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right plan and level of coverage for your activity. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide what to pick.
- Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your plan may not apply in all countries.
- Travelling long-term: You can buy more travel insurance while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket.
- Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider going to the doctor before your trip to make sure you had all the necessary medications.
- Keep your receipts and paperwork:any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
-
What does backpacking travel insurance cover?
Backpacking travel insurance plans can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, stolen gear, emergency evacuations, and more. World Nomads offers flexible plans that include coverage for 250+ activities you might encounter on the road.
-
Do I need travel insurance for a backpacking trip?
Only you can decide your travel insurance needs however our plans were created with backpackers – and their unique circumstances - in mind. Whether you're trekking in high altitudes or navigating unfamiliar cities, the right travel insurance coverage can protect you from unexpected bills due to injuries, illness, theft, and trip disruptions.
-
Is emergency evacuation included in backpacking travel insurance?
Yes, our plans include emergency medical evacuation if you’re seriously injured or ill while backpacking. World Nomads requires approval from the attending physician and the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. It’s critical you call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team prior to arranging evacuation. Be sure your plan covers the maximum altitude you’ll be hiking in, as well.
- The Standard and Explorer plans cover hikes up to 3,000 meters
- An additional activity level can be added to raise the maximum elevation to 6,000 meters. You can do this while getting a travel insurance
-
Does backpacking travel insurance cover stolen backpacks or gear?
Yes, baggage and personal effects coverage may help reimburse you for stolen or damaged backpacks, gear, or checked luggage—just be sure to keep receipts and file a report to support your claim.
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Can I cancel my backpacking trip and get reimbursed?
If you cancel for a covered reason—like sudden illness or injury—your plan may reimburse non-refundable trip costs with the ‘trip cancellation’ benefit.
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Am I covered for high-altitude trekking while backpacking?
Yes, but coverage depends on the activity level you purchased. Both plans cover backpacking up to 3,000 meters. You must add an additional level of protection for hikes up to 6,000 meters. You can do this when you get a quote for travel insurance.
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Can I buy travel insurance after my backpacking trip has started?
Yes, with World Nomads you can purchase travel insurance even if you’ve already started your trip. Waiting periods may apply for certain benefits, so it’s best to buy coverage early.
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What should I do if I get sick while backpacking abroad?
If you become ill while backpacking, your travel insurance may help coordinate your medical care, arrange transportation to the most suitable medical facility and cover your medical expenses. All of this is subject to plan terms and conditions. The first step is always to call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, if at all possible.
Need destination inspiration?
When you buy a World Nomads travel insurance plan, rest assured that your coverage has been crafted by passionate travellers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs, and fought with food poisoning along the way as well. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts, as well as some of our favorite backpacking trips:
Climbing Kilimanjaro: What to Know and How to Prepare
6 Backpacking Tips for Staying Safe in Thailand
2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Get Your Day-by-Day Travel Guide
How Traveling Cheaply Can Also Be Good for the Planet
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, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
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
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
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
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
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
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
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 for New Zealand
From snowsports to watersports, and hiking to biking - New Zealand is full of adventures. Get our tips on how to experience it like a true Kiwi!
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand
- Travel insurance for activities in New Zealand
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in New Zealand
- Travel insurance for lost bags in New Zealand
- Road trips through New Zealand
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to New Zealand
From the waterfalls of Fjordland, to the rainforests, beaches, and glacial peaks, New Zealand is a dream vacation spot for many Canadians.
The northland region’s Bay of Islands gives you the chance to island hop between over 100 islands, but you may also want to rent a campervan and trek over to Mount Parihaka to take in the picturesque panoramic views.
If you’re exploring the South Island, you can check out the majestic Blue Pools of Makarora or you may be lucky enough to spot a sea lion or penguin near the Otago Peninsula. The south island definitely has its share of phenomenal hiking opportunities and scenic cycling routes.
While a trip to New Zealand is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of. With everything from earthquakes to parasites, and cancelled flights to lost bags - there’s definitely some things our nomads have learned along the way. We encourage you to check out our team’s insights on things to know about New Zealand before you go.
Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?
When you’re planning your trip to New Zealand, you’ll find that there’s plenty of adventures like rafting on the Rangitata Gorge and sand boarding on the giant dunes at 90 Mile Beach. You can plan your itinerary and book your excursions in advance, but what you can’t plan for are the unexpected things that may happen along the way.
With any overseas travel, there’s always going to be some things you can’t anticipate - like cancelled trips, delayed baggage and medical emergencies. If you tumble off of your sand board and break a leg, your travel insurance for New Zealand could help you get the medical care you need.
Unexpected natural disasters could also put a halt to your plans. New Zealand is located in an active seismic zone, and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can happen there. If your trip to Tongariro National Park is cancelled because Mount Ruapehu unexpectedly erupts and the Canadian Government issues an advisory against travel to a destination, country or region listed on the itinerary of your insured trip (and the advisory is issued after your purchased your non-refundable prepaid trip arrangements) or the natural disaster makes it impossible for you to occupy your destination residence, your travel insurance for New Zealand could assist with reimbursing you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses for things like hotel accommodations and excursions if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Because of these unplanned situations you could encounter, travel insurance for New Zealand may be something you should consider. There are two different plans to select from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in New Zealand
Since New Zealand is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, we know you may want to take that leap while you’re there. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to New Zealand - including bungee jumping.
In a country surrounded by water, you’ll probably be having some aquatic fun as well. Things like scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing could be covered too.
When you get a quote for your travel insurance for New Zealand, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you plan on participating in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, contact us before your purchase your policy to determine if you will be covered.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in New Zealand
With all of the fun to be had in New Zealand, there’s plenty of adventure activities that you’ll want to try. Our nomads all agree that one of our favorite must-do activities there is glacier walking.
The Haupapa/Tasman glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier and is located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the South Island. It’s a magnificent thing to see, and is a great excursion for visiting Canadians. Never venture out onto a glacier alone though. Instead, we recommend choosing an eco-friendly tour operator and taking a guided tour.
While the coolness of glacier walking can’t be denied, anytime you’re walking on slippery ice, accidents can happen. If you lose your footing, slide, and fall into a crevasse, you could end up with injuries. Sure, you’ll have a jaw dropping story to tell back home in Canada, but you’re also going to need to get medical care as soon as that happens.
World Nomads travel insurance plans offer cover for emergency medical expenses you incur as a result of an injury, unexpected sickness or death occurring on your trip. Your Government Health Insurance Plan may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses in New Zealand. Your World Nomads travel insurance plan offers coverage for such things as:
- Emergency medical care from a physician
- Wheelchairs, braces, crutches or other medical appliance
- Ambulance transportation
- Bedside companion
- Emergency Professional services
In most situations, medical providers will require payment upfront. Your travel insurance plan may provide reimbursement of the expense you incur.
If you have a medical emergency when travelling to New Zealand, you must contact the 24/7 emergency assistance team prior to seeking medical attention unless your medical conditions prevents you from calling, in which case you must call us as soon as medically possible or have some call on your behalf. Our emergency assistance team can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. Also remember to save all paperwork and receipts.
If our emergency assistance team or your treating physician recommends that you return to your home province because of your medical condition, World Nomads travel insurance includes coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation could also help cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in New Zealand
If you plan to visit Goat Island Marine Reserve, you may have packed your new snorkel and mask in your checked bag. If you get to Auckland and then realize that the airline lost your bag, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance for New Zealand may reimburse you for the cost to replace your snorkel, mask, and other baggage and personal effects . When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your international travel insurance policy to get the specific details what’s covered, depreciation and policy limits.
If you’re lucky, the bag just took a detour and will eventually make its way to you before your snorkeling excursion. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, and your checked baggage is delayed 12 hours or more by your airline or ground carrier, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for the expenses you incur for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
Road trips through New Zealand
If you’re up for a little spontaneity in your New Zealand adventure, you may be interested in renting a campervan and hitting the open road. Road trips have become so popular in New Zealand and you’ll find plenty of rental options - everything from small minivans to Class A RV’s. You’ll also find a variety of camping sites across the country.
Think of it as a hotel room on wheels. You can be flexible and venture out to a wide variety of areas where you can see New Zealand in a whole different way. With all of your belongings in your vehicle though, you’ll want to be careful about not leaving things out in plain sight, as that could be tempting to thieves.
If you’re parked at a remote location like a trailhead, thieves can sometimes try to take an opportunity to break in. They could think your campervan is an easy target. Try to park somewhere your campervan can be seen, and where it is well lit.
You can take the steps to try to avoid thieves on your road trip, but sometimes things happen. If this does happen to you, make sure to contact the police and file a report. You’ll need that if you make a claim.
It’s also important to note that driving there is a little different than driving back home in Canada. Check out our tips for driving safely in New Zealand to make your road trip even more epic.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to New Zealand
You’ve put in the time to plan the perfect getaway to New Zealand, but sometimes things happen that can derail your plans.
If your travel companion unexpectedly gets sick before you leave Canada, a doctor may tell him not to travel to New Zealand at that time. Nobody wants to cancel their dream vacation, but sometimes things happen. Your travel insurance for New Zealand policy includes trip cancellation coverage that may reimburse you for your non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
Unexpected things can also happen once you are in New Zealand. If there’s storms back home and you get a call that a tornado has destroyed your house, you may need to cut your trip short and go back home to Canada to deal with that.
If you have travel insurance for New Zealand, and something unexpected happens that causes you to cancel, delay, or interrupt your trip, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if the reason you need to cancel, delay or interrupt your trip is a covered reason under the policy, Examples of covered risks include:
- Medical conditions and death
- Travel Advisories
- Strike
New Zealand Travel Tips
Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for New Zealand to review their up to date warnings on any advisories. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
New Zealand can have some unpredictable weather. The sun can be brutal there, so make sure to always wear sunscreen. Pay attention to the weather forecasts, but even if it’s predicting nothing but sunny days, always make sure you're prepared for strong winds and potential rain because weather can change quickly in New Zealand.
Remember the numbers 111. That's the emergency service number you can call if you need help from the police, fire department, or if you need an ambulance when you’re in New Zealand.
If you purchase travel insurance for New Zealand, it’s always a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
Most Canadians travelling to New Zealand have no problems at all, but since disasters like earthquakes and volcanoes are possible there, make sure to check out our information about what you need to know about natural hazards in New Zealand.
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, or if you have questions, just ask us.
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 team