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Volunteering Travel Insurance Plans

Canadian Residents Can Protect Their Volunteer Trips with Travel Insurance

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At a glance:

  • World Nomads plans may provide coverage for your volunteering roles involving childcare, teaching, office work, or WWOOFING (general farm work, fruit picking, manual work), with the ability to pay an extra premium and be covered for additional activities involving manual work with power tools or volunteering as a scuba diving, ski, or snowboarding instructor 
  • Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while volunteering
  • Reimbursement for cancelled tours, delays, or interruptions due to covered events
  • Access to emergency assistance anytime, anywhere.

We love seeing our nomads give back and help make the world a better place. If you have travel insurance coverage for New Zealand, you may want to volunteer at an organic farm. You may also feel led to teach English in Cambodia or help with reforestation in Madagascar. But even when you set forth with the best intentions, you should be prepared for the unexpected. If you’ll be volunteering while travelling, you may want to protect your adventure with World Nomads Travel Insurance. Our travel insurance plans include a range of benefits that could help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should Canadians consider travel insurance for a volunteer trip abroad?

From animal bites in Australia to a horrible case of food poisoning in Europe, unexpected issues can derail even the most carefully planned volunteer trip. Travel insurance designed for volunteering may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently – whether you're protecting endangered turtle hatching grounds or teaching children in a faraway village.

Nomads tip: Each policy includes a '10-Day Right to Examine' period, giving you time after purchase to review the details, making sure the coverage works for you. If you're unsatisfied for any reason, you can cancel the policy and receive a full refund.

Volunteering travel insurance: What may be covered?

We love giving back and having opportunities to change the world, so we’ve designed our plans to include travel insurance for volunteering. We also offer coverage for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For broken bones, cuts, and sprains when building houses

  2. 24/7 Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Damaged or stolen gear when travelling to your overseas volunteer trip

  4. Trip Cancellations
    Travel protection for your pre-paid nonrefundable trip costs and unexpected expenses.

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my volunteer trip?

World Nomads offers two plans for Canadian residents – the Standard and Explorer – each with different levels of coverage. 

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes volunteer travel insurance with up to $5,000,000 CAD in emergency medical expenses and $2,500 for trip cancellation and trip interruption. 
  • Explorer Plan – This plan also covers volunteering, but has higher limits of coverage.

When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list volunteering and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. Even if your main goal is to volunteer, you may want to do other fun things while you’re travelling like hiking, paddleboarding, or camping. That’s totally fine, because there’s over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that could be covered. 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. Costs may vary depending on the type of volunteering you’re doing, as well as the additional activities you list.

  • Level 1 Activities: Volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, office work, or WWOOFING (general farm work, fruit picking, manual work)
  • Level 2 Activities: Manual work that involves power tools and working at heights under 5 metres
  • Level 3 Activities: Volunteering as a ski, snowboard, or scuba diving instructor

If you’re not sure if your volunteer duties will be covered, or if you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered. 

Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your volunteer trips 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.

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 quote
A group of volunteers chatting

What may not be covered when volunteering while traveling?

If you plan a volunteer trip to help others in another country, we commend you and think that’s awesome. However, if the Canadian government issues ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings for your destination, and you decide to go anyway, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance for volunteering. Some other things that are not covered include:

  • Unattended baggage or personal items
  • Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy
  • Ignoring your doctor if they have explicitly advised you not to travel to a particular destination or perform certain volunteer duties 
  • Not following government ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories issued by the Canadian government
  • Operating machinery
  • Working with dangerous animals or big game
  • Working at heights over 5 metres
  • Volunteering on offshore rigs, underground or caves

Top safety tips we recommend for volunteering

  • Research the organization you’ll be volunteering with to make sure they’re reputable. You’ll want to confirm they have a clear mission, vision, and values. It’s also not a bad idea to look for reviews from others who have worked with them. 
  • Understand what your duties are before you go, and make sure you’re aware of any risks associated with those. You’ll also want to make sure all activities are covered by your travel insurance coverage for volunteering abroad. 
  • No matter what volunteer service you’re providing, make sure you receive proper training, as that reduces your chance of injuries or accidents. 
  • Take along a copy of the documents showing your travel insurance coverage for volunteering. You may even want to save a copy in your phone so it is easily accessible. 
  • Check with the Public Health Agency of Canada to see if they have issued any travel health notices for your destination.  
  • Register with Canadians Abroad to stay updated on emergency situations. 

FAQ

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

  • Is volunteering covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?

    Yes, depending on your specific volunteer duties, volunteering may be covered under both plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, office work, and WWOOFING (general farm work, fruit picking, manual work) are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list these as activities when you purchase your volunteering travel insurance policy. However, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to be covered for any Level 2 activities like manual work that involves power tools and working at heights under 5 metres, and Level 3 activities like volunteering as a ski, snowboard, or scuba diving instructor. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.

  • What types of incidents are covered while volunteering abroad?

    If your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this could include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable tours that you paid for in advance. If you get cut while planting coral in the Caribbean and you require medical assistance, emergency expense medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You could also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags or Canadian government travel advisories advising travellers not to travel to a destination on your itinerary. 

  • What type of volunteer work is included in my volunteering travel insurance?

    Volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, office work, and WWOOFING (general farm work, fruit picking, manual work) are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list these as activities when you purchase your volunteering travel insurance policy. However, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to be covered for any Level 2 activities like manual work that involves power tools and working at heights under 5 metres, and Level 3 activities like volunteering as a ski, snowboard, or scuba diving instructor. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.

Need destination inspiration for your next volunteer trip?

Not sure where you can travel and volunteer? Check out some of our favorite ways to give back around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Argentina: Opportunities for Cultural Immersion

What’s It Like to be a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer? 

Beyond Machu Picchu: Exploring Peru’s Other Ancient Sites

The Real Hawaii: Slow Travel on Moloka’i and Lanai

How to Volunteer Overseas Without Breaking the Bank

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
  • 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
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  1. World Nomads
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Volunteering Travel Insurance Coverage

US residents can protect their good deeds while traveling

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance:

  • World Nomads plans may cover volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work), with some plans that include additional volunteer roles and higher limits of coverage.
  • Coverage may include reimbursement for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while on your volunteering trip.
  • Gear and luggage benefits may help cover lost, stolen, or damaged baggage as you travel to your volunteer opportunity.
  • Plus, optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade available on some plans (additional cost and state restrictions may apply.)


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.

We love seeing our nomads give back and help make the world a better place. If you have travel insurance coverage for Costa Rica, you may want to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary while you’re there. You may also feel led to teach English in Cambodia or help with reforestation in Madagascar. But even when you set forth with the best intentions, you should be prepared for the unexpected. Our travel protection plans include a range of travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services for volunteering that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my volunteer trip?

From animal bites to food poisoning in a remote village, unexpected issues can derail even the most carefully planned volunteer trip. Travel insurance and non-insurance services designed for volunteering may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently – whether you're volunteering on an organic farm in the Amazon or helping with environmental conservation projects in South Africa.

Travel insurance and non-insurance services for volunteering: What may be covered?

We love giving back and having opportunities to change the world, so we’ve designed coverage for losses resulting from volunteering while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For broken bones, cuts, and sprains when building houses

  2. Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Damaged or stolen gear or luggage that is lost in transit

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from traveling for your volunteer work.

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my volunteer trip abroad?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. You’ll want to make sure you have the correct coverage based on your specific volunteer duties. Also, you may want to do other fun things while you’re traveling such as hiking, paddleboarding, or camping. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase travel insurance coverage for volunteering.

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work.) This plan includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation. 
  • Explorer Plan – This plan covers more activities, including construction or renovation work (manual work involving painting, using power tools, operating machinery, roadwork, and working at height), volunteering in roles that involve high risk work (such as offshore, underground or caves, and commercial diving), disaster relief, NGO support, and volunteering as a ski instructor or in medical and health care services. It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
  • Epic Plan – This plan covers everything the Explorer Plan covers, plus even more activities – like serving as a pilot or crew of an aircraft. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage. 
  • Annual Plan – Weekend warriors, digital nomads, world explorers… this plan is for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year. It includes travel insurance coverage for volunteering, as well as all of the other activities and experiences that are covered in the Standard Plan.

NOMADS TIP: For even more trip cancellation flexibility, check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit. It can be added to Explorer and Epic plans. Available at an additional cost for U.S. residents, except in New York.

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 quote
A group of volunteers chatting

What may not be covered when volunteering while traveling?

We love that you’ve planned a volunteer trip to help others in another country, and commend you for your efforts. However, if the U.S. government issues ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings for your destination, and you decide to go anyway, the travel insurance coverage for volunteering that’s included in your travel protection plan may not cover you. Some other things that are not covered include:

  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment, or personal items
  • Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy
  • Ignoring your doctor if they have explicitly advised you not to travel to a particular destination or do certain volunteer work 
  • Volunteering within 100 miles of your home 

Top safety tips we recommend for your volunteer trip

  • Research the organization you’ll be volunteering with to make sure they’re reputable. You’ll want to confirm they have a clear mission, vision, and values. It’s also not a bad idea to look for reviews from others who have worked with them. 
  • Understand what your duties are before you go, and make sure you’re aware of any risks associated with those. You’ll also want to make sure all activities are covered by your travel insurance coverage for volunteering abroad. 
  • No matter what volunteer service you’re providing, make sure you receive proper training, as that reduces your chance of injuries or accidents. 
  • Take along a copy of the documents showing your travel insurance coverage for volunteering. You may even want to save a copy in your phone so it is easily accessible. 
  • Check with the U.S. Department of State to see if they have issued any travel advisories for your destination. 
  • Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay updated on emergency situations. 

FAQ

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

  • Can a volunteer trip abroad be covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?

    Yes, volunteering may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. The Standard and Annual Plans include travel insurance coverage for volunteering in roles that involve childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work.) The Explorer Plan covers more activities including construction or renovation work (manual work involving painting, using power tools, operating machinery, roadwork, and working at height), volunteering in roles that involve high risk work (such as offshore, underground or caves, and commercial diving), disaster relief, NGO support, and volunteering as a ski instructor or in medical and health care services. The Epic Plan covers everything the Explorer Plan covers, plus even more activities – like serving as a pilot or crew of an aircraft. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage. 

    If you’re not sure if your volunteer duties can be covered, you can contact us and ask. 

  • What type of volunteer work is included in my trip protection plan?

    World Nomads offers travel protection plans that include non-insurance services, as well as travel insurance coverage for volunteering. The Standard Plan includes travel insurance coverage for volunteering in roles involving childcare, teaching, environmental or conservation work, wildlife or animal care, and WWOOFing (general farm work, fruit picking, and manual work.) The Explorer Plan covers more activities including construction or renovation work (manual work involving painting, using power tools, operating machinery, roadwork, and working at height), volunteering in roles that involve high risk work (such as offshore, underground or caves, and commercial diving), disaster relief, NGO support, and volunteering as a ski instructor or in medical and health care services. The Epic Plan covers everything the Explorer Plan covers, plus even more activities – like serving as a pilot or crew of an aircraft. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage. If you’re not sure if your volunteer duties are covered, you can contact us and ask. 

  • What should I do if I get hurt while I’m volunteering?

    If you get hurt while you're volunteering, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. 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 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for your volunteering trip. 

  • Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?

    Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased. 

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?
    When you purchase travel insurance coverage for volunteering, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for reasonable essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

Need destination inspiration for your next volunteer trip?

Not sure where you can travel and volunteer? Check out some of our favorite ways to give back around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Argentina: Opportunities for Cultural Immersion

What’s It Like to be a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer? 

Beyond Machu Picchu: Exploring Peru’s Other Ancient Sites

The Real Hawaii: Slow Travel on Moloka’i and Lanai

How to Volunteer Overseas Without Breaking the Bank

20250821-4760264. 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
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Top travel insurance tips to know before you go

Good insurance begins a long way from the departure lounge

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Whether or not you're a boy scout, there's wisdom in the maxim 'be prepared.' This is possibly even truer when adventuring abroad. Carry a first-aid kit. Research local etiquette and customs. Learn some of the language. And most importantly take the time to understand your travel insurance policy and what to do in case you need to use it.

Tip 1: Check if your favorite adventure activity is covered by your policy

World Nomads covers more than 150 adventure sports, activities and experiences. But some activities are more dangerous than others and may not be covered.

Upgrade required?

Depending on your Country of Residence, you may need to include an insurance upgrade when you buy to have cover for some activities. If you don't have the right level of coverage, you won't be able to claim if something goes wrong.

Get it right when you buy

The time to add upgrades or activities is when you purchase your travel insurance – you can't do it afterwards. So if you decide to detour to the ski slopes, make sure you have the policy to match.

What's not covered?

Some activities aren't covered at all. Your policy has the full list, but common sense can help: long walks along the beach – generally OK; dive-bombing to the depths of the Mariana Trench without your flippers – probably not. If you're unsure whether an activity is covered, contact us.

Read your policy wording

Many activities have special conditions and exclusions. If you don't follow these you may void your coverage. These include safety gear requirements, terrain limitations, geographical boundaries and more. And then there's the issue of licenses…


Tip 2: You might need a license for that

Having the right level of coverage is just the beginning. Travelers from some parts of the world need to have valid licenses in their home country as well as at the destination to have insurance cover for some activities. Broadly, these include:

  • Driving rented vehicles, such as cars and motorbikes. For example, you may need to be a licensed motorbike rider at home to be covered to ride the same class of motorbike on holiday. Plus, you'll need to follow your country of residence's laws on safety gear too, such as helmets or safety belts.
  • Scuba diving. If coverage for this is available under your policy, you'll need to be pre-accredited for the dive you want to do.

So before you jump on that bike or strap on an oxygen tank, make sure you already have the permit and expertise.


Tip 3: Gear gone? Stuff stuffed? A little admin makes claiming a cakewalk

It's tough enough when your bags or belongings are stolen or damaged. Keep your claim's process as smooth as possible with some pre-trip prep.

Keep the paperwork for your gear

Save photos of your items and digital copies of receipts, valuations or proof of ownership to cloud storage or your email. It's a good idea to leave copies of any documents with someone at home too.

If something is stolen or damaged

Along with your ownership and value documents, get reports from the police and, if your checked-in luggage went missing in transit, from the carrier (such as the airline).

While this might seem time-consuming, we ask it of all our travelers to help combat baggage claim fraud. Unfortunately, this is the number one reason we have to increase premiums for everyone. And remember, any payments include depreciation of an item's value unless you've nominated it as a high-value/specified item and paid the extra premium.


Tip 4: There are some places travel insurance won't go

World Nomads provides coverage to more than 130 countries but not all. We exclude some places because they are too dangerous for you to go there and too expensive for us to cover.

A 'do not travel' advisory means exactly that.

Before you start booking flights and accommodation or paying deposits, check out the relevant government's travel advisory for your destination. If there's a 'do not travel' advisory or similar, we can't insure you to go there. Please keep in mind that these warnings change regularly and might affect your cover.

Other places we don't cover

Your policy may exclude other regions, such as polar areas or places with political instability. Government sanctions may also restrict us from paying claims in certain countries, so we can't pay expenses incurred there. When you get your quote, World Nomads' online purchase path will tell you if we can't cover your destination country(ies).

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


Tip 5: Stress less with added coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events

With COVID-19 affecting our travel plans, it is more important than ever to know that you have access to coverage for some COVID-19-related events. Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may also have access to:

  • Emergency medical coverage, evacuation and/or repatriation if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas;
  • Coverage for some additional COVID-19-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers on the Explorer Plan.

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.

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

What Does my Travel Insurance Cover?

Teeth hit the ground

I put my foot in a funny way while I was walking quickly because it was raining, I just fell unexpectedly to the floor my face first so I put my arm bad and broke the shoulder a little bit and hit the ground with my front teeth so the lip was in blood and one tooth broken.
Claim paid: USD $3441.64
P.R. Italian Nomad.

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?
  • Suddenly sick?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

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

Help starts here.

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

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Mitiander/IStock
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Standard vs Explorer Plans

Why two 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 different plans with different levels of coverage so you can choose one to suit your needs.

Two plans to choose from

World Nomads offers two plans – a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan – each with different benefits, limits and sub-limits of coverage.

Standard Plan: Includes a range of benefits such as overseas medical, coverage for your belongings, pre-trip cancellation and certain adventure activities.

Explorer Plan: Has all the benefits of a Standard Plan and a few more, and is more expensive to buy.

Please choose carefully from the outset, as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip. Depending on your Country of Residence, you may also need to add adventure activities to your quote as another type of coverage upgrade as you can’t add this mid-trip.

What are the differences between a Standard and an Explorer Plan?

This varies depending on your Country of Residence. Broadly speaking, though:

  • An Explorer Plan has benefits not available in the Standard Plan.
  • An Explorer Plan has higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard Plan.

An easy way to see the differences is in the benefit 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.

Which plan should I choose?

That’s your decision to make. Ask yourself, how much cover 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.

Am I covered for COVID-19 related events on both the Standard and Explorer plans?

The coverage you will have for Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. 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 medical practitioner.

Some of our Explorer plans also offer cover for some additional COVID-19-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers.

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.

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

Want all the details?

You can compare the Standard and Explorer plans and prices through getting an instant online quote.

True Claims Stories

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

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © South_agency/Getty Images
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Travel Insurance for volunteering

Don't let your good deeds go uncovered.

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At World Nomads, our travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. We’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back — and what better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open your eyes (and arms and hearts) than contributing to a worthy purpose?

Should I consider insurance when volunteering overseas?

If you’re planning to volunteer your time while traveling, World Nomads Travel Insurance may help when stepping on the plane to start your adventure. Travel insurance can cover you for issues you may encounter while on the road, such as medical issues, baggage theft or delay, and travel interruption.

friends working at table in non-profit organization
Friends volunteering. Photo: Getty images / Maskot

What's covered for volunteers?

Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time?

World Nomads plans may cover:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Medical emergency care
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Baggage delay
  • Theft of baggage and personal belongings

A choice of policy and extras for your next holiday

Always make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. World Nomads has two levels of cover - the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan - that offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits of coverage. It’s always good to spend time comparing the plans to see which one suits your travel needs.

You can get a quote, make a claim, or buy a policy instantly online, even while traveling.

What volunteer activities may I participate in?

The types of activities that are covered depend on your Country of Residence. Check your plan and policy wording to get more details. Examples of volunteering that could be covered include environmental and conservation work or teaching in literacy programs.

Sorting clothes at community service center
Sorting clothes at community service center. Photo: Getty images / Maskot

What’s not covered?

As a traveler who wants to do good while overseas, we can only assume doing good things is in your nature. But momentary lapses in judgement do happen so just to be clear, we won’t cover any incidents related to:

  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Reckless behavior
  • Criminal or illegal acts
  • Changing your mind
  • Pre-existing conditions unless specified by your policy

This is only a summary of coverage 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.

If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.

About World Nomads

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

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

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

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

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

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

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

Help starts here.

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

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

FAQ

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

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Travel insurance when in Australia

Staying safe down under

    As featured in:

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Essential travel insurance tips for Australia

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

Protect your gear from theft

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

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

Baggage delay

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

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

Medical insurance for accidents or injuries

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

Adventure sport coverage

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

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

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

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

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

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

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

Help starts here.

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

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Turnervisual/IStock
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Travel Insurance for Australia

From scuba diving to epic road trips, learn how travel insurance for Australia could help Canadians

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Australia is a dream vacation spot for many Canadians. Whether you’re visiting some of the larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, or venturing out into the remote Outback, there are so many incredible things to see and do. 

You may even choose to leave the mainland and check out the many islands off the coast of Australia. Maybe you’ll visit Tasmania or take a trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. With thousands of islands to explore, you have plenty of choices. 

In the Northern Territory you could explore Kakadu National Park, or if you’re in Far North Queensland you could take a hike to the top of Walsh’s Pyramid. Watch out for kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, and echidnas if you’re taking a road trip – you’ll definitely see plenty of amazing Australian wildlife. 

No matter where you go, the unexcepted can happen. To protect your adventures outside Canada, we recommend checking out travel insurance plans for Australia. 

Do I need travel insurance for Australia? 

International travel can bring unexpected surprises. Like accidentally stumbling upon one of the interesting pubs in the middle of the Outback. However, some surprises are not as exciting. Nobody wants to think about delayed flights or lost bags, but these things can happen unexpectedly. 

A good travel insurance plan for Australia could help with those types of situations. It could also assist with helping you get the care you need if you get injured participating in any of the unbelievable adventures and activities you’ll find there. 

If you fall and get hurt hiking on one of Australia’s trails, you may need to see a doctor. If you get bit by Australia’s Redback spider, you’re going to be headed to the doctor too - and your travel insurance for Australia could help you get reimbursed for the medical care you need. 

When you’re doing your research and looking for the best travel insurance for Australia, check to make sure there’s coverage for things like trip cancellation, overseas emergency medical coverage, natural disasters, and repatriation. 

We have two plans to choose from for different types of travellers and adventures.   

Travel insurance for activities in Australia 

There’s certainly no shortage of adventures in Australia. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Australia – and you could be covered for things like hiking the Larapinta Trail or rock climbing the Blue Mountains. 

In a country surrounded by water, you’ll probably be enjoying aquatic fun. Home to the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find extraordinary scuba diving spots in Australia. Whether you want to see shipwrecks like the SS Yongala in Queensland or dive with fur seals at Montague Island, there’s so much to witness beneath the water’s surface. 

It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when purchasing the plan—and if something happens while you are participating in an activity you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go hiking while on your trip and you didn’t list that activity out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen on the trail. You may want to overshoot and list out all possible activities you may do, just in case. 

Also keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both of our Standard and Explorer Plans. To have coverage for adventures sports, work, and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need to upgrade your adventure sports coverage and pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions may apply for certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording. 

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Australia 

Most Canadians diving in Australia have no problems at all, but sometimes things happen. Make sure to protect yourself. Never dive deeper than your qualification limits and never dive solo. If you get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage under your travel insurance for Australia may reimburse you for your medical expenses. 

If you have a medical emergency in Australia, call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. You’ll need to call and report your emergency as soon as it happens, or as soon as you’re able. Also, remember to save all paperwork and receipts. You will need these when you submit your claim for reimbursement. 

If your medical team and the 24/7 emergency assistance team think it’s best for you to travel back home to Canada for treatment, travel insurance that covers repatriation may also help cover the costs to get you there. 

Travel insurance for lost bags in Australia 

What happens if you land in the Australian city of Melbourne and find out your bags went to Melbourne in Florida? If you’re left sitting at the airport carousel anxiously waiting for the bag that is at least 12 hours delayed, your travel insurance for Australia may reimburse you for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way to you. 

Sometimes your baggage is lost forever. If you’re skiing Mt. Hotham and you packed your new ski jacket, you may be reimbursed for the cost of replacing it if the airline isn’t able to remedy the situation. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply). 

Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Australia 

With travel insurance for Australia, you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted for a covered reason. Just make sure you keep all receipts and documentation in case you need to make a claim. 

Sometimes unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans. What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for Australia? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for Australia that includes cancellation coverage could reimburse you for those unused, non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance. 

Travel insurance could help if a natural disaster occurs. If heavy rain makes your destination accommodation unsafe or a wildfire breaks out near your resort, you may be thankful you have the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to call. 

Tips for travelling to Australia from Canada 

Australians are very friendly people and will welcome you with a smile and a “G’Day” as soon as you arrive from Canada. Crime is low there, but like any international destination, there are always things to look out for. 

Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for Australia. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings. 

Remember the numbers 000. That's the emergency service number you can call if you need help from the police or fire department, or if you need an ambulance when you’re in Australia. 

Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of a kangaroo, only to find out you have a dead battery. Prepare ahead of time, and make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way. 

Speaking of wildlife, Australia has plenty of it. Of course there are the cuddly looking koalas, but the crocodiles, snakes, spiders, sharks, and Irukandji jellyfish aren’t quite as cute and cuddly. Most Canadians don’t have any issues, but it’s important to at least be aware of some of Australia’s dangerous wildlife. 

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

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

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

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

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

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

Help starts here.

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

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
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Travel insurance when in Australia

Essential travel insurance tips

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Essential travel insurance tips

For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.

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

Protect your gear from theft

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

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

Baggage delay

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

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

Medical insurance for accidents or injuries

The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so before you travel, make sure your travel insurance plan covers you for emergency medical expenses when overseas. This is different to the private health or private medical insurance cover you might have at home which may not cover you overseas. Cover for emergency medical expenses in your travel insurance plan can be your safety net. 

If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.

Adventure sport coverage

There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing (over water only). Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. And, remember, if you do something really reckless, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your 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.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

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

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

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

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

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

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

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

Help starts here.

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

24/7 emergency assistance

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

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Richard l'Anson
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Travel Insurance for Nepal

What you need to know when visiting the roof of the world.

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  • As featured in:

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

Why is travel insurance to Nepal so expensive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How travel insurance works

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

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

What are our options? 

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

What we’re doing about it 

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

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

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

What you can do to help 

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

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

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

 

 

 

Are you sick in the mountains?

If you are presently in Nepal and suspect you are suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) you should immediately contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and inability to exercise. Most cases are mild but some are life-threatening.

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Interview With Conservation Filmmaker Jenny Nichols
Travel Filmmaking

Interview With Conservation Filmmaker Jenny Nichols

In our interview with Travel Film Scholarship mentor Jenny Nichols, we ask how she chooses projects, what documentary she wishes she made and why conservation is so important to her.