For such a relatively small country, Ecuador is packed with amazing experiences for the adventurous traveler. From hiking up volcanoes to biking down the Andes, from floating through the jungle to fishing for piranha, thrills are everywhere. And that’s to say nothing of the amazing wildlife waiting to be discovered in the Galapagos Islands!

But along with adventure comes risk, and what if a natural disaster strikes or you suffer an accident far away from the nearest town? When planning your dream vacation, a travel insurance policy may be a good idea to help get you back on course in case an unexpected event means things go awry.

• Why travel insurance matters
• What should I look out for when traveling to Ecuador?
• What’s not covered?

Why travel insurance matters

A once in a lifetime trip to go snorkeling with the sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the Galapagos means a lot of financial outlay. Travel insurance covering lost baggage and medical emergencies can help protect this investment if the unexpected happens.

A World Nomads travel insurance policy may provide cover for:

• Delayed or lost baggage
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Stolen personal effects 
• Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events
• More than 150 activities and sports when in Ecuado

What should I look out for when traveling to Ecuador?

If it’s relaxed beaches or snow-capped mountains you’re after, Ecuador has everything to make a visit the best vacation ever! But things might not go according to plan and knowing that you may be able to resolve financial, medical or logistical problems through your travel insurance policy is a great comfort. Some of the unexpected events that we may be able to help you with include:

Delayed or lost baggage

Even though Brazil and Ecuador are close neighbors, airline companies can still manage to mislay or lose your baggage. If this happens, make sure that you follow all the correct reporting procedures at the airport and World Nomads may be able to provide you with reimbursement for a change of clothing and personal items until things get sorted.
 

Trip cancellation and trip interruption

With so much to do in Ecuador, you’ve probably spent a long time making travel arrangements. But if something unexpected, such as an illness or an accident, happens just prior to departure, or even during your trip, your travel insurance policy may be able to help recover some of your losses.

Stolen personal effects 

The bigger cities such as Quito and Cuenca provide a fascinating mix of indigenous and Spanish history and culture, including one of Latin America’s largest outdoor markets. But if you’re pickpocketed while browsing the local handicrafts, our round-the-clock hotline may be able to point you to the local police station and help you obtain temporary documents. We can also assist in getting funds wired over from your family back in Brazil.

Overseas emergency medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events 

If you injure yourself on a hike to the famous crater lakes or on a whitewater rafting expedition from the mountains into the jungle, our 24/7 emergency assistance team can help you find the nearest medical center. If the injury is serious, World Nomads may also be able to help arrange for emergency evacuation and repatriation back to Brazil.

Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic are still a part of our lives, so if you fall ill with a Coronavirus-related medical problem, your insurance may be able to help with hospital stays and medication.

Cover for over 150 activities and sports when in Ecuador

World Nomads has developed travel insurance for the adventurous traveler with cover for more than 150 exciting sports and activities. With amazing new experiences being developed in Ecuador, such as high altitude ziplining and swings flying out over canyons, it is important that you read through the different policies – Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus – and decide which one is right for the kind of vacation you plan on taking.

What's not covered?

Of course, no insurance policy can cover absolutely everything, and there are a number of things that World Nomads will not provide assistance or reimbursement for. These may include:

• Taking part in sports not covered by the policy. Always check what is and isn’t covered before taking out a policy and before signing up for a new radical sport.
• If you haven’t taken proper care of yourself or your belongings. So if you’ve left your things unattended while enjoying Quito’s nightlife or following the iguanas down the beach in the Galapagos, we won’t be able to cover you.
• Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions or if your trip has been planned specifically to receive specialist health care.

Of course, this is only a brief guide to insurance while traveling in Ecuador. So before heading off to the “center of the world,” please feel free to contact us for more detailed information on the different policies and cover available.

Você já conhece tudo que o litoral brasileiro tem a oferecer e agora é hora de partir para Gold Coast, Indonésia, Oahu ou todas aquelas ondas com as quais você sempre sonhou. Mas um caldo inesperado ou um encontro com uma rocha submersa podem impor uma pausa ou prematura  ao seu sonho. Portanto, antes de buscar as ondas, é uma boa ideia contratar um Seguro Viagem.

Seguro Viagem para surfistas brasileiros

Você pode até ser um surfista tarimbado e conhecer os riscos, mas surfar sabendo que está protegido em caso de acidente só melhora sua experiência. Uma apólice de viagem da World Nomads para surf pode cobrir:

Perda de bagagem: E se a companhia aérea extraviar sua valiosa prancha e outras bagagens antes mesmo que você veja o mar? Certifique-se de informar imediatamente a perda à companhia aérea e obter comprovante por escrito, preenchendo o formulário P.I.R (Property Irregularity Report).

Documentos perdidos: Perdeu seus documentos de viagem e carteira pulando de uma cidade litorânea para outra na Nicarágua? Você pode contar com seu Seguro Viagem para garantir que as substituições sejam mais tranquilas.

Atendimento médico de emergência: em um minuto você está voando sobre as ondas, no próximo você leva um caldo. Fazer um Seguro Viagem para questões médicas de emergência no exterior pode ter sido a melhor decisão que você tomou antes de viajar. 

Transporte: as melhores ondas do mundo não necessariamente ficam próximas ao hospital. Seu Seguro Viagem pode ajudá-lo a sair do paraíso isolado do surfista e se dirigir ao centro médico mais próximo para tratamento.

Cancelamento de viagem: Se você ou um acompanhante sofrer um acidente nas ondas ou ficar doente, o que significa que sua viagem terá que ser  interrompida, sua apólice pode ajudá-lo a voltar para casa e recuperar suas despesas de viagem pré-pagas.

Além do surf, sua apólice World Nomads também pode cobrir:

• Surf terrestre
• Stand-up paddle surf (SUP)
• Windsurf
• Sandboard
• Kiteboarding
• Wakeboarding

Leia sua apólice de Seguro Viagem detalhadamente, pois certas formas complementares de tratamento médico podem não ser cobertas por acidentes relacionados ao surfe.

O que não está coberto pelo Seguro Viagem para surf?

A World Nomads quer contribuir para que as pessoas possam explorar tudo que o mundo tem a oferecer. Mas você não deve visitar regiões que forem consideradas inseguras ou desaconselháveis para viajar, e você sempre precisa ser sensato e tomar cuidado. A World Nomads não pode cobrir tudo, portanto, esteja ciente de alguns pontos, como:

• Não vá para o mar depois de beber ou usar drogas.
• Não podemos oferecer cobertura se você não seguir as orientações de seu médico após um acidente.
• Você deve sempre cuidar de seus objetos pessoais.
• Se algo acontecer com você como resultado de uma condição médica pré-existente, seu tratamento não poderá ser coberto.

Se você é iniciante, faça aulas em uma escola de surf. Não procure um tubo ou uma rampa direto!

Como aproveitar ao máximo seu Seguro Viagem

Como surfista, há uma boa chance de você querer experimentar outros esportes ou atividades de aventura durante as férias.

A World Nomads oferece cobertura para mais de 150 esportes e atividades diferentes e emocionantes que você pode experimentar enquanto viaja pelo exterior. Mas você deve estudar os diferentes planos - Standard, Explorer e Explorer Plus - para decidir qual é o certo para você.

Aproveitar suas férias ao máximo geralmente significa tomar as decisões certas. Então, ao sair para surfar:

• fique de olho nos alertas de tempestade
• reconheça os seus próprios limites e respeite os sinais de alerta do oceano
• verifique a área com antecedência e fique atento a rochas e recifes submersos
• pode ser uma boa ideia surfar com outras pessoas para que vocês possam se revezar para ficar com as coisas de todos na praia. Seu seguro não cobrirá a perda de seus pertences se eles forem deixados sem vigilância.

Obviamente, em férias de surf, é para isso que você deseja uma cobertura específica. Mas os planos de Seguro Viagem da World Nomads cobrem muitas outras situações inesperadas e às vezes inevitáveis que podem acontecer quando você está viajando.

Você pode precisar de cuidados médicos depois de torcer o tornozelo subindo a colina para outra praia ou depois de comer frutos do mar locais que não caíram muito bem. Ainda existe a possibilidade de você pegar o COVID-19. Aconteça o que acontecer, o Seguro Viagem para emergências médicas é importante, pois pode fornecer assistência e atenção médica quando você estiver longe de casa.

A equipe de assistência de emergência da World Nomads também pode oferecer ajuda 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, em diversos eventos inesperados. Isso pode incluir ajudar a encontrar o hospital ou delegacia de polícia mais próximos ou informar sua família no Brasil sobre qualquer emergência e ajudá-lo a receber valores de maneira rápida e fácil se você estiver em dificuldades.

Obviamente, este é apenas um breve resumo de por que é uma boa ideia ter um Seguro Viagem se você estiver de férias para surfar. Para obter informações mais detalhadas, leia atentamente as opções de apólice disponíveis. Se você tiver alguma dúvida, entre em contato.

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.

• Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?
• Travel insurance for activities in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador
• Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States

Wander through historic streets in the center of Quito, learn weaving traditions with the Indigenous Otavalo people, search for wildlife on the storied Galapagos Islands, and hike one of Ecuador’s volcanoes. It’s easy to see why Ecuador is a popular choice among American travelers.

You can swing over the forest in Banos, go on a hiking adventure through the lakes and mountains of Cotopaxi National Park, and visit historic sites in Cuenca. For outdoor adventurers and culture buffs alike, Ecuador entices the curious traveler with its natural wonders, UNESCO historic centers, and rich Indigenous heritage.

While a trip to South America is an incredible experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for Ecuador.

Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like spotting a giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands.

Some surprises are not as great. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you injure yourself in a mountaineering adventure while attempting to climb Cotopaxi, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for Ecuador.

World Nomads has four plans to choose 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 Ecuador

With incredibly varied landscapes from the Amazon Rainforest to soaring volcanoes, Ecuador is a phenomenal destination if you’re looking for some adventure. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Ecuador and includes things like scuba diving in North Seymour Island, kayaking in the Amazon Rainforest, and surfing in Montanita.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. An advance plan will help you choose the best insurance for your trip—and make sure even your most daring adventure is covered.

If you’re hoping to go horseback riding through the lush El Choco Rainforest, sea kayak in the waters around San Cristobal Island, or white-water raft down Quijos River, you’ll be covered under all plans, including the Standard Plan. Maybe you have your sights set on climbing Mount Chimborazo—Ecuador’s highest peak, which rises to a soaring 20,702 feet. In that case, you’ll need to invest in the Explorer Plan or the Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador

Before you head to Ecuador, we recommend that you make an appointment with our non-insurance service partner who offers telehealth travel consultations. The service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with altitude sickness and traveler’s diarrhea.

We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent to help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. Keep in mind that tap water isn’t drinkable, so you’ll need to stay hydrated with bottled or filtered water.

Most Americans diving in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands 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 Ecuador may reimburse you for your medical expenses.

In the event that you have a medical emergency when traveling in Ecuador, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they may be able to refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Ecuador may cover the costs to get you there.

Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador

You probably packed your hiking boots if you’re planning to hike the scenic Quilotoa Loop. What happens if you land in Quito, but your bag doesn’t arrive at the same time? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help reimburse your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).

If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact our non-insurance service partner that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.

Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador

Petty theft and pickpockets are something to watch out for when you travel to Ecuador- especially in crowded areas in Quito and Guayaquil. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front. Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, as well.

If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador

Even if you have the perfect getaway planned with all your hotels and excursions booked, unexpected situations can throw your plans off track. Before you invest in an insurance plan for Ecuador, make sure it includes cancellation coverage.

Ecuador is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding. What happens if heavy rains cause a landslide in central Ecuador, wiping out roads in the region, and making it impossible for you to reach your destination in Banos? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.

If you’re already in Ecuador and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, World Nomads insurance may compensate you for covered reasons. For example, if your travel companion gets injured while rock climbing in Cuenca and needs to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours for treatment, you could be reimbursed for the expenses you incur during that time, like hotels.

Let’s say you’re planning to catch a cruise around the Galapagos Islands from San Cristobal but your flight leaving the US is delayed by more than three consecutive hours and the boat leaves without you. You’ll probably have to pay to travel to the next port of call to catch up with your cruise. The Explorer and Epic Plans cover for missed connections and may reimburse you for the cost to travel to the next port.

Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States

Before you leave the United States, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for Ecuador. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any advisories that may exist at that time.

If you purchase travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of a Blue-Footed Boobie, only to find out you have a dead battery. If you make the journey to see the rare bird species on the Galapagos, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.

As you’re preparing for your trip, we recommend you learn a few Spanish phrases that will help you navigate Ecuador comfortable. You might also want to check out our tips for visiting Ecuador to make sure you’re ready for your grand adventure!

Stoked to be hitting those waves you’ve only dreamed of until now? You’ve mastered all that Brazil’s coasts have to offer and now it’s off to the Gold Coast, Indonesia or Oahu. But an awkward wipeout or an encounter with hidden rock could bring your dream to a premature end. So before paddling out, it’s a good idea to have your travel insurance in place.

What’s covered by travel insurance for surfing?

You might be a seasoned surfer and know the risks, but riding the waves knowing that you’re covered in the event of an accident makes you a smart surfer. A World Nomads travel policy for surfing may cover:

• Baggage Loss: What if the airline misplaces your prized board and other baggage before you’ve even seen the ocean? Make sure you follow the correct Property Irregularity Procedures and your insurance may mean you can still head to the beach.

• Lost documents: Mislaid your travel documents and wallet hopping from one beach town to another in Nicaragua? You may be able to rely on your travel insurance to ensure arranging replacements is smooth and easy.

• Emergency Medical Care: One minute you’re flying across the waves, the next you’ve seriously wiped out. Getting overseas travel insurance for urgent or emergency medical issues before traveling may have been the best decision you make if you have an accident or even suffer a disability.

• Transportation: The world’s best swells aren’t necessarily conveniently located next to the local hospital. Your travel insurance may well help you get from your secluded surfer’s paradise to the nearest medical center for treatment.

• Trip cancellation: If you or a travel companion has an accident on the waves or falls ill, meaning your trip is cut short, your policy may help you get back home and recover your pre-paid travel expenses.

Besides wave surfing, your World Nomads policy may also cover:

• Land surfing
• Stand-up paddle surfing
• Windsurfing
• Sandboarding
• Kitesurfing
• Wakeboarding

Be sure to read through your travel insurance policy carefully as certain complementary forms of medical treatment may not be covered for surfing-related accidents.

What's not covered for surfing travel insurance?

World Nomads believes in providing support so that everyone has the chance to explore all the world has to offer. But you shouldn’t visit regions that have been deemed unsafe or unadvisable for travel, and you always need to be sensible and take care. World Nomads can’t cover everything, so please be aware of a few things, such as:

• If you’re a beginner, take lessons at a surf school. Don’t go looking for a wave ‘pocket’ or a ‘ramp’!
• Don’t go out on the ocean after drinking or taking drugs.
• We can’t cover you if you don’t follow your doctor’s advice after an accident.
• You should always take due care of your personal items when heading out on the waves.
• If anything happens to you as a result of a pre-existing medical condition, you can’t expect to have your treatment covered.

How to get the most out of your travel insurance

As a surfer, there’s a good chance you’re going to be up for trying a few other adventure sports or activities while on vacation.

World Nomads provides cover for more than 150 different exciting sports and activities that you can try out while traveling overseas. But you should always make sure you carefully read the different policies - Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus  - and decide which one is right for you.

Enjoying your vacation to the max often means making the right decisions. So when heading out for those early morning breaks:

• keep an eye on the storm warnings.
• recognize your own limits and respect the ocean’s warning signs.
• check out the area beforehand and watch out for submerged rocks and reefs.
• it may be a good idea to surf with others so you can always take it in turns to stay with everyone’s stuff on the beach. Your insurance won’t cover it if your belongings have been left unattended.

Obviously, on a surfing vacation, this is what you’ll want specific coverage for. But World Nomads travel policies cover many of those other unexpected and sometimes unavoidable things that can happen when away from home.

You may need medical attention after twisting your ankle hiking over the hill to another beach or eating some local seafood that didn’t agree with you. There is still even the possibility that you might catch COVID-19. Whatever happens, travel insurance for medical emergencies is important as it may provide you with medical care and attention when far from home.

The World Nomads emergency assistance team can also provide you with 24/7 help on a range of unexpected events. These may include providing guidance to the nearest hospital or police station or informing your family back home of any emergencies and helping receive funds quickly and easily if you find yourself in difficulty.

Obviously, this is just a brief outline of why it’s a good idea to have some travel insurance if you’re on a surfing vacation. For more detailed information, get a quote online and carefully read through the policy options available. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.