Travel insurance that's easy to claim on from anywhere in the world.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

How to successfully submit a travel insurance claim in five simple steps

Hey there, fellow nomad! So, you've had an unexpected hiccup during your journey, and now you're wondering how to navigate the process of submitting a travel insurance claim. Don't worry; we're here to help!

As an experienced travel insurance provider with over 25 years’ experience in the travel insurance industry, we have paid out thousands of claims.

We know it's not an exciting process, but it is crucial. We're here to guide you through it in five simple steps, ensuring you get the support you need when you need it the most.

How to submit a travel insurance claim in five simple steps

Step 1: Know your policy

Before diving into the claim process, it's important to familiarize yourself with your travel insurance policy. Take some time to review the coverage details, including what's included and what's not. This means reading your Certificate of Insurance once you have purchased a policy and that email hits your inbox. Understanding your policy will help you determine if your situation is eligible for a claim.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Now that you're ready to make a claim, gather all the necessary documents to support your case. This may include:

  • Copies of your travel itinerary and booking confirmations
  • Receipts for any expenses incurred due to the incident (e.g., medical bills, accommodation, transportation)
  • Police reports or incident reports if applicable
  • Medical certificates or documentation from healthcare providers
  • Any other relevant documentation related to the incident

Step 3: Submit your claim online

Making a claim is as easy as a few clicks! Visit our website and navigate to the claims section. You'll need to log in via the World Nomads’ member portal and find the online form where you can enter all the required information and upload your documents. Be sure to provide accurate details to expedite the processing of your claim. If you can’t login through the member portal, then you can contact the Claims Services team who can take your claim details over the phone, email or fax.

Step 4: Follow-up as needed

Once you've submitted your claim, keep an eye on your email inbox for any updates or requests for additional information from our claims team. Promptly respond to any inquiries to ensure the smooth processing of your claim. We're here to assist you every step of the way!

Step 5: Stay patient

While we strive to process claims as quickly as possible, some cases may require additional review or verification. We appreciate your patience while we work diligently to resolve your claim. We're committed to providing timely assistance and support throughout the process.

Get a quote from anywhere 24/7

With World Nomads you can Get an instant quote anytime, anywhere, before you leave home or while you’re on the road.

Tips when submitting a travel insurance claim:

  1. Do: provide complete and accurate information when submitting your claim. Submit your claim forms and supporting documents promptly to avoid any delays in processing.

  2. Do: keep copies of all documents and correspondence related to your claim for your records. Ensure that all documents and information provided in your claim forms is accurate and truthful to avoid any complications or potential denial of your claim.

  3. Do: inform us as soon as possible after the incident occurs to initiate the claims process.

  4. Do: stay in communication with us throughout the claims process and promptly respond to any requests for additional information.

  5. Do: follow the instructions provided by us regarding the claims process, including any required forms or documentation.

  6. Do Not: delay in submitting your claim or providing requested information, as this may prolong the process. Follow up regularly to ensure progress.

  7. Do Not: attempt to falsify or exaggerate claims, as this can result in denial of coverage.

  8. Do Not: assume that every expense will be covered by your travel insurance policy. Review your policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not covered.

  9. Do Not: ignore exclusions listed in your travel insurance policy. Understand what is excluded from coverage to avoid surprises during the claims process.

  10. Do Not: assume that your claim will be denied without understanding the reasons for denial. Seek clarification from the claims team if necessary.

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the full description of cover in the policy wording for the full details on what’s not covered as well as the terms, conditions, limitation and exclusions. If you are unsure of anything, please contact us for help.

Ready to make a claim?

Now that you know the ropes, it's time to act! If you find yourself in a situation where you need to make a claim, follow the five simple steps outlined above.

Want all the details?

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

Watch Anton's true claim story

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

Anton, World Nomads customer from Iceland

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 200 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 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.

The claims process for World Nomads was painless and really intuitive

I was pickpocketed while in Mexico City and had my new iPhone 6S stolen, as well as my credit card and drivers license. The claims process for World Nomads was painless and really intuitive, logging everything online. The resolution was extremely fair and would be happy to recommend World Nomads to anyone.
Australian Nomad in Mexico.

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 claims. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.

  • What can I claim for?
    To give you an idea, some of the things can claim for are: overseas medical expenses, medical evacuation, cancellation costs, emergency dental treatment, luggage and personal effects.
Photo © Solovyova/IStock

Travel Insurance for Delayed Baggage

Learn how travel insurance could help if your luggage misses your flight.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

You’re the last one standing at baggage claim. And there are no bags left on the merry-go-round. Every Nomad’s been there. Delayed baggage is a common offender and can leave even the most seasoned Nomad without their unmentionables. Sometimes it pays to squeeze everything into your carry-on luggage.

When you arrive but your bags don’t, our travel insurance may help ease the blow (and get you on your way to a fresh pair of knickers).

When your luggage doesn’t follow the travel itinerary

If your luggage has lost its way you may be wondering what’s covered if your bags are delayed.

Depending on your Country of Residence and your chosen travel insurance policy, if your checked-in bags are delayed for the duration or more of your waiting period your policy may cover essential items.

Terms and conditions, limits and waiting periods apply, so before you hit the shops on a spending spree be sure to become familiar with your policy wording, the conditions and exclusions of your travel insurance policy.

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

What you can claim if your bags are delayed

An airport help desk has a way of delivering unwelcome news - particularly if they’ve failed to deliver your bags. If you’ve been told your bag was delayed in transit, chances are you’ll need fresh clothes at some point. Items you can claim if your bags are delayed include:

  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • T-shirt(s)
  • Toiletries
  • Prescribed medication.

You may also be covered for other reasonable and (deemed) necessary essential items. Like if you’ve arrived at the snow fields of Canada without a warm jacket (and other clothing to suit the weather of your destination).

Get in touch if you’re unsure what you can claim and consider your policy wording before making any purchase to replace your delayed items.

Items that aren’t covered for delayed baggage

Travel insurance may be the best provision for your personal possessions but that doesn’t mean it covers the impractical (like replacing your rundown kicks with a new pair of designer boots).

While things like underwear, toiletries, and prescribed medication fall under the ‘items you can claim if your bags are delayed’ umbrella, non-essential items are not. A general rule is, if you can live without it for a few days, it’s considered a non-essential item and may not be covered if your bags are delayed. Items deemed non-essential include:

  • Designer jeans
  • Leather jacket
  • Prada shoes.

If you need to make a claim

If your bags are stranded for an extended period without you for company, you’re probably going to need to make a claim.

If you need to make a claim for delayed baggage there are a few steps you need to follow, including but not limited to:

  • Report it to your carrier
  • Complete all documentation required by your carrier
  • Submit relevant receipts for the items you buy
  • Follow the guidelines around spending limits and items that are covered as part of your policy.

Take a look at our article ‘What to do if your luggage is delayed’ for more information. And if you’re still not sure, get in touch and one of our team can help.

Things you should know (and other tips for surviving delayed baggage)

Terms and conditions and exclusions apply and there are limits on the amount you can spend. And if your bags arrive at your destination within the waiting period outlined by your travel insurance policy, cover may not apply.

Always check your policy wording for full details on what’s covered and what’s not, as well as what you need to do to make a valid claim for delayed baggage.

One of the best tips from our Nomads to keep your luggage safe is to keep your valuables with you. When in transit, take your most precious items out of your checked-in luggage and carry them with you in your carry-on luggage and/or daypack. That way, when the inevitable happens, you won’t be left without them.

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

Get a quote 24/7

With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance before you go or when you're already traveling any time anywhere 24-hours a day. Get an instant quote today.

Baggage Delay in a Delhi Winter.

I arrived in Delhi from Rome. Baggage claim help desk informed me that my bag had been delayed in transit. I was without my bag for almost a week before it was finally delivered to me. It was cold in Delhi (being winter, December) and my warm jacket was in my bag, requiring that I purchase a jacket and other items of warm clothing that I had not taken in my carry-on.
Claim paid: USD $51.74
S.N. U.S. Nomad in India.

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 cover for delayed baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team. 

  • How much can I get reimbursed for delayed baggage?
    Benefits and limits vary depending on your chosen travel insurance policy. We offer Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans, each with their own benefits and limits. Check your policy wording for full details, including information around excess.
  • Do I need a written report from the carrier?
    Yes. You are required to report it to your carrier as soon as you realize your luggage is delayed and to get a Property Irregularity Report from them to confirm delay, compensation they offer, and expected duration of the delay.
Photo © Jovo Jovanovic/Stocksy

Travel Insurance for Overseas Medical

If you get sick or injured overseas, learn how you may be covered for emergency medical treatment overseas.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

We’ve seen some pretty hairy accidents and illnesses, from aneurysms to scooter crashes, and at least one shark bite! When the unexpected happens, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team will support you and your family, so you can focus on getting better.

What overseas medical expenses are covered by travel insurance?

If you’re injured in an accident or suddenly get sick while traveling, you may be covered for emergency medical treatment overseas including:

  • Hospitalization
  • Day surgery and out-patient treatment
  • Visits to registered medical practitioners
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Ambulances

Am I covered for Coronavirus related medical costs while overseas?

Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may also have access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for certain events. Some of our plans offer:

  • Emergency medical cover, evacuation, and/or repatriation if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas;
  • Cover for some additional Coronavirus-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 some of the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions. Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.

Why should I consider travel insurance for medical emergencies?

Whether you’re young, old, or anywhere in between, one of the key reasons why many travelers take out travel insurance is to make sure they are covered for any unexpected injury or illness while on holiday.

That’s why World Nomads policies offer two different plans – Standard vs Explorer – that offer different levels of cover for overseas emergency medical situations. In many cases, if you get sick, the hospital may not treat you without upfront payment or providing proof of a travel insurance policy. World Nomads travel insurance can offer cover for overseas emergency medical expenses including:

  • Hospitalization
  • Out-patient treatment (that doesn’t require hospital admission)
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Dental care
  • Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment if we decide it's medically necessary.

This is not a full list of what's covered. There are terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that apply, and cover will depend on your Country of Residence, and which plan you have purchased.

Worldwide 24/7 assistance for many types of emergencies

The Emergency Assistance team can help get you find local medical facilities if needed, and in the worst-case scenario, help get you home if you’re seriously injured or ill and need to be repatriated. When you call (free from anywhere in the world), make sure you have your policy number and a contact number for where you are so we can help.

Some of the most common events our EA team has helped with include:

  • Determining if hospital care and treatment is reasonable for your condition
  • If medically necessary and agreed to by us, we can organize for you to be evacuated or repatriated
  • Help you access medical care in your location
  • Help you find local updates on an unexpected natural disaster or a specific unfolding situation
  • Provide support if you need to contact your government/embassy
  • And many more.

Note: coverage may depend on your past medical history, what's happened to you and any other conditions, limits, or exclusions of cover as described in your policy.

What should I do if I have an emergency while traveling?

What’s not covered?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims we see, where there's no cover for overseas medical expenses, include:

  • If you've used drugs or alcohol, as per the policy wording
  • Any sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections (except, for example, where contracted through an assault).
  • Any reckless behavior
  • Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's for travel emergencies)
  • Pre-existing medical conditions as shown in your policy wording
  • Ongoing treatment at home

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

Get a quote 24/7

With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance before you go or when you're already traveling any time anywhere 24-hours a day. Get an instant quote today.

How to get medical assistance.

It’s essential that you get in contact with our Emergency Assistance teams as soon as possible so that they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.

So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:

  • Your policy number
  • A contact number that we can call you on
  • The nature of your problem
  • Your location

Monkey Bite

While visiting the Monkey Forest in Bali, I was bitten by a monkey and blood was drawn. After returning to our hotel we then visited a local doctor the same evening of the bite. I received my first rabies vaccination and then went to the International SOS office in Bali for an examination. There I received a second rabies shot, and then immunoglobulin shots.

S.D. U.S Resident in Indonesia.

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
  • Got into an accident?
  • Have your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

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 medicine?
  • 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 overseas?
  • Medevac needed home?
  • Need an ambulance?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • 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

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask our customer service team