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Travel Insurance for High-intensity Sports

What you need to know if you plan on doing some of the more adventurous sports on your next trip.

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So you love your high intensity sports and have plenty of adventurous plans for your trip abroad, and while you might know your own limits when it comes to adventure, you may not know that your travel insurance cover has limits.

Don’t get us wrong, we love to take things up a notch when hitting the great outdoors and really experiencing it which is why some of our plans offer cover for many popular adventure sports including rock climbing, scuba diving and skiing, but there’s plenty we don’t cover and limits and exclusions may apply.

Mount biking
Mountain bikers riding down a trail in the woods. Photo credit: Getty images / Daniel Milchev

What’s covered for high-intensity and adventure activities?

If you plan to add high-intensity sports and activities to your trip abroad, then travel insurance should be on your to-do list of things to consider when packing for your next trip. If you have several activities prepared when on the mountain, in the water, or at the snow, you may want to check out our plans to see which one fits your needs the most.

Not getting it right the first time could mean you may not be covered, for example, for medical evacuation and repatriation, and you may end up with a big medical bill.

We have two policies to choose from – Standard and Explorer.

While both plans cover a wide range of sports and activities, activity terms and conditions can vary between them. If you want to take your adventure sport to the next level, you’ll want to consider the Explorer Plan. The Explorer Plan has more generous activity conditions and limits than the Standard Plan. You can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling.

Note: all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy.

Questions to ask if you’re planning some higher-level sports and adventure activities while abroad

  • What kind of high-level adventure activities will I be doing on holiday?
  • What activities are my travel buddies planning?
  • Do I have the right gear, equipment and qualifications for that activity or sport?
  • What cover do the two different plans offer for these activities?
  • Am I fit enough to be able to undertake the planned sports, activities and experiences?
  • Are there any special exclusions or conditions of cover that may stop me from doing a specific sport or activity?
  • What exclusions might apply?
A man surfing
Photo of an extreme surfer. Photo credit: Getty images / drewhadley

What are some higher-level activities & sports that I can be covered for?

Depending on your country of residence and which plan you’ve selected you may be covered for some of the following sports and activities:

  • Big-wave surfing
  • Zorbing
  • Shark-cage diving
  • Parachuting
  • Mountaineering to 6,000 metres (with ropes, picks or specialist climbing equipment)
  • Triathlon up to full distance
  • Mountain biking downhill (using downhill trails and/or mechanical lifts)
  • White-water rafting (Grades 1 - 5)
  • Skydiving / tandem skydiving
  • Base jumping

And many more that you can find under our coverage plans…

The activities and sports listed below are not covered under any of World Nomads policies:

  • Bull running
  • Martial arts competitions
  • Potholing and caving
  • Cliff diving, solo diving, cave diving and free diving
  • Motor sports
  • Stunt flying/aerobatics
  • Taking part in dangerous expeditions; mountaineering expeditions or expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctica
  • Crewing of a vessel more than 60 mi (96km) from a protected body of water.

Please be aware that while we cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences some may not be available under your specific coverage plan. Additionally, there are some we don’t cover under any of our policies. Some key things that we don’t cover include:

  • If you go against local authority warnings or enter closed or restricted areas or places or situations known to be unsafe or dangerous.
  • Damage to any sporting equipment while in use; loss, damage or theft of any sporting equipment left unattended.
  • Taking part in dangerous expeditions; mountaineering expeditions or expeditions to remote and inaccessible regions of the Arctic, Antarctica or Greenland, unless approved by us
  • Work offshore or underground, including in caves
  • Work operating machinery or heavy/industrial equipment
  • Work at height without proper safety equipment. Work at height is further restricted to a maximum of two metres
  • Work in close proximity to dangerous animals including, for example, hippopotami, crocodiles, alligators, sharks, elephants, bears, big cats and deadly snakes.
people in a shark cage
Scuba divers observing Caribbean reef sharks Photo credit: Getty images / Stephen Frink

Take your adventure activity and sports cover to the next level

Depending on your country of residence you will have access to several of our activities or sports that are listed on multiple levels (from Level 1 to Level 4). This is to reflect the varying degrees of difficulty or intensity.

Cover is automatically provided on the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan when you participate in Level 1 adventure sports and activities overseas. You can upgrade your cover for a range of other activities and experiences and manual work if you select the activities (listed as Level 2, 3 and 4) and pay any required additional premium at the time you purchase your policy as follows:

  • If you have paid the required additional premium for a sport or activity in Level 2, you are covered for all sports and activities and work listed as Level 1 and 2.
  • If you have paid the additional premium for a sport or activity in Level 3, you will be covered for all sports, activities and work listed as Level 1, 2 and 3.
  • If you have paid the additional premium for a sport or activity in Level 4, you will be covered for all sports, activities and work listed as Level 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Always check before you go that you have the right level of cover for your desired activities, as you cannot add any sports or activities after your trip has begun. Also, you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip.

Read your policy carefully, and also check out our adventure, sports activities Help Centre article. Just set your country of residence and check out the complete list of covered activities, and sports. If you are still unsure if you’re chosen sport or activity is covered, please get in touch.

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.

You’re in safe hands with World Nomads

Check out our true claims video below to get a behind the scenes glimpse of how we help travelers when something goes wrong.

Travel insurance tipmany travel insurance policies cover white water rafting and kayaking, for example, but Class 6, Extreme and Exploratory Rapids, aren’t covered. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. Your policy may have special terms, conditions and specific exclusions and conditions for some activities. .

Experiencing a Medical Emergency?

Our Emergency Assistance Team helps take the stress out of already stressful situations and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

If you're experiencing a medical emergency, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who can help direct you to medical help, and if necessary, work with local authorities to repatriate you home, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.

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

Travel insurance for Australia

Essential travel insurance tips when going down under

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Spanning nearly 8 million km2 and with crystal-clear water, red deserts, tropical rainforests, and bustling cities, Australia is fascinatingly diverse. Whether you’re road-tripping the East Coast, hiking on Kangaroo Island or scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, World Nomads has you covered.

What am I covered for?

World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Overseas medical expenses: if you become sick or injured during your trip.
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation: if you need emergency transport home due to a serious illness or injury.
  • Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event.
  • Trip cancellation: if your trip is cancelled due to an insured event.
  • Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost.
  • Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost.
  • Activities cover: we cover more than 150 activities so you can have fun adventuring your way around Australia’s outback, coasts, cities and skies.

Note: our travel insurance plans are different. Cover will vary, depending on your country of residence, what you are claiming for, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy.

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance as soon as your trip is locked in or while you're traveling (waiting periods apply); it’s entirely up to you.

Bondi beach, Sydney, Australia
Bondi beach, Sydney, Australia. Photo credit: Getty images / Christine Wehrmeier

What should I look out for when travelling to Australia?

There are a few key things to consider when visiting Australia. Our travel insurance may help if you land in Melbourne, but your baggage doesn’t, or you suffer an injury whilst hiking Cradle Mountain.

To make it easier for you to choose a plan that’s right for you we offer two plans – Standard and Explorer. Each one provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need and your country of residence:

  • The Standard Plan –covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities but has lower coverage limits.
  • The Explorer Plan – covers all the benefits of the Standard plan, with larger coverage limits, more benefits and covers more sports and activities.

Essential travel cover options when you need them the most

Depending on the level of cover you choose and your country of residence, our policies may cover you for:

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover

If your luggage or personal items are stolen, lost or accidentally damaged, you may be able to claim to replace or repair the item. If your luggage is delayed for more than 24 hours, you may be able to claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned.

Travel insurance for accidents or injuries

If you become sick or injured in Australia with anything from food poisoning to an injury while participating in an activity, our policies may cover you for medical treatment including hospitalisation, prescribed medicines and prescribed physiotherapy treatments. Terms and conditions apply.

Coronavirus cover for some events

If you catch COVID-19 while travelling in Australia we may cover you for medical expenses and hospital assistance, as well as repatriation. Our Explorer Plan offers extra cover for Coronavirus-related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs. To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.

Adventure sports & activities cover

There’s no shortage of adventures and activities to do in Australia and depending on what plan you choose and your country of residence, you can be covered for hiking adventures in the Snowy Mountains, road trips along the East Coast, surfing at Bondi Beach, snorkelling with Whale Sharks on Ningaloo Reef and much more. You can find the full list of covered activities in the Policy Wording.

Rental car coverage and road safety

Australia is the perfect place for a road trip. With such vast distances between destinations, it can be a good idea to make sure you are covered if something goes wrong when you’re on the road.

Available on our Explorer Plan, we may cover your rental vehicle insurance excess, or the cost of repairing the rental vehicle if you’re involved in a motor accident or your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen.

Tourist at Cathedral Gorge
Purnululu National Park, Western Australia. Tourist at Cathedral Gorge. Photo credit: Getty images / Francesco Riccardo Iacomino

What’s not covered?

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions – see the policy wording for details.
  • Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the U.S Department of State.
  • Neglecting to observe applicable preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization, including obtaining relevant vaccinations and hygiene measures.
  • Participation in a sport or activity not listed or failing to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
  • Our policy doesn’t replace the need for you to purchase rental vehicle insurance through the rental vehicle company covering physical damage and theft of the rental vehicle and your liability to third parties for injury or property damage while the rental vehicle is in your care or control.
  • Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

Be sure to read the Policy Wording and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don’t cover so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.

Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour. Photo credit: Getty images / Mohd Ezairi Mohd Amiruddin / EyeEm

Handy tips for travelling in Australia

  • If you’re planning a road trip, be aware of the distances involved between destinations. Sometimes it can be hundreds of kilometres between towns and petrol stations.
  • The sun is very strong in Australia so be sure to wear sunblock, even on a cloudy day. Temperatures in Outback areas can be very high.
  • Pick your season – the weather can vary tremendously in parts of Australia even in the same season.
  • Swim between the flags at the beach. They show the safest point on the beach for swimming and can help you avoid dangerous rips.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration for Australia? World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics on Australia, here are just a few:

You can also check out our articles if you need the latest safety travel alerts.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

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

Travel insurance for Australia

Essential travel insurance tips when going down under

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

With its crystal-clear water, tropical rainforests, and a burnt red Outback, Australia is a thrilling destination. Whether you’re road-tripping the Great Ocean Road, cycling around Uluru or snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, World Nomads Travel Insurance can have you covered.

What am I covered for?

World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Overseas medical expenses: if you become sick or injured during your trip.
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation: if you need emergency transport home due to a serious illness or injury.
  • Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event.
  • Trip cancellation: if your trip is cancelled due to an insured event.
  • Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost.
  • Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost.
  • Activities cover: we cover more than 150 activities so you can have fun adventuring your way around Australia’s outback, coasts, cities and skies.

Note: our travel insurance plans are different. Cover will vary, depending on what you are claiming for, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy.

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance as soon as your trip to Australia is locked in or while you're travelling (waiting periods apply); it’s entirely up to you

Bondi beach, Sydney, Australia
Bondi beach, Sydney, Australia. Photo credit: Getty images / Christine Wehrmeier

What should I look out for when travelling to Australia?

When visiting your neighbours across the ditch, there are a few key things to consider. Our travel insurance could help if you land in Sydney, but your baggage doesn’t or if you suffer an injury hiking Cradle Mountain.

World Nomads offers two plans – Standard and Explorer. Each policy has different levels of cover depending on what your needs are. You may be covered if your bags are lost or stolen, if your transport is delayed, or if you suffer an injury that lands you in hospital.

  • The Standard Plan – covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities and has lower coverage limits.
  • The Explorer plan – covers all the benefits of the Standard Plan, with larger coverage limits, more benefits and covers more sports and activities.

Essential travel cover options when you need them the most

Depending on the level of cover you choose, World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover

If your luggage or personal items are stolen, lost or accidentally damaged, you may be able to claim to replace or repair the item. If your luggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, you may be able to claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned.

Medical insurance for accidents or injuries

If you become sick or injured in Australia, with anything from food poisoning to an injury whilst participating in an activity, our policies can cover you for medical treatment including hospitalisation, prescribed medicines and prescribed physiotherapy treatments.

Coronavirus cover for some events

If you catch COVID-19 while visiting Australia, we may cover you for medical expenses and hospital assistance, as well as repatriation. Our Explorer Plan offers extra cover for Coronavirus-related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has all of the details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions.

Adventure sports & activities cover

There’s no shortage of adventures and activities to do in Australia and depending on what plan you choose, you can be covered for hiking in Tasmania, road tripping along the East Coast, surfing at Bondi Beach, snorkelling with Whale Sharks on Ningaloo Reef and much more. You can find the full list of covered activities here.

Rental car coverage and road safety

Australia is the perfect place for a road trip. With such vast distances between destinations, it can be a good idea to make sure you are covered if something goes wrong when you’re on the road.

Available on our Explorer Plan, we may cover your rental vehicle insurance excess, or the cost of repairing the rental vehicle if you’re involved in a motor accident or your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen.

Tourist at Cathedral Gorge
Purnululu National Park, Western Australia. Tourist at Cathedral Gorge. Photo credit: Getty images / Francesco Riccardo Iacomino

What’s not covered?

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:

  • Existing medical conditions – see the Policy Document for details.
  • Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the New Zealand Government.
  • Neglecting to observe applicable preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization, including obtaining relevant vaccinations and hygiene measures.
  • Participation in a sport or activity not listed or failing to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
  • Our policy doesn’t replace the need for you to purchase rental vehicle insurance through the rental vehicle company covering physical damage and theft of the rental vehicle and your liability to third parties for injury or property damage while the rental vehicle is in your care or control.
  • Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

Be sure to read the Policy Document and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don’t cover so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.

Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour. Photo credit: Getty images / Mohd Ezairi Mohd Amiruddin / EyeEm

Australia Travel Tips

  • If you’re planning a road trip, be aware of the distances involved between destinations. Sometimes it can be hundreds of kilometres between towns and petrol stations.
  • The sun is very strong in Australia so be sure to wear sunblock, even on a cloudy day. Temperatures in Outback areas can be very high.
  • Pick your season – the weather can vary tremendously in parts of Australia even in the same season.
  • Swim between the flags at the beach. They show the safest point on the beach for swimming and can help you avoid dangerous rips.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration for Australia? World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics in Australia, here are just a few:

You can also check out our articles if you need the latest safety travel alerts.

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 Document 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.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.


Traveller tip 1
don't forget when travelling overseas, some countries may require your New Zealand passport to be valid for at least six months before it's expiry date as a condition of entry

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 © Filipefrazzao/IStock

Travel Insurance for Brazil

Brazil is your place to get wild…From the wild parties during Carnival, to the wild animals of the Amazon

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  • As featured in:

Traveling to Brazil offers incredible opportunities to experience vibrant cultures and adrenaline-fueled adventures. Many Canadians visit Mount Corcovado to see the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue - one of the most famous landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. 

If you’re wanting to take in some of the country’s natural beauty, you may also want to head to Terra de Cachoeiras, known as the “Land of the Waterfalls.” Speaking of natural beauty, Brazil is also known for their pristine beaches like Baia do Sancho, Praia do Espelho, and Copacabana Beach. A visit to the Amazon rainforest is also a must-do for those seeking an off the beaten path adventure. 

While a trip to Brazil is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from Canada. Our nomads have danced the night away at the wild parties during Carnival and have searched for even wilder experiences in the heart of the Amazon. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and we encourage you to check out our team’s tips on what to know before you go to Brazil.

Because unanticipated things can always happen when traveling, you may also want to get a quote for travel insurance for Brazil

Aerial view of Ipanema, Arpoador and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro.
Aerial view of Ipanema, Arpoador and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. Photo credit: Getty images / Giordano Cipriani

Do I need travel insurance for Brazil? 

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises. Some of those are awesome-like the amazing moqueca (fish stew) that you can try at many of the restaurants in Florianopolis

Some surprises that come along with traveling outside of Canada are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage and medical emergencies, but those things can happen unexpectedly. A good travel insurance plan for Brazil could help with those types of situations. 

Travel insurance can also assist if you get injured participating in any of the awesome adventures and activities you’ll find there. If you get hurt while cycling through Serra da Canastra, the emergency medical coverage included in your travel insurance for Brazil could help you get the care you need.

There are different 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 Brazil

There are so many things to see and do in Brazil. Your trip may include some time lying on one of the country’s alluring beaches for a little rest and relaxation. If you’re up for some adventure though, there’s plenty to find in Brazil. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians traveling to Brazil - including rafting on the Jacare Pepira River, hiking the Cachoeira da Fumaca Trail at Chapada Diamantina National Park, or scuba diving at Fernando de Noronha Marine Park.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Brazil, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you will be covered.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Brazil 

Before you leave Canada, consult with your doctor to let them know where you will be traveling within Brazil and see if you may need certain vaccinations or antimalarial medication for your trip. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent. 

There are steps you can take to stay safe in the Amazon, but with such a diversity of wildlife also comes a diversity of parasites and amoebas. If you get bit by a kissing bug, it may not be as romantic as their name leads you to believe. They’ve been known to carry the parasite that transmits Chagas Disease.

If you do get sick and need to see a doctor while you’re in Brazil, your Government Health Insurance Plan may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses there. In some situations, medical providers may also want their money upfront. The Canadian government recommends that Canadians get travel insurance when traveling to Brazil that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

In some rural areas, you may find limited services available, or find that your medical team only speaks Portuguese. If you have a medical emergency when traveling to Brazil, you can 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. They can also help communicate with your Brazilian medical team if language is a barrier. 

If you get hurt deep in the Amazon rainforest and don’t have the help you need close by, your international travel insurance could also offer evacuation coverage if you need to be transported to another place to get care. 

If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Brazil may cover the costs to get you there. 

Travel insurance for lost bags in Brazil

Nobody ever plans for lost bags, but it happens. What happens if you board your flight in Canada and then realize that you made it to Brazil but your bags didn’t? That could be even more frustrating if you also checked your surfboard in hopes of catching the stellar waves in Itacare. 

If you get to Brazil and then realize that the airline lost your bag, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance for Brazil may reimburse you for the cost to replace your surfboard and other belongings. When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your international travel insurance policy to get the specific details on depreciation and policy limits. 

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

Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro
Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo credit: Getty Images / Andre Pinto

Travel insurance for stolen items in Brazil

While it’s a good idea to always be cautious when you’re traveling in Brazil, it’s especially important to be vigilant during crowded, busy events like Carnival. Yes - it’s the party of all parties, and the Guinness Book of World Records even named the Carnival of Sao Paulo the world’s largest street carnival. 

You just can’t imagine how massive it is until you’re stuck in a sea of millions of people. It’s a great time to make new friends, but it’s also unfortunately a prime spot for pickpocketing. It can be really easy for someone to snatch your phone or cash out of your pocket without you even knowing. Sometimes pickpockets operate in gangs around crowded areas. One person may cause a distraction, while one steals, another stashes the stolen items, and another keeps watch. 

As tempting as it can be to wear your bling out on the town, you may want to lock that up in the safe in your hotel room, along with your credit cards, passport, and other valuables. If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim

You’ll need to do your part to keep your belongings safe too. If you have too many caipirinhas and leave your bag in a boteco, you won’t be covered if it’s not there waiting on you the next day. 

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

Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip. 

If you get sick before leaving Canada and your doctor tells you not to travel to Brazil at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A good travel insurance for Brazil that includes cancellation coverage could reimburse you for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance. 

Unexpected things can also happen once you’re already in Brazil. If you get a call that an immediate family member back home has died, we understand that you may need to cut your trip short and head back home to Canada earlier than expected. 

When you’re searching for the best travel insurance for Brazil, check to make sure it has coverage for trip cancellation, delay, and interruption. If it does, you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if something unexpected happens. 

Tips for Traveling to Brazil from Canada

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

Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot, only to find out you have a dead battery. Back home in Canada, you may be able to order a new camera battery and have it pretty quickly, but Amazon doesn’t do same day delivery to the Amazon rainforest. Also, with all of the wildlife you’ll see in Brazil, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way

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

Overall, Brazil is an amazing country full of culture, natural beauty, and adventures. Our nomads have really enjoyed their time there, and we think you will too. To help you further plan, we invite you to check out more of our travel safety tips for Brazil before you leave Canada. 

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly 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