England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are waiting to be explored. Whether you’re off to hike the Scottish Highlands or kayak in the Lake District, or discover the art, nightlife and culture of London, Glasgow and Bristol, we hope that your trip is drama free.

However, if you want to protect yourself and loved ones you may want to consider travel insurance, especially if you run into trouble or are sick or injured when it can save you a lot of money and headaches.

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.

• Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover
• Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events
• Access to our Emergency Assistance Team around the clock
• Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

World Nomads has two plans – Standard and Explorer - which cover an array of activities including mountain biking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving.  We also offer cover for other key events including:

• Medical evacuation and repatriation back to your country of residence
• Cancellation/trip interruption
• Delays or missed flights
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
• Travel curtailment
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

When planning a trip to the UK the most common issues international travelers face are lost or delayed luggage, or unexpected medical issues. And now you can add Coronavirus to the list of common issues that travelers are dealing with.

What should I look out for when traveling to Great Britain?

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover

It can throw a massive spanner in the works to arrive at Heathrow and find yourself alone at the baggage carousel, watching it go around waiting for your bags to appear. You could also get your gear stolen on public transport or from your accommodation, which is why baggage insurance is a good idea. 

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.

World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal items depending on your specific situation, see below:

• Bags stolen or damaged: as soon as you’ve realized your bags have been stolen or damaged please report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). In the case of a theft you’ll also need to report it to the local police or relevant authority, as theft is a crime. Insurance won’t cover things such as losing bags or valuables that were left unattended; this includes if they were left unattended in a car (even if the car is locked). Remember to always keep originals or copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.

• Bags delayed: you may be covered if your bags were lost in transit. You’ll need to report the incident and get a Property Irregularity Report or a similar official report in writing and make a claim directly with the carrier first. You may be able to claim your expenses for any essentials you have to buy to keep you going until your bag turns up. You must get copies of all written reports, luggage checks and tickets, travel documentation and all correspondence with the carrier or service provider if you need to make a claim.

You may also need to take depreciation into account and some policies, depending on your country of residence and the plan you purchase, may also have an excess applicable to any claim made. Details on how depreciation works can be found in your policy.

Travel insurance tip 1: never leave your bags and valuables out of your sight and reach. Try and carry your portable electronic devices (tablets, laptops, photographic and video equipment, mobile phones and other hand-held devices), jewelry, specified high value items, travel documents, cash and credit cards with you at all times. If you can’t, then leave them in a secure place such as a locked safe. Remember that if you buy anything, before or during your trip, to keep all receipts.

Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events

When traveling to the UK, medical insurance is a good idea in case of an accident or sudden illness. You don’t want to be left out of pocket if you have to visit a local doctor, go to hospital, need an urgent trip to the dentist, or even worse, have to be repatriated back to your country of residence.

With Coronavirus causing travel disruptions globally it’s also important that you follow any government guidelines while in the UK. It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when visiting any of the UK’s popular hotspots, even in open-air places such as Stonehenge, London’s parks and palace grounds, or when strolling through the bustling streets of Edinburgh.

The level of cover you’ll have for any Coronavirus-related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. Check out our Travel Insurance cover for Coronavirus article which goes into more detail on all the benefits, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.

Travel insurance tip 2: many countries now require proof of vaccination before you can enter and some have introduced visas and travel insurance minimum requirements.  Do your research before you go as travel insurance does not cover expenses you incur because you don’t have the correct visas to enter your intended destination(s). Make sure you have the required proof of any vaccinations so you can easily produce them while traveling overseas.

Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock

Dealing with a medical emergency can be frightening and confusing, but you don’t have to go through this experience on your own. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can direct you to nearby appropriate care, talk to doctors, help out with admin and arrange for payment of expenses if necessary. If your situation is life-threatening, seek medical help immediately and let us know when you can so we can help with medical assistance and keeping your friends and family informed.

Travel insurance tip 3: in some parts of the UK (including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) signage, including road signs, are written in the local Gaelic, Welsh or Irish language. However, English is still widely spoken and it is relatively easy to find medical assistance. 

Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline levels up and you go hiking in Snowdonia, or camp and mountain bike in the Scottish Highlands, World Nomads offers travel insurance cover for 150+ activities and sports. Please check your Policy Wording when choosing any activities or sports as you may need to upgrade the policy and sporting level to ensure you’re covered for everything you plan to do.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration for Great Britain? World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics on Great Britain or check out our articles if you need the latest safety travel alerts.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. 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.

Kiwi nomads planning to visit the UK will be in for unlimited adventure and tradition with four diverse countries to explore its history, culture and plethora of beautiful landscapes. From the iconic White cliffs of Dover to enchanting Edinburgh, and cosmopolitan London, whatever your plans, we hope your trip is drama free.

However, if you need to protect yourself and loved ones while abroad, you can purchase travel insurance, in case you run into trouble or are sick or injured.

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

What's covered

If you head south for the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival in Cornwall, which celebrates all things nautical, travel insurance may provide coverage if you are struck down with food poisoning or suffer a boating related injury that lands you in hospital. 

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

• Overseas emergency medical: the charms of the UK can’t prevent life’s surprises. You can submit a claim to recover unexpected medical expenses while travelling around the UK. 
• Baggage protection: if your gear is damaged or snatched from under your nose, our gear cover may help with replacing covered items (policy excess applies).
• Family plans: our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on one policy.
• Your plan can be extended while still travelling for up to 12 months from your departure date (terms and conditions apply)

What should I look out for when travelling to Great Britain?

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover

A Scottish summer is full of surprises, sea kayaking the sheltered sea lochs of the Western Highlands or even snorkelling the Outer Hebrides Island chain (yes - you’ll need a thick wetsuit!). But if your gear is delayed, damaged or stolen on public transport before you even arrive, our baggage cover can help.

• Bags stolen or damaged: as soon as possible report any theft to the police, and if stolen from your private, locked accommodation, there must be visible evidence of forced entry. You must also report any damage to the relevant authority and make a claim directly with the carrier first. Remember you’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.

• Bags delayed: if your checked-in baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, there is cover to replace those essential items and toiletries while you wait for your bags to arrive.

Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events

No one likes being left out of pocket from unexpected medical costs while travelling. If your hike along the beautiful Seven Sisters coastal walk leaves you hobbling in pain and you need to find a doctor or a hospital, our plans have got your back to recover medically necessary expenses such as hospital stays, prescriptions, outpatient treatment and emergency dental treatment.

If you’re injured or get sick during your trip, World Nomads Travel Insurance may cover your medical treatment, hospitalization and emergency transport including medically necessary repatriation back to New Zealand.

However, you must notify our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities, and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.

Our travel insurance plans include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with Coronavirus while travelling, but terms, conditions, limits, exclusions apply and vary between plans. It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when visiting any of the UK’s popular hotspots but if you do get sick, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team so they can help direct you to local medical facilities if needed and help you understand your options. 

For all the details including benefit limits and exclusions under our Coronavirus cover, check out our Coronavirus cover article.

Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock

It’s good to know with World Nomads travel insurance, you can call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team if you suddenly find yourself in a crisis overseas. The EA 24/7 team can help get you to the nearest medical facility, provide help navigating language barriers, or assist with evacuation for medical reasons.

For injuries where treatment costs are not expected to exceed NZD$2000, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement. If you are hospitalised or if your treatment expenses as an outpatient are likely to go above NZD$2,000, you must call our Emergency Assistance Team who will work with us to confirm cover and they will liaise with the hospital on your behalf to arrange payments.

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.

Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

Whether it’s caving in the limestone dales of Yorkshire or a canoe trip down the Thames, the UK is a haven for adventure lovers. Whatever the activity, both our Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for level 1 sport and adventure activities that include hiking up to 2,000 metres, and activities such as kayaking, horse riding and cycling.

For more adventurous pursuits, you may need to upgrade your cover if you’re hiking up to 6,000 metres, for example if you’re going mountain biking or skiing in Scotland. Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply, check your Policy Document for details or contact us.

If you manage to get some sweet sunshine, the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales has some of the UK’s best beaches as well as being much quieter than the English coast. If you hire a car for a self-driven holiday, the Explorer Plan has cover for the rental vehicle insurance excess if you’re involved in an accident. Check out the article on how travel insurance can help you when on a road trip.  

What's not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything. Some things we don’t cover include:

• Unattended baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
• Any pre-existing medical conditions as per your Policy Document. Check your Policy Document carefully.
• If you do not use a professional, qualified and licensed guide and operator for activities where required.
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
• The policy excess per person per insured event where applicable (check the Summary of Benefits in your Policy Document).

Traveller tip 2: the number 9, 11 and 24 bus routes in London will take you past some of the best sights the city has to offer for just a few pounds – don’t forget to buy an Oyster card to tap on and off - buses don’t take cash.

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.

Currently there is no content for US residents visiting this destination. To ensure Chile and Argentina are covered head over to World Nomads USA and get an instant travel insurance quote.

South America is known for its natural beauty, warm and friendly people, the passion for football and tango, and the wines of Chile and Argentina. When traveling around Argentina and Chile, you’ll find that activities are limitless, and the natural attractions need to be seen to be believed.

Try trekking and camping in Patagonia, sip on some vino at wineries in Salta and Mendoza, or go stargazing in the Atacama Desert (the driest place on Earth)

No matter what your plans are, you should consider travel insurance as you never know when it may come in handy.

What's covered

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip from home or while you're already traveling around Chile and Argentina. All our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:

• Overseas emergency medical
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellation
• Stolen or delayed baggage
• Worldwide 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. With World Nomads 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.

Adventure and sports cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences

If there is one thing that both Chile and Argentina offer is outdoor adventures for all types and ages of travellers. Some highlights include:

• Trekking and hiking in Torres del Paine National Park
• Rafting and kayaking through the 330kms of Chilean Lake District
• Whale watching and spotting the penguins and other wildlife in Puerto Madryn
• Taking in the views in Bariloche while horse riding with the Gauchos.
• Escape to Easter Island and take in the sights and historical significance of the Moai

No matter what you plan to do, World Nomads offers cover for many activities but remember that you may need to compare the Standard or Explorer plans to see which activity levels are covered on each plan. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to add activities to your policy for an additional premium.

Your plan may also have conditions of coverage. For example, you may be required to wear safety equipment, book a tour with a licensed tour operator, or stay within certain parameters of your sport: your treks may only be covered up to a certain elevation, or your scuba dives only to a certain depth.

Please check your policy for any exclusions, such as search and rescue missions and professional sports.

Around the clock support for unexpected medical emergencies

Argentina and Chile are amongst the most-visited adventure travel destinations in the world and with that comes the possibility that you may be injured or worse. Your travel insurance can back you up if you’re injured or fall ill and need urgent medical assistance.

Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can get you help on the ground when you’re injured or sick, whether you need an ambulance transfer, or a visit to a doctor or a hospital that can treat your condition.

Get in touch with the team before undergoing any medical treatment; you may need pre-authorization before undergoing medical procedures or where medical evacuation is required. It’s also important that you look at the exclusions section of your policy; our plans don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions or preventative care.

Keep an eye on your gear 24/7

While Chile and Argentina are considered relatively safe tourist destinations, you should always be aware that petty thieves and pickpockets are attracted to some of the most popular tourist hotpots. When in crowded areas in any Chilean or Argentinian city, always maintain a sense of awareness of your surroundings.

As soon as you’ve realized your bags have been stolen or damaged, please report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). In the case of theft, you’ll also need to report it to the local police or relevant authority, as theft is a crime. Generally, insurance won’t cover things such as losing bags or valuables that are left unattended. Remember to always keep originals or copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.

It’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables out of sight. If you're after travel insurance cover for tech gear or need extra cover just in case your bags are delayed or stolen then World Nomads has options for you to keep those prized possessions insured.

Crime and theft in Chile and Argentina

Theft and robbery in Buenos Aires and Santiago and other major cities in both countries are possible, especially in popular tourist areas such as La Boca.

The safety precautions you should take in Argentina and Chile are essentially the same as anywhere else: don’t take unlicensed taxis, don’t wander around alone at night, and avoid calling too much attention to yourself, avoid wearing flashy jewelry.

Also, be aware of motorcycle robberies called ‘motochorro’ in Argentina, which are common, where two people on a motorcycle grab your bag or whatever is in your hand as they pass you and take off. Also, keep in mind when visiting Chile that large-scale demonstrations occur in Santiago and other cities. Demonstrations can take place with little or no notice, and often result in disruptions to transportation, including service on public buses and the Santiago Metro.

Traveler tip: make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with – passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets – and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.

What's not covered

Here are some of the things we don't provide cover for:

• 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’ or ‘Avoid Essential Travel’ warning issued by your Country of Residence.
• Participation in a sport or activity not listed in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
• Costs arising from refusal to be repatriated once declared medically unfit to continue a trip but fit for repatriation.
• Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's travel insurance for medical emergencies)
• Expenses you have not made every reasonable attempt to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking or travel agents, any compensation scheme, or other source

Looking for more travel inspiration for Chile and Argentina?

World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics on Chile and Argentina, here’s a sample of some of our content:

• Highlights of Southern Chile: An Adventurer's Guide
• Natural Disasters in Chile: Tips to Stay Safe
• How to Stay Healthy While Traveling in Chile
• An Outsider’s Guide to Mendoza, Argentina
• Weather in Argentina: The Best Times to Visit
• How to Stay Healthy While Traveling in Argentina

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.

Watch Anton's true claim story

I fell on my side and heard the sound of 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.