Essential tips for first-time World Nomads travel insurance buyers
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You may be weighing up the pros and cons of travel insurance for your next trip overseas, especially if you’ve never used it before. With Coronavirus adding an extra level of uncertainty, now could be the right time to consider travel insurance.
World Nomads offers insurance for travelers aged between 18 and 69. Our policies are available to travelers from more than 100 countries worldwide. You can get a quote online and be covered in no time.
If you’ve never had the need for travel insurance but you are thinking about buying it for your next trip, some of the scenarios where it may help include:
- If you need to cancel or curtail your trip because you’re sick.
- If you want your tech gear, valuables, and baggage covered.
- If you need emergency treatment during your trip due to an unexpected illness or injury.
- If you plan to do several activities and sports and need that extra level of cover.
- If you end up stuck at the airport for an extended period due to a travel delay or trip interruption.
What to look out for when considering travel insurance
Get a doctor to approve your fit to travel: know your own medical needs, for example, whether you have pre-existing medical condition(s) that may invalidate your cover. You may need to have a doctor’s sign off that you’re fit to travel, for example, if you’re pregnant and having pregnancy-related complications or if you’re unsure about a specific medical condition.
Research all your travel destinations: always do your research on the countries or regions you plan to visit. Check government travel advisories as they can change rapidly. Check out our travel alerts, and health organizations advisories, such as the World Health Organization.
Take time out to read the fine print: check your policy’s benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions to ensure you are getting the right level of cover for your travel plans and destinations to cover any potential claims. You can always get in touch with the Customer Service team who can help answer any questions.
Ensure all activities and sports are covered: our plans include cover for more than 200 activities globally, from backpacking to kayaking, hiking, and bungee jumping, but not all are covered under every plan – you can find out what is available for your Country of Residence here. You may need to pay an additional premium for higher-risk activities or choose a different plan. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip.
We’re here to help in case of emergency: make sure to know what to do in case of an emergency, which you can discuss with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
I have never bought World Nomads travel insurance. Why should I consider it?
For many first-time buyers, buying travel insurance can be daunting and confusing. At World Nomads, we have made choosing a travel insurance plan less time-consuming and stressful by offering two travel insurance plans with different levels of cover depending on your travel needs.
Standard Plan: includes a range of benefits such as overseas medical, coverage for your belongings, pre-trip cancellation and certain adventure activities.
Explorer Plan: has all the benefits of a Standard Plan and a few more, but it is more expensive.
Check out our Standard vs Explorer article for information on coverage, benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions.
Can I buy or extend my travel insurance while overseas?
With a World Nomads policy, you can buy cover anytime, anywhere. Plus, if you decide to stay longer somewhere or want to change direction on a whim, we are happy to extend your policy as long as it’s done before the end date shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
Traveler tip: if you buy a policy while traveling overseas, you must wait 72 hours before any cover is activated. The maximum duration available for any policy, including extensions, is 12 months from the start date.
Does World Nomads travel insurance include cover for Coronavirus-related events?
We offer cover for some Coronavirus-related events, however level of coverage under our Standard and Explorer Plans will depend on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected.
If you are diagnosed with Coronavirus while overseas, your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance Team, who can help you access local medical care.
- Medical costs including hospitalization.
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending medical practitioner.
Some of our Explorer plans offer cover for some additional Coronavirus-related insured events, such as cancellation following a COVID-19 diagnosis, to assist our travelers.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
Things to look out for when buying travel insurance:
- Make sure you correctly choose the right trip dates, age limit, and level of cover.
- Ensure all your destinations are covered.
- Make sure you understand what a pre-existing medical condition is under our policy.
- Some activities and sports may require extra level of cover or may not be covered.
- Make sure you clearly understand the benefit limits and the excess as per the level of cover you’ve selected.
- Understand that there will be General Exclusions in your cover for which you won’t be covered under any circumstances.
- Make copies of travel documents and keep receipts in case you need to make a claim.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Did you know travel insurance covers...
- Trip cancellation
- Emergency medical
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Lost or damaged gear
- Delayed baggage
- Death overseas
- Terrorism
- And more...
You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.
True Claims Stories
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?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need 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
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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)
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 teamTravel Insurance for Natural Disasters
How Americans can safeguard their travel plans from extreme weather with insurance coverage for natural disasters.
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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.
- Does travel insurance provide coverage for natural disasters?
- What qualifies as a natural disaster?
- How does it work?
- What is not covered under natural disasters?
Yes, there’s coverage for US residents if a natural disaster such as a tornado, flood, cyclone, hurricane, tsunami, wildfire or earthquake affects your travel plans and/or injures you.
It’s one thing if a rainy day washes out your trekking expedition, but what if a hurricane blows the roof off your hotel? When a natural disaster strikes, it’s hard to classify your trip as anything but… a disaster. World Nomads can offer some much-needed weatherproofing, with protection for trip cancellations, medical emergencies and more.
Does travel insurance provide coverage for natural disasters?
While the forces of nature are unpredictable, your travel insurance* should be a sure thing you can count on. However, you need to have purchased your plan before these forces of mass destruction have become known events. If you did that, then you may be eligible for coverage if:
- Trip cancellation or trip interruption: say a tornado rips through your hotel, leaving it in a state unsuitable for guests. Or the company where you work gets ravaged by a flood and you’re part of the team that has to put things back together again. Understandably, you may want to put a stop to your travels and get your money back for the parts you missed.
- Trip delays: if a blizzard (or other inclement weather) delays your common carrier transportation for at least six hours, this coverage may offer reimbursement for incidentals to help you manage while you’re waiting.
- Emergency medical expense and emergency evacuation: if you get caught in the aftermath of an earthquake or hurricane, you could get seriously injured. What could help if you’re injured or in imminent physical danger? Emergency medical benefits, which may help protect you from hefty out-of-pocket medical bills.
- Non-medical emergency transportation: our plans cover evacuation up to the specified maximum benefit amount to get you away from an area impacted by a recent natural disaster. Benefits may cover all reasonable natural disaster evacuation expenses and related costs incurred for your transportation, up to your plan’s maximum limits.
- Baggage return: If you are evacuated and have to leave your baggage behind (because there are weight limits on the aircraft evacuating you, for example), we may reimburse you (up to maximum benefits) for the cost of transporting your baggage home or to the destination you’ve been taken to.
You can find out more about what’s covered in each of our single-trip and annual plans in our article, What travel insurance plan is right for you?
What qualifies as a natural disaster?
A natural disaster is a natural event that causes destruction or loss, such as an earthquake, flood, wildfire, hurricane, blizzard or volcanic eruption. It could also include naturally occurring wildfires, snow, rain, wind or related weather that causes severe and widespread damage, triggering a travel advisory from the US Government or a ‘natural disaster’ declaration at your trip destination. For more details on the definition of a natural disaster, read the details of your plan.
How does it work?
Whether it be trip interruption, cancellation or baggage, you’ll need to inform us of your situation as soon as possible. We may be able to assist in helping you figure out an emergency plan. In terms of filing a claim, be sure to gather the following documentation, as it pertains to your case:
- Proof of all non-refundable, prepaid deposits or payments;
- Complete unused transportation tickets and vouchers;
- Original receipts for any expenses incurred because of the natural disaster;
- Original receipts for any new tickets;
- Invoices and original receipts from travel service providers.
What is not covered under natural disasters?
- If a natural disaster was already forecast or announced when you purchased your plan (it’s on the news, for example).
- Any extreme weather that’s not defined as a natural disaster under the plan.
- Fear of traveling to a destination where a natural disaster is looming (in other words, unless the natural disaster occurs, you won’t be eligible for benefits).
- Search-and-rescue missions, like during an avalanche.
- Any weather conditions that only cause a loss of enjoyment (such as if a storm ruins your beach day but doesn’t cause any major destruction.)
- Storm-chasing activities. You must not have put yourself in the path of danger.
If you’re worried about travelling and have purchased our Explorer or Epic plan along with the optional add-on ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ insurance during the time-sensitive period, changing your mind is perfectly ok. When you get a quote, you can compare the plans side-by-side and determine which one might be right for you.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.Did you know?
Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which overwhelmed large parts of Indonesia, World Nomads launched our travel philanthropy program, Footprints, which has gone on to raise millions for community projects including disaster risk management in the developing world.
Our responsible travel section has more information on our Footprints program.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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 teamReady to reconnect?
Reunite with your family. Reconnect with nature. Disconnect from the daily grind. Whatever your reason for traveling, we’re here to help protect your trip.
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In this unpredictable world, it’s important to travel safer and smarter. Whether you’re planning your reunion or your escape, let us help you travel with confidence. We're ready when you are.
Travel insurance benefits: how we can take care of you
Emergency medical coverage
If you get sick or injured, our plans have emergency medical coverage and other related benefits to help.
Trip cancellation
If you need to unexpectedly cancel for a covered reason, we may be able to help you recover your investment.
Adventure sports and activities
We love to explore our boundaries when we travel, which is why we cover more than 150 adventure activities.
Buy cover while traveling
If you’re traveling and forgot your travel insurance, you can buy a plan online at any point of your journey.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Our team can help you out in a crisis at any hour of the day, no matter where you are in the world.
Support local communities
Though our Footprints micro-donation program, you can help support good causes and communities in need.
Related articles
Travel Insurance when horse riding
Make your horse riding adventure a memorable one for all the right reasons
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Are you hot to trot and mounting a case for an equine-inspired holiday? If it’s the sole reason for your trip or just one of the activities you’re planning on your travels, World Nomads travel insurance may help when the unexpected happens.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for horse riding?
- What's covered
- Coverage for more than 150 activities, sports, and experiences
- What's not covered?
Why should I consider travel insurance for horse riding?
If horse riding in the Loire Valley in France, riding and camping in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, or galloping on an Andalucían beach in Spain is on your to-do list, we can offer coverage for many types of social/leisure, and non-competitive horse riding activities. For those who take it more seriously, some of our plans may also offer cover for equestrian, dressage, show jumping, and eventing.
Note: all our plans are different, which means you may require an upgrade for some activities and sports depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you've selected. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip.
Horse riding can be a rewarding and exciting experience. If it’s your first time horse riding, you might want to keep the following handy tips in mind:
- Have the right gear: wearing a helmet is a MUST, no matter how experienced you are.
- Wear proper clothing: long pants and closed-toed footwear are essential.
- It pays to be prepared: check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your riding instructor (if it’s a group ride) – if they’re not good then reconsider if it’s a smart move to go.
- Keep an eye on your gear: don’t leave your expensive horse-riding gear or any other baggage unattended – those 'I spaced out” moments might not qualify for coverage.
- Proof of purchase: any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases.
- Saddle up properly: make sure you and your children’s saddles are fitted properly. If the saddle is the wrong size, you or your child could be more likely to slip out of it and fall and it could end up being a costly mistake.
Check your policy wording carefully as terms and conditions and special exclusions may apply for horse riding activities.
What's covered
Our policies may cover you (up to the policy limits) for:
- Trip cancellation or disruption: if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
- Baggage delays and personal belongings: if you arrive at your destination but your baggage doesn’t, our policies cover baggage delays that stretch from 12 to more than 24 hours.
- Emergency medical: horse-riding and fresh air can be great for the body and soul, but not if it you’re on the wrong end of a feisty hoof and require medical assistance. Emergency medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an accident or injury that results in you going to hospital.
- Evacuation cover: your horse-riding adventure may be far away from medical facilities. With our cover, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us. If your injuries are worse than first thought, you could be repatriated back to your Country of Residence if it's medically necessary.
- Natural catastrophe: If you find yourself amid a natural disaster or your destination is affected by extreme weather, we can offer coverage if you can’t use your booked accommodation or need to move to a safer location. If you’re caught up in a natural disaster you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible as it may impact what we pay you if you intend to make a claim.
Keep in mind that benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions apply, so be sure to read your policy wording carefully. If you have any questions about your cover, contact us.
Coverage for more than 150 activities, sports, and experiences
At World Nomads, we know that adventurous activities go hand-in-hand with traveling abroad. That’s why World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities, sports, and experiences, everything from hot-air ballooning, rafting, hiking, and of course – horse riding.
We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific activity plans.
If your favorite sport is not on the list get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.
Also, if things go wrong during your horse-riding trip and you intend to make a claim, please be aware that, in most cases, a claim will require that you prove you acted responsibly, used the recommended safety clothing and equipment, and were guided by a professional, qualified, and licensed guide, instructor, or operator.
What's not covered
While there are several things, we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.
- Any pre-existing medical condition unless otherwise expressly stated in your policy.
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed as covered in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads or where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
- Expenses you incur after you return to your Country of Residence.
- Unattended baggage or personal items.
This is not a full list of what’s covered and what’s not; please check your policy for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
Traveler tip 1: horse riding requires a certain amount of strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance to mount and ride the horse, especially for all-day horse-riding adventures. We do not recommend you ride a horse unless you are physically capable of it.
Traveler tip 2: horses can be easily spooked, and this is when many injuries occur. Some examples of things that can spook a horse include – sudden or unexpected movements, loud, sudden noises (alarms, whistles, bells, cell phones, screams, etc.), large crowds, other animals (for example, unleashed dogs), wasps and other insects, and camera flashes.
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?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need 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
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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)
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
