Travel Insurance for a trip to Africa
The African continent is ready for adventure.Check out these travel insurance tips so you can push your exploration to the limit.
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Known as the cradle of civilization, Africa has a winning combination of culture and nature, with urban art galleries, traditional art and diverse cultures, as well as jaw-dropping natural wonders, including 19,341-ft-high (5,895 meters)ice-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the mountain jungles of Rwanda and the chance to see lions, elephants, cheetahs and more.
But as with any safari in the African bush, it helps to have a professional to guide you. World Nomads is here to assist, with travel insurance tips to keep in mind as you explore this diverse and fascinating continent… BYO binoculars!
Medical emergencies
Soaring over the Masai Mara grasslands in a hot-air balloon or walking over the Victoria Falls knife-edge bridge are unforgettable thrills, but they’re not exactly risk-free. A stubbed toe or a bout of malaria can feel worse when it happens in a remote place – such as a far-flung water hole, or a small village.
If you’re a World Nomads policy holder, you’ll have support from a team of like-minded people who know what it’s like to be an independent traveler. Your policy can help cover emergency accidents and illness when the worst happens (like a twisted ankle that stops your walking safari through Botswana’s Okavango Delta in its tracks). You also have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, which could come in handy when you need to translate your Ugandan doctor’s advice or find the nearest quality hospital. If you’ve had an accident and need help, follow our guide on what to do.
Trip cancellation for terrorist incidents
Unfortunately, no place is immune to terrorist activity. Governments across the globe have their eye on some parts of Africa as hotbeds of terrorist activity. The U.S. State Department is warning visitors not to travel to some regions due to terrorism.
When you have a World Nomads policy and one of these events takes place in your destination within 30 days of your departure date, you may be able to make a claim if you need to cancel your trip up to the benefit limits.
Keep in mind that all our plans are different, 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 for your trip. If you have any questions about your cover, you can contact us.
Weather-related trip delay, trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage
Not-so-fun fact: weather patterns across Africa can range from the unusual (such as the snowstorms in South Africa that had elephants, giraffes, and rhinos wandering in a de-facto snow globe) to the downright dangerous (monsoons and whipping winds in equatorial areas).
At its best, such extreme weather can lead to unexpected days indoors spent hunkering down at your lodge. At its worst, you could endure safety concerns, delayed tours or canceled flights. If you have a World Nomads policy, you can breathe a little easier knowing you may have some trip cancellation, trip interruption or trip delay coverage for some of these situations, depending on your Country of Residence and the policy you’ve chosen. Read your policy for more details on cover for natural disaster. You can always contact us if you have any questions.
Carjacking, pickpocketing and other crimes
Be sure to check for your government’s travel advisories regarding advice for traveling to Africa or to reconsider visiting parts of Africa that are currently experiencing civil unrest, violent crime and kidnapping.
If you are robbed during your travels, you may be reimbursed the loss of your belongings up to your depreciated value, depending on your Country of Residence and plan chosen. Don’t forget to keep your police report and make a copy to submit with your claim. Keep in mind that cash, currency and credit cards aren’t replaceable, so you’ll want to only carry what you need for the day (enough for some sugary South African fried koeksisters, for example).
Now, with these tips in mind, the only thing you need to worry about is making sure your safari guides have your favorite tipples in the jeep for your sundowner. If you haven’t organised travel insurance for your African Odyssey yet, get an online quote 24/7.
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
- Are you or your family sick or injured?
- Natural disaster or terrorist attack where your'e going?
- Called to active service?
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 medication?
- 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
- Hurt abroad?
- Need to get to 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
- Video camera gone?
- Laptop lost?
- Sports gear stolen?
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 Cover for COVID-19 Related Events
Travel insurance may help if Coronavirus cancels your travel plans
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 03 February 2022, please check the PDS provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 03 February 2022 please see below.
We know Aussie travellers can’t wait to travel again which is why we’ve added some Coronavirus (COVID-19) specific cover to our insurance plans, to help make it clear what COVID-19 related events our travellers may have coverage for. All our travel insurance plans include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with Coronavirus while abroad. Our Explorer plans also offer cover for some COVID-19 related events with the COVID-19 travel costs benefit a new feature.
World Nomads travel insurance for Coronavirus and our plans
- Standard and Explorer plans: Offer cover for emergency medical assistance if you get sick with COVID-19 overseas – cover includes medical assistance, repatriation and hospitalisation benefits.
- Explorer Plan: Offers cover for some COVID-19-related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs, as well as additional benefits for healthcare workers, residential care workers and law enforcement officers who have their pre-arranged leave cancelled by their employer due to COVID-19.
Benefit limits apply and vary between plans.
| Benefit | Standard | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
|
Emergency medical expenses overseas |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Medical repatriation/ evacuation (including funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains if the worst-case scenario happens) |
Yes |
Yes |
| Coronavirus Travel Costs Note: This section has its own benefit limits which apply. Check your PDS for full details or read our Help article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions. |
NA |
Yes |
What do I do if I get COVID-19 before or during my trip?
If you need to cancel or cut short your trip because you or a member of your travelling party is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical practitioner, or if your close relative in Australia is hospitalised or dies due to COVID-19, these tips may be helpful, especially if you intend to make a claim.
- Contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible – they can help direct you to local medical facilities if needed and help you understand your options.
- Isolate! And seek the relevant medical attention.
- If you haven’t left home yet and might need to cancel your trip – make sure you’ve got medical evidence of your diagnosis. This can include certification from your doctor that due to the COVID-19 diagnosis you are medically unfit to continue with your original travel plans, or an official PCR test. The diagnosis of COVID-19 must be made after your policy was purchased.
- Don’t delay in the cancellation of your plans to maximise the opportunity of refunds from your providers.
- Always keep receipts for any trip payments you make and, wherever possible, request written reports from providers or local authorities.
- Follow Australian government and local advice – different countries have different rules. What’s okay in Australia may not be okay in the countries you visit. While some countries may be more relaxed in their COVID-19 protocols, others may be very strict in who they allow to enter.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so make sure you’re careful with your planning and you read the PDS to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions get in touch.
Contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance teams as soon as possible, so they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
When you call please have ready:
- Your policy number
- A contact number and travelling companion details for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about Coronavirus cover and travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Our international policies can offer cover for emergency overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation and repatriation following a serious injury or sudden illness; this includes coronavirus, subject to all policy terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. However, if the plan you already purchased doesn’t include the benefit section ‘Coronavirus Travel Costs’ (which offers some cover for eight specific coronavirus-related events), contact us for assistance. We are not able to change the plan issued after purchase, but, provided you have not used your original policy, and do not need to make any claim, we may be able to assist with issuing a replacement policy and providing you with a refund of your original premium. It is important to remember that this would be a new policy, subject to the policy terms conditions and pricing in effect at the date it is issued and would not offer cover for any event that has already occurred.
-
What do I do if my test hasn’t come back in time, and I need to cancel my trip?
If you need to cancel or rearrange your travel arrangements, even at the last minute, don’t delay in speaking with your airline or other travel providers to minimise any potential cancellation costs or fees. If you booked through a travel agent, they may be able to assist you with this, too. If you do need to make a claim, the cover available will depend on your individual circumstances, as well as the plan you have purchased. For us to assess if cover can apply, you’ll need to submit a claim along with all supporting documentation. Remember, if you are required to take a test prior to travel, it is important to allow sufficient time for results to come back.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Cover may be available if you are unfit to travel due to contracting COVID-19, depending on the plan you have purchased, and the facts of your claim - check the policy you have purchased and if it has Coronavirus Travel Costs cover. We assess all claims on a case-by-case basis. Speak with your travel providers, you may be able to cancel or change your arrangements at no or minimal cost. If you booked through a travel agent, they may be able to assist you with this, too. Please note, if you’re already travelling and need to make changes to a flight change or your accommodation, even at the last minute, don’t delay in speaking with your airline or provider. If you can’t continue with your planned arrangements due to a positive diagnosis, simply not showing up could mean you forfeit your booking or incur additional fees when you may have been able to move your dates or times at no or minimal cost. If you booked through a travel agent, they may be able to assist you with this, too
-
Do I need medical proof of my positive COVID-19 result if I need to cancel my trip?
Yes. You will need to provide documentation to support the circumstances of your claim. We understand that the type of documentation you can provide may vary and assess every claim on a case-by-case basis. You should submit as much information as you’re able to along with your claim, this will help us to assess your claim in a timely manner and reduce the possibility that we may need to ask you for further information. Information you supply may include: PCR Test demonstrating that at the time you were due to travel, you had an active case of COVID-19; Proof you were subject to mandatory isolation at the time you were due to travel due to a registered RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) result; Letter from medical practitioner confirming you are medically unfit to travel due to COVID. Don’t forget to contact your travel service providers as well, as you’ll also need to demonstrate that you have requested to refund or reschedule your arrangements, and what your out of pocket costs are. Remember, not all of our plans cover pre-trip cancellation for COVID-19. 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 PDS in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.
Bag snatched in Latvia.
It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, Iphone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and, as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours, because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
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)
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 when visiting the Caribbean
Essential travel insurance tips
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As featured in:
Your Caribbean adventure could be trekking through rainforests in Dominica or taking a splash in the waters of Aruba. With its countless island destinations, Irish travellers will have the time of their lives when they visit the Caribbean. You may like to consider purchasing travel insurance first just in case your island adventure takes a turn for the worst.
What’s Covered
World Nomads offer travel insurance for Irish travellers who can choose between the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan as they both offer different levels of cover.
The following is a brief list of what we cover. Each policy has different conditions and limits, please check your policy wording for a thorough list of what is and is not covered.
Overseas emergency medical: cover is offered for hospitalisation (both inpatient and outpatient), as well as treatment at medical centres in the place where you are staying. You must notify our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.
Overseas emergency dental: must relate to an injury that you sustain on your overseas trip. There is no cover for routine treatment such as regular dental cleans or check-ups.
Baggage cover: if your baggage or personal belongings are lost or damaged during your trip, then you may claim for these. However, claims without supporting documentation such as police reports and receipts may not be covered. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.
Extended stays: if you decide to lengthen your overseas holiday, you may extend your travel insurance up to a maximum of 12 months past the start date listed on your Certificate of Insurance.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: we offer emergency medical transport and repatriation back to Ireland if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.
Cover for Coronavirus-related events: Irish travellers may be covered for their non-refundable travel expenses if they are forced to cancel their holiday plans due to a Coronavirus diagnosis. For more information, please read our Coronavirus cover article, which includes all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.
How to get the most out of your insurance when visiting the Caribbean
We recognise that you may have different activities and experiences in mind for your overseas adventures.
Our Standard Plan provides cover for all the main risks facing overseas travellers such as illness, injuries, and theft. While the Explorer Plan offers everything that the Standard Plan does, the benefit limits and/or sub-limits are higher, and a wider range of activities are included.
For instance, if you wanted to go Scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, then you might want to check out all the different levels of coverage that we offer, and to find out what conditions or exclusions apply for this underwater activity.
Though both our Standard and Explorer plans include benefits for Scuba diving, each plan has a different level of coverage and may exclude certain types of diving or dives of a certain depth. Be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as search-and-rescue missions.
Besides Scuba diving, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:
- Surfing.
- Hiking.
- Backpacking.
- Kayaking.
- Sandboarding.
- Snorkelling.
If your favourite sport isn’t 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.
What to look out for when travelling around the Caribbean
Like all holiday destinations, there are certain dangers that can present a challenge for anybody travelling through the Caribbean. Check your policy for all the conditions and exclusions associated with the following risks:
Extreme weather: this island region is sometimes struck by fierce storms that damage hotels and disrupt lines of transport.
Travel insurance tip: if your booked accommodation becomes uninhabitable due to extreme weather conditions, you may be eligible to claim for alternative accommodation and transport expenses up to the policy limit (Explorer Plan).
Crime: thieves are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists whose bags may be snatched from them in street mugging incidents or sneakily taken whilst their attention is diverted elsewhere.
Travel insurance tip: if you are the victim of a theft, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details along with any photographs, comply with all the conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim you make.
What’s not covered
Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions, as well as the terms and conditions.
- Pre-existing conditions as explained in your policy.
- Treatment that you had been having in Ireland, before travelling to the Caribbean.
- Unattended luggage and other personal items that are damaged, lost or stolen.
- Expenses that other organisations such as hotels or transport companies are responsible for paying.
- If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Failing to comply with official organisations and our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to repatriate you back to Ireland.
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 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 teamTravel Insurance for the Caribbean
Essential travel insurance tips
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Why spend your next holiday on the couch doing Sudoku puzzles, when you could be sipping cocktails watching the sun go down in Jamaica or Puerto Rico? With countless island destinations to choose from, you can explore the Caribbean’s verdant rainforests and white sand beaches.
Before you book your flight for this popular holiday destination, you might want to consider buying travel insurance first.
What’s covered?
For all the beauty in the Caribbean, there is also the possibility of running into unexpected trouble. The following are some examples of how travel insurance can help if the unexpected happens to you:
Overseas emergency medical: if you become sick or are injured then your travel insurance may cover your treatment, hospitalisation, and medication expenses. However, you must notify our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible, when you are aware you will be admitted as an inpatient for at least one night. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care could be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.
Emergency medical evacuation: if you are injured and require emergency transport to the nearest hospital via ambulance or helicopter, then the transportation costs may be covered. You will need to check with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team first.
Medical repatriation: we offer emergency medical repatriation back to the UK if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.
Baggage cover: if your bags or other personal items are stolen, delayed, or go missing during your holiday, report the incident to the local police and get a Loss Report from them, as you’ll need to include this as supporting evidence, along with your receipts for these items, when submitting your claim. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.
Extended stays: you may extend your travel insurance policy past the expiration date if you’re planning to stay longer in the Caribbean. This will need to be done prior to the current expiration date of your policy and can be extended up to 12 months from the start date of your policy (Single Trip only).
Cover for Coronavirus-related events: British travellers may be covered for medically necessary expenses if they get Coronavirus in the Caribbean.
How to get the most out of your insurance when visiting the Caribbean
The policy that you ultimately choose should depend on what type of Caribbean holiday you are planning to have. World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan.
Both plans offer travel insurance essentials such as trip cancellation cover, baggage cover and emergency medical evacuation cover. However, the Explorer Plan offers higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard Plan, as well as cover for a wider range of activities.
For example, if you plan to go hiking in the mountains of St Lucia, then you might want to check out our different levels of cover for hiking in case you are injured. World Nomads offers different levels of cover for hiking depending on the altitude, these include:
- 3,000 metres (Level 1).
- 4,500 metres (Level 2).
- 6,000 metres (Level 4).
Note: make sure you check your policy for specific exclusions, such as search-and-rescue missions.
Besides hiking, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:
- Surfing.
- Scuba diving.
- Kayaking.
- Sandboarding.
- Snorkelling.
If your favourite sport isn’t 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.
What to look out for when travelling around the Caribbean
Here are some common problems that travellers can encounter when visiting the region:
Extreme weather: well known as a sun-drenched paradise with a year-round warm climate, the Caribbean Islands are occasionally lashed by powerful tropical storms that wreak widespread destruction.
Travel insurance tip: if a hurricane, flood, or another natural disaster damages the hotel or hostel that you are booked to stay at, then you may be covered for additional accommodation expenses with an alternative at the same destination up to the policy limit. (Explorer Plan).
Crime: travellers to the Caribbean are sometimes the targets of bag snatchings and other types of crimes, both petty and more serious.
Travel insurance tip: if you are the victim of a theft, you must obtain a written police report within 24 hours. Where possible, provide witness details along with any photographs, comply with all conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim you make.
What’s not covered?
Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions, as well as the terms and conditions.
- Any pre-existing conditions, unless otherwise stated in your policy;
- Travelling to or staying in a country that the British Government has issued a public directive instructing travellers to avoid all travel;
- Being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances;
- If you are acting in an irresponsible manner or not complying with local laws;
- Disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team;
- Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unattended.
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 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 teamTravel Insurance when visiting the Caribbean
Essential travel insurance tips
- As featured in:
As featured in:
The Caribbean, with its many island destinations such as Jamaica, St Lucia, and the Dominican Republic, has always been a mecca for international travelers who dream of escaping chilly climates and their frantic way of life. If you’re planning a trip to this unique part of the globe, considering travel insurance can provide support if your Caribbean holiday suddenly goes awry.
What’s covered
World Nomads travel insurance provides cover for illness, injury, or damage to your personal belongings. Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you have selected, you may be covered for:
Overseas emergency medical: if you’ve had an injury or need urgent medical attention and require a medical centre or hospital, you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you’re given proper care.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: we offer emergency medical transport and repatriation back to your Country of Residence if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.
Baggage cover: if your baggage or other personal belongings are lost or damaged during your trip, then you may claim for these. However, claims without supporting documentation such as police reports and receipts may not be covered. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.
Extended stays: if you are having way too much fun on your Caribbean holiday and choose to stay longer, you may also extend your travel insurance for a maximum of one year past the start date of your policy.
Coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events: if you are forced to cancel your holiday plans due to being diagnosed as having Coronavirus by your treating doctor, then you may claim for any non-refundable travel expenses. To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.
How to get the most out of your insurance when visiting the Caribbean
The two travel insurance plans that we offer are the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both offer cover for injuries, illness, trip cancellation expenses and theft. However, the Explorer Plan offers higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard Plan and cover for a wider selection of activities.
For example, if you plan to go Scuba diving in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, then you might want to consider our levels of coverage for Scuba diving in case you are involved in a Scuba diving accident.
Though both our Standard and Explorer plans include benefits for Scuba diving, each plan has a different level of coverage and may exclude certain types of diving or dives of a certain depth. Be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as unguided dives or search-and-rescue missions.
Besides Scuba diving, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:
- Surfing.
- Hiking.
- Backpacking.
- Kayaking.
- Sandboarding.
- Snorkelling.
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.
What to look out for when traveling around the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a tropical playground where travelers from all over the world gravitate to enjoy the lush wilderness, white sand beaches and laid-back vibes. However, getting sick or injured could prove to be very costly, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance before you go.
Here are some common problems that travelers can encounter when visiting the region:
Extreme weather: well known for being a sun-drenched paradise with year-round warm climates, the Caribbean Islands are occasionally lashed by powerful tropical storms that wreak widespread destruction.
Travel insurance tip: if your hotel is damaged by a natural catastrophe, you may be covered for transport expenses as well as accommodation in a different hotel up to the policy limit.
Theft: thieves are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists whose bags may be snatched from them in street mugging incidents or sneakily taken whilst their attention is diverted elsewhere.
Travel insurance tip: if any of your belongings are stolen, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details as well as photographs, comply with all conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim that you make.
What’s not covered?
Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions as well as the terms and conditions.
- Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in the policy wording.
- Any medical treatment, medication, or hospitalization for a non-urgent condition. Examples could include cosmetic surgery, general check-ups, or other elective surgeries.
- Theft, damage, or loss of items that were unattended.
- Expenses that other organisations, including hotels and airlines are liable for.
- If you were breaking the law or acting in a careless manner.
- Failing to comply with official organisations and our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to repatriate you back to your country of residence.
- Traveling to or staying in a country that the government in your country of residence has declared an official travel ban on or warned against non-essential travel.
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 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 team
