Protect the freedom of carrying everything on your back.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024 please see below.
For British backpackers, exploring the world’s hidden gems - from Southeast Asia’s temples to the Andes’ peaks - offers unmatched freedom at a fraction of the cost. But with adventure comes uncertainty, and not all surprises are fun. That’s why investing time in researching travel insurance for backpackers is a worthwhile endeavour, ensuring you're covered for whatever comes your way.
World Nomads travel insurance plans offer cover for sudden and unforeseen costs, such as if you’re injured in a traffic accident and need urgent medical treatment, or if your transport carrier damages or loses your much-needed backpack with everything in it, or a crafty pickpocket swipes your phone from under your nose.
Our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for scenarios such as (to name just a few):
Some things we do not cover include:
Both our Standard and Explorer Plans have many of the same benefits, while the Explorer Plan offers travellers further covered events and higher benefit limits and/or sub limits.
If you’re planning on doing extra activities such as surfing, rock climbing (outdoor) or manual work, for example, our article on covered sports and activities can help you select the optional upgrades you’ll need to add to your plan when you buy your policy. Keep in mind some types of work and high-risk activities may not be covered at all.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a one-off adventure, your travel insurance needs differ. For the serial backpacker, an Annual Multi-Trip policy provides year-round coverage, making it easy to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of having to buy a new policy each time.
If this is your big once-in-a-lifetime trip, a Single Trip policy offers all the protection you need, tailored specifically to your journey.
Looking for some more backpacking inspo? Check out our article, Backpacking Checklist: Dos and Don'ts When on the Road
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamHere are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
Yes, it’s possible to extend your existing Single Trip policy while still travelling and before its expiry date, for up to 12 months from the start date.
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 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, get in touch.
What to know when planning your British getaway.
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Ahh, Great Britain - home to the British royals, countless unique castles, stunning scenery, and a rich history, which spans from Stonehenge to Shakespeare and beyond. Before you book your trip to Great Britain - perhaps to see Macbeth at The Globe - get your travel insurance sorted, so the only drama is on stage with the actors.
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. But never fear, follow our travel tips to get the most out of your cover and your holiday in the UK.
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. Petty theft is common across Europe, and you could also get your gear stolen on public transport or from your accommodation.
The good news is that all World Nomads policies offer some cover (up to the policy limits) for loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal items.
Keep in mind that 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.
What happens if…
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.
Tips for keeping your luggage safe:
When traveling to the UK, overseas 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. All our policies include some level of overseas medical cover, so you can focus on your recovery if you fall ill or have an accident on your travels.
Tips for travel in the UK and Covid-19:
Dealing with a medical emergency in a foreign country can be frightening and confusing, but you don’t have to go through it on your own. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can direct you to nearby appropriate care, talk to doctors, and set up direct payments to the medical facility if needed. 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.
If you’re looking to get your adrenaline levels up by going hiking in Snowdonia, or camping and mountain biking in the Scottish Highlands, World Nomads offers travel insurance cover for 150+ activities and sports.
Be sure 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. If you’re not sure whether an activity is covered, just contact us.
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 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.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamBundled travel insurance for vacation rentals, from trip cancellations to stolen belongings.
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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.
Space, privacy, the comforts of la casa – nothing is better than renting a vacation home, whether it’s a lakeside chalet, a New York City studio or a yurt in Patagonia. But booking from a private homeowner could add a “What if?” factor. That’s where travel insurance* comes in. Here are the need-to-know details of vacation rental coverage, so you can get on with your getaway.
Hopefully, the worst thing that happens to you when you’re staying at your rental is eating the free snacks too fast. But, if you find yourself in a pinch, travel insurance coverage can save your sanity and wallet.
There are lots of reasons to consider travel insurance for your upcoming trip, including those that apply to vacation home rentals specifically:
Psst! Want to know more about what’s covered and not covered by travel insurance? Read your insurance plan documents carefully and contact us if you have any questions.
*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.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamSupport for a canceled trip, stolen belongings, medical emergencies, and more
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Space, privacy, the comforts of a home away from home – renting a vacation home is a great way to really get to know a place, whether it’s a lakeside chalet in Switzerland or a studio in New York City. But sometimes booking from a private homeowner could add a layer of “What if?”
World Nomads travel insurance is here to help with the need-to-know details of our vacation rental coverage, so you can get on with your getaway.
There are lots of reasons to consider travel insurance and hopefully, the worst thing that happens when you’re staying at your rental is eating the free snacks too fast. But, if you find yourself in a pinch or experience an emergency, travel coverage can save your sanity.
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 optional extras or upgrades you add.
It’s important to know that we offer two insurance plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage and benefits. 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 holiday plans.
Keep in mind that depending on your travel plans and Country of Residence, you may need to upgrade your policy to be covered for the activities and benefits you choose.
You can get a quote, make a claim, or buy a policy instantly online, even while traveling.
Some of the benefits on our policies for vacation rentals may include cover (up to policy limits) for:
If you have to cancel your vacation rental at the last second due to something such as an urgent illness, you may be able to recoup your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, including your accommodation.
Did a thief break into your vacation rental while you were out at dinner and make off with your expensive laptop or brand new DSLR camera? Personal effects may be covered, up to their cash value at the time they got swiped. (Just be sure to file a police report and keep a copy for your claim and keep any copies or original receipts.)
You may be staying in a comfortable home, but if you suffer an illness or injury in a foreign place, it can be a daunting experience. If you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital, you can claim your medical bills; just be sure to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you if you experience any issues on your travels including helping you access medical care in your location, help with translation at the medical facility and arrange medical evacuation or repatriation if required.
Is a flood or forest fire standing between you and the vacation rental of your dreams? If the property has been destroyed or you’ve been prevented from staying there due to an unforeseen natural disaster, we’ve got a silver lining in the cloud for you: you may be reimbursed your pre-paid trip expenses (moolah you can save for your next adventure!).
Keep in mind that terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits apply, so be sure to check your policy wording carefully. If you’re not sure whether something is covered, or have any questions, just contact us.
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamWhat to do if someone at home is sick or injured.
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As soon as you know that you won’t be able to use any pre-booked or pre-paid accommodation, transport or tours, you must try to rearrange them, or if necessary, cancel.
Just remember, if you decide to rearrange, we’ll only pay up to the benefit amount. If you don’t rearrange or cancel as soon as reasonably possible, we won’t cover any additional rearrangement or cancellation costs that arise as a result. But you should only cancel arrangements when it’s absolutely necessary. For example, if your doctor says you can’t fly for two days, but you cancel a three-week trip, rather than putting it back by two days, we’ll only cover cancellation of two days’ worth of accommodation, not the entire booking.
To support your claim, you’ll need to get the following:
You’ll need to keep your receipts, itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations including details of any refunds received for any affected transport and accommodation.
Our suggestions should help you avoid unnecessary costs, gather the right evidence and help keep your claim hassle free.
Ready?
Having a sick relative is stressful enough, let alone having to cancel a trip overseas too! For policies purchased after 17 June 2021, we now have cover on our Explorer Plan for some Coronavirus related travel events to assist our Irish travellers, including having to cancel or postpone your trip abroad because a close relative is diagnosed with Coronavirus.
We’ve also included cover for overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation and repatriation related to your Coronavirus diagnosis and this is available on both the Standard and Explorer plans.
Please note: COVID-19 cover depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
This information may help you avoid unnecessary costs, gather the right evidence and help keep your claim hassle free.
All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy will always have the full details.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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