Travel insurance when volunteering
Don't let your good deeds go uncovered
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From Oxfam to The Salvation Army, the Brits have a proud history of helping out when they travel abroad.
If you want to give back when you travel, World Nomad’s travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities. From summer teaching programmes to clean water projects, volunteering can help strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and change lives.
What coverage does travel insurance provide for volunteers?
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What's Covered |
What's not Covered |
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Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? |
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we hope that you'll act responsibly and within your limits. But just to be clear, we won't cover any incidents related to: |
What volunteer activities are covered by travel insurance?
In both our Standard and Explorer plans, we provide travel insurance cover for a range of non-manual volunteer activities, which may include:
- Retail work such as helping out in a co-op shop
- Teaching
- Clerical work
- Childcare
- Some volunteering in communities on projects.
For all volunteering work, you must have the right equipment and clothing, the proper training and be supervised appropriately. When you purchase travel insurance, be sure to add the activity to your quote so it’s included in your policy.
We also offer an optional upgrade for manual activities such as:
- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
- Environmental and conservation work that involved farm hand style activities
- Manual work or work with power tools under two metres in height not involving the use of mechanical or industrial machinery.
What volunteer activities are excluded?
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover, for example volunteer firefighting, or activities in places known to be unsafe or dangerous. This includes volunteer work that includes:
- Work performed over 2 meters in height
- Work performed offshore, underground or in caves
- Operating machinery
- Working with dangerous animals and / or big game.
If you’re not sure about coverage, contact us and we’ll help you.
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 haven't yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.
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Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
That depends on your policy and your country of residence. You may have to put in a request with the customer service team for a country to be added to your policy.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or your home health system.
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Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what happened. If it’s an emergency situation, where medical evacuation is required, World Nomads will try and cover these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording and you get pre-approval from the Emergency Assistance team). You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
Travel Insurance for the USA
From Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty, learn why travel insurance is essential for Canadians travelling to the US.
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As featured in:
- Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
- Travel insurance for activities in the USA
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the USA
- Travel insurance for lost bags in the USA
- Travel insurance for road trips through the USA
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the USA
- Tips for travelling to the USA from Canada
The 50 states of the US are a melting pot of culture, natural wonders, history, languages, small towns, and urban centres. Wilderness lovers can climb through the rocky gorges of Bryce Canyon National Park, search for bison and bears in Yellowstone, and chase the wildest landscapes of Alaska. City lovers can catch a show on Broadway in New York City, walk through charming Charleston, South Carolina, and admire the architecture and views in San Francisco.
Even though you won’t be far from home, the unexpected can still happen. We encourage you to consider travel insurance for the United States, which can help protect you against unexpected trip delays, lost luggage, missed connections, and so much more.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
Travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like coming across jazz musicians playing on the streets of New Orleans or watching a gushing geyser in Grand Teton National Park.
Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like cancelled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you twist your ankle and fall and get hurt while climbing Angel’s Landing in Zion, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for the USA.
World Nomads has two plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options and choose the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in the USA
From rafting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to shredding some fresh powder in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the US offers so many thrills for outdoor enthusiasts! World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to the US.
Ocean lovers can surf the swells in Oahu and Santa Cruz, snorkel with manta rays on Hawai’i, and scuba dive in the Florida Keys. If mountains are more your thing, the US has phenomenal year-round hiking options. You can climb to the top of Mount Rainier in Washington State or conquer one of Colorado’s 58 14-ers. During winter, ski in Colorado’s Rockies or learn to dog sled in Alaska.
It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when getting a quote and purchasing the plan—and if something happens during an activity that you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go skiing while on your trip and you didn’t list it out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen while you’re shredding powder in the mountains. It’s best to list out all possible activities you may do, just in case.
Keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both our Standard and Explorer Plans. For coverage for adventures sports, work and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need upgrade your adventure sports coverage and pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions may apply to while taking part in certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the USA
Accidents can happen anywhere in the world and World Nomads insurance can help you navigate them. For example, if you fall and get injured while bouldering, your travel insurance for the USA can help you out.
In the event of a medical emergency while travelling in the USA, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for the USA may cover the costs to get you there.
Without the right insurance, medical expenses in the US can rack up quickly and throw a major curveball to your vacation. It is important thing to note that you must have GHIP coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefits. Without GHIP coverage, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to CAD$40,000. While travelling in North America, there are some stipulations to follow to be covered. Reach out to the team to ask any questions you have!
Travel insurance for lost bags in the USA
What happens if you land in Salt Lake City and find out your bags didn’t arrive at the same time you did? If you’re left sitting at the airport carousel anxiously waiting for the bag that never comes, your travel insurance for the USA could help you be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way to you.
If you’re planning on skiing in Park City and your checked sporting equipment, such as your new skis, is delayed for 12 or more hours by your airline you could be reimbursed for the cost of renting equipment. If the airline is unable to remedy the situation and your baggage is lost, you may be eligible for reimbursement of the depreciated value of your lost sporting equipment. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well.
Travel insurance for road trips through the USA
Whether you choose to drive coast-to-coast or explore a smaller region by car or camper van, road trips in the USA are one of the most popular ways to explore the vast country. Hop on Highway 1 and drive along the Pacific Coast through California, take a road trip across the plains of South Dakota, or explore the interior of the country on the historic Route 66. Whichever route you choose, travelling by car allows you to embrace the freedom of the road, stop in small towns, grab lunch at unassuming diners, hike in national parks, and catch scenic viewpoints you otherwise would miss.
With all your belongings in your vehicle, though, you’ll want to be careful about not leaving things out in plain sight. If you’re parked at a remote location like a trailhead, thieves could take an opportunity to break in if they think you’re going to be out on the trails for a while. Make sure your vehicle is securely locked, and try to park somewhere your car can be seen and where it is well lit if it’s getting dark.
If your car is broken into, make sure to contact the police and file a report. You’ll need that if you make a claim to be reimbursed for stolen goods with your travel insurance for the USA.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the USA
Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans. When looking for travel insurance plans for the USA, make sure to get one that covers trip cancellation, delays, and interruptions—and could reimburse you those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
If you get sick before leaving Canada and your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. Or, if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency while you’re on your adventure, you may need to go back to Canada early. Travel insurance for the USA may help you cover those costs.
Tips for travelling to the USA from Canada
Before you leave Canda, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s travel advisories for the US. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.
If you purchase travel insurance for the USA, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
It’s important to keep in mind that each state does things a bit differently, so if you’re embarking on a multi-state adventure, stay up to date with each destination’s rules and cultural norms. Sales tax varies state-to-state and speed limits can change as well. Be mindful of the change of etiquette and regulations as you explore new frontiers of this diverse country.
Take time, slow down, and explore the unknown. Check out our round-up of the least-visited national parks in the US for some inspiration. And as you explore the great outdoors, be mindful of the wilderness and leave no trace principles. You may also want to read up on wildlife safety such as tips for bear encounters—a real possibility in forest and mountain regions!
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the plan. It is important you read and understand your plan as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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 Asia: What You Need to Know
Protect your trip to Asia with travel insurance benefits
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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.
- Do I need travel insurance for Asia?
- What Level of Travel Insurance Coverage Should I Get for My Trip to Asia?
- Coverage for Activities in Asia
- Motorbiking in Asia
- Medical Expenses & Emergency Medical Evacuations
- Lost Baggage Protection
- Trip Cancellation
- Travel Tips
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Asia?
Natural disasters, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations can disrupt travel plans, no matter where you go in Asia. Travel insurance benefits can cover trip cancellations, medical expenses, and emergency evacuations, helping protect you and your investment.
What Level of Travel Insurance Coverage Should I Get for My Trip to Asia?
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different coverages or levels of coverage.
- Standard Plan: Ideal for budget travelers, covering the basics like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage loss.
- Explorer Plan: Designed for adventure travelers, offering higher coverage maximums and protection for activities like scuba diving and high-altitude hiking. Optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage can also be added at an additional cost (not available in NY).
- Epic Plan: Best for extreme adventurers or long-term travelers, covering a wider range of activities and providing maximum benefit amounts. Optional ‘Cancel for any Reason’ can also be added to this plan at an additional cost (not available in NY).
- Annual Plan: Planning an action-packed year of adventures? The Annual Plan could be for you. With one plan, you’re covered for multiple trips throughout the year, with each trip lasting up to 45 days. Designed for weekend warriors and avid travelers, this plan can keep you protected wherever your travels take you.
Compare plans carefully to ensure your insurance coverage option matches your travel needs and learn about the exclusions, terms and conditions. When you get a quote for travel protection, you can also see the benefits side by side.
Coverage for Activities in Asia
From trekking in Nepal to scuba diving in Thailand, World Nomads can cover losses resulting from participation in more than 250 adventure activities. Some, like high-altitude hiking, may require the purchase of the Explorer or Epic plan. We encourage you to review all of the plans offered by World Nomads when booking your trip to Asia, as some plans cover more activities than others.
We cover 250+ activities you love
Motorbiking in Asia
Motorbike accidents are all too common in certain parts of Asia. We encourage you to have the proper in-country license for operating a motorbike and follow all local laws. Check out country-specific requirements before renting a motorbike and learn more here.
Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation and Repatraition
In case of unexpected illness or injury on your trip to Asia, the medical expense travel insurance benefit may reimburse necessary emergency medical expenses while traveling. If local care is inadequate in your immediate area, the emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance benefit may cover transport to the nearest adequate medical facility or home for treatment if you suffer an injury that is severe, acute or life- threatening. (Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.)
Baggage Protection
If your checked luggage is lost by your common carrier en route to your trip to Asia, travel insurance benefits may help reimburse you for lost items. If your baggage is lost on your flight, contact the airline first and then contact Blue Ribbon Bags, which is another of our non-insurance service partners available to help locate your delayed bags.
Trip Cancellation
Unexpected events like natural disasters, illness, or family emergencies may force you to cancel your trip to Asia. Trip cancellation insurance coverage may help reimburse prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip to Asia is cancelled due to a covered reason.
Travel Safety Tips for Asia
- Check U.S. travel advisories for Asia before departure.
- Consult a doctor for necessary vaccinations before traveling. All our plans come with access to non-insurance service Runway Health, which can assist with pre-departure medicine.
- Save the phone numbers and plan number for the travel protection plan you purchased in your phone. It’s not a bad idea to have a copy of this printed as well.
- Keep supporting documentation including receipts and communication from your common carrier for any claims you may need to file.
Get a quote for travel protection plans for your trip to Asia.
20250410-4398179
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 for Asia
Travelling to Asia? Canadians have a lifetime of adventure in this exciting part of the world.
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Serving as home to more than half of the world’s population, we know there’s so much diversity Canadians can experience when travelling to Asia. You can take your journey to new heights as you experience the majesty of the highest peaks - from Mt. Fuji in Japan to Mt. Everest in Nepal.
From our own experiences though, we know that any international travel can also sometimes involve those less than great moments - like sickness, missed flights, and lost baggage. Because of this, you may want to get a quote for travel insurance for Asia before you set forth on your journey.
- Do I need travel insurance for Asia?
- Travel insurance for activities in Asia
- Travel insurance for motorbiking in Asia
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Asia
- Travel insurance for lost bags in Asia
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Asia
Do I need travel insurance for Asia?
The flights to Sri Lanka are booked, you made the reservation for your guided safari at Yala National Park and found an adorable beach bungalow. It sounds like you planned the perfect vacation, but there’s some things you just can’t plan for.
What happens if a monsoon hits Sri Lanka a few days before your trip and makes it impossible to travel there? Natural disasters can strike while you’re already on holiday and you could get hurt. Canadian travellers may want to consider travel insurance for Asia that could help with trip cancellation, overseas emergency medical coverage, and emergency evacuation and repatriation.
We recommend you think about the places in Asia where you’ll be travelling and the types of adventures and activities you’ll be participating in while you’re there. When you get a quote for travel insurance for Asia, you can compare the different plan options, and then choose the best travel insurance for your overseas holiday.
Travel insurance for activities in Asia
From trekking through Sumatra to see orangutans to scuba diving the Great Wall of China, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Asia. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Asia - including trekking, scuba diving, and more.
When you get a quote for travel insurance for Asia, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you will be covered.
Travel insurance for motorbiking in Asia
Motorbiking is common throughout many countries in Asia, and in some instances, it may be covered by your travel insurance policy. However, just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike or scooter in many Asian countries doesn’t mean you should ride one, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.
We receive a lot of injury claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Asia because it’s cheap and easy to rent, and they get hurt in an accident. You’ll notice that often safety is not a top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience is. The rules of the road and the road quality itself can be very different from back home in Canada.
Motorbike accidents are quite common (it’s one of our most common claims) and it’s very important to know that if you don’t hold the proper Canadian license for operating a motorbike, if you are injured while operating a motorbike in Asia, your travel insurance plan won’t cover you.
If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to investigate getting the proper license for motorbiking in Asia before you leave Canada. Check out our article on . You can get specific license requirements for each country you’ll be visiting on the Canadian government’s website. You’ll also want to review your policy wording carefully when you get a quote for travel insurance for Asia.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Asia
Before you leave Canada, consult with your doctor to see if you may need certain vaccinations. Depending on where you’re headed in Asia, they may recommend vaccinations that protect you against things like tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from dengue fever and malaria.
While these preparations could help protect you, there’s still a chance you may get sick or injured during your travels. If you’re surfing in Phuket and break a leg, emergency medical travel insurance could reimburse you for certain medical expenses. Your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses.
Keep in mind that there’s over 2,000 languages spoken across Asia. If you are in an emergency, language barriers may get in the way when you’re trying to get medical care. You may also find limited medical services available in some remote places. The 24/7 emergency assistance team will be able to help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your medical team if they don’t speak English or French.
If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go back home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Asia may cover the costs to get you back to your Canadian home province .
Travel insurance for lost bags in Asia
If your Asian vacation includes hiking in Nepal, you’ve likely packed your favourite pair of hiking boots. But if you land in Kathmandu and then realize that your bag isn’t waiting for you on the airport carousel, it can make an unpleasant start to your trip.
If the airline loses your bag, you could be reimbursed for the cost to replace your hiking boots and other belongings. When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your travel insurance for Asia to get the specific details on depreciation and policy limits.
Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. It’s not uncommon for your bag to accidentally take a different route to your destination. The baggage coverage that is included in your international travel insurance could even reimburse you for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way back to you.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Asia
Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cause you to cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip.
Asia is a continent full of natural wonders, but unfortunately, there’s also the possibility of natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis that can affect your travels. If your planned trip to Okinawa gets cancelled because a typhoon makes it impossible for you to get there and the Canadian government issues a travel advisory (and the travel advisory is issued after you have booked your trip and purchase your travel insurance), your travel insurance for Asia could help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.
You could also be reimbursed if you get sick before leaving Canada and your doctor advises you that you are not medically fit to travel to Asia at that time.
Travel insurance could also help if you’re already on your trip and something happens. For example, you may need to go back to Canada early if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency. You may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses if your trip is interrupted.
Make sure to keep all documentation and receipts for things you paid for in advance- you’ll need those if you make a claim.
Asia Travel Tips
Asia has so much to offer visiting Canadians. Before you leave for your vacation, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings to review travel advice for the countries you’re visiting in Asia. You’ll want to review each country on your itinerary to see up to date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
Before you set forth on your Asian vacation, it’s also a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
Finally, we recommend taking time to read up on all of the amazing experiences available to Canadians visiting Asia. Some of our team’s favorite spots include China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. The hardest part of your trip may be deciding which Asian country to visit first!
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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 Thailand
Learn how travel insurance could help Canadians if you get sick or injured on your trip to Thailand.
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Thailand welcomes thousands of Canadian travellers each year. Whether you’re checking out the Bangkok nightlife, the water buffalo races in Chonburi or have your sights set on more off the beaten path spots in Thailand like Mu Ko Chang National Park, as nomads ourselves, we’ve had our share of good times in Thailand.
We’ve danced the night away in Ko Pha-Ngan at Thailand’s epic Full Moon Parties, trekked through the jungle, and enjoyed the flavorful local dishes like Khao Soi and Pad Thai. And, we’ve learned a few things along the way and love to share our Thailand travel tips (check out our article: What to know before you go to Thailand).
- Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
- Travel insurance for activities in Thailand
- Travel insurance for motorbiking in Thailand
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Thailand
- Travel insurance for lost bags in Thailand
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Thailand
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
When you’re planning your trip to Thailand, there are some things you just can’t foresee. We had a claim from one of our nomads who needed surgery after they broke their leg in Koh Samui. We had another claim from one of our nomads who had a camera stolen on the crowded streets of Khao San Road in Bangkok. These events definitely weren't planned, but a World Nomads travel insurance plan for Thailand could help if you run into trouble on your overseas adventure.
With any overseas travel, there’s always going to be some things you can’t plan for - like cancelled trips, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and delayed baggage. Because of these unforeseen situations, travel insurance should be something you consider. There are different plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in Thailand
Your Thailand adventure may take you surfing in Phuket or kayaking the Run Tee River. You may also decide to hike to Tarn Lod Yai - a massive ancient sea cave. World Nomads travel insurance covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Thailand - including surfing, kayaking, and hiking.
We recommend that you think about the types of adventures and activities you’ll be doing while you’re there. When you get a quote for travel insurance for Thailand, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time you purchase your policy. If you’re participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you will be covered.
Travel insurance for motorbiking in Thailand
Motorbiking is common in Thailand, and in some instances, it could be covered by your travel insurance policy - but it’s not guaranteed. Just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike there doesn’t mean you should, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.
We get a lot of accident claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Thailand because it’s cheap and easy to rent. However, safety is not always top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience is. The rules of the road and the road quality itself can be very different from back home in Canada. Motorbike accidents are quite common (it’s one of our most common claims) and it’s very important to know that if you don’t have the proper license for motorbiking, your travel insurance for Thailand won’t cover you.
If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to look at getting the proper license for motorbiking in Thailand before you leave Canada. You can get specific license requirements for Thailand on the Canadian government’s website. You’ll also want to review your policy wording carefully when you get a quote for travel insurance for Thailand.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Thailand
Before you leave Canada, consult with your doctor to see if you may need certain vaccinations or antimalarial medication for your trip to Thailand. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from things like dengue fever and malaria.
While these preparations can help, there’s still a chance you could get sick or injured during your travels in Thailand. If you get lunch from a street vendor and get travellers diarrhea or if you're stung by a poisonous jellyfish off Koh Lanta, emergency medical travel insurance could reimburse you for certain medical expenses. Your Government Health Insurance Plan may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses while you’re in Thailand.
If you get hurt while hiking in a remote jungle in Thailand, you may find limited medical services available. Our 24/7 emergency assistance team will be able to help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your medical team if they don’t speak English or French.
If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Thailand may cover the costs to get you there when approved in advance by our medical department.
Travel insurance for lost bags in Thailand
If you’re headed to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands for a beach getaway, you’ve likely packed one (or five) new swimsuits. If you check your bags in Canada, and then realize that the airline lost your bag, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance for Thailand may reimburse you for the cost to replace your belongings. When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your international travel insurance policy to get the specific details on depreciation and policy limits.
If you’re lucky, the bag just took a detour and will eventually make its way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Thailand
Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip.
Thailand is located in an active seismic zone, and there’s the possibility of natural disasters that can affect your travels. If your trip to Krabi is cancelled because an earthquake has destroyed your destination residence or the Canadian Government issues an advisory against travel to the destination, country or region listed on your itinerary (and the advisory is issued after the date you paid for your prepaid travel arrangement and after the date you purchased your policy) , your travel insurance for Thailand could help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.
Travel insurance could also help if you’re already on your trip and something happens. For example, you may need to go back to Canada early if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency.
Make sure to keep all documentation and receipts for the non-refundable travel arrangements you paid for in advance- you’ll need those if you make a claim.
Thailand Travel Tips
Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for Thailand to review their up-to-date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
If you purchase travel insurance for Thailand, it’s also a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
We also recommend saving all receipts and documentation for activities, transportation, and accommodations that you have booked. If you need to make a claim, you’ll need those things.
And finally, take the time to study up on the laws in Thailand before your trip. You won’t be smiling in the land of smiles if you end up in jail. We also suggest you educate yourself on ethical wildlife encounters; you may have opportunities to see exotic animals (elephants, tigers, gibbons, etc.) but you don’t want to contribute to the suffering of these majestic creatures. Never ride an elephant or take selfies with captive animals – doing so only harms their species.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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
