Why buy travel insurance?
Wanting to know more about travel insurance and what it does?
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In most cases, traveling overseas goes without a hitch. So, you may be asking yourself, “why would I need travel insurance?”.
- Want more of our plan details?
- Cancellation cover
- Baggage and valuables cover
- Cover for Coronavirus-related events
- What you should look out for when considering travel insurance
Travel insurance may not always be required, but when that illness, injury, baggage delay or trip interruption occurs, and you’re left out in the cold it could come in very handy. World Nomads may offer travel insurance for several events, some of these include:
- Hospitalization due to a severe injury or illness
- A flight is delayed or canceled
- If your bags and valuables are delayed, stolen or damaged
- When you urgently need 24-hour Emergency Assistance
- If you’re planning to be active and doing outdoor adventures (we offer over 200+ activities, sports and experiences)
- If you need cover for a multi-destination trip
- If you’re travelling with family and need cover for dependants
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events
If you’re still not convinced, then consider the following: you’re overseas on your European ski trip enjoying the French Alps, you have a bad skiing accident and end up in hospital injured. Depending on your injuries your recovery could take days. You may also need to think about medical repatriation, paying for extra accommodation, prescribed medication, and any other unforeseen costs.
We always want our travelers to enjoy their holiday, but it doesn't always go smoothly. Luckily, we’ve seen great outcomes from countless cases where our customers were covered under our Standard or Explorer plans. Many happy customers have received the timely assistance they needed without needing to max out their credit card and avoided some major headaches along the way.
Traveler tip 1: if you’re in need of urgent medical assistance, all you have to do is call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. They will guide you through issues such as: providing assistance on how to recover a lost or stolen passport; directions to the nearest medical facility; and, if necessary, determine how to safely transport you back home; and much more.
Want more of our plan details?
You can compare our Standard and Explorer plans and prices through getting an instant online quote.
Here are just some reasons travel insurance may be a good idea to consider on your next overseas vacation:
Overseas medical and dental cover and medical evacuation
If there's one big reason to consider buying travel insurance, this is it. In many cases, if you get sick, the hospital won't treat you without upfront payment or providing proof of an insurance policy. World Nomads travel insurance can cover overseas emergency medical expenses including:
- Hospitalization
- Out-patient treatment (that doesn’t require hospital admission)
- Prescribed medicines
- Dental care
- Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment if we decide it's medically necessary.
This is not a full list of what's covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so for more information check out our article on overseas medical coverage, and read your policy carefully before you buy.
Cancellation cover
Have to cancel your trip? When you start paying for your airfares and accommodation, it makes sense to protect what you've spent in case you can't travel. All our policies can help cover flights and accommodation if:
- You become sick or injured
- You, your traveling companion or a family member suffers a serious covered illness or injury
- You, your traveling companion or a family member dies
- You can't stay at your destination because it's uninhabitable due to a natural disaster
If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, our travel plans may help save you money and time, but if you don’t have insurance, you could be paying for a trip you were unable to take and many more headaches.
Baggage and valuables cover
Bags can go missing from airline check-ins and things get stolen when left unattended while on holidays. If you are taking several bags and have valuables such as skis, a camera and lenses, or a fancy designer dress that you would like to cover, then our policies can help with cover for high-value items in case of loss, theft, or damage when your bag is checked in with a carrier or because of a theft. We can also cover your essential items if your bag is delayed – think toiletries, underwear, a clean shirt, and some socks.
Cover for Coronavirus-related events
Coverage for any COVID-19-related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas, your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance Team, who can help you access local medical care
- Medical costs including hospitalization
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending medical practitioner.
Some of our Explorer plans also offer cover for some additional COVID-19-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers. To find out what cover applies to you, read our What's Covered for Coronavirus? article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
Note: don't forget to read the policy wording when you hit the quote button as all plans are different – don't just assume you are covered in every situation, as terms and conditions, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply.
Buy or extend travel insurance while overseas
With a World Nomads policy, you can buy cover anytime, anywhere. Plus, if you decide to stay longer somewhere, we are happy to extend your policy if it's done before the end date shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
Traveler tip 2: if you buy a policy while traveling overseas, there may be a waiting period before your cover is activated. The maximum duration available for any policy, including extensions varies based on your country of residence. For some regions it is 12 months from the start date indicated on your Certificate of Insurance, except for US and Brazil-based residents which is 180 days.
What you should look out for when considering travel insurance:
- Make sure you correctly choose the right trip dates, age limit, and level of cover.
- Ensure all your destinations are covered.
- Make sure you understand what a pre-existing medical condition is under our policies (coverage varies by country of residence).
- Some activities and sports may require an extra level of cover or may not be covered.
- Make sure you clearly understand the benefit limits and the excess as per the level of cover you've selected.
- Understand that there will be General Exclusions in your cover for which you won't be covered under any circumstances.
- Make copies of travel documents and keep receipts in case you need to make a claim.
Watch Anton's true claim story
I fell on my side and heard the sound of a dry stick breaking, I realized my leg was broken, then I just lay on the beach... The first phone call I got was from World Nomads and they basically told me, you don't worry about this Anton, just focus on getting better...and we'll take care of the rest.
Anton,
World Nomads customer from Iceland
About World Nomads
World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 200 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a 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.
Want all the details?
You can compare the Standard and Explorer plans and prices through getting an instant online quote.
True Claims Stories
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Come to a sticky end?
- Called to jury duty?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- 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?
- You or a family member dead?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance for the Caribbean
Essential travel insurance tips
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- What's covered when traveling in the Caribbean
- Five top things to be aware of when traveling in the Caribbean
- What's not covered?
- Looking for more travel inspiration for the Caribbean?
Sun, sandy beaches and azure blue waters to enjoy – the Caribbean is an island paradise just waiting to be experienced! Whether you’re going on an island cruise, visiting one of 22 UNESCO heritage sites or hitting up local markets for a bite of famous jerk chicken, consider our tips on traveling in the Caribbean to get the most out of your trip.
What’s covered when traveling in the Caribbean
With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip from home or while you're already traveling around the many islands of the Caribbean. All our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:
- Overseas emergency medical
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation
- Stolen or delayed baggage
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. World Nomads has two levels of cover - the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan - that offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits so it’s best to compare them to see which one suits your travel needs.
You can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling.
Five top things to be aware of when traveling in the Caribbean
- Severe Weather
Hurricanes and tropical storms are among the biggest threats of your trip turning upside down. If your flight or cruise has been cancelled, or your hotel is unable to accept visitors, you may qualify for trip cancellation or interruption benefits, depending your Country of Residence.
Traveler tip: timing is key: You need to have bought your travel insurance plan before the storm was announced on TV or through major news sites and government sites. You also won’t be eligible for coverage if you cancel because of a few knocked-down trees, or the forecast is cloudy and gray.
Stay up to date with the latest travel alerts and warnings for the Caribbean here.
- Street Crime
Street crime and petty theft, such as pickpocketing and mugging, are unfortunate realities in the Caribbean. Should that happen to you, get to safety first and go to the local authorities to report the incident (don’t forget to get a copy of the report, which you’ll need if you make a claim).
Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can provide 24/7 365 days assistance when you are in a medical crisis, such as helping to locate health care facilities, providing a medical transfer to a hospital or repatriation to your home country where necessary, and getting in touch with family members in case of an emergency.
If your personal belongings get swiped, you may be able to make a claim for replacement or reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions apply, so be sure to check your policy wording.
Traveler tip: if you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can purchase while you’re travelling (a waiting period may apply for some benefits).
- Adventure awaits!
The Caribbean feels like a non-stop adventure, from snorkelling in crystal-clear water and trekking amid cloud forests, to swimming under cascading waterfalls. The great news is that our travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities, experiences and sports including:
- Scuba diving and snorkelling
- Sailing
- Horse riding
- Hiking
Depending on your travel plans and Country of Residence, you may need to upgrade your policy to be covered for the activities you will be doing. If you’re unsure whether the activity you want to do is covered, just contact us.
Keep in mind that certain adventures may also have special conditions and exclusions which, if you don’t comply, could affect your coverage. These could be getting certification for your activity, or booking the excursion with a qualified, licensed operator and abiding by safety practices, whether or not or they’re a part of the local law.
- Medical Emergencies
Surfing accidents, sunburn and dehydration, food poisoning, or in the worst case scenario an act of violence. Major and minor occurrences can happen in the Caribbean, which is why our plans cover emergency medical expenses if you fall ill, get into an accident or get hurt on your trip. If you experience a medical emergency whilst on holiday in the Caribbean, be sure to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, who will need to approve your surgical procedures, medical treatment, or evacuation, otherwise your coverage may be reduced or impacted.
Traveler tip: be sure to get reports, documentation and receipts if you need medical care, as you will need these to support your claim.
- Passports and Visas
Depending on your Country of Residence you may not need a Visa to travel in the Caribbean. Keep in mind that the Caribbean is made up of 13 countries, each of which have their own rules and regulations. Be sure to check the requirements before you arrive.
Keep your passport safe by locking it in a hotel or hostel safe and avoid carrying it around. It’s also wise to leave a copy with someone you trust back home, as well as a digitally secure copy of your passports and Visas.
If your passport is stolen, our policies may help cover some of the extra costs while you arrange an emergency replacement passport. Be sure to check the policy wording for coverage conditions.
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.
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything – so make sure you know what you’re covered for. Some of the events we don’t cover include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions: see the policy wording for details.
- Activities and sports: participation in a sport or activity not listed in the policy wording, or one that's offered by World Nomads, but you haven't paid the required additional premium or requirement.
- Not following doctor’s orders: disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team.
- Leaving valuables unattended: stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unguarded.
- Recovering expenses: expenses you have not made every reasonable attempt to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking or travel agents, any compensation scheme, or other source.
- Not following travel advice: if you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.
Looking for more travel inspiration for the Caribbean?
Check out some of our other articles and information to help you plan your ideal Caribbean adventure including:
- Our guide to travelling the Caribbean
- 5 unforgettable experiences in the Caribbean
- How to stay safe while traveling the Caribbean islands
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 outlined in the policy wording. 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.
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 Portugal
Learn how travel insurance could cover your trip to Portugal.
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Portugal boasts endless opportunities to explore culture, bustling cities, beaches, wine regions, history, and culinary experiences. As you plan an itinerary that includes Portugal’s breathtaking architecture in cities like Lisbon, the wine scene of Porto, the scenic Azores Islands, and the coastal sophistication of Algarve, considering adding travel insurance to your list may be a good idea to protect your trip investment and your possessions.
Learn about World Nomads travel insurance coverage before you go.
- Delayed, lost or stolen baggage
- Overseas emergency medical expensess
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
- Cover for adventure activities and sports
What's covered for travel to Portugal?
Delayed, lost or stolen baggage coverage
It’s always a worry when you fly internationally that your bags might not arrive when you do. The same is true if your baggage, sporting gear or personal items are stolen while you’re on vacation. If while in the Algarve, your golf clubs are stolen during a leisurely lunch, your policy may cover this loss.
World Nomads may cover (up to the policy limits) the loss, theft or damage to your baggage or personal belongings depending on your specific situation. Here are more details:
- Stolen or damaged luggage: As soon as you realize your bags or possessions have been damaged, lost, stolen or misdirected, file a report with your airline carrier, your tour operator, a hotel or restaurant manager, or the local authorities. You will be asked to provide this documentation when filing your claim. Generally, travel insurance won’t cover events where your baggage or personal items are left unattended. For instance, if you left your backpack unsupervised in the hotel bar, travel insurance may not cover this loss.
- Delayed baggage: Your World Nomads policy may provide cover if your bags were lost in transit to Portugal. The first thing to do is file a report with your airline, and then keep your paperwork organized so you will have this documentation to file a claim. Your baggage delay benefits may provide reimbursement for a change of clothes and some personal care items until you are reunited with your luggage. Waiting periods may apply and the cover available depends on your country of residence.
Your policy may also protect your personal belongings while on vacation. While traveling, to reduce the risk of theft, keep your valuables close. It’s a good idea to store travel documents, cash and credit cards in a money belt or cross-body bag at all times. Although Portugal is a safe European country, petty theft is more likely to occur in busy tourist spots in Lisbon and Porto. Don’t put valuables in your back pockets. Also, when traveling, keep receipts for all purchases.
Overseas emergency medical expenses
When traveling to Portugal, consider having travel insurance that can cover overseas emerency medical expenses, as your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted abroad. If you become ill or injured while traveling in Portugal, without the right cover you need for emergency medical expenses, you’ll be responsible for paying any out-of-pocket costs for medical care, dental care, or in the worst-case, transport back to your home country.
You could twist your ankle on a cobblestone street during a walking tour or suffer a concussion while riding a bike in Southern Portugal, so having a policy with cover for overseas emergency medical expenses could be helpful for unexpected events that can happen.
Cover for some COVID-19 related events
Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may have access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for certain events. To find out what cover applies to you, select your Country of Residence and read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, terms, conditions and exclusions.
24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
Handling a medical emergency is unsettling. The 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team may help you to identify appropriate medical care, act as a liaison with medical providers, and assist with arrangements including upfront payment of medical care if deemed necessary.
Portugal is a melting pot of cultures, and you may not understand the local language. Just call the 24/7 assistance team to help with translation services in an emergency.
Cover for activities and sports when in Portugal
If you plan to surf on Portugal’s west coast in Nazare, or go zip-lining in Ribeira da Salga, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for 150+ activities and sports.
Read your policy carefully to ensure your chosen activities are listed and covered. Contact us if you need help or have any questions.
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
