Travel insurance when in Australia
Staying safe down under
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Essential travel insurance tips for Australia
Ignoring the practicalities of traveling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has caught out many experienced travelers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover before you travel around Australia.
Protect your gear from theft
Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, while the majority are friendly to travelers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Theft is a common claim in Australia. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi while you’re swimming, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also don’t leave anything in your car as break and enters are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. Check your policy carefully for full details of cover, including the limit payable on each item, the excess (your contribution or deductible) and any exclusions or conditions of cover such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.
Baggage delay
Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a halfday plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 24 hours for your bags to arrive. Travel insurance isn’t designed to swap your ripped jeans for a designer pair, so read this section of your policy carefully before you spend up big and then try and claim.
Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.
Medical insurance for accidents or injuries
The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so make sure you take out a full medical travel insurance plan before you travel. This is different to the medical insurance cover you might have at home which won’t cover you overseas. Medical Insurance is your safety net if you become very unwell; it’s not designed to pay for every scratch and headache, which is why benefit limits and excesses apply. If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.
Adventure sport coverage
There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing; over water only. Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. Check your policy carefully so there are no surprises Your travel insurance policy will have limits and exclusions. This ensures the policy you pay for is kept at a lower cost. And, remember, engaging in risky activities, such as handling wild animals or swimming in dangerous areas (to name just two examples), may result in your coverage being voided.
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 Australia
What Canadians need to know before travelling to Australia
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Australia. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Australia like diving, hiking and sandboarding.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Australia offers everything from iconic city sights and beaches to wildlife and natural wonders across its vast, varied landscapes. Drawn by the sunshine, lifestyle and outdoor experiences, it’s no surprise Australia remains a favourite with Canadian travellers. If you’re flying into Sydney, make the most of all the harbourside fun, then keep going. Explore the beaches, towns and cities of the east coast, discover indigenous culture in the Red Centre and venture to the pristine coastlines of Tasmania and Western Australia – all kinds of adventures await. However, even the best-planned trip can take an unexpected turn. Travel insurance may help you navigate it.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to Australia Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in Australia
Australia more than delivers when it comes to adventure. Dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, take in the views on a Blue Mountains bushwalk, or tackle a multi-day hike in Tasmania’s wilderness. Along the east coast, surf breaks roll into beach towns from Byron Bay to Cairns, while inland, follow red dirt trails through ancient lands. If you want to dial up the excitement, skydive over the Whitsundays, swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (it’s worth the journey), sandboard on the dunes of Port Stephens or 4WD across Fraser Island (K’gari) – it’s a destination that makes it easy to get your heart rate up.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for Australia
Accidents and emergencies
Concerned about Australia’s dangerous animals? No one likes imagining snake bites, shark attacks or jellyfish stings, and you’re unlikely to encounter them on your trip, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel insurance. Had an accident learning to surf? Ate a wallaby burger past its prime and came down with a nasty bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having in Australia, things can happen that mean you have to end your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're travelling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Trip cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home to care for your fur baby. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Missing luggage
Nothing gets a trip off to a rocky start quite like arriving in Sydney airport without your bags. If your checked luggage is lost or delayed, travel insurance benefits may help reimburse you for lost items. Keep original receipts for any personal items you buy – like a toothbrush, medication or a change of clothes. The first step is always to report missing luggage to your carrier and check what compensation they may provide.
Tips for travelling to Australia
- Swim between the flags and follow the advice of surf lifeguards – surf conditions can change by the hour
- Leave word with your accommodation about where you’re going if you’re heading off on a hike – finding you will be that much easier if you happen to get lost
- Avoid sunburn with sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing, even on overcast days
- Don’t underestimate the vast distances in Australia when you’re planning your trip – it’s a big country.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Australia. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes. Canadians need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia. It’s a quick process via the ETA app, and approval is usually granted within a short time.
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Is Australia safe for tourists?
Australia is generally a very safe destination, with low levels of violent crime. It’s important to be aware of natural risks such as strong ocean currents, wildlife and extreme weather conditions.
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Can I drink tap water in Australia?
Yes, tap water in Australia is safe to drink and of high quality in most cities and towns.
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What is the best time to visit Australia?
Australia’s seasons are opposite to Canada’s. December to February is summer, ideal for beaches, while spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer milder weather for travelling. The best time depends on which regions you plan to visit.
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Can I drive in Australia with a Canadian license?
Yes, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver’s license for stays of up to 3-6 months. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
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How long does it take to travel around Australia?
Australia is vast, and travel times between regions can be long. Domestic flights are common, and many overseas visitors focus on one or two regions rather than trying to see everything in one trip. The Big Lap of Australia, covering over 15,000 km, typically takes 3 to 12 months to complete comfortably by road. Shorter road trips can be a more practical option.
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Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
Travel insurance when in Australia
Essential travel insurance tips
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Essential travel insurance tips
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.
Ignoring the practicalities of travelling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has caught out many experienced travellers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover before you travel around Australia.
Protect your gear from theft
Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, while the majority are friendly to travellers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Theft is a common claim in Australia. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi while you’re swimming, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also don’t leave anything in your car as break and enters are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. Check your policy carefully for full details of cover, including the limit payable on each item, the excess (your contribution or deductible) and any exclusions or conditions of cover such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.
Baggage delay
Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a half day plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 24 hours for your bags to arrive. Travel insurance isn’t designed to swap your ripped jeans for a designer pair, so read this section of your policy carefully before you spend up big and then try and claim.
Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.
Medical insurance for accidents or injuries
The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so before you travel, make sure your travel insurance plan covers you for emergency medical expenses when overseas. This is different to the private health or private medical insurance cover you might have at home which may not cover you overseas. Cover for emergency medical expenses in your travel insurance plan can be your safety net.
If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.
Adventure sport coverage
There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing (over water only). Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. And, remember, if you do something really reckless, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.
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, please 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 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 Nepal
What you need to know when visiting the roof of the world.
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Brazilian residents are not covered by World Nomads travel insurance plans for the destination of Nepal.
Why is travel insurance to Nepal so expensive?
Travel insurance providers around the world have been hit with an extremely high number of claims in Nepal, which seriously threatens the viability of providing cover.
Insurance, which has been costing travelers around $100-$150 USD for a three-week trip, pays for helicopter evacuations that cost $5000 USD. And there’s been an extraordinary number of them. In April 2019 we had to deal with and pay for 140 helicopter evacuations – that’s more than four per day!
In 2014, 5% of claims for one part of our business was from travelers in Nepal. In just three years this had increased to 25%. In the most recent 2019 trekking season, the percentage of our travelers in Nepal who made a claim rose from 15% to 60%. This is why premiums have risen dramatically for some World Nomads customers (the price change doesn’t apply to policyholders who are residents of USA, Canada, Brazil, China or Philippines).
There are lots of claims, and the cause is varied and complex
There is evidence of Nepalese providers over-servicing and inflating costs. This has been documented by several investigative journalists as you can read in this article published by The New York Times. Those investigations have revealed trekking companies, acting as ‘middlemen’, are collecting commissions of 50% of the cost billed to insurers. Helicopter companies are billing for four-hour flights that take only two or three hours and charging an inflated hourly rate. Hospitals have admitted to producing fake invoices for patients they never treated and have been accused of performing unnecessary medical procedures on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) sufferers.
There are now more than 2000 trekking companies in Nepal, and they are under pressure to move more travelers through treks at a faster rate, which may be contributing to the rise in AMS cases. Altitude sickness plays no favorites and can strike anyone regardless of their level of fitness and preparedness. Greater numbers of unwell trekkers means an increase in insurance claims. Please note, however, that the percentage rise in AMS cases far exceeds the percentage rise in travelers.
How travel insurance works
Like any insurance, we collect a pool of money from insurance premiums, which those in need can call on to pay bills. If the amount of money going out exceeds the amount being paid in, obviously the pool will empty. Right now, that pool is emptying fast and it’s mostly going out through Nepal.
The average cost of a claim from Nepal is $3000 USD. By comparison the average claim cost from the USA is $1600 USD – and the US has the most expensive medical system in the world.
What are our options?
- We could stop offering plans which cover Nepal, which is exactly what some travel insurance providers have done. But we don’t want to do that. We love Nepal. We love that you love Nepal. Pulling out of the market would also not be the right thing to do by the Nepalese people. They have given so much to travelers over the years, we don’t believe it is right to abandon them. We’re doing everything we can to avoid that.
- We could put prices up across the board for travelers to all destinations. In other words, everyone pays more, regardless of where they’re going, to put more money in the pool. Frankly, we’ve been doing that. A little bit of the premium for someone traveling to a low-claim destination helps offset the cost of the premium for someone traveling to a high claim destination. But continuing to do it is not fair on Nomads not going to Nepal because the costs are now excessive.
- The alternative is for travelers to Nepal to pay a fairer share of the costs and carry a higher burden of the risk. We’ve used this strategy in the past, but it hasn’t been enough. This is why the premium has gone up so much. Be warned, it could go even higher if the situation in Nepal doesn’t change.
What we’re doing about it
We are continuing with what we call “cost containment” procedures, such as:
- Asking trekking and helicopter companies and hospitals to justify the bills they are sending us.
- Asking for flight manifests and other documentation, not to make travelers jump through hoops, but to understand if what’s been charged is a fair price.
- Negotiating with trusted providers to set fixed prices for services.
- Sending investigators into Nepal to interview and counsel providers.
- Sending team members to Nepal to negotiate better deals with providers.
- Asking trekking companies to call us for approval, where possible, before commencing an evacuation. We have asked if we can speak to the traveler prior to evacuation commencing.
- Working with the Nepalese government to find a solution to this problem.
What we are NOT doing is threatening to boycott Nepal or withdraw our services. We believe collaborative effort can find a solution that is right for our travelers, the Nepalese people, the trekking companies and the insurers.
What you can do to help
First, know that your health and wellbeing is our primary concern. If you are suffering from altitude sickness, please call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible. We will do everything in our power to get you the medical care you need and will assist you in overcoming the condition. If it is possible (and it’s not always) call us to discuss your situation. Despite what you may be told, all the lodges at Gorek Shep have landline telephone connections, and all trekking companies have phone connection (cell or satellite).
- Be as prepared as you can before commencing a trek.
- Learn to recognize the symptoms of AMS.
- Understand how the over-servicing is happening, this article of ours may help.
- Take extra time to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes.
- If you suffer from symptoms of AMS descend to below 3800 meters, where medical evidence shows the symptoms will dissipate in between 12 and 24 hours. If that doesn’t work, you will need emergency evacuation and we’ll arrange it.
- Acknowledge that at high altitude you may struggle to cope with the unfamiliar conditions – the cold, the lack of oxygen and the physical activity.
Before you go, please familiarize yourself with what’s happening in Nepal and your policy wording, and where possible contact us before agreeing to any evacuations. Your health is paramount but eventually these rising costs will discourage travelers from choosing to go to Nepal, which will hurt the Nepalese people economically.
Are you sick in the mountains?
If you are presently in Nepal and suspect you are suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) you should immediately contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and inability to exercise. Most cases are mild but some are life-threatening.
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
