Travel insurance for Australia
Essential travel insurance tips
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Essential travel insurance tips
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. 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, if you do something really stupid, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.
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 Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
Essential travel insurance tips for your trip through Asia.
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You are viewing global travel insurance tips. For US residents: Learn how Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are covered at World Nomads USA and get an instant travel insurance quote.
Southeast Asia is a traveler’s dream. From the wonders of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to the ancient temples of Cambodia, and Buddha Park in Laos, there’s something for everyone. But before you head off to Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, consider our travel tips so you can make the most of your holiday.
1. Traveler’s diarrhea
Diarrhea can take down even the most seasoned of travelers, so if a local dish leaves you feeling ill, our assistance team can help you find the nearest doctor with our overseas medical cover. With World Nomads travel insurance, you can make a claim for reimbursement for these medical expenses (less any excess, which may apply), even if you’re still traveling.
What is overseas medical cover?
Our overseas medical cover is designed for even the smallest medical emergency, and our Emergency Assistance team is here to support you 24/7, even if you’re held up in a squat toilet. If it’s really serious, they can arrange for an emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital, and guarantee payments if necessary, so you can focus on your recovery.
The danger with gastro is you can lose more fluids than you can keep down. Dehydration can be deadly, so even though you may have a trusty stash of Pepto-Bismol, don’t rely on your own instincts or Dr Google for medical advice.
2. Riding motorbikes and scooters
Motorbikes and scooters are common way to get around throughout Southeast Asia. We understand, it’s fun, can help you explore more of the country, and it’s easy to hire a bike. It’s also not surprising that accidents are common, and we see everything from exhaust pipe burns to injuries caused by horrific crashes, which can sometimes be fatal.
If you’re going to ride a bike anywhere in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, it’s essential that you know what your travel insurance covers, what it doesn’t cover, and how to get help if you need it. If you need help understanding your policy, contact us.
Motorbike and scooter travel essentials
- Bring your driver’s license from home (paired with an international driver’s permit for the class of vehicle you’re intending to hire).
- Check for the correct plan or adventure sport upgrade (if applicable) for World Nomads to cover you to ride a motorbike or scooter in the class you’re licensed to ride. See below under 'Choosing the Right Policy For You’.
- Importantly, you must comply with local laws.
- You must wear a helmet at all times.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Choosing the right policy for you
We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific plans, especially if you plan on riding a scooter or motorbike.
If you’re not sure what’s covered, or have any questions about your policy, you can contact us.
Cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences
With so much to see and do in Southeast Asia, it’s a good thing our policies cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences, including using a motorbike or scooter. We can also offer cover for water sports activities, volunteering, cycling and more!
3. Theft
Theft is very common across Asia. It's a good idea to leave valuables at home, and, if you take out your camera, smartphone or money in public, be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye out for passing motorcyclists, who are known to snatch valuables as they drive by.
All World Nomads travel insurance plans have some coverage for theft or if a carrier has lost your checked in luggage, depending on your Country of Residence and your chosen plan.
However, with any insurance plan, limits, conditions and exclusions may apply, for example, if you have simply misplaced your gear or if your tech gets damaged. Generally, you need to be able to show that you took reasonable care to look after your gear.
Tips for keeping your gear safe:
- Before you travel to Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, store a copy of your gear receipts or other proof of ownership, as you’ll need to provide this with any claim if your gear is stolen.
- Contact your bank before departure to let them know how long you will be overseas in case of suspicious transactions, especially after you return home.
- Always carry your electronics and valuables with you and lock your gear up in a secure location when you can’t take it with you.
Tips for making a baggage claim:
If general, you will need a police report, or some other kind of report from an authorized representative (e.g., a property irregularity report from the airline or bus company if your bags were checked in), to validate baggage/gear claims.
- If you need emergency assistance as a result of theft, you can contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- If your stuff is stolen, follow the steps in our handy guide to make a claim
- If your passport is stolen, don’t panic – we can help
- If the airline loses your bags, or they are delayed, you may be able to make a claim if you have the information outlined in this guide
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
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)
Real-claim story “I was walking along the pavement and I was robbed by men on a motorbike. The pillion passenger snatched the bag I was carrying. I was in shock and did not give chase as the motorbike was too fast. The street was not empty, with some pedestrians and food sellers. I made a police report at a local police station.”
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
Turquoise waters, vibrant culture, lush jungles and Tuk Tuks
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Thailand welcomes millions of visitors each year. Learn how travel insurance could help you in Thailand.
- Surviving traveler's diarrhea
- Riding Motorbikes and Scooters
- Theft
- Will an excess or deductible apply?
Surviving traveler's diarrhea
You're going to find a variety of delicious food while traveling in Thailand but food preparation standards can vary. Gastro and its unpleasant side effects are one of the more common medical complaints our World Nomads have while traveling through Thailand.
Fortunately, our Emergency Assistance team can support you 24/7, even if you’re held up in a squat toilet. We can help you find a doctor, particularly useful in Thailand’s remote areas, where access to medical care is harder to come by. Or if it’s really serious, the team can arrange for an emergency evacuation.
Hospitals in Thailand (especially if you’re near Bangkok or Phuket) are usually well-equipped to treat you even if they may seem less modern than facilities you’d find at home.
But let’s hope you don’t get there. Here are some simple actions that can help save you and your tummy:
- Always wash your hands before and after eating or use a hand sanitizer… that little action can save you a lot of time and expense!
- Never eat anything that's been sitting around, even for a short while. How long has that food in the hotel buffet really been sitting there?
- Try to pick clean, fly-free food stalls that have a lot of people at them. A food stall that's popular will have a high turnover of produce, so nothing is left sitting around to go off.
- Don't drink tap water in Thailand; stick to bottled, boiled or treated water. Most restaurants use ice from the extensive network of ice factories which use purified water. The safe ice is easy to spot… it’s tubular in shape.
- Gastro can turn deadly quickly if you lose more fluids than you can keep down. Seek help early and carry rehydration sachets with you.
Riding Motorbikes and Scooters
It’s easy to rent a motorcycle, so it’s not surprising that we see everything from exhaust pipe burns to injuries caused by horrific crashes, which can sometimes be fatal.
For your coverage to take effect, certain conditions apply:
- You must bring your driver’s license from home.
- You need to comply with local laws and safety practices (obey speed limits, don’t drive drunk).
- Always wear a helmet.
If you choose to ride, be sure to buy a travel insurance plan that covers motorbike and scooter use. Read our article on covered sports, activities and adventures. In some cases, you may also have to buy an adventure sport upgrade for an additional premium.
World Nomads coverage for travelers hurt in motorcycle accidents may include:
- Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or by a doctor at the local medical center
- Evacuation to more suitable medical facility if it’s urgent, medically necessary and if you’re fit to travel
- Repatriation if you’re seriously ill or injured and unable to continue your trip.
If you need medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation, you or a travel companion MUST contact our Emergency Assistance team immediately.
Limits, conditions and exclusions to coverage will apply so read your policy carefully for full details.
Theft in Thailand
Before you travel to Thailand, store a copy your receipts, as you’ll need proof of ownership to make claim should your items get stolen. Contact your bank before departure to let them know of your travel plans, and be on the lookout for any suspicious transactions, especially after you return home.
All World Nomads travel insurance plans will have some coverage for theft. However, with any insurance plan, limits, conditions and exclusions may apply. For example:
- If you have simply spaced out and misplaced your gear or if your tech gets damaged from everyday wear and tear, this is not covered.
- Generally, you need to be able to show that you took reasonable care of your belongings. That means you should carry your electronics and valuables with you at all times and lock your belongings up in a secure location, as can be described in your policy wording.
If your stuff is stolen, you’ll need a police report, or some other kind of report from an authorized representative (for example, a property irregularity report from the airline or bus company if your bags were checked in) to validate your claim.
Will an excess or deductible apply?
An excess or deductible is the amount you pay for covered expenses before insurance coverage kicks in. Whether or not you have an excess or deductible depends on your country of residence. Check your policy wording. If your claim adds up to less than the excess or deductible, then you don’t get paid out.
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
