Photo © E + piola666 / Getty

Travel insurance when on a road trip

Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, travel insurance can be available to prepare for the unexpected.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.

Trip cancellation

Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.

Emergency medical

Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.

Rental car insurance

Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your country of residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.

Emergency Assistance

If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.

Trip interruption and delay

You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.

Baggage and personal belongings

If thieves break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.

Travel insurance when on a road trip

If you’re thinking of taking the scenic route on your next trip abroad, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage so you can enjoy the road less travelled.

It only takes a fraction of a second for your dream trip to turn into a nightmare: your car could veer off the road, your phone or documents could be stolen from the locked glove compartment…or even worse.

Some of the benefits included within our Standard and Explorer plans include:

  • Unexpected medical emergencies on the road
  • Rental car insurance for vehicle damage
  • Emergency assistance at any time of the day or night
  • Road trip interruptions or delays
  • Baggage and valuables coverage
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

What’s covered when going on a road trip 

Having travel insurance may help with coverage when hitting the road if something goes wrong. World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Trip cancellation coverage: Kiwis are familiar with natural disasters, especially earthquakes and floods. If something happens to your home before you leave (after you’ve bought insurance) or while you’re on holiday, insurance may cover some expenses associated with cancelling your trip, making a compassionate emergency visit home, or resuming your trip after a break.
  • Coverage for extended stays: if you’re having too much fun and want to extend your road trip, you can extend your policy coverage if you do so by 11:59pm on the day your insurance cover expires.
  • Activities, sports and experiences: let’s face it, New Zealanders are an adventurous, sport-loving bunch. Overseas travel offers exciting opportunities, such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, or white-water rafting. But if something goes wrong you need to know that while World Nomads offers cover for more than 150 sports and activities, our policies don’t cover bull running, but do cover white water rafting. Check before you buy that your flavour of adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
  • Baggage and personal belongings coverage: both our Standard and Explorer Plans offer cover for theft or accidental damage to your baggage and personal items. The level of cover available varies between the two policies, so check before you buy.

Traveller tip: if you’ve already arrived at your overseas holiday destination and you realise that you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving New Zealand, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night to purchase a policy.

What are the benefits of travel insurance?

Road tripping through a new country lets you explore at your own pace and gives you the freedom to stop along the way. Travel insurance for your road trip means that when things go wrong you have help at hand, for example:

  • Sudden trip cancellations: if, after you buy your insurance, the New Zealand Government issues a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning to your destination country your policy can cover cancellation expenses. If severe weather or a natural disaster delays or cancels your trip, cancellation expenses may be covered. If your trip is cancelled because you’ve been kidnapped, or due to a hijacking, cancellation expenses may be covered if you have the Explorer Plan.
  • Rental car insurance for vehicle damage: to get rental car insurance you’ll need the Explorer Plan and, also, the insurance offered by the car rental company. If you have an accident, the Explorer Plan will cover the rental vehicle insurance excess or the cost of repairing the vehicle (whichever is less). Or if the vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your custody the Explorer Plan may cover you.
  • 24/7 emergency assistance: our team of trained staff is available to help with medical problems, including finding the nearest medical facility and, if required, arranging your evacuation home. The team is available 24/7.
  • Road trip interruptions and delay: road trips can be interrupted for a range of reasons – the car breaks down, an accident involving you and/or your travel mates or missing connecting transport due to sudden illness or an accident. Our Explorer Plan may cover repair costs to the car (or the cost of the excess on the rental company’s policy).
  • Stolen belongings and baggage: if your bags are stolen or accidentally damaged (including any souvenirs) our insurance can pay up to a certain limit. You have the option of upgrading for high-value items. Report any theft as soon as possible to the police and get a copy of the police report – and always keep receipts!

What’s not covered

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so it’s important to understand what’s not included:

  • Expenses where you don’t provide receipts or reports.
  • Medical costs associated with an accident where drugs, alcohol or reckless behaviour are factors.
  • Pre-existing conditions as explained in your Policy Document.
  • If you’re road tripping in a rental and you don’t have a valid New Zealand driver’s license, our insurance won’t cover you.
  • Expenses from driving specialised, customised or fancy/antique cars won’t be covered.

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 Document 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.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form, and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

Car theft in South Africa

We parked a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant in Haut Bay, an area of Cape Town. After eating dinner, we returned to the car to find that a window had been broken and anything within easy reach had been stolen. Luckily for us, we had been smart enough to bring our very expensive camera inside the restaurant with us, only leaving behind the case and an extra lens.
U.S. Nomad

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?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

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 medication?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Accidentally injured?

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
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Medevac home?
  • Need an ambulance?

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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
Photo © E + piola666 / Getty

Travel insurance when on a road trip

Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, travel insurance can be available to prepare for the unexpected.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.

Trip cancellation

Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.

Emergency medical

Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.

Rental car insurance

Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your country of residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.

Emergency Assistance

If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.

Trip interruption and delay

You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.

Baggage and personal belongings

If thieves break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.

Travel insurance when on a road trip

What’s better than hitting the open road and exploring a far-away country via the highways and the off-the-beaten track by-ways? Maybe you’re travelling the US from coast to coast on Route 66 or Europe’s calling you from the famed, limit-less German Autobahn.

While planning your road trip, you might want to consider packing travel insurance just in case your holiday comes across a roadblock.

Travel insurance is designed for many types of transport, but road trippers heading overseas should know that only our Explorer Plan covers rental car hire.

Our Standard and Explorer plans are designed to provide cover for sudden and unforeseen events on your next overseas road trip, such as being left empty-handed when the airline loses your bags, or if severe weather interrupts your plans, and for many other reasons.

Some of the benefits included within our Standard and Explorer plans include:

  • Unexpected medical emergencies on the road
  • Rental car excess insurance for vehicle damage
  • Emergency assistance at any time of the day or night
  • Road trip interruptions or delays
  • Baggage and valuables coverage
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

What’s covered when going on a road trip  

Having travel insurance may help with coverage when hitting the road if something goes wrong. World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Trip cancellation coverage: Aussies are familiar with natural disasters, especially flood and bushfires. If something happens to your home before you leave (after you’ve bought insurance) or while you’re on holiday, insurance may cover some expenses associated with cancelling your trip, making a compassionate emergency visit home, or resuming your trip after a break.
  • Coverage for extended stays: If you’re having too much fun and want to extend your road trip, you can extend your policy coverage if you do so by 11:59pm on the day your insurance cover expires.
  • Activities, sports and experiences: Australians are an adventurous, sporty bunch. Overseas travel offers exciting opportunities, such as white-water rafting the Rio Grande in New Mexico, rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park in the USA, and mountain biking in Rainbow Mountain in New Zealand. But if something goes wrong, you need to know that while World Nomads offers cover for more than 150 sports and activities, our policies don’t cover bull running, but do cover white-water rafting. Check before you buy that your flavour of adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
  • Baggage and personal belongings coverage: both our Standard and Explorer Plans offer cover for theft or accidental damage to your baggage and personal items. The level of cover available varies between the two policies, so check before you buy.

Traveller tip: if you’ve already arrived at your overseas holiday destination and you realise that you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving Australia, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night to purchase a policy.

What are the benefits of travel insurance?

Road tripping through a new country lets you explore at your own pace and gives you the freedom to stop along the way. Travel insurance for your road trip means that when things go wrong you have help at hand, for example:

  • Sudden trip cancellations: if, after you buy your insurance, the Australian Government issues a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning to your destination country your policy can cover cancellation expenses. If severe weather or a natural disaster delays or cancels your trip, cancellation expenses may be covered. If your trip is cancelled because you’ve been kidnapped, or due to a hijacking, cancellation expenses may be covered if you have the Explorer Plan.
  • Rental car insurance for vehicle damage: to get rental car insurance you’ll need the Explorer Plan and, also, the insurance offered by the car rental company. If you have an accident, the Explorer Plan will cover the rental vehicle insurance excess or the cost of repairing the vehicle (whichever is less). Or if the vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your custody the Explorer Plan may cover you.
  • 24/7 Emergency assistance: our team of trained staff is available to help with medical problems, including finding the nearest medical facility and, if required, arranging your evacuation home. The team is available 24/7.
  • Road trip interruptions and delay: road trips can be interrupted for a range of reasons – the car breaks down, an accident involving you and/or your travel mates or missing connecting transport due to sudden illness or an accident. Our Explorer Plan may cover repair costs to the car (or the cost of the excess on the rental company’s policy).
  • Stolen belongings and baggage: If your bags are stolen or accidentally damaged (including any souvenirs) our insurance can pay up to a certain limit. You have the option of upgrading for high-value items. Immediately report any theft to the police and get a copy of the police report – and always keep receipts!

What’s not covered

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so it’s important to understand what’s not included:

  • Expenses where you don’t provide receipts or reports.
  • Medical costs associated with an accident where drugs, alcohol or reckless behaviour are factors.
  • Pre-existing conditions as explained in your PDS.
  • If you’re road tripping in a rental and you don’t have a valid Australian driver’s license, our insurance won’t cover you.
  • Expenses from driving specialised, customised or fancy/antique cars won’t be covered.

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 PDS 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.

Car theft in South Africa

We parked a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant in Haut Bay, an area of Cape Town. After eating dinner, we returned to the car to find that a window had been broken and anything within easy reach had been stolen. Luckily for us, we had been smart enough to bring our very expensive camera inside the restaurant with us, only leaving behind the case and an extra lens.
U.S. Nomad

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?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

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 medication?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Accidentally injured?

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
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Medevac home?
  • Need an ambulance?

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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
Photo © Abraham/Getty

Travel insurance when backpacking

Protect the freedom of carrying everything on your back.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Whether you’re a backpacker aiming to head overseas to work a ski season, looking to study abroad for a semester, or simply taking a gap year, World Nomads can offer travel insurance coverage to help you in case the unexpected happens while exploring the globe.

While travelling overseas brings risk, you can consider managing that risk with travel insurance, so you know you’ll have help at hand if something goes wrong.  

What’s covered when backpacking

The right travel insurance can be very helpful in keeping your trip on track. World Nomads offers two policies – Standard and Explorer - that can be helpful when backpacking overseas.

Our Standard and Explorer plans are designed to provide cover for sudden and unforeseen events on your next overseas adventure, such as being left empty-handed when the airline loses your luggage, if you need to see a doctor if you are hurt or unwell, and for many other reasons.

World Nomads may offer cover for the following (up to the policy limits):

  • Cancellation protection: trip cancellations happen from time to time and travel insurance can help when the unexpected forces you to cancel your trip. Depending on what’s happened, we may pay for the value of your unused, non-refundable expenses.
  • Overseas emergency medical: exploring the world with a backpack can be great experience, but not if it ends in sickness or an injury. Your policy may cover you for your overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us. You can submit a claim to recover unexpected medical expenses while backpacking abroad.
  • Family cover: it includes overseas medical expenses for up to 12 months after sudden illness or injury. There’s also cover for dental treatment under both Standard and Explorer plans.
  • Delayed baggage: it can be a pain, however, if it’s been 12 hours and there’s no sign of your bags yet, insurance will cover you for the cost of some basic replacements such as pyjamas, toothbrush, and shampoo.

Traveller tip: if you’ve already arrived at your overseas holiday destination and forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving New Zealand, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night to purchase a policy.

Does my plan include cover for Coronavirus related events?

Living in a post-pandemic world is still a little worrying, so knowing what Coronavirus coverage you have is smart. If you test positive to Coronavirus after buying your policy the Explorer Plan will cover you for any non-refundable portion of your prepaid travel arrangements.

World Nomads’ travel insurance plans include cover for some Coronavirus-related events. You can read more about it in our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details, including terms, conditions, benefit limits and exclusions.

Note: don’t forget to keep all receipts and written reports to support your insurance claim.

Travel insurance tips for backpackers

  • Rookie backpacker? Travel light and keep gear to a minimum. For example, instead of a standard towel, take a small microfibre towel which dries faster and takes up less space. Always keep your bags within sight. If your gear gets stolen or accidentally damaged while travelling having travel insurance may cover you so you can replace the important stuff.
  • Free-spirited adventurer? Make sure you select the right policy for your adventure sport or activities. You need to know that running with the bulls in Pamplona is not covered but hiking, bungee jumping, and scuba diving are. Check our list of sports and activities (and avoid uninsured activities).
  • Safety first: backpacking is about getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things and being spontaneous. However, you should know that your insurance will not cover you for any accidents that happen when drugs, alcohol or reckless behaviour are involved.
  • Travelling on a tight budget? Who isn’t? Backpacking is great for the budget-conscious but knowing when to cut costs and when to spend is key. Travel insurance is a worthwhile expense. As a wise person once said, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
  • Travelling long term? If you decide to travel a bit longer than your policy then you can usually extend your coverage, and you can buy while overseas, too.
  • Adventurous backpacker? You may need to check which of the adventure sports you want to do is covered by our policies. For example, running with the bulls in Pamplona is not covered (and isn’t ethical anyway) but white-water rafting is covered.
  • Working while travelling? There may be some cover for admin work but it’s unlikely that there will be cover for manual labour. An upgrade may be possible to cover work such as maintenance, cleaning or bartending.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything so understanding what’s not covered is important. There are several situations we can cover you for, but there are also some we just won’t cover.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • If you ignore government advice, such as a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning you won’t be covered for any costs that arise as a result.
  • If you know you’re going to be in close contact (or can’t avoid close contact) with a case of Coronavirus during your trip, then we won’t pay costs associated with your own coronavirus diagnosis.
  • If you can’t provide any written evidence of the incident or receipts for your expenses, you won’t be covered.
  • If you don’t keep your gear safe and secure at all times.
  • Expenses that can be recovered from other sources e.g. transport carriers, accommodation providers or other insurance policies

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 Document 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.


The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form, and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

Some FAQs

  • Can I extend my policy while still travelling?
    Yes, it’s possible to extend your existing policy while still travelling and before its expiry date, for up to 12 months from the start date. Our Help center article on amending, extending, or cancelling a policy may also come in handy.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

A true claim story

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L. De Jesus,
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely
    A.Brennan,
    Australian in Thailand
  • Just wanted to say thank you to this wonderful insurance company. When my husband notified the company that I had suffered a life threatening pulmonary embolism, World Nomads took care of everything. They contacted the hospital immediately and checked on my situation, A wonderful nurse called me everyday, speaking to doctors and making sure I understood what had happened and the course of my treatment. I would recommend World Nomads to every traveler. We are still travelling and until we return home will continue to insure with them.
    K.McMahon,
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.Ryan,
    Canadian in Malaysia

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
Photo © Abraham/Getty

Travel insurance when backpacking

Protect the freedom of carrying everything on your back.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

A backpacking holiday is pure freedom – all your stuff in a single pack strapped to your back and the ability to go anywhere, do anything, and see everything. For many, this is a rite of passage, the first big independent holiday taken as an adult.

While travelling overseas brings risk, you can consider managing that risk with travel insurance, so you know you’ll have help at hand if something goes wrong.  

What’s covered when backpacking

The right travel insurance can be very helpful in keeping your trip on track. World Nomads offers two policies – Standard and Explorer – that provide coverage when backpacking overseas.

Our Standard and Explorer plans are designed to provide cover for sudden and unforeseen events on your next overseas adventure, such as being left empty-handed when the airline loses your luggage, if you need to see a doctor if you are hurt or unwell, if severe weather interrupts your plans, and for many other reasons.

World Nomads may offer cover for the following (up to the policy limits):

  • Cancellation protection: trip cancellations happen from time to time and travel insurance can help when the unexpected forces you to cancel your trip. Depending on what’s happened, we may pay for the value of your unused, non-refundable expenses.
  • Overseas emergency medical: exploring the world with a backpack can be great experience, but not if it ends in sickness or an injury. Your policy may cover you for your overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us. You can submit a claim to recover unexpected medical expenses while backpacking abroad.
  • Family cover: it includes overseas medical expenses for up to 12 months after sudden illness or injury. There’s also cover for dental treatment under both Standard and Explorer plans.
  • Delayed baggage: It can be a pain, however, if it’s been 12 hours and there’s no sign of your bags yet, insurance will cover you for the cost of some basic replacements such as pyjamas, toothbrush, and shampoo.

Traveller tip: if you’ve already arrived at your overseas holiday destination and you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving Australia, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night to purchase a policy.

Does my plan include cover for Coronavirus-related events?

Living in a post-pandemic world is still a little worrying, so knowing what Coronavirus coverage you have is smart. If you test positive for Coronavirus after buying your policy, the Explorer Plan will cover you for any non-refundable portion of your prepaid travel arrangements.

World Nomads travel insurance plans include cover for some Coronavirus-related events. You can read more about it in our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details, including terms, conditions, benefit limits and exclusions.

Note: don’t forget to keep all receipts and written reports to support your insurance claim.

Travel insurance tips for backpackers

  • Rookie backpacker? Travel light and keep gear to a minimum. For example, instead of a standard towel, take a small microfibre towel which dries faster and takes up less space. Always keep your bags in sight. If your gear gets stolen or accidentally damaged while travelling, having travel insurance may cover you so you can replace the important stuff.
  • Free-spirited adventurer? Make sure you select the right policy for your adventure sport or activities. You need to know that running with the bulls in Pamplona is not covered but hiking and scuba diving are. Check our list of sports and activities (and avoid uninsured activities).
  • Safety first: backpacking is about getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things and being spontaneous. However, you should know that your insurance will not cover you for any accidents that happen when drugs, alcohol or reckless behaviour are involved.
  • Travelling on a tight budget? Who isn’t? Backpacking is great for the budget-conscious but knowing when to cut costs and when to spend is key. Travel insurance is a worthwhile expense. As a wise person once said, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
  • Travelling long term? If you decide to travel a bit longer than your policy then you can usually extend your coverage, and you can buy while overseas, too.
  • Adventurous backpacker? You may need to check which of the adventure sports you want to do is covered by our policies. For example, hiking over 6,000 metres is not covered, but white-water rafting and bungee jumping are covered.
  • Working while travelling? There may be some cover for admin work but it’s unlikely that there will be cover for manual labour. An upgrade may be possible to cover work such as maintenance, cleaning or bartending.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything so understanding what’s not covered is important. There are several situations we can cover you for, but there are also some we just won’t cover.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • If you ignore government advice, such as a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning you won’t be covered for any costs that arise as a result.
  • If you know you’re going to be in close contact (or can’t avoid close contact) with a case of Coronavirus during your trip then we won’t pay costs associated with your own coronavirus diagnosis.
  • If you can’t provide any written evidence of the incident or receipts for your expenses, you won’t be covered.
  • If you don’t keep your gear safe and secure at all times.
  • Expenses that can be recovered from other sources e.g. transport carriers, accommodation providers or other insurance policies

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 PDS 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.

 

Some FAQs

  • Can I extend my policy while still travelling?
    Yes, it’s possible to extend your existing policy while still travelling and before its expiry date, for up to 12 months from the start date. Our Help center article on amending, extending, or cancelling a policy may also come in handy.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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
Photo © IStock/Getty

Travel Insurance for 150+ Adventure Sports and Activities

Travel insurance designed for adventures while traveling.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Whether you’re planning on going to Iceland, South Africa, Argentina, Thailand, or Canada, preparation is key when you are including many activities and outdoor adventures. Learning about the sports, checking the route, and packing the right gear if the weather rolls in are just some things to have in mind. You should consider packing travel insurance if an unexpected accident or sudden illness stops you in your tracks.

We’ve designed our travel insurance plans to offer cover for more than 150 adventure sports and activities ranging from hiking, zip lining, dog sledding, scuba diving, skiing, white water rafting and more. Remember to check your policy as your level of activity and sports cover is subject to terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions.

Adventure sports, travel insurance and what’s covered by our plans

The following is a small sample of what World Nomads plans offer (up to the benefit limits):

Emergency medical and evacuation coverage: if at any time during your trip, you or any of your traveling companions becomes sick or injured, then you’ll need to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team right away. They can help to locate the nearest hospital or medical centre and will facilitate your repatriation back to your Country of Residence if appropriate

Trip cancellation coverage: if you or anyone in your party gets sick or injured and needs to cancel their holiday plans, we may cover the non-refundable travel expenses. Please note that the traveler must have already been issued with our Certificate of Insurance to be eligible for cancellation coverage.

Coverage for extended stays: if you’re having an awesome time on your trip and choose to delay your return home to your Country of Residence, then you may also extend your travel insurance policy. You must not have had any change to your health, submitted a claim or intend to and are 69 years old or younger at the time to be eligible to extend.  This must be done prior to 11:59pm on the return date that is listed on your policy. The policy may be extended for a total of 12 months from the start date that is indicated on your Certificate of Insurance.

Coverage for baggage and personal belongings: if your baggage or personal items are lost, damaged or stolen, then you’ll need to submit receipts, along with police reports or statements from your carrier (if the belongings were lost in transit).

Your coverage will vary according to your Country of Residence and whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy wording for details on terms and conditions, maximum benefit limits, and exclusions of your coverage.

Extra coverage options in case Coronavirus catches you off-guard

You may be covered for medically necessary expenses if you get Coronavirus. To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.

If you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can purchase while you’re traveling (a waiting period may apply for some benefits).

a couple snorkelling
A couple snorkelling. Photo credit: Getty images / isitsharp

What activities are covered?

During your holiday, you may wish to try activities and sports that aren’t commonly done back home in your Country of Residence. 

Before purchasing your travel insurance policy, check your policy wording to make sure that all the sports and activities that you intend to do are covered. World Nomads provides travel insurance for over 150 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem immense, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you should never take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered.

The following are only some of the many sports and activities covered under our policies:

  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Surfing
  • Sandboarding
  • Snorkelling

An upgrade for certain sports may be required depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected. Our terms and conditions apply for each sport. Check your policy for details or contact us if you have questions.

Questions to ask when choosing a plan

When hunting around for a travel insurance policy, you might be tempted to take the most cost-effective cover without reading through the policy wording first. There are different policies to cover different types of holidays, and although reading this document can be a tedious task, it’s best to familiarise yourself with all the benefits, policy limits and exclusions before you buy your cover.

World Nomads offer two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both plans may offer protection for many of the same types of risks and can cover the costs associated with hospitalisation, repatriation, replacing lost baggage, as well as other unplanned for expenses.

However, the Explorer Plan offers a wider level of cover, with a greater range of benefits, and higher policy limits. For instance, you might wish to include cover for hiking or diving on your trip. Therefore, when choosing between the two plans, you would need to know the exact altitudes of your hiking trips and the depths of your planned dives.

Please check your policy wording when choosing any activities or sports as you may need to upgrade the policy and sporting level to ensure you’re covered for everything you plan to do. Many activities have specific conditions and exclusions that you should read up on before you go. Before choosing the right type of cover for your holiday, you need to research the details of any activities, sports, and tours you will be participating in, to make sure you make you have an adequate level of cover.

When deciding which policy is best suited to your adventures you might want to consider:

  • What kind of activities will I be doing on holiday?
  • What activities are my travel buddies planning?
  • What cover do the two different plans offer for these activities?
  • What exclusions might apply?

Note: It’s important you choose your policy carefully as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip.

A couple backpacking in the mountains
A couple backpacking in the mountains. Photo credit: Getty images / Jordan Siemens

What’s not covered

Here are just a few examples of what is not covered under our plans. Please refer to your policy for the complete list.

  • Pre-existing medical conditions.
  • If you do not use a professional qualified and licenced guide or operator where required.
  • Any search or rescue operations to find or rescue you from a life-threatening situation.
  • If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated for further treatment on the reasonable recommendation of the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
  • Damage to any sports or activity equipment while in use.
  • Unattended baggage or personal items.
  • You are behaving in a reckless manner, or your actions are in breach of the local laws.
  • If you participate in any sport or engage in any activity on a professional basis during your overseas holiday.

Overseas adventure activity tips to help you have a safer experience

Your activity operator should be certified/accredited

Whichever country you’re traveling through, it always pays to be prepared. Here are some general tips for international travelers to keep in mind.

Be careful with valuables - wallets poking out of back pockets or unzipped handbags displaying the contents inside are irresistible attractions for pickpockets and muggers. Keep all valuable items safely concealed on your body, or securely locked away in your hotel room when you don’t require them.

Listen to local news updates - during your stay in any country, make sure you pay attention to local news broadcasts, including weather updates. If a violent storm is expected to blast the region in the coming days, then it’s probably wise to postpone any outdoor activities or adventures you had planned until a later date.

Only work with qualified and licensed instructors - if you are planning to participate in any activities that require an instructor, then you should investigate whether that instructor has received the right training. They must be qualified to lead hiking, diving, abseiling, or other types of tours and be registered with the governing association for their recreational activity.

There may be specific terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply depending on what you'll be doing. Of course, always read the full terms, conditions limitations and exclusions in the plan you choose so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use it. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

World Nomads covers more than 150 activities and sports, and if it’s not on the list you can contact us and we’ll let you know if we’ll cover it.

You can read more about coverage for some specific activities, or select your Country Of Residence and click here to see the activities covered by the plans available to you.

We offer cover for:

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance
  • Overseas medical assistance
  • Cancellation
  • Baggage

I bit on something hard

A bone chipped my front tooth, on the top row, and cracked it. Blood started to run down so I had an emergency visit to the dentist to repair it.
Claim paid: USD $82.33
B.P. U.S Resident in South Africa.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about adventure activities and sports and travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

Photo © IStock/Getty

Travel Insurance for 220+ Adventure Sports and Activities

Travel insurance designed for adventures while travelling.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

When planning an overseas holiday with mates, it’s not always easy to agree on the types of activities you’re going to do. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, scuba diving, or other outdoor adventures that you decide on, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance before you leave.

Even the most careful of travellers should consider having appropriate cover in place, especially if planning on a mix of outdoor activities that will test physical and mental abilities.

Adventure sports, travel insurance and what’s covered by our plans

The following is a small sample of what World Nomads plans offer (up to the benefit limits):

Emergency medical and evacuation coverage: if at any time during your trip, you or any of your travelling companions become sick or injured, then you’ll need to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team right away. They can help find the nearest hospital or medical centre and will facilitate your repatriation back to Australia if your treating doctor believes this to be medically necessary.

Trip cancellation coverage: if you or anyone in your party gets sick or injured and you need to cancel your holiday plans, we may cover the non-refundable travel expenses. Please note that the traveller must have already been issued with a travellers Certificate of Insurance from World Nomads to have cancellation coverage available to them.

Coverage for extended stays: if you’re having an awesome time on your trip, and choose to delay your return home, then you may be eligible to also extend your travel insurance policy. You must not have had any change to your health, submitted a claim or intend to and are 69 years old or younger at the time to be eligible to extend. This must be done prior to 11:59pm on the return date that is listed on your policy. The policy may be extended for a total of 12 months from the start date that is indicated on your Certificate of Insurance.

Coverage for baggage and personal belongings: if your baggage or personal items are lost, damaged or stolen, then you’ll need to submit receipts, along with police reports or statements from your carrier (if the belongings were lost in transit).

Your coverage will vary according to whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. The features and benefits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

What activities are covered?

During your holiday, you may wish to try activities and sports that aren’t commonly played back home in Australia.  

Before purchasing your travel insurance policy, check your PDS to make sure that all the sports and activities that you intend to do are covered. World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 220+ activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you should never take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered.

The following are only some of the many sports and activities covered under our policies:

  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Surfing
  • Sandboarding

An upgrade for certain sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each sport. Check your policy for details or contact us if you have questions.

Questions to ask when choosing a plan

When hunting around for a travel insurance policy, you might be tempted to take the most cost-effective cover without reading through the PDS first. There are different policies to cover different types of holidays, and although reading this document can be a tedious task, it’s best to familiarise yourself with all the benefits, policy limits and exclusions before you purchase your cover.

World Nomads offer two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both plans may offer protection for many of the same types of risks and can cover the costs associated with hospitalisation, repatriation, replacing lost baggage, as well as other unplanned for expenses.

However, the Explorer Plan offers a level of cover, with a wider range of benefits, and higher policy limits. For instance, you might wish to include cover for hiking or diving on your trip. Therefore, when choosing between the two plans, you would need to know the exact altitudes of your hiking trips and the depths of your planned dives.

As with many of the other activities that we cover, there are different levels of cover for hiking. For example, hiking trips to an altitude of 2,000 metres is classed as Level 1. Hikes to an altitude of 6,000 metres are listed as Level 3. There is no cover under our policies for hiking expeditions that exceed an altitude of 6,000 metres.

Before choosing the right type of cover for your holiday, you need to research the details of any activities, sports, and tours you will be participating in, to make sure the cover is adequate for you.

When deciding which policy is best suited to your adventures you might want to consider:

  • What kind of activities will I be doing on holiday?
  • What activities are my travel buddies planning?
  • What cover do the two different plans offer for these activities?
  • What exclusions might apply?

Note: It’s important you choose your policy carefully as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip.

A couple backpacking in the mountains
A couple backpacking in the mountains. Photo credit: Getty images / Jordan Siemens

What’s not covered

Here are just a few examples of what is not covered under our plans. Please refer to your policy for the complete list.

  • Existing medical conditions: cover is usually not offered for existing medical conditions. Although, there's automatic cover for over 40 existing medical conditions when certain criteria are met. Please check your PDS for the full details.
  • If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If you do not use a professional qualified and licenced guide or operator where required.
  • Any search or rescue operations to find or rescue you from a life-threatening situation.
  • If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated for further treatment on the reasonable recommendation of the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
  • Damage to sporting equipment while in use.
  • Unattended baggage or personal items.
  • You are behaving in a reckless manner, or your actions are in breach of the local laws.
  • If you participate in any sport or engage in any activity on a professional basis during your overseas holiday.

Overseas adventure activity tips to help you have a safer experience

Your activity operator should be certified/accredited

Whichever country you’re travelling through it always helps to be prepared, here are some general tips for Australian travellers to keep in mind.

Be careful with valuables – wallets poking out of back pockets or unzipped handbags displaying the contents inside are irresistible attractions for pickpockets and muggers. Keep all valuable items safely concealed on your body, or securely locked away in your hotel room when you don’t require them.

Listen to local news updates – during your stay in any country, make sure you pay attention to local news broadcasts, including weather updates. If a violent storm is expected to blast the region in the coming days, then it’s probably wise to postpone any outdoor activities or adventures you had planned until a later date.

Only work with qualified and licensed instructors – if you are planning to participate in any activities that require an instructor, then you should make sure the instructor has received the right training. They must be qualified and licenced to lead hiking, diving, abseiling, or other types of tours and be registered with the governing association for their recreational activity.

There may be specific terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply depending on what you'll be doing. Of course, always read the full terms, conditions limitations and exclusions in the plan you choose so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use it. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

World Nomads covers more than 220 activities and sports, and if it’s not on the list you can contact us and we’ll let you know if we’ll cover it.

You can read more about coverage for some specific activities, or select your Country Of Residence and click here to see the activities covered by the plans available to you.

We offer cover for:

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance
  • Overseas medical assistance
  • Cancellation
  • Baggage

I bit on something hard

A bone chipped my front tooth, on the top row, and cracked it. Blood started to run down so I had an emergency visit to the dentist to repair it.
Claim paid: USD $82.33
B.P. U.S Resident in South Africa.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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
Photo © Filipefrazzao/IStock

Travel Insurance for Brazil

From the parties of Carnival to the animals of the Amazon, learn how travel insurance can protect Americans traveling to Brazil.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

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.

At a glance:

  • Travel insurance benefits for Brazil may include trip cancellation, delay, and interruption
  • Coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and natural disasters while abroad
  • Protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
  • Coverage for 250+ adventure and sports activities across Brazil (surfing and hiking included)!
  • Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility. Additional terms apply

Traveling to Brazil offers opportunities to experience vibrant cultures and adrenaline-fueled adventures. Many Americans visit Mount Corcovado to see Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue or the many rivers and islands of Recife, known as the Brazilian Venice.

If you’re wanting to take in some of the country’s natural beauty, head to Terra de Cachoeiras, known as the “Land of the Waterfalls.” Brazil is also known for pristine beaches like Baia do Sancho, Praia do Espelho, and Copacabana Beach.

While a trip to Brazil is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the United States. Our nomads have danced the night away at the wild parties during Carnival and have searched for even wilder experiences in the heart of the Amazon. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and we encourage you to check out our team’s tips on what to know before you go to Brazil.

Because unanticipated things can always happen when traveling, you may also want to get a quote for travel insurance* for Brazil.

Aerial view of Ipanema, Arpoador and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro.
Aerial view of Ipanema, Arpoador and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. Photo credit: Getty images / Giordano Cipriani

Do I need travel insurance for Brazil?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises. Some of those are fun, like the amazing moqueca (fish stew) that you can try in Florianopolis.

Some surprises that come with traveling outside of the US are not as great. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but those things can happen unexpectedly. A good travel insurance for Brazil may help with those types of situations.

World Nomads travel insurance may also assist if you get injured participating in any of the adventures and activities you’ll find there. If you get hurt while cycling through Serra da Canastra, the emergency medical coverage included in your travel insurance for Brazil may help you get the care you need.

There are four 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 Brazil

Your trip may include lying on one of the country’s alluring beaches for some rest and relaxation. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Brazil-- including rafting on the Jacare Pepira River, hiking the Cachoeira da Fumaca Trail at Chapada Diamantina National Park, and scuba diving at Fernando de Noronha Marine Park.

Before you get a quote for your travel insurance for Brazil, it’s best to have an idea of your planned activities. Each plan offers different coverage. With a plan for your adventures, you can choose the best plan to ensure full coverage on all your activities in Brazil.

You can cycle tour along Brazil’s coast, along its rivers, and through its scenic mountains with any insurance plan, including the Standard Plan. But if you’re thinking you may want to try freediving in some of Brazil’s coastal areas, choose the Explorer or Epic Plan for full coverage.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Brazil

Travel insurance for Brazil may help cover the expenses from unexpected medical emergencies you experience while traveling.

Before you leave the US, consider making an appointment with our non-insurance service partner who provides online medical consultations. You can book a telehealth appointment with a doctor to see if you need vaccinations and to obtain any necessary medications before setting of for Brazil, like traveler’s diarrhea medicine or malaria prevention. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent.

There are some steps you can take to stay safe in the Amazon. Such a diversity of wildlife comes with a diversity of parasites and amoebas. If you get bitten by a kissing bug, it may not be as romantic as their name leads you to believe. They’ve been known to carry the parasite that transmits Chagas Disease.

If you get hurt deep in the Amazon Rainforest and don’t have the help you need close by, your international travel insurance may also offer evacuation coverage if you need to be transported to another place to get care.

In some rural areas, you may find limited services available or find that your medical team only speaks Portuguese. If you have a medical emergency when traveling to Brazil, 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. They can also help communicate with your Brazilian medical team if language is a barrier.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the United States to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Brazil may cover the costs to get you there.

Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro
Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo credit: Getty Images / Andre Pinto

Travel insurance for lost bags in Brazil

Nobody plans for lost bags, but it happens. It could be pretty frustrating if you checked your swimsuit in hopes of catching the stellar waves in Itacare. Your travel insurance for Brazil may reimburse you for the cost to replace your suit and other belongings (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).

If you’re lucky, your bags and surfboard just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you may be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

If your bags are missing, the first step is to contact the airline. If the airline is unable to track down your bag, contact our non-insurance service partner who will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call them so you can file a lost luggage claim.

Travel insurance for stolen items in Brazil

While it’s a good idea to always be cautious when you’re traveling in Brazil, it’s especially important to be vigilant during crowded, busy events like Carnival. The Guinness Book of World Records even named the Carnival of Sao Paulo the world’s largest street carnival. The event is a great time to make new friends, but it’s also unfortunately a prime spot for pickpocketing.

It can be easy for someone to snatch your phone or cash out of your pocket without you knowing. Sometimes pickpockets operate in gangs around crowded areas. One person may cause a distraction, while one steals, someone else stashes the stolen items, and another keeps watch.

If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that to make a claim to get reimbursed for stolen items with your travel insurance for Brazil.

You’ll need to do your part to keep your belongings safe too. If you have too many caipirinhas and leave your bag in a boteco, you won’t be covered if it’s not there waiting on you the next day.

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Brazil

Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip. When you’re searching for the best travel insurance for Brazil, check to make sure it has coverage for trip cancellation, delay, and interruption so you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if something unexpected happens.

If you get sick before leaving the US and your doctor tells you not to travel to Brazil at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A good travel insurance for Brazil that includes cancellation coverage could reimburse you for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.

Unexpected things can also happen once you’re already in Brazil. If you get a call that an immediate family member back home has died, we understand that you may need to cut your trip short and head back home to the US earlier than expected.

The Explorer and Epic Plans may also cover for a number of travel inconveniences that may arise during your trip to Brazil if you purchased your plan during the time sensitive period. For example, if you’ve booked a cruise down the Amazon River and the company is unable to complete the scheduled itinerary due to excessive water levels, you may be eligible for compensation for this disruption to your cruise.

Tips for Traveling to Brazil from the USA

Before you leave the United States, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for Brazil to review their up-to-date warnings for any weather, safety, and political situations.

If you purchase travel insurance for Brazil, 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.

Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot, only to find out you have a dead battery. With all of the wildlife you’ll see in Brazil, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.

Brazil is an amazing country full of culture, natural beauty, and adventures. Our nomads really enjoyed their time there, and we think you will too. To help you further plan, we invite you to check out more of our travel safety tips for Brazil before you leave the US.

*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.

Travel Safety TipKeep your belongings close at all times. Don’t draw attention to yourself, and refrain from wearing flashy jewelry – it can make you a target for thieves or worse, an armed hold-up or mugging. Watch out for pick-pockets and don’t fall for schemes agreeing to have someone take your photo while they hold your belongings, or other scams.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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
Photo © Tony Anderson/Getty

Travel Insurance for South America

From the rainforest to the mountains, learn how travel insurance for South America benefits American travelers.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

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.

At a glance:

  • Travel insurance benefits for South America may include trip cancellation, delay, and interruption
  • Coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and natural disasters while abroad
  • Protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
  • Coverage for 250+ adventure and sports activities across South America (high-altitude hiking included!)
  • Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility. Additional terms apply
Santiago, Chile
Costanera tower and city skyline, Santiago, Chile. Photo credit: Getty Images / Ruben Earth


Whether you want to stand in awe of the glaciers of Patagonia, adventure into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, or salsa all night in CaliSouth America is a continent of so many thrills. City, culture, and nature travelers alike from the US can relish the offerings of this mesmerizing continent. 

While a trip to South America is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and we encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for South America.

Do I need travel insurance for South America?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like the hidden petroglyphs that you can find in the Atacama Desert.

Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you twist your ankle, fall, and get hurt while doing the El Choro trek in Bolivia, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for South America.

World Nomads has four 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.

Buenos Aires, Argentina
The obelisk on Ave 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo credit: Getty Images / Andrew Peacock

Travel insurance for activities in South America

Famed for adventures like hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and sandboarding in Atacama Desert, South America offers many thrills for the intrepid traveler. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to South America and includes things like rafting the Rio Futaleufu in Chile, kayaking in the Amazon, surfing in Mancora, Peru, and rock climbing in Patagonia.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for South America, it’s advantageous to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. An advance plan will help you choose the best insurance for your trip—and make sure even your most daring adventure is covered.

For example, scuba diving with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands and a multi-day trek in the Peruvian Andes will be covered under all insurance plans, including the Standard Plan. However, if climbing Mount Aconcagua-- South America’s highest mountain reaching 22,837 feet— is on your list, you’ll need to invest in the Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in South America

Before you take off on your South American adventure, we recommend that you make an appointment with our Pre-Departure Telehealth service partner. This non-insurance service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with altitude sickness and traveler’s diarrhea.

Many popular destinations are at high altitudes including the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia and Lake Titicaca. It’s no fun to be experiencing altitude sickness while you’re hiking in the Andes or exploring the markets of Cusco. Take some time to get acclimated to the new heights and stay hydrated—this means drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, as tempting as it might be to have that second Pisco Sour.

Accidents can happen to anyone. Maybe you’re hiking across Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia when you slip, fall, and injure yourself. Your travel insurance for South America can help you out.

If you have a medical emergency when traveling to South America, 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. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for South America may cover the costs to get you there.

Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro
Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo credit: Getty Images / Andre Pinto

Travel insurance for lost bags in South America

What happens if you land in Cartagena, Colombia and your bag never arrives? If you were planning on doing the Ciudad Perdida Teyuna – the Lost City Hike--, you probably packed your hiking boots. Your insurance for South America may help you be reimbursed for your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag may be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).

If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you may still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact the Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service, which is another of our non-insurance service partners. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.

Travel insurance for stolen items in South America

Theft is something to watch out for when you travel to South America- especially in crowded touristy areas or busy cities like Sao Paolo or Bogota. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front.

Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, train stations, and airports. We’ve heard about organized scams where a visitor gets sprayed with something and then a “good Samaritan” points it out and offers to help. It’s really a ploy to divert your attention while someone else comes up and steals your belongings.

If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim for those stolen goods.

It’s important that you do your part to keep your belongings safe as well. If your purse gets stolen while having a few too many drinks during a wild night out in Buenos Aires, your World Nomads travel insurance won’t cover your loss.

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to South America

Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans.

What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for South America? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for South America that includes cancelation coverage may reimburse you for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.

If you’re already on your trip, and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, World Nomads insurance may be able to compensate you for covered reasons.

The Explorer and Epic Plans also offers coverage for various travel inconveniences you may encounter, if you’ve purchased your plan within the time sensitive period. Say you’re on a road trip in Argentina and your rental car breaks down, causing you to be late to your intended destination by 12 or more hours. Your World Nomads insurance plan for South America may compensate you for this headache but remember to document it, as proof of the rental car breakdown will be required.

Tips for Americans traveling to South America

Before you head south for your grand adventure, we encourage you to check out the US government’s travel warnings for each country you plan to visit. 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 South America, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

There are so many great tours that American visitors can book in South America. When you’re researching options, try to find an eco-friendly tour operator. With the vast amount of untouched natural land and waterways in South America, it’s up to us nomads to do our part to protect it for years to come.

Before you take off, brush up on a few key Spanish phrases—and Portuguese if you’re heading to Brazil! You may also want to read up on some cultural do’s and don’ts, like insider etiquette tips for Argentina and check out our regional guides like this first-timer’s guide to Salvador, Brazil.

*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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
Photo © Getty Images / Yoshinari Hashimoto / EyeEm

Travel insurance when visiting Hawaii

Stunning scenery, top surf spots, mountainous rainforests, and a laid back lifestyle. Say Aloha to Hawaii!

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Aloha! It’s time to put the Irish weather in the rear-view mirror and get ready for a sunny adventure in Hawaii. Whether you’re planning to hike the rugged Kalalau Trail on Kauai, or a more sedate saunter to the Blue Room (also known as Waikapalae), Hawaii will restore that Irish winter pallor to a healthy glow in no time.

Waikiki
A beach in Waikiki. Photo credit: Getty Images / Yoshinari Hashimoto / EyeEm

What’s Covered?

Of course, whenever we plan a holiday, we hope everything goes smoothly, but that isn’t always the case. The right insurance can come in handy when a hiccup, or something more serious, interrupts your holiday.

World Nomads has two levels of cover – Standard and Explorer – they offer different benefits, limits, and sub-limits, so it’s best to compare them. For Irish travellers with their sights set on Hawaii, our policies include cover for:

  • Emergency overseas medical and dental: One of the main reasons travellers buy insurance is for medical cover. Travelling to a country such as the US, where there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement in place, health costs can quickly become exorbitant.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: if you are injured and require emergency transport to the nearest hospital via ambulance or helicopter, then the transportation costs may be covered. You will need to check with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team first.
  • Extended stays: you may extend your travel insurance policy past the expiration date if you’re planning to stay longer in Hawaii. This will need to be done prior to the current expiration date of your policy and can be extended up to 12 months from the start date of your policy.

All our Standard and Explorer plans will offer cover for emergency overseas dental and medical assistance, medically necessary evacuation and repatriation if you get sick or die from COVID-19 while travelling overseas. The difference will often be the excess or the maximum payable limit.

World Nomads travel medical insurance can cover expenses such as:

  • Hospitalisation
  • Out-patient treatment (no hospital admission)
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment if it’s decided that it’s medically necessary.
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: to find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions

Here are some of the highlights of our coverage, depending on the plan you’ve selected:

  • Activities: World Nomads has cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences. For those considered higher risk you may be asked to upgrade your cover or pay an additional premium. When participating in an activity, always act sensibly, use safety equipment, and undergo the required training.
  • Lost or delayed bags: You saw your bags get tagged and loaded onto the conveyor at Dublin, but when you landed in Hawaii you found yourself watching an empty luggage carousel. Travel insurance can help with delayed or lost luggage. The first step is always to report it immediately to the airline carrier and get everything in writing, making sure you keep copies. If your bags are delayed longer than 12 hours you may be able to claim for basic necessities, such as a toothbrush, clean underwear, to tide you over until your bags can begin their holiday with you.
Na Pali coast
Na Pali coast. Photo credit: Getty Images / Marc Szczesny-Pumarada

Why do I need travel insurance when visiting Hawaii?

While stunning scenery abounds, travel to any country does bring a level of risk and Hawaii is no different. The Hawaiian Islands can be exciting and fun, particularly for those seeking an adventurous getaway but it’s important to be sensible about the level of risk and the type of activity and sports coverage you may need.

While making your dive plan, it’s important to also think about your insurance, in case something goes wrong (which can happen, even to the most experienced divers). When getting the right scuba diving level of insurance, you’ll need to know the depth you’re diving, your level of dive qualifications and you may be required to dive only under constant supervision.

If you’re planning on some tropical scuba diving, just know that solo diving, cave diving or any dive below 30 metres (or 50 metres if the appropriate premium has been pad) is not covered.

Always check your Policy Wording carefully to make sure all your chosen activities are covered. You may need to upgrade your level of cover for a specific activity when you purchase.

What to look out for when travelling around Hawaii

One of the reasons Hawaii is so exciting is that it’s so different to home. No persistent cloud cover or gently rolling hills. It can be steamy and hot, with rugged, sometimes explosive, terrain. This can affect the type of cover you choose.

Natural catastrophes, such as volcanoes, tropical thunderstorms, and even cyclones and tsunamis, are known to happen in Hawaii. If you find that you cannot use your booked accommodation because of a natural catastrophe, the Explorer Plan may cover you for reasonable additional accommodation and transport costs. The Standard Plan does not offer coverage for natural catastrophes.

Kayaking on the Wailua River, Hawaii’s only inland river, is a relaxing way to spend a few hours as you paddle upstream, before hiking to a stunning secluded waterfall. However, if your kayak capsizes (the most common kayaking accident) and you hurt yourself as you get flipped into the water, travel insurance may be helpful in getting medical costs covered. Kayaking is a Level 1 activity and is covered in both the Standard and Explorer policies, but make sure you read the safety information to ensure you comply.

Honalulu
Canoes and diamond head crater in background. Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo credit: Getty Images / M Swiet Productions

What’s not covered?

When taking out insurance, understanding what’s not covered is just as important as what is covered. Every policy is different, so make sure you read the wording carefully.

  • If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol you won’t be covered for any accidents.
  • Whenever participating in any kind of sports, if you don’t follow all safety measures, such as wearing a helmet or wearing full safety harness where required, you may not be covered.
  • Loss or damage to luggage due to age, wear and tear, loss of value. Damage to sporting equipment caused while in use.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in the Policy Wording.
  • Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government Do Not Travel or Avoid Non-essential Travel warning.
  • Change of mind, disinclination, or reluctance to travel.

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 tip 1: to have cover for an adventure sport or activity, you may need to add it to your policy or select a plan with more coverage when you buy and pay the extra premium. Remember, you can’t upgrade your coverage after you buy, so it’s important to get this right on the first go.

Travel insurance tip 2: always make sure you’ve done your research on not just on Hawaii, but each of the countries you’re planning to visit as there may be Irish government-imposed travel restrictions in place. If you decide to travel to a country on a ‘Do Not Travel’ or "Avoid Non-essential Travel' list, then your World Nomads policy will not provide cover for the reasons outlined in the warning. The Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) currently advises to avoid non-essential travel to some countries and territories due to coronavirus (COVID-19) risks. You can look up DFA foreign travel advice here, and read the DFA’s COVID-19 travel advice by clicking here.

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?
  • 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 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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
Photo © Getty Images / Yoshinari Hashimoto / EyeEm

Travel insurance when visiting Hawaii

Stunning scenery, top surf spots, mountainous rainforests, and a laid back lifestyle. Say Aloha to Hawaii!

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

If you’re planning to say farewell to gloomy skies and travel to Hawaii, be prepared for one of the world’s most incredible adventure destinations. Whether you plan to hike the rugged Kalalau Trail on Kauai or snorkel the Blue Room (also known as Waikapalae), Hawaii will restore that sun-deprived British complexion to a healthy tan in no time.

Waikiki
A beach in Waikiki. Photo credit: Getty Images / Yoshinari Hashimoto / EyeEm

What’s Covered?

Whenever you plan a holiday, you hope everything goes smoothly, but that isn’t always the case. The right travel insurance can come in handy when a hiccup, or something more serious, interrupts your holiday. If you’re thinking of buying travel insurance to cover yourself and your loved ones, you should make sure you read the Policy Wording carefully to understand what’s included.

World Nomads offers two plans – our Standard or our Explorer policy – and the benefits differ so read the detail carefully before deciding. For British travellers with their sights set on Hawaii, our policies include cover for:

  • Emergency overseas medical and dental: One of the main reasons travellers buy insurance is for medical cover. Travelling to a country such as the US, where health costs can quickly become exorbitant, can be a compelling reason to get insurance.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: if you are injured and require emergency transport to the nearest hospital via ambulance or helicopter, then the transportation costs may be covered. You will need to check with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team first.
  • Extended stays: you may extend your travel insurance policy past the expiration date if you’re planning to stay longer in Hawaii. This will need to be done prior to the current expiration date of your policy and can be extended up to 12 months from the start date of your policy.

All our Standard and Explorer plans will offer cover for emergency overseas dental and medical assistance, emergency overseas medical assistance, medically necessary evacuation, and repatriation if you get sick or die from COVID-19 while travelling overseas. The difference may be the excess or the maximum payable limit.

World Nomads travel medical insurance can cover expenses such as:

  • Hospitalisation
  • Out-patient treatment (no hospital admission)
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment if it’s medically necessary.
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: to find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions.

Here are some of the highlights of our coverage, depending on the plan you’ve selected:

  • Activities: World Nomads has cover for more than 150 activities. For those considered higher risk you may be asked to upgrade your cover or pay an additional premium. When participating in an activity, always act sensibly, use safety equipment, and undergo the required training.
  • Lost or delayed baggage: You saw your bags get tagged and loaded onto the conveyor at Heathrow, but when you landed in Hawaii you found yourself watching an empty luggage carousel. World Nomads travel insurance can help with delayed or lost luggage. The first step is always to report it immediately to the airline carrier and get everything in writing, making sure you keep all receipts and copies.
Na Pali coast
Na Pali coast. Photo credit: Getty Images / Marc Szczesny-Pumarada

Cover for more than 150 adventure and sports activities on both World Nomads plans

While there are many activities available on the Standard Plan, those feeling adventurous can upgrade to the Explorer Plan, which offers higher benefits and cover for a broader range of activities and sports.

Hawaii can be exciting and fun, particularly for those seeking an adventurous getaway but it’s important to be sensible about the level of risk and the type of activity and sports coverage you may need.

For example, the crystal-clear waters of Lana’i, where some of the world’s best scuba diving can be found, are a must-see for scuba fans. When thinking about your dive plan, it’s important that you are getting the right level of activity cover, so you’ll need to know the depth you’re diving, and the qualification you have achieved. You may be required to dive only under constant supervision, so talk to us if in doubt.

What to look out for when travelling around Hawaii

One of the reasons that Hawaii is so exciting is its unique landscape and changing climate. It can be hot with rugged, sometimes explosive, terrain. Volcanoes, tropical thunderstorms, and even cyclones and tsunamis are known to happen in Hawaii. This can affect the type of cover you choose.

Natural catastrophes can mean your booked accommodation is no longer suitable or you need to move to safety. If this happens to you our Explorer Plan may cover some costs for alternative accommodation.

Water sports are a major drawcard in Hawaii. Kayaking out into the bay to get a different perspective of the Napali Coast with its jagged and jutting natural formations is a great adventure. But one of the most common kayaking accidents is capsizing, with many kayakers hitting their head. It might be a good idea to consider either Standard or Explorer cover to help with expenses related to the accident, such as transport to a medical facility or other medical costs such as medical evacuation if it’s a serious accident.

Honalulu
Canoes and diamond head crater in background. Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo credit: Getty Images / M Swiet Productions

What’s not covered?

When taking out insurance, understanding what’s not covered is just as important as what is covered. Some things we won’t not cover include:

  • If you participate in adventure sports but are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Taking unnecessary risks will also result in no coverage for any accidents that may happen.
  • You must also follow all safety requirements, such as wearing a helmet or wearing full safety harness. When driving a motorised vehicle, you must be appropriately qualified with a UK driver’s licence. If you’re not, any accidents while operating the motorised vehicle won’t be covered.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording.
  • Any expenses which World Nomads or the Emergency Assistance Team determine are not medically necessary.
  • Change of mind, disinclination, or reluctance to travel.

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 tip 1: to have cover for an adventure sport or activity, you may need to add it to your policy or select a plan with more coverage when you buy and pay the extra premium. Remember, you can’t upgrade your coverage after you buy, so it’s important to get this right on the first go.

Travel insurance tip 2: always make sure you’ve done your research on all the countries you’re planning to visit as there may be UK government-imposed travel bans or restrictions in place. If you decide to travel to a country where the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel or all but essential travel, your World Nomads policy will not provide cover for the reasons outlined in the warning. The FCDO may advise against all but essential travel to some countries and territories due to coronavirus (COVID-19) risks. You can look up foreign travel advice here, and read the FCDO’s COVID-19 travel advice by clicking here.

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?
  • 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 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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