• What's covered when traveling in the Caribbean
• Five top things to be aware of when traveling in the Caribbean
• What's not covered?
• Looking for more travel inspiration for the Caribbean?

Sun, sandy beaches and azure blue waters to enjoy – the Caribbean is an island paradise just waiting to be experienced! Whether you’re going on an island cruise, visiting one of 22 UNESCO heritage sites or hitting up local markets for a bite of famous jerk chicken, consider our tips on traveling in the Caribbean to get the most out of your trip. 

What’s covered when traveling in the Caribbean

With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip from home or while you're already traveling around the many islands of the Caribbean. All our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for: 

• Overseas emergency medical
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellation
• Stolen or delayed baggage
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. World Nomads has two levels of cover - the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan - that offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits so it’s best to compare them to see which one suits your travel needs.

You can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling. 

Five top things to be aware of when traveling in the Caribbean

1. Severe Weather

Hurricanes and tropical storms are among the biggest threats of your trip turning upside down. If your flight or cruise has been cancelled, or your hotel is unable to accept visitors, you may qualify for trip cancellation or interruption benefits, depending your Country of Residence. 

Traveler tip: timing is key: You need to have bought your travel insurance plan before the storm was announced on TV or through major news sites and government sites. You also won’t be eligible for coverage if you cancel because of a few knocked-down trees, or the forecast is cloudy and gray.

Stay up to date with the latest travel alerts and warnings for the Caribbean here.

2. Street Crime

Street crime and petty theft, such as pickpocketing and mugging, are unfortunate realities in the Caribbean. Should that happen to you, get to safety first and go to the local authorities to report the incident (don’t forget to get a copy of the report, which you’ll need if you make a claim).

Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can provide 24/7 365 days assistance when you are in a medical crisis, such as helping to locate health care facilities, providing a medical transfer to a hospital or repatriation to your home country where necessary, and getting in touch with family members in case of an emergency.

If your personal belongings get swiped,  you may be able to make a claim for replacement or reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions apply, so be sure to check your policy wording. 

Traveler tip: if you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can purchase while you’re travelling (a waiting period may apply for some benefits).

3. Adventure awaits!

The Caribbean feels like a non-stop adventure, from snorkelling in crystal-clear water and trekking amid cloud forests, to swimming under cascading waterfalls. The great news is that our travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities, experiences and sports including:

• Scuba diving and snorkelling
• Sailing
• Horse riding
• Hiking

Depending on your travel plans and Country of Residence, you may need to upgrade your policy to be covered for the activities you will be doing. If you’re unsure whether the activity you want to do is covered, just contact us.

Keep in mind that certain adventures may also have special conditions and exclusions which, if you don’t comply, could affect your coverage. These could be getting certification for your activity, or booking the excursion with a qualified, licensed operator and abiding by safety practices, whether or not or they’re a part of the local law. 

4. Medical Emergencies 

Surfing accidents, sunburn and dehydration, food poisoning, or in the worst case scenario an act of violence. Major and minor occurrences can happen in the Caribbean, which is why our plans cover emergency medical expenses if you fall ill, get into an accident or get hurt on your trip. If you experience a medical emergency whilst on holiday in the Caribbean, be sure to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, who will need to approve your surgical procedures, medical treatment, or evacuation, otherwise your coverage may be reduced or impacted.

Traveler tip: be sure to get reports, documentation and receipts if you need medical care, as you will need these to support your claim.

5. Passports and Visas 

Depending on your Country of Residence you may not need a Visa to travel in the Caribbean. Keep in mind that the Caribbean is made up of 13 countries, each of which have their own rules and regulations. Be sure to check the requirements before you arrive. 

Keep your passport safe by locking it in a hotel or hostel safe and avoid carrying it around. It’s also wise to leave a copy with someone you trust back home, as well as a digitally secure copy of your passports and Visas.

If your passport is stolen, our policies may help cover some of the extra costs while you arrange an emergency replacement passport. Be sure to check the policy wording for coverage conditions.

Note: all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any optional extras or upgrades you add.

What’s not covered?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything – so make sure you know what you’re covered for. Some of the events we don’t cover include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: see the policy wording for details.
• Activities and sports: participation in a sport or activity not listed in the policy wording, or one that's offered by World Nomads, but you haven't paid the required additional premium or requirement.
• Not following doctor’s orders: disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team.
• Leaving valuables unattended: stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unguarded.
• Recovering expenses: expenses you have not made every reasonable attempt to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking or travel agents, any compensation scheme, or other source.
• Not following travel advice: if you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.

Looking for more travel inspiration for the Caribbean? 

Check out some of our other articles and information to help you plan your ideal Caribbean adventure including: 

• Our guide to travelling the Caribbean
• 5 unforgettable experiences in the Caribbean
• How to stay safe while traveling the Caribbean islands 

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions outlined in the policy wording. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

Portugal boasts endless opportunities to explore culture, bustling cities, beaches, wine regions, history, and culinary experiences. As you plan an itinerary that includes Portugal’s breathtaking architecture in cities like Lisbon, the wine scene of Porto, the scenic Azores Islands, and the coastal sophistication of Algarve, considering adding travel insurance to your list may be a good idea to protect your trip investment and your possessions.

Learn about World Nomads travel insurance coverage before you go.

• Delayed, lost or stolen baggage
• Overseas emergency medical expensess
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
• Cover for adventure activities and sports

What's covered for travel to Portugal?

Delayed, lost or stolen baggage coverage

It’s always a worry when you fly internationally that your bags might not arrive when you do. The same is true if your baggage, sporting gear or personal items are stolen while you’re on vacation. If while in the Algarve, your golf clubs are stolen during a leisurely lunch, your policy may cover this loss.

World Nomads may cover (up to the policy limits) the loss, theft or damage to your baggage or personal belongings depending on your specific situation. Here are more details:

• Stolen or damaged luggage: As soon as you realize your bags or possessions have been damaged, lost, stolen or misdirected, file a report with your airline carrier, your tour operator, a hotel or restaurant manager, or the local authorities. You will be asked to provide this documentation when filing your claim. Generally, travel insurance won’t cover events where your baggage or personal items are left unattended. For instance, if you left your backpack unsupervised in the hotel bar, travel insurance may not cover this loss.
• Delayed baggage: Your World Nomads policy may provide cover if your bags were lost in transit to Portugal. The first thing to do is file a report with your airline, and then keep your paperwork organized so you will have this documentation to file a claim. Your baggage delay benefits may provide reimbursement for a change of clothes and some personal care items until you are reunited with your luggage. Waiting periods may apply and the cover available depends on your country of residence.

Your policy may also protect your personal belongings while on vacation. While traveling, to reduce the risk of theft, keep your valuables close. It’s a good idea to store travel documents, cash and credit cards in a money belt or cross-body bag at all times. Although Portugal is a safe European country, petty theft is more likely to occur in busy tourist spots in Lisbon and Porto. Don’t put valuables in your back pockets. Also, when traveling, keep receipts for all purchases.

Overseas emergency medical expenses

When traveling to Portugal, consider having travel insurance that can cover overseas emerency medical expenses, as your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted abroad. If you become ill or injured while traveling in Portugal, without the right cover you need for emergency medical expenses, you’ll be responsible for paying any out-of-pocket costs for medical care, dental care, or in the worst-case, transport back to your home country.

You could twist your ankle on a cobblestone street during a walking tour or suffer a concussion while riding a bike in Southern Portugal, so having a policy with cover for overseas emergency medical expenses could be helpful for unexpected events that can happen.

Cover for some COVID-19 related events

Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may have access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for certain events. To find out what cover applies to you, select your Country of Residence and read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, terms, conditions and exclusions.

24/7 Emergency Assistance Team

Handling a medical emergency is unsettling. The 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team may help you to identify appropriate medical care, act as a liaison with medical providers, and assist with arrangements including upfront payment of medical care if deemed necessary.

Portugal is a melting pot of cultures, and you may not understand the local language. Just call the 24/7 assistance team to help with translation services in an emergency.

Cover for activities and sports when in Portugal

If you plan to surf on Portugal’s west coast in Nazare, or go zip-lining in Ribeira da Salga, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for 150+ activities and sports.

Read your policy carefully to ensure your chosen activities are listed and covered. Contact us if you need help or have any questions.

New Entry/Exit System (EES) starts October 2025

If you’re travelling to any EU countries, you need to be aware of a new system being rolled out. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is coming to 29 European countries from October 12, 2025.

The EES is a new automated border control system designed to modernize and enhance how travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area.

Countries that are taking part in the EES are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

ETIAS delayed until 2026

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation system has been postponed to late 2026.

Non-EU citizens planning a holiday to Europe will need to check if they need a ETIAS travel permit before they go. 

The ETIAS will apply to travellers from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

While an official date hasn’t been announced yet, ETIAS is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026.

Learn more about the ETIAS by checking out our Travel Wiser article.

Essential Travel Insurance Tips - South America

Stunning South America is where you can find some of the world’s oldest treasures, including the remnants of the ancient Incan empire in Peru, and the Aztec and Mayan empires from Mexico. 

You might be taking a road trip from north to south from Laredo, Mexico to Buenos Aires, Argentina, a cool 7,244 mi (11.658 km), exploring the whole continent slowly, or enjoying a short break a short break in Argentina, Peru or Brazil. Wherever you visit, you’ll be with lasting memories of beautiful beaches, ancient cultures and vast landscapes.

While traveling through South America, it’s a smart move to consider travel insurance as the safety net that helps when things don’t go to plan, with a 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team available and travel insurance benefits.

Travel Insurance can offer cover for:

• What's covered?
• What should I look out for when travelling to South America?
• What's not covered?

What’s covered?

When traveling through South America, World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. 

Both plans offer cover for things such as lost baggage and emergency medical evacuation, however, the Explorer Plan offers higher benefit limits and cover for a wider range of activities. If you know you’re planning to tackle some adventure sports, check our list of activities to decide which travel insurance policy best suits your needs. 

South America is great for travelers seeking adventure, but if you’re planning to go white-water rafting on the Mendoza River or glacier walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, and an accident happens, travel insurance could help with reimbursement of medical expenses or the cost of evacuation should a physician advise it’s necessary. 

Whenever you leave home to travel overseas there are risks – it’s important to remember travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything so you should take the time to understand what your policy covers you for.

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

What should I look out for when traveling to South America?

Getting away from the ‘gringo trail’ (the tourist hotspots) and discovering a more authentic South America will make for holiday memories that stay with you long after you return State-side. Whether you visit Chile’s Marble Caves, explore Lamas Castle in Peru, or take in the stunning Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, (locally called the Hill of Seven Skirts), South America has an array of experiences for the adventurous traveler.  

However getting away from the bright lights can also be risky  as armed robbery is a possibility in some South American countries. Always stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid traveling alone. But if the unthinkable happens, your life and your safety is paramount so don’t try to save your wallet if it means risking your life. Your things can be replaced, but you can’t.

• Cover for activities and sports when in South America: Hiking to Choquequirao through the cloud forest above the Apurimac River is a great way to explore Incan civilisations, but you’ll need to know the height of your hiking trail to make sure you’re covered by the right plan – check the plan details before you buy to make sure you’ve the cover you need. It’s advisable that you plan the sports and activities that you’re doing and then check the list of covered activities to see if you need the Standard Plan or the Explorer Plan.
• Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock: World Nomads travelers have access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance. If something goes wrong and you need help, contact our team.  They can help get you find local medical facilities if needed, provide local consular details and information and in the worst-case scenario, help get you home if you’re seriously injured or ill and need to be repatriated. When you call (free from anywhere in the world), make sure you have your policy number and a contact number for where you are so we can help.
• Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events: There’s no denying that the way we travel has changed following the impact of coronavirus.  Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may also have access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for certain events. Some of our plans offer:
  • Emergency medical cover, evacuation and/or repatriation if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas;
  • Cover for some additional Coronavirus-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers on the Explorer Plan.

To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has some of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.

• Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover: Overseas travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises and traveling to South America is no different – the sheer deliciousness of a street vendor’s pao de queijo (cheese bread), the kindness of a helpful stranger, the beauty of a beach sunrise. These are the moments you will remember. But it’s important to be prepared for everything – the theft of your wallet and passport while you sleep, your rental car being damaged or stolen while you hike an Incan trail, or the garden variety luggage being lost by your airline carrier. World Nomads travel insurance offers cover for many of life’s unexpected and unwelcome surprises.

Travel insurance tip

If something is stolen, make sure you report it as soon as possible after you’ve discovered the theft and as you buy items keep receipts of your purchases as proof of purchase in case you need to make a claim in the future.

 

What’s not covered?

Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what your insurance does cover you for. Things that won’t be covered by travel insurance include:

• Gear that was stolen from an unattended car (even if it was locked)
• Medical evacuation or repatriation for any incidents related to drug and alcohol abuse, or that is not pre-authorized by a physician
• Medical costs related to a pre-existing condition
• Not having visas or passports issued on time or properly fulfilling the entry requirements of your destination. 
• Leaving your gear behind, or not keeping an eye on your things and they get stolen. 
• Business equipment.

If you’ve any questions, or are unsure if something is covered, please contact us for more information.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

• Do I need travel insurance for China
• Travel insurance for activities in China
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in China
• Travel insurance for lost bags in China
• Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to China
• China Travel tips

Whether you’re braving the crowds of Beijing or retracing the footsteps of nomads before you on the Silk Road, China is as diverse as you’d expect a country of 1.4 billion people to be - and offers a plethora of opportunities for Canadian visitors.  

Foodies may want to taste their way through China on a search for the best xiaolongbao (also known as Chinese soup dumplings.) Partygoers may want to dance the night away in Shanghai, while history buffs may prefer to trade the skyscrapers for some of the ancient Chinese villages like Chengyang and Xitang.  

Many Canadians also include the Great Wall of China as a part of their itinerary or decide to visit during the festive activities that happen during Chinese New Year.  

Such uniqueness brings surprises – some are amazing, but others not so much. 

For the not-so-awesome surprises like travel accidents and lost bags, you may want to consider travel insurance for China. We also encourage you to check out our team’s tips for the things you need to know before visiting China.  

Do I need travel insurance for China?  

You booked the flights to Shanghai and even pre-purchased tickets for Yu Garden. You’ve taken the steps to plan an awesome vacation, but there’s some things you just can’t plan for.  

If you get hurt hiking through the bamboo forests at Monganshan National Park you may need to see a doctor.  Or if a typhoon hits Shenzhen before your trip, it could make it impossible for you to travel there.   

Canadian travellers may want to consider travel insurance for China that could help with things like trip cancellation, overseas medical coverage, and repatriation. There are different plans to select 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 China  

World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to China- including things like surfing in Houhai Bay, rock climbing in Yangshuo and paragliding in Hangzhou. 

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for China, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time.  If you are participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you will be covered.      

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in China  

If you’re scuba diving the Great Wall of China (yes, that’s a thing!) and get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage could reimburse you for your medical expenses. If your injury is serious, our medical team may also recommend that you return home to Canada for treatment. In that instance, repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for China could get you there.  

Keep in mind that your Government Health Insurance Plan may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses in China. In most situations, medical providers will want their money upfront and you would submit for reimbursement afterwards. 

If you have a medical emergency when travelling to China, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. If your medical team only speaks Mandarin, our team can also help communicate with your doctors if there’s a language barrier.   

Travel insurance for lost bags in China  

What happens if your checked bag ends up in Hunan instead of Hainan? If you’re lucky, your bag just took a detour and will eventually make its way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.  

It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but sometimes you’re left sitting at the carousel waiting for the bag that never comes. If you arrive in Shenzhen and realize that your bag is gone forever, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance for China may reimburse you for the cost to replace your lost belongings.

When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your international travel insurance policy to get the specific details on depreciation and policy limits.  

Travel insurance for pickpockets in China  

With such a large population, it can be hard dealing with the crowds while travelling in China. Unfortunately, where there are crowds, there can also be pickpockets.  

We’ve heard claims of theft happening at transportation stations and on trains. It’s also not uncommon to hear reports of pickpocketing around major attractions located in some of the larger cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian and Guiyang.  

Before you leave Canada, make sure to review our tips for protecting yourself from petty crime in China. 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 even wear backpacks on your front. 

If you’re robbed, make sure you file a police report. You’ll need that if you make a claim.  

Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to China  

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

Sometimes situations happen that can disrupt your plans once you’re already in China. If there’s an unexpected landslide and the Canadian Government issues a travel advisory against travel to that region of China, it could definitely prevent you from continuing on with your planned activities.  

If you have travel insurance for China, and something unexpected happens that causes you to cancel, delay, or interrupt your trip, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.  

China Travel Tips 

Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for China to review their up-to-date warnings on any advisories. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.  

Watch out for some of the scams in China- like counterfeit Chinese money. Try to carry smaller denominations or only pay with exact change to avoid getting fake money in return.  

If you purchase travel insurance for China, it’s always a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.  

Try to learn how to speak a few Mandarin phrases before you go. In certain areas of China, you won’t find people that know how to speak English or French.  

You may also want to download our China Travel Safety Guide. 

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.