Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?
Most of our policies don’t cover existing medical conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered
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At World Nomads, we believe that having an existing medical condition shouldn't prevent Australians from exploring the world. Whether you're surfing in Bali, road-tripping through New Zealand, or indulging in the culinary delights of Paris, it's crucial to understand how your health status impacts your travel insurance.
- What is an existing medical condition?
- Can you get cover for an existing medical condition?
- What is not covered?
- Tips for travellers with existing medical conditions
- FAQs
- Ready to get a travel insurance quote?
Whether your condition ends up covered or not, it's better to know exactly what's included (or excluded) before you leave home.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
An existing medical condition is any health issue you’ve experienced before buying your travel insurance policy with World Nomads.
Specifically, it includes conditions that are:
- Chronic or ongoing
- Displaying current symptoms
- Awaiting or undergoing investigation, treatment, or surgery
- Diagnosed or treated within the last six months (including surgeries)
- A medical condition that develops symptoms, is diagnosed, or treated while you're back in your Country of Residence during a home visit that interrupts your trip.
Can I get cover for pre-existing medical conditions?
Depending on your Country of Residence, our policies may not always cover pre-existing medical conditions, so it's important to double-check the specifics in your policy information.
However, in most instances, even if your pre-existing condition isn't covered, you may still be covered for other unexpected travel mishaps—as long as they're not related to that pre-existing condition. This includes cover for, and not limited to, the following:
- Baggage and personal belongings
- Medical, including evacuation and repatriation for unexpected illness and accidental injury that are not pre-existing medical conditions
- Natural catastrophe
- Lost or damaged passports, licenses or other travel documents
- Travel delay.
Our policy may also cover cancellation if, after you purchase it and before you start your trip, you, or someone whose health your trip depends on suffers a serious illness or injury.
Traveller's tip: do your homework and identify any pre-existing condition coverage before purchasing travel insurance. You don’t want to get sick overseas and realise you’re not covered. Check the criteria for pre-existing conditions carefully, and contact us for clarification if you have any doubts. We’re always happy to help.
What isn’t covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything—especially regarding pre-existing illnesses. World Nomads won’t cover:
- Existing medical conditions: unless you’ve declared them, listed them in your travel insurance policy, and met all coverage criteria. Cover is dependent on your Country of Residence.
- Overseas medical expenses: once you return home, all medical costs are on you.
- Previous insured medical issues: you cannot claim expenses relating to conditions relating to previously insured events—unless you meet the automatic cover criteria.
- Overseas illness before you bought your policy: if you got sick abroad and then promptly bought travel insurance hoping to make a claim—we’ll save you the hassle right now…you're not covered.
Note: if you purchased cover after you left home, there’s a waiting period of 72 hours before the insurance takes effect. Any illness or injury occurring during this waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition for the remaining period of your insurance. Please note that cover is dependent on your Country of Residence.
Tips for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions
- Consult your GP: before booking your trip, consult your doctor to confirm your condition is stable enough for travel.
- Be upfront: honesty is the best policy when it comes to your medical history. Declare your pre-existing conditions during purchase—it's the only way to avoid claim headaches.
- Read your policy: we're not just saying this to tick a box—we genuinely want you to have an awesome trip and fully understand what your travel insurance covers (and, importantly, what it doesn’t).
- Carry medical documents: having a medical emergency in a foreign hospital can be stressful. But having copies of prescriptions, medical records, and a doctor’s letter explaining your condition can make treatment much easier for everyone involved.
- Plan for emergencies: create a game plan, including a list of emergency contacts and local hospitals before travelling.
Ready to get a travel insurance quote?
If you’re ready to start exploring our travel cover options and optional extras, then visit our Get a Quote page and tell us your travel details.
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 Policy Wording. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Centre or you can ask the customer service team.
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Does World Nomads cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Not all World Nomads policies cover pre-existing medical conditions. To avoid surprises, carefully check the policy details for your Country of Residence to see what pre-existing conditions are covered, which are covered, and any specific criteria you'll need to meet.
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What if my medical condition isn’t automatically covered?
In some instances, World Nomads may offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions automatically. If you don’t meet the criteria for automatically covered pre-existing medical conditions, you can still purchase a policy, but you won’t be covered for any claims that arise from the pre-existing medical condition.
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What if I have a pre-existing medical condition that isn’t automatically covered?
If your pre-existing condition isn’t automatically covered, you won’t be able to claim for anything related to or worsened by that particular condition. However, you’ll still be covered for unrelated medical emergencies, like sudden illnesses or unexpected injuries overseas.
New Diagnosis in Mexico.
I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) which I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
J Davis. US Nomad in Mexico.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamDoes Travel Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Most of our policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
We do not offer a policy under the following circumstances:
- If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- If you are travelling intending to receive medical treatment.
- If you are travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner or would be travelling against their advice if you asked for it.
Having a pre-existing medical condition isn't a reason to stop travelling, but it can affect your travel insurance and what you’re covered for. Whether you're travelling off the grid or blogging in it, it's best to know if we can cover your pre-existing medical condition before your travel, so you're not caught unaware.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is any medical or dental condition, or related complication that has required or is awaiting medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescribed medication, consultations, check-ups, surgery, tests or investigations in the 180 days before you buy or extend your policy or book your trip (whichever you do last).
It’s important that you read your policy wording and its specific definition of 'pre-existing medical condition' and determine if the cover offered will meet your needs.
In addition, if you took out cover after you left home, there is a waiting period of 72 hours before the insurance takes effect. Any illness or injury that occurs before or during this waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition for the remaining period of your insurance.
Change in health?
If you have a change in health after policy purchase, you will need to provide medical confirmation from your General Practitioner that you were fit to travel, should you later need to claim.
What can travel insurance cover if not pre-existing medical conditions?
Our policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, but they still offer cover for many events that can take place while on the road, as long as the event is not as a result of the pre-existing medical condition(s). This includes cover for:
- Baggage and personal belongings
- Medical, including evacuation and repatriation for unexpected illnesses and accidental injuries that are not pre-existing medical conditions
- Trip Disruption
- Lost or damaged passports, licenses or other travel documents
Our policies may also cover your cancellation expenses if, after you’ve purchased the policy and before you've started your trip, you or someone else on whom your trip depends suffers a serious illness or injury which is not a pre-existing medical condition.
Is Coronavirus a pre-existing medical condition?
It can be if hospital admission is required.
To find out more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for your Country of Residence, select your Country in the top left hand corner of this screen. Or to read more about what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.
What's not covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. The main things that aren’t covered are:
- Pre-existing medical conditions, as defined in the policy wording
- Any medical expenses once you return home
- The cough/cold/flu you caught right before you remembered to buy a policy.
This isn't a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits, conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our article on pre-existing medical conditions and read your policy wording carefully before you buy. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
If your pre-existing medical condition isn't covered (as explained in your policy wording) and you're not worried about covering it, you can still purchase a policy online through World Nomads. Just be aware there's no cover for any claim made as a result of it.
New Diagnosis in Mexico.
I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) which I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
J Davis. US Nomad in Mexico.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance for Natural Disasters
For when nature intervenes.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
Natural disasters not only cause physical harm, they also shut down airports, wipe out accommodation, and cancel trips.
While some natural disasters are completely unpredictable, a lot of them think hurricanes, monsoons, and even volcanic eruptions often give off enough warning for you to prepare yourself so you're not caught unaware.
We consider a natural disaster the following: flood, cyclone, tornado, hurricane, typhoon, wild fire, tsunami, earthquake, landslide, avalanche, volcanic eruption. ‘Natural disaster’ does not include outbreak of disease, epidemic, pandemic, or any other event that is not specifically included in this definition.
For those policies that do cover natural disaster in one way or another, you'll need to have bought a policy before the event is known and do everything you can to minimise your expenses.
If your destination is impacted by a natural catastrophe then you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team so we are advised of the situation. If you do not comply with this condition it may impact what we pay you for your claim.
What does travel insurance cover if there is a natural disaster?
Not all of our policies cover natural disaster in the same way, and some of them exclude it altogether. If you look through the following table, you'll be able to see how the policy works for your Country of Residence.
| Your country of residence | Cancellation | Trip Interruption | Trip Delay | Medical Expenses | Baggage | 24 hour emergency assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ||||||
| New Zealand | ||||||
| Brazil | ||||||
| Canada | ||||||
| United Kingdom | ||||||
| Ireland | ||||||
| USA | ||||||
| All other countries |
Important: It's a good idea to read through the Policy Document as you go through the purchase path as there are limits on the cover depending on which plan you buy.
What’s not covered by travel insurance in a natural disaster?
- If you’re a storm chaser and put yourself in its path.
- If you don’t follow the advice of the authorities.
- If you hang around to watch what happens.
- If you buy a policy after an event becomes known.
For more information check out our article on natural disasters and read your policy carefully before you buy.
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.
If you’re travelling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
Tsunami in Sumatra.
On the night 25/10/2010 I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
Claim Paid: $2942.68
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about natural disaster travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Can I get I get a refund on my policy if I'm not longer traveling?
If the policy is outside of its cooling off/free look/refund period, then there are no refunds for the unused portion of your policy.
-
Does my policy automatically extend if I'm unable to get home?
Most policies with automatically extend. However, not all do and the extension lengths vary. So check your policy so you know how you're covered.
-
I can't travel on my policy. Can it be credited for future use?
Policies can't be credited for future use. If your policy is still within the cooling off/free look/refund period, and you're not using your policy in any way, you can cancel the policy and get a refund.
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If my transport has been cancelled, will you charter an aircraft to get us out of where we are?
No. None of the policies will cover expenses to charter an aircraft.
Travel Insurance for Natural Catastrophes
For when nature intervenes
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As featured in:
Travel Insurance for natural catastrophes covers you for when Mother Nature decides it’s time to be heard. From Bali’s volcanic eruptions to Japan’s tsunamis and Caribbean cyclones, natural catastrophes are by nature unpredictable and can severely disrupt your travel plans.
Consider purchasing our Explorer Plan, which offers a benefit to help you move to a safer area when a natural catastrophe strikes.
What am I covered for under Natural Catastrophe?
While the last thing we want to do is to talk about all the nasty weather that could come your way, it’s important for you to know what we define as a ‘natural catastrophe’ in our policy. The following are considered a natural catastrophe: Hurricane, tornado, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, storm, flood, landslide, avalanche, fire, high water or explosion.
Travel Insurance Tip: Please be sure to read your policy carefully as epidemics/pandemics are not considered a natural catastrophe in our policy coverage. If you’re looking for information on our Coronavirus cover, check out our Coronavirus cover article which includes the terms, benefits and exclusions.
If you’re caught up in a natural catastrophe and purchased the Explorer Plan, the Natural Catastrophe section may cover the reasonable cost of additional accommodation and transport during your trip for one of the following situations:
- On arrival or at any other time during the trip you cannot use your booked accommodation due to a natural catastrophe; or
- You have no option but to move to a safe place due to a natural catastrophe.
With the Explorer Plan, you may also have your evacuation expenses covered in the event that a Travel Advisory is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or a similar body in the circumstances, recommending evacuation from the country or specific area in which you are travelling.
If your destination is impacted by a natural catastrophe then you must contact our Emergency Assistance team so we are advised of the situation. If you do not comply with this condition it may impact what we pay you for your claim.
What’s not covered?
There are a number of circumstances where we will not cover you following a natural catastrophe. These include:
- If you haven’t paid for the Explorer Plan.
- If the event was occurring, or you were aware it could occur, when you purchased the insurance or booked your travel arrangements.
If you’re travelling to a region that’s known for natural catastrophes, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there are any current warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural catastrophe impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
If you’re travelling to a region that’s known for natural catastrophes, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural catasatrophe impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
Tsunami in Sumatra.
On the night 25/10/2010 I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
Claim Paid: $2942.68
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.
-
Can I get I get a refund on my policy if I'm not longer traveling?
If the policy is outside of its cooling off/free look/refund period, then there are no refunds for the unused portion of your policy.
-
Does my policy automatically extend if I'm unable to get home?
Most policies with automatically extend. However, not all do and the extension lengths vary. So check your policy so you know how you're covered.
-
I can't travel on my policy. Can it be credited for future use?
Policies can't be credited for future use. If your policy is still within the cooling off/free look/refund period, and you're not using your policy in any way, you can cancel the policy and get a refund.
-
If my transport has been cancelled, will you charter an aircraft to get us out of where we are?
No. None of the policies will cover expenses to charter an aircraft.
What's covered
World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers, to cover your trip essentials.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Understand the key parts of World Nomads travel insurance
Travel Insurance for Medical Evacuation
If you need to get home for treatment, travel insurance can take care of medical evacuation and repatriation.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re trekking through the Eurasian Steppe, surfing in Mundaka, diving off the coast of Thailand, or (not so) simply crossing the road in Vietnam, accidents or sickness can happen at any time during your trip. And if it’s bad enough, you may need to be repatriated for ongoing medical care.
Our Emergency Medical Assistance teams, doctors and nurses have seen some horrific accidents and illnesses and have helped thousands of British travellers be repatriated home so they can fully recover.
Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any statutory health insurance, or any available reciprocal health agreements (including your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Where urgent medical assistance is required, and you are admitted as an inpatient for at least one night, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team before incurring medical costs. You must let us know how you are going and keep in contact with our EA team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
When you're medically able to be evacuated, we may decide to:
- Transport you to other medical care facilities; and/or
- Repatriate you to the United Kingdom if you're declared medically unfit to continue your trip.
What’s covered
If you’ve selected the right policy for the activity you’re doing and it’s medically necessary, there’s cover in all of our policies for medical evacuation and repatriation (depending on needs) by:
- Air Ambulance
- Sea Level Aircraft
- Helicopter
- Ground Ambulance
- Commercial airline upgrade
- Commercial airline with medical accompaniment
World Nomads has benefits for medical issues related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) under the section Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses Overseas. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas and it’s not considered a ‘pre-existing medical condition’ under our policy, your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalisation;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
What’s not covered
There are exclusions and conditions that apply to our medical cover, including, but not limited to:
- Any expenses or fees which in the opinion of the treating medical practitioner, or in our opinion, can wait until you return to the UK.
- Expenses which can be recovered from another source, or private hospital or medical treatment you received where public funded services or care was available or which are covered under any National Insurance scheme or reciprocal health arrangement, unless approved by us.
- Medical or dental expenses incurred while you're in the United Kingdom. This policy doesn't replace private medical insurance or treatment offered through the NHS.
- Any other reason listed under Section 8 'Medical Sections of Cover'.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
Get a quote today.
How to get assistance
It’s essential that you get in contact with our emergency medical assistance teams as soon as possible so that our teams can support you from the time your fall sick of get injured until the time you get home.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
True Claims Stories
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
Can't see your question?
-
Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
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Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't have a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams, and they'll guide to the most appropriate medical professional.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of the NHS or your private health insurance.
Travel Insurance for Medical Evacuation
If you need to get home for treatment, travel insurance can take care of medical evacuation and repatriation.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
Buy at home or while travelling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re trekking through Banff Canada, surfing in Hawaii, or scuba diving off the coast of Thailand, or (not so) simply crossing the road in Vietnam, accidents or sickness can happen at any time during your trip. And if it’s bad enough, you may need to be repatriated for ongoing medical care.
Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Teams, doctors and nurses have seen some horrific accidents and illnesses and have helped thousands of travellers be repatriated home so they can fully recover.
What’s covered
If you’ve selected the appropriate cover for the activity you’re doing and it’s medically necessary, there’s cover in all of our policies for medical evacuation/repatriation by:
- Air Ambulance
- Sea Level Aircraft
- Ground Ambulance
- Commercial airline upgrade
- Commercial airline with medical escort
Depending on the policy you buy and your country of residence, there are limitations that will apply. So, it’s a good idea to do some research on where you’re going, so you can pick the policy that’s best for you.
How to get assistance
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team as soon as possible so that our team can support you from the time your fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.
So that our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
Testimonial Title
I was cut off by a dog whilst riding a push bike. Subsequent to my initial consultation with the Doctor I was referred to Hospital where I received surgery for my fractured foot and had my hand placed in a cast. I received assistance from specialty assist for my hospital bills and repatriation.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamCheap Travel Insurance.
Cheap isn't always the way to go.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 8 November 2022, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 8 November 2022, please see below.
Do you really want cheap travel insurance?
Cheap Travel Insurance is only good if it protects you for those emergencies it’s supposed to protect you for.
Going too cheap can mean you’re not covered when it matters and if you’re not covered… your trip of a lifetime can get very expensive, very fast.
That’s why at World Nomads we listened to our experienced travellers and designed travel insurance products at affordable prices (but not the cheapest).
We’ve included the cover you told us you couldn’t live without in every World Nomads policy, including:
- Medical
- Cancellation
- Luggage cover
- 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance
Travel insurance options that have your back
As no two travellers are alike, we’ve designed a Standard and Explorer travel insurance option so you can choose whether you pay for the extras or not.
If you’re planning to kayak the Amazon solo or throw yourself out of a plane with just a little bit of silk attached to your back, the Explorer option may be more suited to you.
Then again, you might be surprised by what is covered under the Standard travel insurance option. Just tell us who you are, where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone for and we’ll generate your instant quote with all the detail you need.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
We know we’re not the cheapest, but with us you can travel knowing you’ve got 24/7 traveller support, insider information to help you plan your trip and coverage for a range of insured events you may encounter.
Dog bite.
My son (age 4) jumped in front of the dog and the dog nipped him. We took him to the emergency room for stitches.
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 dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need to get to hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance for Natural Disasters
For when nature intervenes.
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Ten years ago, nobody worried about being caught up in natural disasters. But in an age of ever-worsening cyclones and hurricanes, and other freak weather events, cover for this sort of thing is now essential. And all that without even mentioning the multiple volcanic eruptions around Bali...
What does travel insurance cover for natural disasters?
As long as you've bought your policy before the disaster was in the media, your policy will cover a range of different things. If you're still at home and the cyclone has swept your accommodation into the sea, we understand that you'll probably want cancel your trip rather than camp in the ruins of the resort. If you're overseas and caught up in it, then we'll cover you to get out. Whether that's getting home or getting to your next destination, will depend on your travel plans.
What's not covered
We don't cover costs that you would have incurred without the disaster happening. If you were island-hopping in the Caribbean and your accommodation got blown away in a hurricane, you'll need to move on. But if you didn't have any transport already paid for, then you'd be paying that cost to change islands anyway, so we won't cover it for you.
We also don't cover if you just change your mind about a place. If you're worried about a volcanic eruption or an oncoming hurricane, talk to your airline. If they're cancelling flights, then you've probably got a claim. If they're carrying on business as usual, then we'll need a good reason why you can't go.
As always, we'll ask you to ask your airline, accommodation and tours for refunds.
If you’re traveling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
Tsunami in Sumatra.
On the night 25/10/2010 I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
Claim Paid: $2942.68
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
- Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
- Has one of your relatives died?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
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 medicine?
- 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 overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about natural disaster travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Can I get I get a refund on my policy if I'm not longer traveling?
If the policy is outside of its cooling off/free look/refund period, then there are no refunds for the unused portion of your policy.
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Does my policy automatically extend if I'm unable to get home?
Most policies with automatically extend. However, not all do and the extension lengths vary. So check your policy so you know how you're covered.
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I can't travel on my policy. Can it be credited for future use?
Policies can't be credited for future use. If your policy is still within the cooling off/free look/refund period, and you're not using your policy in any way, you can cancel the policy and get a refund.
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If my transport has been cancelled, will you charter an aircraft to get us out of where we are?
No. None of the policies will cover expenses to charter an aircraft.
