World Nomads’ top travel tips for eco-conscious travelers
Before you pack your bags and start your journey, make sure you travel with the planet in mind and do so responsibly.
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Traveling is a fantastic experience, but wherever you go, you should consider ways of giving back to the people and the places you visit.
World Nomads offers you the chance to give back to communities around the world through a micro-donation whenever you buy travel insurance with us. Through our Footprints Network, travelers have helped us fund more than 250 projects, and raise more than $3 million. We continue to partner with reputable charities and NGOs to ensure your micro-donation goes to the project of your choice.
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or stay in eco-friendly accommodation, here are some handy travel tips for you to consider when planning your next trip:
- Do your green research before you head off: look for accommodations, destination, products, and tour companies that have been deemed sustainable by a legitimate certifying body. In the sustainable tourism world, that means organizations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, The Rainforest Alliance, and Earth Check.
- Go off-grid or visit less-visited locations: after the pandemic caused a reset of travel, it makes sense to leave the beaten track and create your own path. Visiting places further away from the masses will give you a more authentic experience, and also help to reduce degradation of popular sights. But be aware that the more remote your destination, the more chance there is that these may not be covered if you choose to purchase. Always check if your off-the-grid destination(s) are covered. While we offer cover for more than 100 destinations, we do not offer travel insurance to sanctioned countries, and cover may be affected if you travel to a destination that your government has advised against traveling to. Also, some destinations may not be covered due to violence, terrorism or possibly due to being designated a COVID hotspot.
- Choose from more than 150 activities, sports and experiences: while we do offer cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences, we don't cover everything. For example, we do not cover big game hunting or Spain’s running of the bulls. Many activities will have special conditions and exclusions attached to them. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. Your policy may have conditions and exclusions.
- Volunteer when abroad: giving back to the places or communities you’re visiting can be a rewarding experience. Volunteerism is on the rise, for example, reforestation, cleaning up beaches, nature trail construction and invasive species management are just some volunteer work examples. With World Nomads, the types of volunteer activities that are covered will depend on your country of residence. Check your plan and policy wording to get more details. For example, you won’t be covered if you intend to work near dangerous animals such as sharks, elephants, big cats, bears, and deadly snakes or if you go against local authority warnings or enter closed or restricted areas or places or situations known to be unsafe or dangerous.
- Immerse yourself in local communities and culture: a big part of traveling is exploring new cultures and environments. So, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t do anything that might endanger or exploit local people or wildlife. Don’t litter, stay on public footpaths and follow local laws and cultures. Help protect the places that you visit by following local customs. Under our policies, you won’t be covered if you cause any physical injury or property damage deliberately or if you cause any damage with intent, malice or gross negligence.
- Airbnb, green resorts or homestay: when traveling, there are many eco-friendly options to choose from depending on your budget. You can stay at an eco-friendly Airbnb rental, at a hostel or hotel or live in a local community, all these options can offer eco-friendly options. When staying at a private vacation rental please remember that illegal activities and any incidents caused by being under the influence of alcohol and drugs are not covered (partying is banned at most vacation rentals). For those who have a higher budget, some resorts have tree-planting and other supporting environmental programs such as a no plastic policy, and using local foods in their restaurants. At the other end of the budget, staying with local families will give you knowledge of local habitats, wildlife, and traditional cultures. Seeking out local experiences such as homestays, and hiring local guides are great ways to learn about a culture, while providing direct economic benefits to the host communities.
- Choose a responsible tour operator: choose a tour operator that promotes responsible tourism, works as part of the local community, and actively helps to conserve the environment. Before you go, ask your travel provider (tour operator, travel agent) about the company’s environmental and responsible tourism policies – support those who support responsible tourism. Look for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council GSTC logo. GSTC is an independent, neutral organization that establishes and monitors global standards for destinations and tourism companies all over the world, and it’s also a great source of information for destinations, accommodation and eco-friendly travel tips.
Note: this is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. There are terms & conditions, exclusions and limits which apply depending on your Country of Residence and the level of cover you’ve chosen, so be sure to read the policy wording before you buy a policy.
What type of eco tourist are you?
According to the United Nations, there are three types: hard ecotourist, soft ecotourist and the adventure ecotourist.
- The hard ecotourist: is motivated primarily by a scientific interest in nature and is interested in bird watching, nature photography, and botanical trips. Sometimes they will take on activities that require strenuous effort and non-hotel accommodations. If you fall into this category you may have the option (depending in your Country of Residence) to upgrade and pay a little extra to increase the cover for any hi tech gear, such as cameras, lenses, and laptops that you're taking with you. You never know when your tech gear could be stolen, lost, or damaged on your travels.
- The soft ecotourist: is the fastest growing segment. This traveler is interested in observing wildlife and participating in local culture. Hiking is a favourite activity, and they are less intense than the hard ecotourist. If you fall into this category, World Nomads offers more than 150 activities, sports and experiences. Coverage varies between our two plans- Standard and Explorer – so it’s important to take the time to understand what activities you are likely to do, and the difference between our plans.
- The adventure ecotourist: engages in moderate to high-risk activities such as surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. These types are the adrenaline all or nothing types looking for a challenge. If you’re looking for more adventure, you can upgrade to the Explorer Plan, which offers higher benefits and cover for a broader range of activities and sports.
Want more of our plan details?
You can compare our Standard and Explorer plans and prices through getting an instant online quote.
Need some extra info on eco travel?
Here are some World Nomads articles for more inspiration and information around sustainable travel practices:
- Community-Based Tourism: living with the locals
- Top 10 tips for environmentally-friendly travel
- How regenerative tourism can make you a better traveler
- Nature Calling? How to keep the places you go pristine
- How to find an ethical safari, camp, and safari wilderness experience
- How to use less plastic when you travel
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, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. All of 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.
VIDEO: How can I give back when I buy my travel insurance?
Learn more about how you can give back to the places you visit with a small donation by watching this video.
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Contact the teamWhat to do if you’ve left home without travel insurance
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- 1. You can purchase travel insurance whilst travelling
- 2. Always check the terms and conditions of your policy
- 3. Extend your policy for your overseas holiday
- 4. Need to know more?
- Left home without travel insurance?
1. You can purchase travel insurance whilst travelling
Planning an overseas holiday can be an overwhelming experience. With so many arrangements to be made prior to leaving, it’s easy to forget travel insurance during the flurry of preparations.
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.
Similarly, New Zealand travellers whose travel insurance policies will expire during their trips, but who wish to stay on holidays longer, may also extend or buy a new policy.
2. Always check the terms and conditions of your policy
When you’re on your overseas holiday, you don’t want to spend too long sitting in your hotel room reading through the fine print of an insurance policy. As there are so many exciting places to explore, you just want to get out and about. It can be tempting to rush into buying a policy, without taking the time to read through the Summary of Benefits and exclusions beforehand.
However, to avoid any surprises when making a claim, it’s a smart idea to become familiar with the various limits, benefits, available upgrades, terms and conditions before you buy a policy.
If you buy travel insurance during your overseas holiday, you are still subject to a 72-hour waiting period from the date that you receive your Certificate of Insurance, before your cover comes into effect. This means that you may not be covered for certain events or losses that happen during this period.
However, if you have an accident and sustain a serious injury after being issued with your Certificate of Insurance, and before the 72-hour timeframe has lapsed, you may be covered for various expenses under your policy. Check your Policy Document for the complete list of what’s covered and what isn’t covered.
3. Extend your policy for your overseas holiday
If your current travel insurance policy is due to expire soon, but you’re having too much fun and want to stay overseas for longer, rather than risk being without insurance, you can extend your existing policy.
You may extend your policy up to a maximum of 12 months from the policy commencement date which is indicated on your Certificate of Insurance. This must be done prior to 11:59pm NZST on the closing date of your current policy.
If you have any questions about purchasing travel insurance during your overseas holiday, please get in touch.
4. Need to know more?
This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. 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 options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Document will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.
If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.
Left home without travel insurance?
Learn how you can buy your travel insurance policy while travelling anytime from anywhere in the world by watching this video.
- Buy while traveling
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Waiting periods apply
Malaria at Christmas.
In the 25th of December I woke up feeling nausea, fever, headache, and lethargy. After two days with the symptoms not ceasing I went to a clinic and was admitted with severe malaria. I stayed in the hospital for two days taking shots for malaria and also saline drip.
A.G. Brazilian Nomad in Zambia.
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
- Come to a sticky end?
- Called to jury duty?
- Been made redundant?
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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 a hospital urgently?
- You or a family member dead?
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying away from home. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do you have an excess/co-pay?
If you’re an American or Canadian, there’s no excess. All other policies have one and can vary depending on what you're claiming for.
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My son/daughter is already on the road. Can I buy a policy on their behalf?
Yes, you can. But if you do, you're agreeing to all of the terms and conditions as if you are them.
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How long does it take to get a copy of my insurance?
As soon as the payment goes through, it will be emailed to you or in your membership.
Ready to reconnect?
Reunite with your family. Reconnect with nature. Disconnect from the daily grind. Whatever your reason for traveling, we’re here to help protect your trip.
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We're ready when you are
Wherever you’re going, we’ll meet you there. In this unpredictable world, it’s important to travel safer and smarter. Whether you’re planning your reunion or your escape, let us help you travel with confidence.
Travel insurance benefits: how we can take care of you
Emergency medical coverage
If you get sick or injured, our plans have emergency medical coverage and other related benefits to help.
Trip cancellation
If you need to unexpectedly cancel for a covered reason, we may be able to help you recover your investment.
Adventure sports and activities
We love to explore our boundaries when we travel, which is why we cover more than 150 adventure activities.
Buy cover while travelling
If you’re traveling and forgot your travel insurance, you can buy a plan online at any point of your journey.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Our team can help you out in a crisis at any hour of the day, no matter where you are in the world.
Support local communities
Though our Footprints micro-donation program, you can help support good causes and communities in need.
Related articles
What Does Domestic Travel Insurance Cover?
Four travel benefits you shouldn't leave home without
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Maybe your next trip won’t include crossing an ocean or boarding a plane. But just because you’re travelling within Brazil doesn’t mean that you won’t need backup if your travels take a turn for the worst.
World Nomads’ coverage starts when you leave your home province and provides essential protection against a wide range of mishaps that you could encounter on the road.
Why do I need travel insurance if I'm travelling domestically?
It doesn’t matter if you’re on a distant continent or in an adjacent state – you could sprain your ankle, get into a car accident, or get delayed by inclement weather just about anywhere. A good travel protection plan can help prevent any of these unexpected events from turning into full-blown disasters.
Benefits
Accidents and emergencies can happen in your own backyard – which is why it’s important to consider these four main benefits of domestic travel insurance.
- Unexpected trip cancellation: An illness of an immediate family member or a work emergency can cause you to cancel your trip, and World Nomads travel insurance can help you recover your pre-paid non-refundable trip costs for these and other covered reasons.
- Medical emergencies: Hospital bills and emergency office visits can really add up, especially when your health insurance won’t cover you out of state. These costs alone are a reason to purchase travel insurance for your domestic travels.
- Trip interruption: Sometimes you can hit a bump in the road – in a literal and figurative sense. Maybe the Brazilian government issued a ‘defer travel’ warning or maybe your travel companion got sick. This benefit covers meals, hotel stays and any other surprise expenses you could incur as a result of the setback.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Sometimes the best place to get medical treatment is at a hospital back home. Be sure to call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to get approval.
Exclusions
It is important that you read and understand your coverage. There are limits and exclusions that apply to all insured travellers.
- Alcohol- and drug- related incidents: There is no coverage for any alcohol-related sickness, death or injury or the abuse of medication, drugs or any other toxic substance.
- Any losses related to the participation in illegal activities: For example, if you get injured while looting a store during a riot.
- Select personal belongings, such as bicycles, professional equipment, and musical instruments.
- Travel supplier cancellations: If your airline or tour operator decides to cancel, you should seek refunds and credits or reschedule your trip directly with your supplier.
Why World Nomads travel insurance?
Along with the benefits above, World Nomads travel insurance also includes important assistance services and features such as:
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance team that can help you rebook flights, locate lost luggage, or replace stolen credit cards.
- Our global network of security experts are on call 24/7. You can consult them for safety advisories and evacuation assistance.
- Our adventure sports and activities coverage is part of our plans. Read our article on what adventure travel insurance covers.
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?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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 teamGet a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
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Seguro Viagem Nacional
As coberturas e o serviço que você já conhece, agora também para viagens domésticas. Cobertura em todo o território brasileiro.
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Talvez sua próxima viagem não inclua cruzar um oceano ou embarcar em uma longa viagem de avião. Mas só porque você está viajando dentro do Brasil, isso não significa que você não precisará de apoio se algo der errado.
A cobertura da World Nomads para viagens domésticas começa quando você sai de sua casa e fornece proteção essencial contra uma ampla gama de contratempos que você pode encontrar na estrada.
Por que preciso de um seguro viagem se estou viajando em território nacional?
Não importa se você está em um continente distante ou em um estado adjacente – você pode torcer o tornozelo, sofrer um acidente de carro ou atrasar-se pelo mau tempo em qualquer lugar. Um bom plano de proteção de viagem pode ajudar a evitar que qualquer um desses eventos inesperados se transforme em um desastre.
Coberturas
Acidentes e emergências podem acontecer no seu próprio quintal – e é por isso que é importante considerar esses quatro principais benefícios do seguro viagem doméstico.
- Cancelamento de viagem: uma doença de um familiar imediato ou uma emergência de trabalho pode fazer com que você cancele sua viagem e o Seguro Viagem World Nomads pode ajudá-lo a recuperar algum de seus custos de viagem pré-pagos não reembolsáveis por esses e outros motivos cobertos.
- Emergências médicas: despesas hospitalares e as visitas ao pronto-socorro podem ser consideravelmente mais caras, especialmente quando seu plano de saúde não possui cobertura fora do estado que você mora. Esses custos, por si só, são um ótimo motivo para comprar um Seguro Viagem para suas aventuras pelo Brasil.
- Interrupção de viagem: Às vezes, você pode encontrar um obstáculo na estrada – no sentido literal e figurado. Talvez o governo brasileiro tenha emitido um alerta de perigo ou seu companheiro de viagem tenha ficado doente. Este benefício cobre refeições, estadias em hotéis e outras despesas surpresas que você possa ter durante a sua viagem em território nacional.
- Evacuação médica: Às vezes, o melhor lugar para receber tratamento médico é em um hospital pertinho de casa. Certifique-se de ligar para a equipe de Assistência Emergencial, disponível 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, para obter mais informações e as devidas aprovações.
Exclusões
É importante que você leia e entenda sua cobertura. Existem limites e exclusões que se aplicam a todos os viajantes segurados.
- Incidentes relacionados com álcool e drogas: Não há cobertura para qualquer doença, morte ou lesão relacionada ao álcool ou abuso de medicamentos, drogas ou qualquer outra substância tóxica.
- Quaisquer perdas relacionadas à participação em atividades ilegais: Por exemplo, se você se machucar ao saquear uma loja durante um tumulto ou manifestações.
- Pertences pessoais: Por exemplo, bicicletas, equipamentos profissionais e instrumentos musicais.
- Cancelamentos por parte de fornecedores de viagens: Se a companhia aérea ou operadora de turismo decidir cancelar sua viagem, você deve solicitar reembolsos e créditos ou remarcar sua viagem diretamente com seu fornecedor.
Este é apenas um resumo da cobertura e não inclui todos os termos e condições da apólice. É importante que você leia e entenda sua apólice, pois ela contém benefícios, condições, exclusões e exclusões de condições pré-existentes. Se você não entender sua cobertura ou se tiver dúvidas, basta nos perguntar.
Por que comprar o Seguro Viagem da World Nomads?
Além dos benefícios acima, o Seguro Viagem World Nomads também inclui importantes serviços e recursos de assistência, como:
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Equipe de Assistência Emergencial, disponível 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, que pode ajudar você a remarcar voos, localizar bagagem perdida ou substituir cartões de crédito roubados.
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Nossa rede global de especialistas em segurança está disponível 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana. Você pode consultá-los para obter dicas de segurança e assistência paraevacuação.
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A cobertura de diversos esportes e atividades de aventura faz parte de todos os nossos planos. Leia o artigo com mais detalhes sobre nossa cobertura de esportes e atividades de aventura.
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
- Você ou sua família estão doentes, feridos ou mortos?
- Perdeu seu emprego?
- Teve sua casa destruída?
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
- Precisa de medicamentos?
- Sofreu um acidente?
- Ficou doente?
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
- Se acidentou no exterior?
- Precisa urgentemente de um hospital?
- Impossibilitado de prosseguir viagem?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Suas malas sumiram?
- Não encontra sua bagagem?
- Malas danificadas?
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 teamObtenha uma cotação de seguro de viagem
Seguro viagem simples e flexível. Compre em casa ou durante a viagem e faça a solicitação online de qualquer lugar do mundo
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