Travel Insurance for Brazil
Brazil is your place to get wild…From the wild parties during Carnival, to the wild animals of the Amazon
- As featured in:
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- Do I need travel insurance for Brazil?
- Travel insurance for activities in Brazil
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Brazil
- Travel insurance for lost bags in Brazil
- Travel insurance for stolen items in Brazil
- Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Brazil
- Tips for Traveling to Brazil from Canada
Traveling to Brazil offers incredible opportunities to experience vibrant cultures and adrenaline-fueled adventures. Many Canadians visit Mount Corcovado to see the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue - one of the most famous landmarks in Rio de Janeiro.
If you’re wanting to take in some of the country’s natural beauty, you may also want to head to Terra de Cachoeiras, known as the “Land of the Waterfalls.” Speaking of natural beauty, Brazil is also known for their pristine beaches like Baia do Sancho, Praia do Espelho, and Copacabana Beach. A visit to the Amazon rainforest is also a must-do for those seeking an off the beaten path adventure.
While a trip to Brazil is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from Canada. Our nomads have danced the night away at the wild parties during Carnival and have searched for even wilder experiences in the heart of the Amazon. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and we encourage you to check out our team’s tips on what to know before you go to Brazil.
Because unanticipated things can always happen when traveling, you may also want to get a quote for travel insurance for Brazil.
Do I need travel insurance for Brazil?
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises. Some of those are awesome-like the amazing moqueca (fish stew) that you can try at many of the restaurants in Florianopolis.
Some surprises that come along with traveling outside of Canada are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage and medical emergencies, but those things can happen unexpectedly. A good travel insurance plan for Brazil could help with those types of situations.
Travel insurance can also assist if you get injured participating in any of the awesome adventures and activities you’ll find there. If you get hurt while cycling through Serra da Canastra, the emergency medical coverage included in your travel insurance for Brazil could help you get the care you need.
There are different plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in Brazil
There are so many things to see and do in Brazil. Your trip may include some time lying on one of the country’s alluring beaches for a little rest and relaxation. If you’re up for some adventure though, there’s plenty to find in Brazil. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians traveling to Brazil - including rafting on the Jacare Pepira River, hiking the Cachoeira da Fumaca Trail at Chapada Diamantina National Park, or scuba diving at Fernando de Noronha Marine Park.
When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Brazil, 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’re 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 Brazil
Before you leave Canada, consult with your doctor to let them know where you will be traveling within Brazil and see if you may need certain vaccinations or antimalarial medication for your trip. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent.
There are steps you can take to stay safe in the Amazon, but with such a diversity of wildlife also comes a diversity of parasites and amoebas. If you get bit by a kissing bug, it may not be as romantic as their name leads you to believe. They’ve been known to carry the parasite that transmits Chagas Disease.
If you do get sick and need to see a doctor while you’re in Brazil, your Government Health Insurance Plan may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses there. In some situations, medical providers may also want their money upfront. The Canadian government recommends that Canadians get travel insurance when traveling to Brazil that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
In some rural areas, you may find limited services available, or find that your medical team only speaks Portuguese. If you have a medical emergency when traveling to Brazil, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your Brazilian medical team if language is a barrier.
If you get hurt deep in the Amazon rainforest and don’t have the help you need close by, your international travel insurance could also offer evacuation coverage if you need to be transported to another place to get care.
If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Brazil may cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in Brazil
Nobody ever plans for lost bags, but it happens. What happens if you board your flight in Canada and then realize that you made it to Brazil but your bags didn’t? That could be even more frustrating if you also checked your surfboard in hopes of catching the stellar waves in Itacare.
If you get to Brazil and then realize that the airline lost your bag, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance for Brazil may reimburse you for the cost to replace your surfboard and other 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.
If you’re lucky, your bags and surfboard just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
Travel insurance for stolen items in Brazil
While it’s a good idea to always be cautious when you’re traveling in Brazil, it’s especially important to be vigilant during crowded, busy events like Carnival. Yes - it’s the party of all parties, and the Guinness Book of World Records even named the Carnival of Sao Paulo the world’s largest street carnival.
You just can’t imagine how massive it is until you’re stuck in a sea of millions of people. It’s a great time to make new friends, but it’s also unfortunately a prime spot for pickpocketing. It can be really easy for someone to snatch your phone or cash out of your pocket without you even knowing. Sometimes pickpockets operate in gangs around crowded areas. One person may cause a distraction, while one steals, another stashes the stolen items, and another keeps watch.
As tempting as it can be to wear your bling out on the town, you may want to lock that up in the safe in your hotel room, along with your credit cards, passport, and other valuables. If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim.
You’ll need to do your part to keep your belongings safe too. If you have too many caipirinhas and leave your bag in a boteco, you won’t be covered if it’s not there waiting on you the next day.
Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Brazil
Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip.
If you get sick before leaving Canada and your doctor tells you not to travel to Brazil at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A good travel insurance for Brazil that includes cancellation coverage could reimburse you for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
Unexpected things can also happen once you’re already in Brazil. If you get a call that an immediate family member back home has died, we understand that you may need to cut your trip short and head back home to Canada earlier than expected.
When you’re searching for the best travel insurance for Brazil, check to make sure it has coverage for trip cancellation, delay, and interruption. If it does, you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if something unexpected happens.
Tips for Traveling to Brazil from Canada
Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for Brazil 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.
Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot, only to find out you have a dead battery. Back home in Canada, you may be able to order a new camera battery and have it pretty quickly, but Amazon doesn’t do same day delivery to the Amazon rainforest. Also, with all of the wildlife you’ll see in Brazil, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.
If you purchase travel insurance for Brazil, it’s 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.
Overall, Brazil is an amazing country full of culture, natural beauty, and adventures. Our nomads have really enjoyed their time there, and we think you will too. To help you further plan, we invite you to check out more of our travel safety tips for Brazil before you leave Canada.
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.
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 South America
From trekking the Peruvian Andes to diving off the Galapagos Islands, learn how travel insurance for South America could help Canadians
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As featured in:
- Do I need travel insurance for South America?
- Travel insurance for activities in South America
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in South America
- Travel insurance for lost bags in South America
- Travel insurance for stolen items in South America
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to South America
- Tips for Canadians travelling to South America
Whether you want to stand in awe of the stunning Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, adventure into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, or salsa all night in Cali, South America is a continent of so many thrills. City, culture, and nature travelers alike can relish the offerings of this mesmerizing continent.
While a trip to South America is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from Canada. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to explore travel insurance plans for South America.
Do I need travel insurance for South America?
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like the hidden petroglyphs that you can find in the Atacama Desert.
Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like cancelled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you twist your ankle, fall, and get hurt while doing the El Choro trek in Bolivia, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for South America.
Travel insurance provides coverage for some of the sudden, unexpected and unforeseeable circumstances you may experience while on your trip. World Nomads offers two plans, the Standard plan and the Explorer plan, to choose from and provides cover designed for different types of travellers and adventures.
Travel insurance for activities in South America
Famed for adventures like hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and sandboarding in Atacama Desert, South America offers many thrills for the intrepid traveller. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to South America and includes things like rafting the Rio Futaleufu in Chile, kayaking in the Amazon, surfing in Mancora, Peru, and rock climbing in Patagonia.
It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when purchasing the plan—and if something happens while you are participating in an activity you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go hiking while on your trip and you didn’t list that activity out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen on the trail. You may want to overshoot and list out all possible activities you may do, just in case.
Also keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both of our Standard and Explorer Plans. To have coverage for adventures sports, work, and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need to upgrade your adventure sports coverage and pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions apply to certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in South America
Many popular destinations are at high altitudes including the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia and Lake Titicaca. It’s no fun to be experiencing altitude sickness while you’re hiking in the Andes or exploring the markets of Cusco. Take some time to get acclimated to the new heights and stay hydrated—this means drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, as tempting as it might be to have that second Pisco Sour.
Accidents can happen to anyone. Maybe you’re hiking across Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia when you slip, fall, and injure yourself. Your travel insurance for South America can help you out.
If you have a medical emergency when travelling to South America, you can call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.
If your attending physician and the 24/7 emergency assistance team determine that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for South America may cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in South America
What happens if you land in Cartagena, Colombia and your bag never arrives? If you were planning on doing the Ciudad Perdida Teyuna– the Lost City Hike—, you probably packed your hiking boots. Your insurance for South America may help you be reimbursed for your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag may be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).
If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens for 12 consecutive hours or more, you may still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited by your airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you file a lost luggage claim.
The obelisk on Ave 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo credit: Getty Images / Andrew Peacock
Travel insurance for stolen items in South America
Theft is something to watch out for when you travel to South America- especially in crowded touristy areas or busy cities like Sao Paolo or Bogota. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front.
Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, train stations, and airports. We’ve heard about organized scams where a visitor gets sprayed with something and then a “good Samaritan” points it out and offers to help. It’s really a ploy to divert your attention while someone else comes up and steals your belongings.
If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that to make a claim for those stolen goods.
It’s important that you do your part to keep your belongings safe as well. If your purse gets stolen while having a few too many drinks during a wild night out in Buenos Aires, your World Nomads travel insurance may not cover your loss.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to South America
Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans.
What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for South America? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for South America that includes cancellation coverage may reimburse you for those unused, non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
If you’re already on your trip, and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, your World Nomads travel insurance may provide reimbursement if your trip was delayed or interrupted by one of the covered reasons under your policy.
Tips for Canadians travelling to South America
Before you head south for your grand adventure, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s travel warnings for each country you plan to visit. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.
If you purchase travel insurance for South America, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
There are so many great tours that Canadian visitors can book in South America. When you’re researching options, try to find an eco-friendly tour operator. With the vast amount of untouched natural land and waterways in South America, it’s up to us nomads to do our part to protect it for years to come.
Before you take off, brush up on a few key Spanish phrases—and Portuguese if you’re heading to Brazil! You may also want to read up on some cultural do’s and don’ts, like insider etiquette tips for Argentina and check out our regional guides like this first-timer’s guide to Salvador, Brazil.
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 about your coverage, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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 water sports and activities
What to know when getting your adrenaline rush in and around the water
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As featured in:
Making the most of stand-up paddle-boarding SUP in Asia, a casual reef snorkeling experience in Hawaii, or maybe you want to dial up the adrenaline and go parasailing in Canada.
As fun as they sound, water sports activities aren’t always smooth sailing. World Nomads travel insurance can help you keep your head above water if the unexpected occurs.
- What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
- What types of water activities and sports are covered?
- Different levels of cover and optional extras
- What's not covered
- Tips for your water activity and sports trip
What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?
As a team of professional travel tragics ourselves, we know how important it is to cover yourself against the unexpected. Medical costs in overseas hospitals can be exorbitant, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Depending on your Country of Residence and your selected plan, travel insurance may help if:
- You’re injured and need medical transport or evacuation home.
- You want cover for your bags and valuables in case they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
- You need to cancel yout rip or your trip is unexpectedly delayed.
- You’ve already left home and need to buy travel insurance.
- You want cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
- You need cover for overseas medical expenses and hospitalization costs.
- You’re looking for cover for adventure sports, activities, and experiences.
Your coverage will vary according to your country of residence and whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on cover, maximum benefit limits, exclusions and conditions of your coverage.
What types of water activities and sports are covered?
Whether you want to be in, on or under the water, having insurance as a safety net can be a good idea. These are just some of the many water sports covered under our plans:
- Wakeboarding
- Kiteboarding
- Windsurfing
- Boating (inland and coastal waters)
- Parasailing
- SUP
- Rowing/sculling
- Jet skiing
- Water skiing
- Tubing
and many more activities, sports and experiences…
*All plans are different and may require an upgrade for some water activities and sports. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or water sport option for your trip.
Differents levels of cover and optional extras
With cover for more than 200 activities, sports and experiences, our team of travel experts are all about supporting you as you venture into the global depths.
When considering the specific water or non-water related activities, it’s vital that you decide on what you’ll be doing before going overseas. You cannot add sports or activities after purchasing a policy.
World Nomads has several Level 1 activities, sports and experiences which you’ll be covered for automatically and are usually lower risk activities. For example, snorkeling, parasailing (over water only), water skiing and whitewater rafting are automatically covered under both Standard and Explorer plans.
You may want to push some boundaries and add some more intense activities and sports that are categorised as Level 2 or above. For example, parasailing, deep sea fishing, and water skiing (barefoot) require an additional premium under either plan. The Explorer Plan covers you for higher risk activities and sports and will cost you an additional premium.
Travel insurance tip: World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 200 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you shouldn’t take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered. You can’t upgrade your level of cover mid-way through your holiday, so do consider this wisely.
When choosing World Nomads, you’ll have access to two simple and flexible plans – Standard and Explorer. Both plans have several coverage options and optional extras. We offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Overseas medical expenses: whether you’re in a raft traveling at break-neck speed or gliding along behind a boat on skis, if you’re new to these activities, the wobbles are a given. It only takes one fall or jolt to see you wind up with a jarred back, neck or a twisted ankle. Emergency medical bills can ruin your holiday, that’s where insurance comes in.
- 24-hour Emergency assistance: if you’re in a remote area and find yourself in need of urgent medical help, it’s not always easy to find help. World Nomads provides 24-hour Emergency Assistance. Our staff can assist you all the way from needing directions to a medical facility, helping with multi-lingual services, to urgent medical evacuation off a mountain.
- Unexpected weather conditions may interrupt/delay your plans: crazy weather such as tornadoes or cyclones, huge swells, and in some cases tsunami warnings, can delay flights and force operators to cancel pre-booked activities. Our plans may cover unexpected conditions, including natural disasters, trip cancellation and delays.
Whichever plan you go with, you agree to take reasonable care and not put yourself at needless risk while participating in these adventure sports. You must follow any local government or health authority warning or advice.
What's not covered?
While there are several things we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Participation in a water sports competition as a professional athlete
- Sporting equipment damaged from use
- Search-and-rescue mission
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government warnings
- Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies
- Any existing medical conditions, except as may be noted in the policy wording
- Any claims resulting from the violation of local laws
- Losses that come from knowingly exposing yourself to needless risk
- Fraudulent or criminal acts.
Tips for your water activity and sports sports trip
- Cover for stolen baggage and sports gear: travel insurance may be able to help if your water sports equipment is damaged or lost in transit. Note: it won’t be able to help if you break something while you’re using it, like your SUP paddle breaks, as exclusions apply to sports equipment in use.
- Monitor weather conditions and consider your fitness: you may want to reconsider your plans for a water-based holiday if you’re traveling to an island nation during the least optimal season weather-wise. You also need to ensure you are fit enough to take on any water-related activities or sports that you plan on doing. There’s no point signing up for cage-diving for instance if you’re prone to panicking or aren’t a proficient swimmer.
- Ensure your activity operators are certified and/or accredited – you should make sure that any activity you do is covered by the appropriate body or you must have the right experience level and accreditation. For example, if you’re scuba diving you must hold a current P.A.D.I. (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), B.S.A.C. (British Sub Aqua Club), SAA (Sub Aqua Association), C.M.A.S. (Confederation Mondiale Des Activites Subaquatiques), or equivalent internationally recognised qualification and follow their relevant association, club or confederation rules and guidelines at all times. Or you must only dive under the constant supervision of a properly licensed diving instructor.
- Do your research regarding vaccinations and entry requirements: if you’re going somewhere remote, ensure you’re up to date with your vaccinations and have taken preventative measures for exotic diseases like malaria, as required by the World Health Organization. Some destinations require proof of these on arrival. Remain up to date with global health warnings by monitoring int and follow the advice of your government.
- Cover for Coronavirus-related events: we offer cover for some Coronavirus-related events that may assist if your trip is derailed by COVID-19. To find out more, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which goes into more detail on all the benefits, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
True Claims Stories
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 Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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)
Travel insurance when visiting Great Britain
What to know when planning your British getaway.
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As featured in:
If you’re planning a holiday to Great Britain - home to our British royals, historic castles, sprawling country-sides and Shakespearian folklore settings, you may want to consider travel insurance, so that you can enjoy your British adventure.
Your World Nomads’ policy includes coverage for:
- Lost, damaged or stolen baggage coverage
- Delayed baggage
- Overseas emergency medical coverage
- Coverage for activities and sports when in Great Britain
What should you look out for when travelling to Great Britain?
Lost or stolen or damaged baggage cover
It can be upsetting to touch down at Heathrow airport and find your baggage isn’t on the carousel when you arrive. There’s also the chance that your sporting gear could get stolen on public transport or from your hotel. This is where World Nomads Travel Insurance may help ease the pain and may provide coverage (up to the policy limits) for loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal items if your specific situation falls within the covered risks insured by the policy.
What to do if your bags are stolen or damaged: if your bags have been stolen or damaged you’ll need to file a report with your airline or travel carrier, tour operator, or lodging provider. In the case of a theft, you’ll need to report it to the local police or relevant authority. Be sure to obtain a copy of the policy report, written reports, luggage receipts, travel documents and all correspondence with the carrier or service provider. Insurance won’t cover things such as losing bags or valuables that were left unattended; this includes if they were left unattended in a car (even if the car is locked). So, if you left your backpack on a tour bus while visiting Stonehenge that’s a loss you most likely won’t be reimbursed for.
You may also need to take depreciation into account, so read your policy to understand how depreciation will affect your claims.
Delayed baggage
You may be covered for the replacement of necessary personal effects if your bags were lost in transit to Great Britain. There is a waiting period of 12 hours before your benefits begin. Your plan may cover the cost of toiletries, and some basic clothing until you are reunited with your luggage.
What to do if your bags are delayed: You’ll need to report the incident and file a claim directly with the air carrier first. Do your best to get copies of all receipts, written reports, luggage receipts, travel documents and all correspondence with the carrier or service providers. If needed, you can make a claim.
Travel insurance tip 1: Don’t leave your bags and valuables out of your sight and reach. Try and carry your portable electronic devices, valuables, travel documents, cash and credit cards with you at all times. Remember that if you buy anything, before or during your trip, keep all receipts.
Overseas emergency medical coverage
It’s important to know that Canada and the UK do not have reciprocal healthcare agreements. You may want to consider travel insurance for overseas emergency medical emergencies before you enter the UK. If you’re injured in an accident or suddenly get sick while travelling, and you've bought a policy for the activities you're doing, you may be covered for emergency medical treatment including:
- Direction to the closest appropriate care
- Hospitalization
- Out-patient treatment for medical emergencies
- Prescribed medicines, X-rays, and laboratory tests
- Being brought home if medically necessary
You must contact us before seeking medical attention, emergency evacuation or repatriation. If your situation is life-threatening, seek medical help immediately and call us as soon as medically possible or have someone contact us on your behalf.
Your policy may also be able to help with these travel related issues
- Trip cancellation: You may recover non-refundable, pre-paid holiday costs should you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reasons such as a confirmed and documented diagnosis of sickness, as certified by a doctor, before your departure.
- Trip interruption: During your holiday, you might have to return home early because of sudden or unforeseen events affecting you, a travel companion, or an immediate family member. With trip interruption coverage, you may be eligible for reimbursement for a one-way, economy-fare ticket home to Canada and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip that you would forfeit due to a covered reason. Please refer to the Trip Interruption section of your policy for more information.
Travel insurance tip 2: In some parts of the UK (including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) the local inhabitants may speak in Gaelic, Welsh or Irish language. In the event you suffer a medical emergency, our 24/7 assistance team can provide assistance with corresponding with hospital staff when you don’t speak the local language.
Coverage for activities and sports when in Great Britain
If you’re thinking of trekking or hiking in remote parts of the UK like Pembrokeshire in Wales’ southwest, or kitesurfing in Troon, on the west coast of Scotland, World Nomads may provide you with the coverage you need for your adventure activities. World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for more than 150 activities and sports. Carefully examine your policy documents to make sure your planned activities are included. If the adventure sport isn’t listed, you may need to upgrade your policy to ensure you’re covered for everything you plan to do. All adventure, sports, work or volunteer activities must be added when you purchase your policy. If you have any questions our customer service team can also assist you.
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 about your coverage, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
True Claims Stories
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 the United Kingdom
Discover how travel insurance for US residents traveling to the UK may cover medical emergencies, lost baggage, cancelations, and plenty of thrilling activities.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
At a glance:
- Travel insurance benefits for the United Kingdom may include trip cancellation, delay, and interruption
- Coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and natural disasters while abroad
- Protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
- Coverage for 250+ adventure and sports activities across the United Kingdom (cycling and hiking included)!
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility. Additional terms apply
- Do I need travel insurance for the United Kingdom?
- Travel insurance for activities in the United Kingdom
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the United Kingdom
- Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in the United Kingdom
- Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the United Kingdom
- Tips for traveling to the United Kingdom from the US
- Tips for traveling to Japan from the United States
Famed for its high tea and theater (hello, Shakespeare!), historic cities like Edinburgh and Bath, edgy nightlife in East London, idyllic countryside, and the remote, rugged islands of Scotland like the dreamy Isle of Skye, the United Kingdom draws millions of Americans every year.
You can taste smoky whisky across Scotland’s Speyside, pub hop in Manchester, relax in a stone cottage in the Cotswolds, celebrate at Notting Hill Carnival in West London, and amble through castles and along coasts in Wales.
While a trip to the United Kingdom is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to look into travel insurance* to protect your adventures to the United Kingdom.
Do I need travel insurance for the United Kingdom?
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like stumbling across centuries-old ruins along the Scottish coast.
Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you fall and injure yourself while hiking in Cairngorms National Park, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for the United Kingdom.
World Nomads has four 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 the United Kingdom
You may be planning some hikes in West Midlands or hoping to catch some waves in Cornwall. The United Kingdom is filled with all sorts of adventures such as stargazing in Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to the United Kingdom and includes things like surfing, camping, and hiking.
Before you get a quote for your travel insurance for the United Kingdom, it’s a good idea to have an idea of which activities you’d like to do. Each insurance plan covers different activities so with a rough itinerary, you can select the best insurance for your adventure.
For example, rock climbing in the Peak District is covered under all World Nomads insurance plans. Kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding in the Lake District, among other water sports, are covered as well. If you’re planning to cliff jump in scenic Port Gaverne off the coast of North Cornwall, though, you’ll need to upgrade from the Standard Plan and purchase the Explorer or Epic Plan.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the United Kingdom
While the United Kingdom doesn’t have as high as peaks as some other destinations, accidents can still happen. You might be trying to ascend Snowdonia—a popular climbing area in Wales—and slip and fall. If you need to seek emergency medical attention, your travel insurance for the United Kingdom may help you get the care you need.
If you have a medical emergency when traveling to the United Kingdom, 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. In general, the United Kingdom has reliable health care, and your World Nomads travel insurance can help you navigate the system.
If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for the United Kingdom may cover the costs to get you there.
To streamline your experience seeking medical treatment in the United Kingdom we recommend signing up for Portable Health Records before your trip. This non-insurance service partner makes your documents, prescriptions, test results, and emergency contacts accessible in one place anywhere in the world. Whether you need to refill a prescription or deal with a more serious injury, FootprintID expedites the process.
Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in the United Kingdom
Nobody plans for lost bags, but it happens. If you’re planning to climb Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, you probably packed your new pair of hiking boots. If you get to Glasgow and realize that your bag hasn’t arrived, your travel insurance for the United Kingdom may reimburse you for the cost to replace your hiking boots and other belongings.
If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact our non-insurance service partner that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.
Generally, the United Kingdom is a safe destination. Pickpockets can happen occasionally, though, especially in larger cities. You’ll especially want to be careful with public transportation like the Tube in London, which can get super crowded. If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim and get reimbursed for stolen goods with your travel insurance for United Kingdom.
You’ll need to do your part in keeping your belongings safe as well. If you have a few too many pints of Guinness during a pub crawl in Belfast and lose your wallet, World Nomads travel insurance won’t cover your loss.
Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the United Kingdom
Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip. Before you get a quote, make sure your insurance plan for the United Kingdom covers trip cancelation and interruptions so you can be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if something unexpected happens.
Sometimes unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans. What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for the UK? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for the United Kingdom that includes cancelation coverage may reimburse you for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
With the Explorer or Epic Plan, several travel inconveniences are covered as well. For instance, if you’re on a road trip through the colorful villages and wild coast of Northern Ireland and your rental car breaks down, causing you to be at least 12 hours late to your scheduled destination or return destination, you may be reimbursed for covered expenses incurred.
Tips for traveling to the United Kingdom from the US
Although the UK is typically a safe country, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for the United Kingdom before you leave for your trip. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.
If you purchase travel insurance for the United Kingdom, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
Not exactly known for its sunny skies, the weather in the UK can change at the drop of a hat. Come prepared for rain, sun, and chilly, windy days. While a change in weather might just mean ducking into a cozy pub if you’re wandering around London, be careful with weather in Wales, Scotland, and other coastal and mountainous regions. Weather can change without notice, which can create dangerous conditions if you’re on a slippery peak or windy cliff.
Consider exploring the United Kingdom by train! The region is well-connected by short- and long-distance routes. Train travel is a fun way to slow down and reduce your carbon footprint, while watching the green pastures of farms and forests flicker by.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
True Claims Stories
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 teamAdventure awaits
Be prepared with simple and flexible trip insurance for international travel.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. You'd rather not think about all of the things that might go wrong on your trip, but these things can and do happen.World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover your trip essentials. Even if you run out of travel insurance or leave without it, World Nomads can cover you. We don't just keep you and your family protected, with us, you'll travel smarter and safer.
A true claim story
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)
We cover 150+ Adventure Activities you love + more
- Scuba diving
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Skiing
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 Europe
Traveling to Europe offers a myriad of exciting choices such as arts, culture, food, and sporting events. The possibilities are endless!
- As featured in:
As featured in:
One of the great travel regions of the world, Europe has something for everyone. From natural wonders to beautiful cities there’s no shortage of adventures to be had! Whether you’re skiing in Italy, hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland or island hopping in Greece, World Nomads has cover available for you.
What’s Covered
Here are some of the highlights of our coverage, depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected:
- Emergency overseas medical: if you become sick or injured during your trip your policy may cover you for overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: if you need emergency transport home due to a serious illness or injury. With our coverage, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event. Depending on your country of residence and which plan you’ve selected you may be covered for your non-refundable, pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses.
- Trip cancellation: one of the biggest questions with any international travel currently is related to cancellations. Depending on your country of residence and which plan you’ve selected you may be covered for your non-refundable, pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses. Always make sure you read the details of your policy carefully, so you know what you are covered for. If in doubt about coverage and our plans, contact us.
- Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.
- Family plans: our policies cover up to 8 children and grandchildren (up to 17 years of age depending on your country of residence). Our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on the one policy.
- Adventure activities and sports: we cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences across land, sea and sky. Check before you buy that your adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: to find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has more details, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Europe?
Europe covers a massive area and is made up of a diverse range of countries, climates, cultures and people. In most cases, travelling goes off without a hitch. But having the right travel insurance for you can take the added stress out of travel if things don’t go to plan.
Multi-Destination Trips
We may offer cover for multiple destinations around Europe or worldwide. You will need to choose either each country you're visiting or if you're unsure where you'll be travelling then pick 'Europe' when you get a quote. If you’re backpacking your way around Europe, staying in hostels, going out on the town and adventuring whenever you can, travel insurance may provide cover for medical emergencies and evacuation, stolen items, and more than 150 adventures, sports and activities including volunteering and working.
Families
Traveling as a family can be an incredibly rewarding experience and what better place to have a family adventure than Europe! Our policies can help cover for medical emergency, pregnancy complications, coronavirus, trip interruption, and also provide 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance. Cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy. You can find more information on family cover by checking out our family travel insurance article.
Winter Activities
Winter in Europe is like a fairy tale. From hiking in the Swiss Alps, to Husky sledding in Finland, and snowboarding in Cervinia in Italy, our travel insurance offers more than 150 activities, sports and experiences for you and your loved ones to seek out.
Summer Adventures
An adventure-lovers dream, you can enjoy your European summer odyssey knowing our policies may cover you for a range of activities including hiking trips, road trips, kayaking & rafting and even sailing.
We offer two plans for depending on your country of residence – Standard and Explorer. Each policy provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need:
- The Standard Plan covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities and has lower coverage limits.
- Our level of activities and sports cover starts at Level 1 and goes all the way up to level 3 for some more extreme activities. The Explorer Plan will come in handy if you want to be covered for certain activities and sports that are only covered at levels 2 or 3. You must select all your activities and sports and pay the additional premium. The selected activities as well as the highest level of cover will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
How do the levels of activity and sports cover work?
- (1) Level 1 - Automatically covers Level 1 sports, activities & experiences and non-manual work in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan.
- (2) Level 2 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 sports, activities & experiences, non-manual and manual work.
- (3) Level 3 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences and manual work.
Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply, check your Policy Wording for details or contact us.
What to look out for when travelling around Europe
- Severe weather: some parts of Europe can experience four seasons in one day, and some destinations are prone to natural disasters. If your trip is interrupted or cancelled as a result of severe weather you may be able to claim.
- Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: It’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables unattended. If you're after travel insurance cover for your tech gear and other high value items read more here. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with — passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets — and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.
- Baggage theft or loss: if you’re on a European road trip and your rental car gets broken into, or your airline loses your bags, you may be able to claim to replace the item or claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned. Our policies can also offer cover for your rental vehicle insurance excess.
- Pickpockets: While most countries in Europe are amongst the safest to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed in many top tourist hotspots. If your items are stolen travel insurance could help replace them.
What’s not covered
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:
- Pre-existing medical conditions – see the Policy Wording for details.
- Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the U.S. Department of State (see state.gov)
- Unattended baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed or failing to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
- Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
- Pregnancy and/or any related pregnancy complications, except as described in Health conditions & your policy in the Policy Wording. Costs or losses otherwise associated with a single or multiple pregnancy or childbirth including, but not limited to, caesarean section or any other medically or surgically assisted delivery which does not cause medical complications.
Handy tips for traveling in Europe
- Always check the Visa requirements – some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passports and some may require Visas that can take several weeks to organise.
- Pack light – especially if you’ll be travelling around Europe using public transport.
- Check for discounts – many cities offer tourist discount cards which may give you discounts on attraction entry fees, transport and even restaurants.
- Book attraction tickets in advance – if you know your plans then consider booking ahead for popular tourist sites such as the Vatican, London Eye and Eiffel Tower as tickets can sell out and some attractions require pre-booking.
This is not a full list of what’s covered and what’s not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
Did you know travel insurance covers...
- Trip cancellation
- Emergency medical
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Lost or damaged gear
- Delayed baggage
- Death overseas
- Terrorism
- And more...
You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.
True Claims Stories
Never travel without travel insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain, and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
U.S resident in Spain
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- 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)
A true claim story
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 Europe
Travelling to Europe offers a myriad of exciting choices such as arts, culture, food, and sporting events. The possibilities are endless!
- As featured in:
As featured in:
One of the great travel regions of the world, Europe has something for everyone. From natural wonders to beautiful cities there’s no shortage of adventures to be had! Whether you’re skiing in Switzerland, hiking the Via Ferrata in Italy or sailing the seas of Croatia, World Nomads has cover available for you.
What’s Covered
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:
- Emergency overseas medical: if you become sick or injured during your trip your policy may cover you for overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: if you need emergency transport home due to a serious illness or injury. With our coverage, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us.
- Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event. Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
- Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.
- Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on the one policy.
- Adventure, activities and sports: we cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences across land, sea and sky. Check before you buy that your adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: Both our plans offer cover for coronavirus-related events. Our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has more details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions.
What to look out for when travelling around Europe
Multi-Destination Trips
If you’re backpacking your way around Europe, staying in hostels, going out on the town, and adventuring whenever you can, travel insurance may provide cover for medical emergencies and evacuation, stolen items, and more than 150 adventures, sports and activities including volunteering and working.
Families
Travelling as a family can be an incredibly rewarding experience and what better place to have a family adventure than Europe! Our policies can help cover for medical emergency, pregnancy, coronavirus, trip interruption and provide 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance. Cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy. You can find more information on family cover by checking out our family travel insurance article.
Winter Activities
Winter activities in Europe are like a fairy tale. From hiking in the Swiss Alps, to Husky sledding in Finland, and snowboarding in Cervinia in Italy, our travel insurance offers more than 150 activities, sports and experiences.
Summer Adventures
An adventure-lovers dream, you can enjoy your European summer odyssey knowing our policies may cover you for a range of activities including hiking trips, road trips, kayaking and rafting and sailing.
We offer two plans for New Zealand residents – Standard and Explorer. Each policy provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need:
- The Standard Plan covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities and has lower coverage limits.
- Our level of activities and sports cover starts at Level 1 and goes all the way up to level 3 for some more extreme activities. The Explorer Plan will come in handy if you want to be covered for certain activities and sports that are only covered at level 2 or 3. You must select all your activities and sports and pay the additional premium. The selected activities as well as the highest level of cover will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
How do the levels of activity and sports cover work?
Level 1 - Automatically covers Level 1 sports, activities & experiences in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. Low-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 1.
Level 2 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 sports, activities & experiences. Higher-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 2.
Level 3 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences. Highest-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 3 (including snow sports).
Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply, check your Policy Document for details or contact us.
What to look out for when travelling around Europe
- Severe weather: some parts of Europe can experience four seasons in one day, and some destinations are prone to natural disasters. If your trip is interrupted or cancelled as a result of severe weather you may be able to claim.
- Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: It’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables unsupervised. If you're after travel insurance cover for your tech gear and other high value items read more here. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with — passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets — and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.
- Baggage theft or loss: if you’re on a European road trip and your rental car gets broken into, or your airline loses your bags, you may be able to claim to replace the item or claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned. Our Explorer plan can also offer cover for your rental vehicle insurance excess.
- Pickpockets: While most countries in Europe are amongst the safest to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed in many top tourist hotspots. If your items are stolen travel insurance could help replace them.
What’s not covered
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:
- Existing medical conditions – see the Policy Document for details.
- Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the New Zealand Government (see safetravel.govt.nz)
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed or failing to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
- Unsupervised baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
- Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
- Any pregnancy-related illness after the 26th week of gestation. *Childbirth; regular antenatal care; care of a newborn child.
Be sure to read the Policy Document and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don’t cover so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.
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.
Handy tips for travelling in Europe
- Always check the Visa requirements – some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passports and some may require Visas that can take several weeks to organise.
- Pack light – especially if you’ll be travelling around Europe using public transport.
- Check for discounts – many cities offer tourist discount cards which may give you discounts on attraction entry fees, transport and even restaurants.
- Book attraction tickets in advance – if you know your plans then consider booking ahead for popular tourist sites such as the Vatican, London Eye and Eiffel Tower as tickets can sell out and some attractions require pre-booking.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
True Claims Stories
Never travel without travel insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain, and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
U.S resident in Spain
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- 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 Europe
Travelling to Europe offers a myriad of exciting choices such as arts, culture, food, and sporting events. The possibilities are endless!
- As featured in:
As featured in:
One of the great travel regions of the world, Europe has ancient cultures, diverse scenery and dramatic coastlines. Whether you’re skiing in France, hiking in Spain or island hopping in Greece, World Nomads has cover options available for you.
What's Covered
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:
- Emergency overseas medical: if you become sick or injured during your trip your policy may cover you for overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: if you need emergency transport home due to a serious illness or injury. With our coverage, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us.
- Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event. Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.
- Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.
- Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on the one policy.
- Adventure activities and sports: we cover more than 220 activities, sports and experiences across land, sea and sky. Check before you buy that your adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: Both our plans offer cover for some coronavirus-related events. Our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has more details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions.
Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Europe?
Europe covers a massive area and is made up of a diverse range of countries, climates, cultures and people. In most cases, travelling goes off without a hitch. But having the right travel insurance for you can take the added stress out of travel if things don’t go to plan.
Multi-Destination Trips
If you’re backpacking around Europe, staying in hostels, going out on the town, and adventuring whenever you can, travel insurance may provide cover for medical emergencies and evacuation, stolen items, and more than 220 activities, sports and experiences including volunteering and working.
Families
Travelling as a family can be a rewarding experience as you explore Europe together. Our policies can help cover for medical emergency, pregnancy, coronavirus, trip interruption and provide 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance. Cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy, you can find more information on family cover by checking out our family travel insurance article.
Winter Activities
Winter activities in Europe are a must do on your travel activity list. From hiking in the Swiss Alps, to Husky sledding in Finland, and snowboarding in Cervinia in Italy, our travel insurance offers more than 220 activities, sports and experiences.
Summer Adventures
An adventure-lovers dream, you can enjoy your European summer odyssey knowing our policies may cover you for a range of activities including hiking trips, road trips, kayaking & rafting and even sailing.
We offer two plans for Australian Residents – Standard and Explorer. Each policy provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need:
- The Standard Plan covers a range of benefits and certain adventure activities and has lower coverage limits.
- Our level of activities and sports cover starts at Level 1 and goes all the way up to level 3 for some more extreme activities. The Explorer Plan will come in handy if you want to be covered for certain activities and sports that are only covered at level 2 or 3. You must select all your activities and sports and pay the additional premium. The selected activities as well as the highest level of cover will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
How do the levels of activity and sports cover work?
(1) Level 1 - Automatically covers Level 1 sports, activities & experiences in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. Low-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 1.
(2) Level 2 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 sports, activities & experiences. Higher-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 2.
(3) Level 3 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences. Highest-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 3 (including snow sports).
Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply, check your PDS for details or contact us.
What to look out for when travelling around Europe
- Severe weather: some parts of Europe can experience four seasons in one day, and some destinations are prone to natural disasters such as flooding. If your trip is interrupted or cancelled as a result of severe weather you may be able to claim.
- Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: it’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables unsupervised. If you're after travel insurance cover for your tech gear and other high value items read more here. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with – passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets – and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.
- Baggage theft or loss: if you’re on a European road trip and your rental car is broken into, or your airline loses your bags, you may be able to claim to replace the item or claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned. The Explorer plan can also offer cover for your rental vehicle insurance excess.
- Pickpockets: while most countries in Europe are very safe to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed in many top tourist hotspots. If your items are stolen travel insurance could help replace them.
What’s not covered
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:
- Existing medical conditions – see the PDS for details.
- Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the Australian Government (see smartraveller.gov.au)
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed or failing to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
- Unsupervised baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
- Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
- Any pregnancy-related illness after the 26th week of gestation.
- Childbirth; regular antenatal care; care of a newborn child.
Be sure to read the PDS and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.
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.
Handy tips for travelling in Europe:
- Always check the Visa requirements – some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passports and some may require Visas that can take several weeks to organise.
- Pack light – especially if you’ll be travelling around Europe using public transport.
- Check for discounts – many cities offer tourist discount cards which may give you discounts on attraction entry fees, transport and even restaurants.
- Book attraction tickets in advance – if you know your plans then consider booking ahead for popular tourist sites such as the Vatican, London Eye and Eiffel Tower as tickets can sell out and some attractions require pre-booking.
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 PDS 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.
True Claims Stories
Never travel without travel insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain, and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
U.S resident in Spain
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- 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)
A true claim story
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team