Photo © VichoT/IStock

Travel Insurance for Mountain Biking

Whether you’re a hobby mountain biker or serious fiend, travel insurance for mountain biking can stand you in good stead when the mountain wins.

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Check what’s covered before you head up the mountain

Nothing shouts adventure for Irish travellers than the speed and thrills of mountain biking. But as fun as mountain biking can be it can also lead to nasty cuts, bruises and injuries. That’s why travel insurance comes in handy when your mountain bike ride doesn’t go to plan.

What’s covered for mountain biking?

 Our plans can help you navigate any unexpected mishaps and help get you back on track. World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Overseas emergency medical treatment
  • Overseas emergency medical transport and repatriation back to Ireland
  • Emergency dental treatment and prescribed physiotherapy treatment overseas
  • Reimbursement of lost, stolen or damaged baggage or personal items (including your passport) up to the benefit limits. Remember to keep copies of your original receipts if you need to make a claim
  • Your checked-in baggage being delayed for more than 24 hours and the replacement costs for essential clothing and toiletries while waiting for your baggage (keep receipts)
  • Costs of cancelling your trip or if you have to return home early due to sudden injury or illness to you, your close relative or travel companion.

Two travel insurance plans to suit your sport and activity needs

Unfortunately we can’t help with that punctured tyre but if you’ve seriously hurt yourself World Nomads Travel Insurance Standard and Explorer plans can offer coverage for unforeseen medical costs on your next mountain biking adventure overseas. Both our plans offer optional upgrades so if you plan on taking lifts for some gripping descents, you must upgrade to the activity level that suits your needs at the time you purchase your policy.

What do you do if something happens to you?

We understand that unexpected accidents and illnesses may strike at any moment, that’s why the World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team is here to help you navigate any issues you may have if you end up in hospital. If you’re admitted to hospital, you (or someone else) must notify our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team as soon as reasonably possible. Your medical expenses can be paid directly to the hospital, where possible, once cover is confirmed. For more information on what to do if you need emergency assistance while overseas check out our Overseas Medical Treatment and Hospitalisation Help Centre article.

Travel insurance tip: Irish travellers, if you require any medical treatment during your trip while outside of Ireland (and as soon as your medically able to do so) you’ll need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and claims procedures. Where your PMI provider cannot provide assistance, get in touch with our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible before incurring medical costs, and also please provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us coordinate your care. For more information on what to do please refer to Section 8 Medical Sections of Cover, Important Information, in your Policy Wording.

You can also claim for your non-refundable costs of cancelling your trip if you or your travel buddy suddenly gets sick or hurt before you go on your trip. We also offer cover if you’re left empty-handed when the airline loses your baggage; or if a storm affects your connecting flight and puts the brakes on your travel plans (Explorer Plan only).

Why buy travel insurance when you’re going mountain biking?

Having travel insurance can help take some of the stress out if you end up in hospital with unexpected medical costs from a broken leg to some bangs and scrapes. Importantly travel insurance offers coverage for those ‘worst possible case’ scenarios when you need to be repatriated to Ireland to recover.

An upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required and terms and conditions apply for each activity. Check out our activities article for details or contact us if you have questions.

World Nomads plans offer cover for many mountain bike destinations: 

  • Les Gets, France where the lower Alps make for perfect mountain biking trails
  • Spain’s southern Andalucía region for riding in the sun
  • The downhill, cross-country and single tracks of Whistler Canada
  • Desert riding around Colorado and New Mexico

What’s not covered?

Some things we may not cover for mountain bike riding include: 

  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Theft, loss and damage to bikes and their related accessories
  • Participating in racing events
  • Personal liability while bike riding
  • Leaving baggage, personal items or any mountain biking gear unattended
  • Any search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation
  • Misuse of alcohol or drugs to the extent that it risks your health or impairs your faculties
  • Damage from any illegal activity.

For more information, go to our Help Desk mountain biking article. 

This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the Policy Wording for complete details of cover and exclusions. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.


Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Maskot / Getty

Flexcations Travel Insurance Coverage

US Residents can protect their working vacations with travel insurance

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At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans could cover losses resulting from flexcation trips where working and fun come together, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage.
  • Emergency Medical Expense Coverage may assist with medical costs and transport if you're seriously hurt while working and traveling.
  • Our travel protection plans can include coverage for transportation if your condition is severe, acute, or life-threatening and adequate treatment is not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply.
  • Baggage and Personal Effects protection helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged personal gear and luggage.
  • An optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade is available on some plans (Additional cost and terms apply. Not available in New York.)

Because of flexible work and school schedules, more travelers are opting to take flexcations – extended stays away from home that are a mixture of leisure and work travel. Digital nomads have the flexibility to travel to some of the world’s most intriguing places, but no matter where you’re headed, it helps to always be prepared for the unexpected when traveling. For example, if you’re planning to spend your weekdays working in Rome and your weekends tasting your way through Tuscany, a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for Italy can help protect your trip. Your plan may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my flexcation?

The 9-5 grind of work isn’t so bad if you have your toes in the sand and a fruity drink by your side. These days, you can work from just about anywhere in the world with a strong Wi-Fi connection – including some of the most scenic tropical landscapes like the Caribbean and Costa Rica. But what happens if you get hurt while scuba diving or snorkeling on your lunch break? A travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently while you’re on a flexcation.

Travel insurance and non-insurance services for flexcations: What may be covered?

The purpose of a flexcation is to be able to fully enjoy the destination where you’re traveling, and you’ll hopefully be experiencing new cultures and activities while you’re there. But when you’re working and studying remotely and away from home, unexpected situations can happen – and that’s why we’ve designed our travel protection plans to include travel insurance coverage for flexcations. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250 sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For injuries that happen to digital nomads when on a flexcation

  2. 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Coverage for damaged or stolen luggage and personal gear

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather impacts your trip.

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all mentioned coverages.

All plans include travel insurance coverage for your flexcation trip, as well as several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records and pre-departure telehealth services.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my flexcation trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. A flexcation isn’t supposed to be all work and no play, and depending on where you’re headed, you may want to enjoy a variety of other activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or skiing. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for 250+ sports, activities and experiences.

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for unexpected illness or injury incidents while on a flexcation. It includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation.
  • Explorer Plan – This plan includes everything in the Standard plan, plus even more activities – including skydiving It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
  • Epic Plan – This plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including cliff diving and ice climbing (up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters). It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
  • Annual Plan – This plan is for digital nomads who are planning multiple trips. Just buy once and stay protected all year. It includes travel insurance coverage for flexcations, as well as all of the other activities covered in the Standard Plan.

It’s important to note that the maximum trip length for a single trip plan (the Standard, Explorer or Epic) is 180 days. It’s 45 days per trip for an Annual Plan.

NOMADS TIP: For even more trip cancellation flexibility, check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit. It can be added to Explorer and Epic plans. Available at an additional cost for U.S. residents, except in New York.

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Get a quote
A person hiking in front of snow capped mountains

What may not be covered when on a flexcation?

So what happens if your boss told you that you could work remotely and be a digital nomad, but then changes his mind as soon as you land in Europe? If you have to go home because your employer won’t let you work remotely anymore, your travel insurance coverage for your trip to Europe won’t reimburse you for the costs of your trip. While many things are covered by travel insurance and non-insurance services, there are some things that aren’t – including your boss changing his mind. (Although it’s totally not cool.)

Some other things that aren’t covered include:

  • Unattended baggage or personal items
  • Participation in activities not listed in our 250+ sports, activities and experiences.
  • Not following ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued by the US government prior to departure
  • Ignoring your doctor if they have advised in writing that you are not medically fit to travel
  • Traveling within 100 miles of your home
  • Any electronics or other equipment that you use for professional purposes.
  • A non-emergency treatment or surgery, including routine physical examinations

Top tips we recommend for a successful and productive flexcation

From our own experiences of being digital nomads, we’ve worked in some really interesting destinations around the world. It's never been easier to unplug and take off now that you can work and study remotely. But travel glitches can arrive in all shapes and sizes, and it helps to prepare as much as you can. Here are a few tips that you may find helpful when planning your next flexcation.

  • Check to see if there’s reliable Wi-Fi. It’s better to ask questions in advance before you’ve traveled all the way there and see that there’s a problem.
  • See if there’s ample space for you to work productively. You’ll want to make sure you have a quiet space for those times that require more focus and concentration.
  • Take advantage of the pre-departure medical consultation included in your non-insurance services and see if there are any vaccinations or prescription medications, like altitude sickness pills, recommended for your destination.
  • Check with the U.S. Department of State to see if they have issued any travel advisories for your destination.
  • Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay updated on emergency situations.
  • Have a copy of your plan documents saved in your phone. Save the phone number for the 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance team and have that easily accessible as well.
  • Make time for work and play. The point of a flexcation is to be able to experience a new place, so plan out some time to enjoy your destination.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for flexcations. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Are flexcations covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
    Yes, flexcations or ‘work and travel programs’ may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. However, note that the maximum trip length for a single trip plan is 180 days. It’s 45 days per trip if you have an Annual Plan.
  • What should I do if I get hurt while on a flexcation?

    If you get hurt while you’re on a flexcation, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for flexcation trips.

  • Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?

    Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased.

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?
    When you purchase travel insurance coverage for flexcations, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for necessary personal items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance services that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

Need destination inspiration for your next flexcation?

There are actually some pretty amazing places where you can work remotely here in the United States (and you can get a travel protection plan that includes travel insurance coverage for the US as long as you’re traveling more than 100 miles away from your home.) But there’s an abundance of great places around the world where you can embrace your inner digital nomad, too. Check out a couple of our favorite locations and get destination-specific travel tips to help you plan with confidence.

A World Nomad’s Guide to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Six Things to Know Before Going to France

A Local’s Guide to Visiting Berlin, Germany

Italy Travel Tips: Six Things to Know Before Visiting

Six Things to Know Before Traveling to Norway

How to Experience Ho Chi Minh City Like a Local

Five Incredible Cities to Explore in Spain

For more tips on working remotely, you may also want to check out the World Nomads Podcast: Saying Goodbye to the Office

20251106-4950434. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

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
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

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
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Lumina/IStock

Travel Insurance Cover for COVID-19 Related Events

Find out what cover is provided if Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel plans 

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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 14 July 2021 12:00am UTC, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 14 July 2021 please see below.

We know that many of our international travelers can’t wait to travel again even though they’re having to take added precautions as coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to disrupt global travel plans. World Nomads wants to help you travel with confidence, so we’ve added some COVID-19 cover to our insurance plans.

All our travel insurance plans purchased from 14 July 2021 include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with COVID-19 while abroad. Our Explorer plans also offer cover for some COVID-19-related events. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply, and cover varies depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you chose.

World Nomads international travel insurance for some COVID-19 events on our plans

  • Our Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for emergency medical assistance if you get sick with COVID-19 overseas. Cover includes medical assistance, repatriation and hospitalization benefits.
  • Our Explorer Plan also offers cover for some COVID-19-related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as additional benefits for healthcare workers, residential care workers and law enforcement officers who have their pre-arranged leave cancelled by their employer due to COVID-19.

Benefit limits apply and vary between plans. Exclusions also apply for pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in the policy wording.

Benefit Standard  Explorer 
Emergency medical expenses overseas Yes Yes
Medical repatriation/ evacuation (including funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains if the worst-case scenario happens) Yes Yes
Coronavirus Travel Costs
Note: This section has its own benefit limits which apply. Check your policy wording for full details or have a look at our Coronavirus Travel Costs article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
NA Yes

What do I do if I get COVID-19 before or during my trip?

If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to yourself or a member of your traveling party being diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical practitioner, or if your close relative back home is hospitalized or dies due to COVID-19, we have provided some tips below, especially if you intend to make a claim. Please follow these simple tips:

  • Isolate! And seek the relevant medical attention.
  • Contact your doctor as soon as reasonably possible. They will need to certify that due to the COVID-19 diagnosis, you are medically unfit to continue with your original travel plans. Due to exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions (as defined in the policy wording), the symptoms experienced and the diagnosis of COVID-19 must first occur after the policy purchase.
  • Don’t delay in the cancellation of your plans to maximize the opportunity of refunds from your providers.
  • Always keep receipts for any trip payments you make and, wherever possible, request written reports from providers or local authorities.
  • Follow the local advice, including warnings issued by the US Department of State as required by your policy wording - different countries have different rules. What’s okay in your country of residence may not be okay in the countries you plan to visit. While some countries may be more relaxed in their COVID-19 protocols, some others may be very strict in who they allow to enter.

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so make sure you’re careful with your planning and you read the policy wording to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions, get in touch.

How to get medical assistance 

Contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance teams as soon as possible, so they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured, until the time you get home.  

When you call please have ready:  

  • Your policy number 
  • A contact number and traveling companion details for where you are now  
  • The nature of your problem  
  • Your location  

Bag snatched in Latvia.

It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, iPhone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
C.E. Australian in Latvia.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

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

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Alexander Gorbunov/Stock

What's covered for Irish residents

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover your trip essentials.

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Understand the key parts of World Nomads travel insurance

Bitten by a shark.

I was surfing and was bitten by a shark in Tortuga Bay, Galapagos Is. I was able to walk to the medical center in nearby Puerto Ayora, where I received emergency medical treatment from Dr, Idrovo. The treatment consisted of cleaning the wound, local anaesthetic and 10 stitches. A course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories/ pain-killers was prescribed. A follow-up check 24 hours later (today) revealed no infection.
Claim paid: £121.85
S.C. British Nomad in the Galapagos Islands.

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