Travel Insurance for Pregnancy
Learn what is and isn't covered by travel insurance if you're pregnant.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Pregnancy shouldn't be a reason to stop your next adventure. But with a new addition on board, travel insurance may help you look after yourself and bub-to-be if you're suddenly injured or have unexpected complications with your pregnancy while travelling.
What travel insurance will cover during pregnancy
If you're travelling and have a pregnancy complication due to an accidental bodily injury or unexpected illness on your trip, our policies may offer cover for:
- Emergency medical treatment overseas.
- Hospitalisation.
- Ambulance transfers.
- Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment (if medically required).
- 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
You must not have been more than 28 weeks pregnant at the start of your trip (or 24 weeks for multiple births).
You must be able to provide confirmation from a medical practitioner or midwife that you were fit to travel, in the event of a claim.
If you’re confirmed not fit to travel, or if you will be more than 28 weeks pregnant at the start of your trip (or 24 weeks for multiple births), you can make a claim under Cancelling Your Trip provided you purchased this policy/booked a trip before you were aware you would not be able to travel.
To find out all the details on our travel insurance cover for pregnancy you can read our Help Center article for Irish travellers.
It’s also a good idea to check with the airline before you pay for your ticket to see if they have any restrictions on carrying a pregnant person.
What we won’t cover
We won’t cover a number of circumstances including, but not limited to:
- Having a pre-existing medical condition that results in complications.
- Normal costs associated with pregnancy or childbirth. This includes routine medical care such as your antenatal check-ups and scans, costs associated with giving birth, and care for a newborn baby.
- Doing anything illegal.
- Travelling against the advice of a medically qualified doctor.
- Drugs or alcohol-related injuries or illnesses.
- Deliberate self-harm or wilful exposure to exceptional risk.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so please read your Policy Wording carefully before you buy for all the details.
How to get assistance if you're sick or injured while pregnant
You’ll first need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and their claims procedures. Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any cover provided by your PMI. Also, provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us co-ordinate your care. Where your PMI provider does not cover you, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team before incurring medical costs. You must let us know how you are going and keep in contact with our assistance team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
How to get assistance if you're sick or injured while pregnant.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams as soon as possible so that you can be supported from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
So that they can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Unable to travel in first trimester.
I unexpectedly became pregnant towards the end of November. I was planning on still going on the trip until my doctor diagnosed me with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. They recommend not leaving the country due to these complications in the first trimester of pregnancy.
M.McClendon. U.S Nomad.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for pregnancy. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
If I decide to return home during my trip, is there cover for those expenses?
No, there's no cover for change of mind.
-
If I fall pregnant before my trip, can I cancel?
The policy offers cover where upon the advice of a medical practitioner you are unable to go ahead with your trip, due to pregnancy.
-
Do your policies cover pre-existing pregnancy complications?
No. There’s no cover for pre-existing pregnancy complications.
-
Do both of your policies cover pregnancy?
Yes, both the Standard and Explorer policies may cover pregnancy or medical conditions related to pregnancy, provided you will not be more than 28 weeks pregnant at the time your trip is due to start (or 24 weeks for multiples births) and you have confirmation from a midwife or medical practitioner that you are fit to travel. There is no cover for routine or normal costs associated with pregnancy or childbirth.
Travel Insurance for Overseas Medical
Don't let your medical costs bury you.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased after 27 June 2024, please see below.
Broken bones in Mykonos, mystery illness in Madrid and bus accidents in Thailand, we’ve seen it all and know overseas medical travel insurance can literally be a lifesaver.
In order to help our Irish travellers get back on their feet our policy has been designed to help out when some unexpected illness or injury strikes and you’re ready to get back on the road again.
Keep in mind that you’ll first need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and their claims procedures. Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any cover provided by your PMI. Also, provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us co-ordinate your care. Where your PMI provider does not cover you, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team before incurring medical costs. You must let us know how you are going and keep in contact with our assistance team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
What’s covered by overseas medical travel insurance?
World Nomads travel insurance covers accidents and emergencies when you’re travelling overseas.
If you’re accidentally injured or suddenly become ill while traveling, our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team is on hand to help you. Cover may include:
- Assistance locating and paying for medical care including a doctor, dentist, chiropractor or medical facilities in your location or nearby.
- Hospitalisation.
- Out-patient care and day surgery.
- Ambulances and medical transport, including by helicopter if medically necessary and available.
- Prescribed medicines.
- Transport home to Ireland if we deem it medically necessary.
Am I covered for COVID-19 while overseas?
All our plans include emergency medical cover for travellers who get sick with Coronavirus while overseas (excluding pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in the Policy Wording). If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Medical Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalisation;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
You can check out our What’s covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions.
Reciprocal health agreements and medical cover
World Nomads policies cover accidents and emergencies only, and it is not a private health insurance policy. Cover may apply only if there is a sudden and unexpected accident or illness and for expenses for which there is no reciprocal health agreement in the country in which you are travelling.
If you are travelling to a country where Ireland has a reciprocal healthcare agreement, such as Australia or EU countries, you will need to apply for reciprocal health cover before you leave Ireland.
What’s not covered by travel insurance?
Though our policy may cover accidents and emergencies, it’s not a catch-all for every incident you might find yourself in. Medical conditions or circumstances we don’t cover include:
- If you were doing anything illegal. (You didn’t really think we’d cover that did you?)
- Injuries or illness from drugs or alcohol.
- If you’ve been acting recklessly.
- Pre-existing medical conditions as defined in the Policy Wording.
- Ongoing treatment at home.
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you get home.
- Medical expenses covered under a reciprocal health agreement in the country in which you are travelling.
- If you booked a one-way ticket to your destination, we will not pay for your return ticket home.
How to get medical assistance
For our Irish travellers, if you have private medical insurance (PMI) in Ireland, get in touch first with your PMI provider and follow their emergency assistance and claims procedures. If you do not have PMI or they can no longer assist, it’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team as soon as reasonably possible so that the team can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.
So that they can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
Monkey Bite!
While visiting the Monkey Forest in Bali, I was bitten by a monkey and blood was drawn. After returning to our hotel we then visited a local doctor the same evening of the bite. I received my first rabies vaccination and then went to the International SOS office in Bali for an examination. There I received a second rabies shot, and then immunoglobulin shots.
S.D. U.S Resident in Indonesia.
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
- Have you died?
- Have your relos died?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medicine?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas emergency medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer can sometimes cover these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
-
Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't publish a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, call our assistance teams, and they'll guide you to the most appropriate medical professional.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or government healthcare.
Travel Insurance for Medical Repatriation
When home is the best place for healthcare and healing
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
Serious accidents or illnesses can happen at any time during your trip, whether you’re trekking through the Eurasian Steppe or (not so) simply crossing the road in Vietnam. And if it’s bad enough to end your trip mid-way or if our medical teams recommend you return to Ireland for treatment, our repatriation cover can help get you home safely.
The cost of medical evacuations can vary, depending on a number of circumstances, including the remoteness of the location from which the evacuation might occur, as well as the type of medical care required for injuries or illnesses incurred. That's what our emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance in all of our plans is designed to cover.
Keep in mind that you’ll first need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and their claims procedures. Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any cover provided by your PMI. Also, provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us co-ordinate your care. Where your PMI provider does not cover you, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team before incurring medical costs. You must let us know how you are going and keep in contact with our assistance team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
I need help now – what do I do?
The first step when you have been admitted as an inpatient for at least one night is to contact us is to get medical help, and as soon as is reasonably possible contact us (or get someone else to do so on your behalf). Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team can make arrangements and get pre-authorisation for your repatriation home if it's required. Our doctors and nurses have seen some horrific accidents and illnesses and have helped thousands of travellers get home safely to fully recover.
Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams are trained to help in these situations, negotiating the complexities of hospitals, specialist transportation, airline approvals and medical escorts so you (and your family) can focus on your recovery.
World Nomads offers benefits for medical issues related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) under the Emergency Medical Expenses & Medical Repatriation section; please note that benefit limits vary between our Standard and Explorer Plans.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas and it’s not considered a ‘pre-existing medical condition’ under our policy, your benefits include evacuation or repatriation if deemed necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
Our article What’s covered for Coronavirus explains the benefits available if you get COVID-19 and need urgent assistance.
How World Nomads travel insurance can get you home
Travel insurance is made to cover emergency treatment overseas and, if necessary, cover to rearrange your initial travel plans or for specialist medical transportation to get you back to Ireland. If our medical teams believe it’s necessary to bring you home for treatment or ongoing care, there’s cover in all of our policies for:
- Air Ambulance
- Sea Level Aircraft
- Ground Ambulance
- Flight changes, upgrades or just more space
- Flight upgrade + medical staff
Please note that cover is up to the amount shown in your Policy Wording and is subject to our Emergency Medical Assistance team or us, on the advice of a medical practitioner appointed by us in consultation with your medical practitioner overseas, first deciding that:
- Transportation is medically necessary; and
- The style and timing of the transportation are reasonable and appropriate; and
- You're medically fit to be evacuated; and
- You should be transferred to Ireland.
What's not covered
There are some cases where it's just not possible to provide cover:
- Flight upgrades, new flights or changes without our approval (or where it's not medically necessary).
- Refusal to return home for treatment.
- Changing your mind to not continue your trip, even if you're fit to travel.
- Medical expenses once you're back in your home country.
- A joy flight to get down off the mountain after you've reached Base Camp.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
How to get medical assistance.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our Emergency Medical Assistance team as soon as possible. Our team can support you from the time you get sick or injured until the time you get home.
To expedite your call, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number where you can be reached
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Abdominal pain in Myanmar
On my second day in Burma, I woke up in the middle of the night with intense abdominal distress. I was rushed to the Asia Royal Hospital and immediately taken for evaluation and an ultrasound. I had a large mass in my abdomen and evacuated to Bangkok that evening to see a specialist. I was admitted to Bumrungrad International Hospital, where I stayed for eight days for a battery of tests, including several ultrasounds, a CT scan, and two aspirations of what turned out to be a renal cyst. After a conditional discharge, where I was restricted to rest, I was deemed stable enough to be evacuated. Two days later I was on a flight back to the U.S., where I am now continuing treatment.
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?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
Can my mum come and get me?
Yes, in some situations we can send your mum or a close family member over to pick you up if you need mobility support. If you’re on any kind of administrative medication, then we might send you a nurse or doctor.
-
Can I choose the sex of my nurse or doctor?
You can ask and we'll see what we can do.
-
What if I'm on really heavy drugs as pain killers while I'm coming home? Will I be allowed to transit in all countries?
There are some countries which will not allow you to enter (even transit) with certain medications and in these cases we will either reroute you or discuss with your treating doctor on alternate pain killers.
-
What happens I’m on life support?
That’s a really bad way to end your holiday, and we hope you never end on life support. But if you do, we will look at the best possible solution to either get you home, or get your family over there to say goodbye.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Dental?
Learn how travel insurance may cover emergency dental treatment abroad.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Having insurance for emergency dental can mean the difference between a taste adventure or a disaster. That’s why we want to offer our Irish travellers cover for emergency dental treatment just in case you happen to indulge in some tasty food but which may leave a bad taste in your mouth if you chip a tooth or you get an infection.
Whether you’re sampling the ktefa in Morocco or taking the durian challenge in Thailand, sudden and serious pain in your teeth can stop you in your tracks.
What’s covered?
All of our plans can cover emergency dental treatment overseas if you urgently need to see a dentist for the immediate relief of sudden and acute pain to your teeth while traveling if:
- You get an unexpected infection
- You've broken your tooth
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team who will help you locate a qualified dentist nearby.
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common dental claims we see where there's no cover include:
- Dental work other than that related to emergency dental pain relief
- Cosmetic dentistry or whitening
- Pre-existing dental problems as explained in your Policy Wording
- Major dental work, such as crowns, dentures, bridges and implants
- Any dental treatment after your return to Ireland
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
How to get dental assistance
If you're in a serious accident, it’s essential that you get in contact with our emergency medical assistance teams as soon as possible so that our teams can support you.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
If you've already visited a dentist and received emergency treatment, you can submit your claim online.
I bit on something hard
A bone chipped my front tooth, on the top row, and cracked it. Blood started to run down so I had an emergency visit to the dentist to repair it.
B.P. U.S Resident in South Africa.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Do I pay upfront or does World Nomads?
You should pay the dental bills yourself then make a claim online once all your treatment is finished.
-
What do I need to do if I need a dentist?
Call the emergency medical assistance team for advice on your dental condition or if you need directions to the nearest or most suitable dentist or medical facility.
-
Am I covered for cosmetic dentistry?
No. There's not cover for cosmetic.
Travel Insurance for Stolen or Damaged Baggage
If your gear has been stolen or damaged, here's how we can help.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
When you’re travelling, you don’t always have control over what happens to your gear: it can get stolen, damaged, be sent to the wrong airport or get lost permanently in transit. That’s where baggage and personal belongings cover can help.
Baggage and personal belongings travel insurance: what's covered?
All World Nomads plans for Irish residents include coverage for your luggage and personal items you take with you. Cover includes:
- Necessities (e.g underwear & toiletries) if your baggage is delayed for at least 24 hours.
- The depreciated value of any items lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
- Specific high-value items you have paid an additional insurance premium for and which are shown on your Certificate of Insurance.
- The additional cost of obtaining a replacement passport or visa including accommodation, travel and fees that you would otherwise not have paid.
- If you buy the Explorer Plan, the policy also covers accidental loss or theft of your own money while you were carrying it or if you left it in a locked safety deposit box.
What’s not covered?
There are a number of items our policy for Irish residents doesn’t cover and if you don’t look after your belongings properly, you may not be covered either.
- If you don't keep your gear safe and secure.
- If you don't report the loss to the police and appropriate carrier or authority within 24 hours of the loss being discovered. Get a written report!
- Any item that is covered under another insurance policy or where it is recoverable from another source.
- Sporting equipment while in use.
Travel Insurance Baggage Tips:
- Find and scan your receipts before your leave home.
- If an airline loses your gear, tell them straight away and get it in writing.
- Theft? Report it to the police as soon as possible and get a copy of the report.
- If you’ve got a smartphone or tablet that can be blocked, block it.
- You can claim at home or while overseas.
Baggage Delay in a Delhi Winter.
I arrived in Delhi from Rome. Baggage claim help desk informed me that my bag had been delayed in transit. I was without my bag for almost a week before it was finally delivered to me. It was cold in Delhi (being winter, December) and my warm jacket was in my bag, requiring that I purchase a jacket and other items of warm clothing that I had not taken in my carry-on.
S.N. U.S Nomad in India.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Can I claim for my baggage while I'm traveling?
You can claim whenever you like, while traveling or when you return home.
-
What if I don’t have receipts?
You can still lodge a claim. However, the team might depreciate or be unable to process your claim.
-
If the airline loses my gear, what do I need?
You’ll need a Property Irregularity Report (‘PIR’) from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts and a copy of your itinerary.
-
Do my items get depreciated?
Yes, generally they do. However, high-value items upgrades let you pay an additional premium per item so you can insure them for the value you bought them (if it's under the policy limits).
Travel Insurance for Death Overseas
Learn how travel insurance could help your family if you die overseas.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024 please see below.
Don't make your family pay to bring your remains home.
Travel Insurance cover overseas death ensures that your remains can be brought home without placing a financial burden on your loved ones, helping to ease their distress during an already challenging time.
What’s covered by my Travel Insurance if I die while overseas?
If you die due to a sudden illness or injury while overseas we will pay for the reasonable cost (up to the benefit limit) for the following:
- Transport your remains back to Ireland or for local funeral expenses (cremation or burial).
- Any statutory arrangements required to transport your remains or for a local funeral (such as embalming and a zinc coffin).
- Cremation overseas and transport of your ashes to Ireland.
Most importantly, our 24 hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team will be able to keep your family informed and help them navigate (through trusted third-party assistance) the often difficult local regulations and administration required after your death.
This may include putting them in touch with consular officials, navigating and understanding local processes and helping access the services you need locally to transport your body back home.
What’s not covered by travel insurance?
There are exclusions and conditions that apply to travel insurance cover, including, but not limited to:
- Loss of life through suicide.
- Dying from drugs or alcohol.
- Pre-existing medical conditions, as explained in the Policy Wording.
- Doing anything illegal that results in your death.
- Any costs within Ireland once your remains are returned to your next of kin.
How we help
Overseas deaths are the most heartbreaking cases to help with. No one is ready to deal with the sudden death of a close relative overseas, let alone having to deal with complex requirements and unexpected high costs. The World Nomads Emergency Assistance team can coordinate a local burial or bring home loved ones with trusted partners on the ground and ensure that families and friends are supported throughout such a difficult time.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
How your family or friend can get assistance if you die overseas.
It’s essential that your family or travel buddy get in contact with our emergency assistance teams as soon as possible, so that our teams can support them from the time you die until your remains have returned home.
To help our Emergency Assistance teams assist them quickly, they'll need the following:
- Your policy number
- Your location
- As many details as possible about the circumstances surrounding your death
So, leave a copy of your policy with your family or friend, just in case they need to use it.
How we help.
Overseas deaths are the most heartbreaking cases to help with. No one is ready to deal with the sudden death of a close relative overseas, let alone having to deal with the complex organisation and unexpected high costs. The World Nomads Emergency Assistance Team can coordinate a local burial or the bringing home of loved ones with trusted partners on the ground, and ensure that families and friends are supported throughout such a difficult time.
Operations Manager.
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 Coverage for Surfing
US Residents can protect their surf trips abroad with travel insurance
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance:
- Travel insurance coverage for surfers may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and damaged surfboards—whether you're surfing in Costa Rica, Europe, or beyond.
- Coverage may include surf-related injuries, like reef cuts, board collisions, and jellyfish stings.
- 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance is available if you run into trouble in or out of the water.
- Choose from four travel protection plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic, or Annual—tailored to your trip style and level of adventure.
- World Nomads plans also cover 250+ other adventure activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to zip-lining and jungle trekking.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my surf trip?
- Surfing travel insurance benefits
- Plan levels for surf trips
- What's not covered
- Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- FAQs
Whether you're catching waves in Bali, tackling reef breaks in Fiji, or just learning to surf on vacation, accidents can happen. Wipeouts, board collisions, reef cuts, or even jellyfish stings can quickly turn your dream surf trip into one you’d rather forget. That’s where travel insurance can step in — helping with emergency medical costs and other unexpected events.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my surf trip?
Wave chasing is thrilling—but even the best-planned trip can run into trouble. Wipeouts, sudden illness, or flight delays can disrupt your itinerary, while gear damage or theft can leave you stranded without a board. Travel insurance may help with the costs of medical care if you’re hurt while on your trip, reimburse you for canceled plans if you need to cancel for a covered reason, and may assist with lost or damaged equipment.
Whether you're paddling out stateside or heading to remote islands in search of world-class waves, World Nomads offers plans that support your sense of adventure—backed by 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance and coverage for more than 250 sports and activities.
What travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services are offered by World Nomads for surfers?
World Nomads Travel Insurance for US residents may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the water. Plans may include:
-
Emergency Medical Expenses
Broken bones or gashes from epic surfing wipeouts -
Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the beach -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Broken or damaged surfboards in transit -
Trip Cancellation
Reimbursements of pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if you’re unexpectedly too sick to go on your surf trip
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
At World Nomads Travel Insurance, we know your surf trip is about more than just riding waves. That’s why our plans include travel insurance coverage for surfers and protection for over 250 other adventure sports and experiences – from jungle hikes and scuba dives to zip-lining and snorkeling. Whether you’re chasing swells or exploring off the beach, we offer four travel protection plans with different levels of insurance coverage to suit your trip style, budget, and adventure level. Check out our (lengthy) activity list and ensure you pick the plan that covers everything you plan to do.
*All coverage is subject to plan terms and conditions. Be sure you read and understand your plan documents. Any questions, just ask!
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my surf trip?
- Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travelers and families. Includes benefit maximums up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2500 for trip cancellation. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
- Explorer Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Covers over 300 activities and offers the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit for ultimate flexibility.
- Epic Plan – Checking that big trip off your bucket list? We’re talking safaris, cruises, luxury resorts… you name it! This plan offers our highest level of coverage for trips that are truly once in a lifetime.
- Annual Plan – Weekend warriors, digital nomads, world explorers… this plan is for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year.
You can compare plans and maximum benefit amounts when you get a quote. Optional coverages come at an additional cost.
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
What may not covered by the travel protection plan I buy for surfing internationally?
Some things we may not cover include:
- Surfing during competitions or as a professional under contract with an agreed upon salary or compensation
- Surfing under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Any damage related to the wear and tear of sports equipment.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Travel within 100 miles from your home.
Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- Always check local conditions and surf reports
- Wear reef booties and rash guards for protection
- Know your limits — and don’t surf alone
- Use a leash and inspect your gear before hitting the waves
- Respect local surf etiquette
- Save the 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance Line on your phone and print out a copy of your travel insurance documents. If you need help in a pinch, you don’t want to be searching for who to call.
- Keep your receipts and paperwork. Any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for surfing. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
-
What does travel insurance for surfing cover?
Travel insurance coverage for surfing may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, damaged or stolen surf gear, and 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance. World Nomads offers plans designed for adventure travelers, including surfers chasing waves internationally.
-
Does travel insurance cover surfboard damage or loss?
World Nomads travel protection plans include baggage and personal effects benefit that could reimburse you if your surfboard is damaged or stolen while traveling. Keep receipts and incident reports to support your claim.
-
Can I get reimbursed if I have to cancel my surf trip?
If your trip is canceled due to a covered reason—such as unexpected illness or injury—World Nomads’ travel insurance may reimburse you for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights and accommodation.
-
Are surf competitions or professional surfing covered?
Your participation in an organized athletic or sporting competition, contest, or stunt under contract in exchange for an agreed-upon salary or compensation is excluded. This does not include athletes participating in exchange for a scholarship or tuition. Always review your plan details to understand any exclusions related to professional sports.
-
What plan should I choose for a surf trip abroad?
World Nomads offers four travel protection plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic, and Annual. The right plan depends on your trip budget, destination, and planned activities. Explorer and Epic plans include higher benefit levels and coverage for more extreme activities. If you get a quote, you can compare coverages.
-
Does travel insurance cover surfing injuries like reef cuts or broken bones?
Yes, if you’re hurt while surfing, World Nomads’ Accident & Sickness Medical Expense benefit may help reimburse you for doctor visits, hospital stays, or other medical treatment needed due to an accident on the water.
-
What may not be covered by travel insurance for your surfing trip?
Travel insurance may not cover injuries that occur while surfing under the influence of drugs or alcohol, participating in pro competitions, or damage from regular wear and tear. It also may not cover unattended baggage or travel within 100 miles of your home.
Need destination inspiration?
Already picked your surf spot? Nice. But if you’re dreaming about your next wave—or just want to daydream between sessions—check out some of our surf stories for inspiration. You might just discover your next favorite break.
Surfing in Europe: 5 unexpected spots to explore
Where to find the best surfing on Mexico’s West Coast
Surf town hopping in Costa Rica
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 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)
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
