Travel insurance for the Caribbean
Essential travel insurance tips
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The Caribbean islands aren’t always paradise. That’s why there’s travel insurance. Here are a few situations that you could encounter and tips on how you can get the most out of your coverage.
Severe Weather
Hurricanes and tropical storms are among the biggest threats of your trip turning upside down. If your flight has been cancelled or your hotel is unable to accept visitors, you may qualify for trip cancellation or interruption benefits. Timing is key here: You need to have bought your plan before the storm was announced. You also won’t be eligible for coverage if you cancel because of a few knocked-down trees or the forecast is cloudy and gray.
Street Crime
Street crime and petty theft, such as pickpocketing and mugging, are unfortunate realities in the Caribbean. Should that happen to you, get to safety first and go to the local authorities to report the incident (don’t forget to get a copy of the report). World Nomads, 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can give you hand with whatever you need in a crisis, such as helping to locate health care facilities or consular services and contacting family members.
If your personal belongings get swiped under your supervision, besides reporting the incident, you’ll also need the original receipts for the items. Your policy may have per-item and maximum limits and exclude coverage of high-value items or cash.
Adventure
The Caribbean feels like a non-stop adventure, from snorkeling in crystal-clear water and trekking amid cloud forests to swimming under cascading waterfalls.
Whatever the activity, it’s important to choose the right level of coverage. Read the policy wording, browse the World Nomads’ Help Center, or contact our customer service team to see if what you’re planning to do is covered under your plan. You may have to pay an additional premium for an adventure sports upgrade or purchase the Explorer plan instead of a Standard.
Certain adventures may also have special conditions and exclusions which, if you don’t comply, could affect your coverage. These could be getting certification for your activity or booking the excursion with a qualified, licensed operator. It could also be as simple as abiding by safety practices, whether or not or they’re a part of the local law.
It’s never a good idea to guzzle multiple frozen daiquiris before scuba diving, or going hiking solo when you’re just a beginner and have a poor sense of direction. Your coverage is contingent upon your responsible behavior. So, best to refrain from anything that would be likely to get you in trouble. Also, be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as unguided dives or search-and-rescue missions.
Medical Emergencies
Surfing accidents, sunburn and dehydration, food poisoning, or – heaven forbid – an act of violence. Major and minor occurrences can happen in the Caribbean, and believe us, they do…no matter how careful or prepared you think you are.
The first thing to remember is to contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, who will need to approve your surgical procedures, medical treatment, or evacuation before you go forward with them. Otherwise your coverage may be reduced or invalidated.
Remember: Any emergencies due to pre-existing conditions aren’t included unless specified in your policy; and your plan only covers emergencies, not routine or preventative care, such as eyeglass prescriptions and annual physicals.
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 the Caribbean
From the rainforests to the sea, learn how travel insurance can help Americans traveling to the Caribbean.
- As featured in:
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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 Caribbean 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 Caribbean (snorkeling included)!
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility. Additional terms apply
- Do I need travel insurance for the Caribbean?
- Travel insurance for activities in the Caribbean
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the Caribbean
- Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in the Caribbean
- Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the Caribbean
- Tips for traveling to the Caribbean from the United States
Considered to be the picture of paradise, the Caribbean consists of over 7,000 islands, cays, and reefs that have been organized into 30 different territories. The region is famed for its white sandy beaches, blue waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Just a short flight away from many spots in the US, the Caribbean is understandably a popular vacation destination among Americans.
The Caribbean has an adventure for any type of traveler, from thrill seekers to families to honeymooners. You can dive into the region’s cultural heritage at the best museums in the Caribbean, move your hips while learning salsa in Havana, visit a rum distillery in Jamaica, be serenaded by soulful Caribbean music, savor spicy seafood dishes, and attend colorful cultural festivals like Junkanoo in the Bahamas. Outdoor lovers can climb La Soufrière, St. Vincent’s active volcano, mountain bike in Trinidad and Tobago, and scuba dive in Cuba.
While a trip to the Caribbean is a fun adventure, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. We’ve learned quite a bit from our travels, and we encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for the Caribbean.
Do I need travel insurance for the Caribbean?
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like finding a waterfall in the Piton Mountains in St. Lucia.
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 twist your ankle while climbing Blue Mountain Peak in Jamaica, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for the Caribbean.
World Nomads has four 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 the Caribbean
In a region defined by the surrounding sea, you’ll likely do a few water sports during your vacation in the Caribbean. Perhaps you want to go sailing around the Bahamas, scuba diving in Antigua, or sea kayaking along the Waitukubuli Sea Trail in Dominica. The region also offers plenty of land adventures across rainforests, volcanoes, and waterfalls. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to the Caribbean and includes things like hiking Mount Liamuiga on St. Kitts and horseback riding through Vinales National Park in Cuba.
Before you get a quote for your travel insurance for the Caribbean, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. A list of activities will help you choose the best insurance for your trip—and make sure even your most daring adventure is covered.
For example, if you want to go kitesurfing in Turks & Caicos or climb one of the pitons on St. Lucia, you’ll be covered under all plans, including the Standard Plan. However, if you’re planning to ditch the scuba gear and go free diving in Bonaire, you’ll need to invest in an Explorer or an Epic Plan.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the Caribbean
Accidents can happen to anyone. Maybe you have a surfing accident while catching waves in Puerto Rico or something goes wrong while you are scuba diving. Most Americans diving in the Caribbean have no problems at all, but sometimes things happen. If you get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage under your travel insurance for the Caribbean could reimburse you for your medical expenses.
In case you have a medical emergency when traveling to the Caribbean, 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. Not all islands are English-speaking so the team 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) 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 Caribbean may cover the costs to get you there.
The Caribbean sun is strong, so pack sunscreen and don’t be shy about reapplying it. Since you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the water, look into reef-safe sunscreens. Food and water sanitation are quite good on many islands—and the tap water is drinkable in many places too. However, as the region is quite vast, we encourage you to do some research on your specific destination ahead of time.
To streamline your experience seeking medical treatment in the Caribbean, we recommend signing up for our Portable Health Record non-insurance service. This service allows your documents, prescriptions, test results, and emergency contacts to be accessible in one place, anywhere in the world. Whether you need to refill a prescription or deal with a more serious injury, this service can expedite the process.
Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in the Caribbean
What happens if you land in Nassau, but your bag doesn’t arrive at the same time? You probably packed your favorite swimsuit and maybe your snorkeling gear as well. Your travel insurance for the Caribbean may reimburse you for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way to you.
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 12 hours or more, you may 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 the Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service, which is another of our non-insurance service partners. 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.
Safety varies across the region. Many of the islands are incredibly safe and you’ll likely encounter no issues. Other spots experience theft or other crimes, and you’ll want to be aware of your belongings, such as in cities and touristy areas like Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica.
If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need it to make a claim.
Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the Caribbean
Even if you’ve booked all your hotels and excursions, it’s smart to plan for the unpredictable. Things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip so it’s important to find an insurance plan that covers trip cancelation and delays.
Natural disasters are a real possibility in the Caribbean, which is located in the Atlantic Hurricane Belt and at risk for hurricanes from June to December. Many Caribbean countries are also on active fault lines, meaning earthquakes are also a possibility. If an unforeseen hurricane sweeps through Antigua before your trip making it impossible to reach your destination, your travel insurance for the Caribbean could help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance. World Nomads insurance plans may also help you out if a storm makes your accommodation uninhabitable. It’s important to note though that travel insurance is for unexpected events; to be covered, you must have purchased your plan before the storm was known about or named.
If you’re already on your trip and something happens, travel insurance can also help you out. For example, you may need to go back to the United States early if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency. You may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses if your trip is interrupted.
The Explorer and Epic Plans cover several travel inconveniences that may arise during your Caribbean vacation if you purchased during the time sensitive period. You might be on a cruise around the Caribbean Islands and your port call at the Cayman Islands gets canceled due to a storm. World Nomads travel insurance may compensate you for this inconvenience.
Tips for traveling to the Caribbean from the United States
The Caribbean Islands are known for their laid-back, friendly vibes and are well-accustomed to travelers. Like any international destination, though, there are things to look out for.
Before you leave head off on your adventure, we encourage you to check out the US 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.
The Caribbean is famed for its natural beauty and it’s important to do our part as travelers to help preserve its sea, national parks, and abundant environment. Explore environmentally friendly excursions, like these eco-adventures on Dominica. You may also want to check out our tips on how to travel responsibly in the Caribbean and some tips for eco-conscious travelers.
A long history of trade and movement of people, food, and goods through these islands has created a vibrant, multicultural region. French, English, Spanish, and Creole are among the languages spoken across the islands. Read up on some of the region’s dynamic history before you head off—and don’t forget to kick back and enjoy!
*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?
- 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 volunteering
Get coverage for your good deeds
- 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.
At World Nomads, our travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. We’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back — and what better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open your eyes (and arms and hearts) than contributing to a worthy purpose?
What’s covered for volunteers?
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? If you need travel insurance because you want to volunteer abroad, or you’re planning a volunteer vacation, World Nomads plans may cover:
- Trip disruption
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Baggage delay
- Theft of baggage and personal belongings
What volunteer activities may I participate in?
We provide travel insurance for a range of non-manual volunteer activities involving light duties only which may include:
- Retail work such as helping out in a co-op shop.
- Teaching.
- Clerical work.
- Child care.
- Some volunteering in communities on projects.
For all volunteer work you must wear the right gear, have the right training and be supervised appropriately. When you purchase the travel insurance be sure to add the activity to your quote so it’s included in your policy. Some kinds of volunteering require an optional upgrade to your travel insurance cover. If you pay for the optional upgrade, coverage under your policy may also include volunteer work for manual and non-manual work such as:
- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) .
- Environmental and conservation work that involves general farm-hand activities.
- Manual work including general cleaning, maintenance or bartending
Which volunteer activities are excluded
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover, for example volunteer fire-fighting or activities in places known to be unsafe or dangerous. This includes volunteer work that includes:
- Work performed over 2 meters above ground level
- Work performed offshore or underground, including as a guide
- Operating mechanical or industrial machinery.
- Working with dangerous animals and / or big game.
- Work as an instructor or guide including scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, underground in caves and where ropes or other specialist equipment is required
If you’re not sure, contact us and we’ll tell you if you’re covered.
What’s not covered?
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we hope that you’ll act responsibly and within your limits. But just to be clear, we won’t cover any incidents related to:
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Reckless behaviour.
- Criminal or illegal acts.
- Changing your mind about your trip.
- Pre-existing medical conditions (refer to your policy wording for cover on pregnancy for residents of Denmark)
- Any volunteer work over 2 meters in height.
- Personal liability – this means, for example, if you injure someone due to your negligence in the course of volunteering.
- Anything that is not explicitly listed as covered under your policy
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.
If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
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 volunteering insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
That depends on your policy and your country of residence. You may have to put in a request with the customer service team for a country to be added to your policy.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or your home country's health system.
-
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 medical evacuation is required, World Nomads will try and cover these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording and you get pre-approval from the Emergency Medical Assistance team). You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
Travel insurance for volunteering
Get cover for your good deeds
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Kiwis have always loved to volunteer — be it at the local school tuck shop, or further afield in another country. If you want to volunteer while you travel abroad, World Nomads Travel Insurance is a strong supporter of paying it forward and giving back too.
Our travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. What better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open eyes (and hearts) than by contributing to a worthy purpose?
What’s covered for volunteers?
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? If you need volunteer travel insurance because you want to volunteer overseas, or you’re planning a volunteer vacation, World Nomads travel insurance plans may include coverage for:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Medical emergency care
- Emergency evacuation
- Baggage delay
- Theft of baggage and personal belongings
What volunteer activities may I participate in?
While we don’t cover all kinds of volunteering (see the exclusions listed below) the kinds of volunteer work we might cover include:
- Hospitality which, for example might include serving the homeless dinner.
- Retail work such as helping out in a co-op shop.
- Teaching
- Clerical work.
- Childcare
If you purchase a higher level of travel insurance cover, you may have travel insurance coverage for volunteer work such as:
- Manual work or work with power tools or working under 5 metres in height.
- Volunteer instructor or guide of a covered sport or activity if you have the appropriate qualification, certification or license to participate in this covered sport, activity or experience.
Make sure you add the activity when you purchase your travel insurance so it’s included in your policy. If you can’t find the activity in our list, contact us for help.
Which volunteer activities are excluded
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky, for example volunteer fire-fighting, panther minding or activities in places known to be unsafe or dangerous. This includes volunteer work that is:
- Work performed over 5 metres in height.
- Work performed offshore, underground or in caves.
- Operating machinery.
- Working with dangerous animals and / or big game.
What else isn’t covered?
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we hope you’ll act responsibly and within your limits! But just to be clear, we won’t cover any incidents related to:
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Reckless behavior.
- Criminal or illegal acts.
- Changing your mind.
- Existing medical conditions unless specified under your Policy Document.
- Third party compensation and legal expenses.
- Your legal and personal liability following professional advice or other services performed by you as a volunteer.
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 Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.
If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
- Buy while travelling
- Get cover 24/7 online
- Instant confirmation
- Ongoing traveler support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
Waiting periods apply
It's not always fun.
Due to mishap, my frenulum on my penis got severely damaged. During intercourse with my girlfriend it nearly ripped and caused me a lot of pain and blood. I went to the doctor and he operated on it. Now everything is okay again.
Danish Resident.
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 deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need 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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about volunteering while traveling. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
That depends on your policy and your country of residence. You may have to put in a request with the customer service team for a country to be added to your policy.
-
Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or your home health system.
-
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 medical evacuation is required, World Nomads may cover these costs upfront. You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
Travel insurance for volunteering
Get cover for your good deeds
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Clean Up Australia Day isn’t the only time us Aussies volunteer.
We have a long and proud history of helping out when we travel abroad, and World Nomads Travel Insurance is a strong supporter of paying it forward and giving back too.
Our travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. What better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open eyes (and hearts) than by contributing to a worthy purpose?
What’s covered for volunteers?
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? If you need volunteer travel insurance because you want to volunteer overseas, or you’re planning a volunteer vacation, World Nomads travel insurance plans may include coverage for:
-
Trip cancellation
-
Trip interruption
-
Medical emergency care
-
Emergency evacuation
-
Baggage delay
-
Theft of baggage and personal belongings
What volunteer activities may I participate in?
While we don’t cover all kinds of volunteering (see the exclusions listed below) the kinds of volunteer work we might cover include:
We cover various kinds of volunteering such as
-
Hospitality including serving the homeless dinner
-
Retail work such as helping out in a co-op shop.
-
General farm work which may include activities such as conservation and environmental work
-
Teaching.
-
Clerical work.
-
Childcare.
If you purchase a higher level of travel insurance cover, you may have travel insurance coverage for volunteer work such as:
-
Manual work or work with power tools or working under 5 metres in height.
-
Volunteer instructor or guide of a covered sport or activity, if you have the appropriate qualification, certification or license to participate in this covered sport, activity or experience and it must not be one of our excluded activities.
Make sure you add the activity when you purchase your travel insurance so it’s included in your policy. If you can’t find the activity in our list, contact us for help.
Which volunteer activities are excluded
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover, for example, volunteer fire-fighting, panther minding or activities in places known to be unsafe or dangerous.
This includes volunteer work that includes:
-
Work performed over 5 metres in height.
-
Work performed offshore, underground or in caves.
-
Operating machinery.
-
Working with dangerous animals and / or big game.
What else isn’t covered?
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we hope you’ll act responsibly and within your limits! But just to be clear, we won’t cover any incidents related to:
-
Alcohol or drug abuse
-
Reckless behavior
-
Criminal or illegal acts
-
Changing your mind
-
Pre-existing medical conditions unless specified under your policy
-
Third party compensation and legal expenses
-
Your legal and personal liability following professional advice or other services performed by you as a volunteer.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.
If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you may find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
- Buy while traveling
- Get cover 24/7 online
- Instant confirmation
- Ongoing traveler support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
Waiting periods apply
It's not always fun.
Due to mishap, my frenulum on my penis got severely damaged. During intercourse with my girlfriend it nearly ripped and caused me a lot of pain and blood. I went to the doctor and he operated on it. Now everything is okay again.
Danish Resident.
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 deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need 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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about volunteering and travel insurance cover. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
That depends on your policy and your country of residence. You may have to put in a request with the customer service team for a country to be added to your policy.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or your home health system.
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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 medical evacuation is required, World Nomads may cover these costs upfront. You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
