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.

• Do I need travel insurance for Laos?
• Travel insurance for activities in Laos
• Travel insurance for motorbiking in Laos
• Travel insurance support for medical emergencies in Laos
• Travel insurance for stolen items in Laos
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Laos
• Tips for traveling to Laos from the United States

Also known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” Laos offers an intriguing blend of Buddhist culture, French colonial history, Khmer ruins, scenic landscapes, and laidback villages. Whether you want to go caving in Tham Nam, learn from remote mountain tribes like the Hmong and the Karen, or visit Buddhist monasteries like Pha That Luang, Laos has plenty of highlights that rival its more well-visited neighbors. You can chase islands, caves, and waterfalls in Southern Laos or head to Northern Laos for hiking, cultural, and cycling adventures.

In Vientiane, you can kick back at a trendy café, admire colonial era architecture, step back in time at historic Buddhist temples, and sample Laotian specialties like Khao Piak Sen (rice noodle soup). Beyond its buzzy cities, Laos is also a wonder for nature seekers. You can refresh in waterfalls, look for river dolphins, or take a boat ride in Nong Kiau.

While a trip to Laos is an incredible experience, there are some things to be aware of when visiting from the US, including lost luggage and motorcycle accidents. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for Laos.

Do I need travel insurance for Laos?

International travel can bring unexpected surprises, like coming across a mountain covered in ancient stone jars in Xiangkhoang Plateau. However, some surprises are not as exciting. Nobody wants to think about delayed flights or lost bags, but these things can happen unexpectedly.

If you get into a motorcycle accident while biking around Luang Prabang, you may need to see a doctor. You may then wish that you had travel insurance for Laos.

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 plan for your needs.

Travel insurance for activities in Laos

From the meandering Mekong River to the rolling mountains, Laos is plentiful with adventures. Seventy percent of the country’s geographic area is made up of mountains, highlands, and plateaus, after all. While you may not be able to go tubing in Vang Vieng anymore, the area remains a hub for rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Laos and includes things like climbing Phou Bia—the highest mountain in Laos--, rafting on the Lao River, and canyoning in Nam Sa Nam.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Laos, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. Knowing your activities in advance will help you choose the best insurance for your trip.

You can volunteer with ethical wildlife non-profits like Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife or motorbike the Bolaven Plateau Loop—home to waterfalls and coffee plantations—with any plan, including the Standard Plan. If taking a hot air balloon ride over the cliffs of Vang Vieng is on your bucket list, though, you’ll need to invest in the Explorer or the Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for motorbiking in Laos

Motorbiking is common in Laos, and in some instances, it could be covered by your travel insurance plan - but it’s not guaranteed. Just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike there doesn’t mean you should, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.

We get a lot of accident claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Laos because it’s cheap and easy to rent. However, safety is not always top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience are. The rules of the road can be very different from back home in the United States. Motorbike accidents are quite common and it’s very important to know that if you don’t have the proper license for motorbiking, your travel insurance for Laos won’t cover you.

If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to look at getting the proper license for motorbiking in Laos before you leave the US. You can get specific license requirements for Laos on the U.S. government’s website and will want to review your plan wording carefully when you get a quote for travel insurance for Laos. We also recommend that you read up on how to safely motorbike in Laos.

Travel insurance support for medical emergencies in Laos

Before you leave the United States, we recommend you book an appointment with our Pre-Departure Telehealth service. This non-insurance service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain necessary medications before you take off for Laos, such as certain vaccinations or antimalarial medication.

We also recommend you pack a strong mosquito repellent and sunscreen to keep you protected on your travels. You should avoid drinking tap water and instead stick with boiled or bottled water. Trust us, food poisoning is a sure way to throw off your travel plans!

Medical care in Laos looks a bit different than what you’re used to in the US. If you get injured while climbing Pha Daeng, you may need to seek medical attention. In the event of a medical emergency while traveling in Laos, you can call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) 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 Laos may cover the costs to get you there.

Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in Laos

What happens if you land in Vientiane to find that your bags haven’t arrived? It’s no fun to be waiting at the luggage carousel wondering if your bag is on its way. If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact 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.

While Laos is generally a safe place, petty theft and pickpockets can happen in crowded tourist spots or on public transportation. Like anywhere you travel, it’s smart to keep your belongings where you can see them and store your valuables in a safe at your accommodation. If anything does happen, make sure you file a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim and get reimbursed for stolen goods with your travel insurance for Laos.

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Laos

Even if you’ve booked all your hotels and excursions for Laos, unexcepted things can happen that might disrupt your trip. When looking for travel insurance plans for Laos, make sure to get one that covers trip cancelation, delays, and interruptions.

What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for Laos? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for Laos that includes cancelation coverage could reimburse you for those non-refundable or transferable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.

If you’re already on your trip, and something happens to interrupt your vacation, World Nomads travel insurance may compensate you for covered reasons. For example, if your travel companion gets in a motorcycle accident and needs to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours, your expenses (up to plan limits) could be covered, too. Make sure to keep all documentation and receipts for things you paid for in advance- you’ll need those if you make a claim.

Tips for traveling to Laos from the United States

Before you head out on your epic adventure, we encourage you to check out the US government’s travel warnings for Laos. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.

If you purchase travel insurance for Laos, it is a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

Laotians have a reputation for being warm and welcoming towards tourists. Beyond a warm welcome, you have stunning scenery and rich culture to look forward to. To help prep for your trip, you may want to read up on the things to know before you visit Laos. Brush up on some local phrases and embrace the spirit of slow travel to help you get off the beaten path in Laos and enjoy this surprising country.

• Why should I consider travel insurance for my cycling trip?
• What types of cycling adventures may be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
• Cycling travel insurance benefits
• Plan levels for cycling trips
• What's not covered
• Top safety tips we recommend for your cycling trip
• FAQs

When planning a cycling adventure—whether it’s scenic touring, urban exploration on an e-bike, or challenging off-road terrain—investing in travel insurance for cycling may be just as important as tightening your helmet. With plans designed to match your ride, you’ll hit the road confident.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my cycling trip?

Even the best-laid cycling plans can face unexpected detours. A crash, sudden illness, or travel delays might throw off your itinerary, while stolen or damaged gear while traveling could cut your ride short. That’s where travel insurance for cycling could come in—it may help cover medical costs if you’re injured mid-ride, reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and assist if your essential biking equipment is stolen or damaged while traveling. Whether you’re pedaling out of state roads or venturing to far-flung trails, World Nomads helps keep your adventure on track with 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance and coverage for more than 250 sports and activities.

What types of cycling adventures may be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?

World Nomads offers benefits for losses relating to:

• On and off-road biking
• BMX
• Snow biking (yes, that’s a thing!)
• Even unicycling can also be covered!

What travel insurance coverages and non-insurance services are offered by World Nomads for cyclists?

World Nomads Travel Insurance for US residents may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the road. Plans may include:

At World Nomads Travel Insurance, we know your cycling trip is more than just biking from one destination to the next. That’s why our plans include travel insurance and non-insurance services for cyclists and protection for over 250+ other adventure sports and experiences – from camping and rock climbing to zip-lining and snorkeling. Whether you’re flying downhill or taking a trail straight up a mountain, 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 cycling 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 multi-day cycling adventures, safaris, cruises… 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 benefits come at an additional cost; CFAR not available in NY.

What may not covered by the travel protection plan I buy for my international cycling trip?

While we can offer coverage for many losses relating to biking, there are some things that may not be covered. These include, but are not limited to:

• Participating in any activity or sport as a professional athlete.
• Bicycles and other sporting equipment that are damaged while in use due to wear and tear.
• Search-and-rescue missions.
• Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
• Cycling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Top safety tips we recommend for your cycling trip

As cyclists ourselves, we have learned that it helps to be prepared. Before you hit the road with your bike, helmet and gear, check out a few of our safety tips for having the best cycling trip ever.

• Check you have all your paperwork. Make sure you have all your appropriate documents before you leave. This can include things like proof of any required vaccinations, visitor permits if you plan to visit any national parks, and special tourist visas for the countries you’ll be visiting.
• Be responsible when choosing a cycling destination or activity. Does the cycling tour suit your experience level? Are there any travel or weather alerts for your destination?
• Wear a helmet and visible clothing. This should be a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning because in many countries around the world, the locals don’t wear helmets when cycling. Another no-brainer is if you’re planning to ride at night, you should use lights and wear high visibility clothing to make sure other riders and vehicles see you.
• Make sure your bike is set up correctly before you ride. Check the saddle, pedals, handlebars and tire pressure before you set forth on your journey.
• Save your receipts. Hopefully you will have a perfect trip and won’t need to make a claim. But if you do have a mishap, make sure to save all supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases.
• Get bike fit: Be sure you are physically capable of the cycling routes you are planning. Have you got a ‘fit for travel’ thumbs up from your doctor to take on the mountains and specific altitudes? Consider using our non-insurance telehealth service for pre-trip medical support to get travel medicines, like altitude sickness pills, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip.

Need destination inspiration?

Planning a holiday on two wheels? The view from a bike is a world apart from the driver’s seat. Cycling offers incredible freedom and opens the door to spontaneous adventures. Discover top cycling destinations and essential travel tips to make your ride unforgettable.

How to Plan for a Cycling Trip

5 Destinations that are Putting Cyclists Ahead of Cars

How to Safely Cycle on New Zealand’s Bike Trails

• Why should I consider travel insurance for my cycling trip?
• What types of cycling adventures can be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
• Cycling Travel Insurance: What’s covered?
• What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my cycling trip?
• What’s not covered when cycling?
• Top safety tips we recommend for your cycling trip
• FAQs

When planning a cycling adventure—whether it’s scenic touring, urban exploration on a motor bike, or challenging off-road terrain—investing in travel insurance for your cycling trip may be just as important as tightening your helmet. With plans designed to match your ride, you’ll hit the road confident that both your body and equipment are covered.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my cycling trip?

Even the best-laid cycling plans can face unexpected detours. A crash, sudden illness, or travel delays might throw off your itinerary, while stolen or damaged gear could cut your ride short. That’s where travel insurance coverage for your cycling trip could come in—it may help cover medical costs if you’re injured mid-ride, reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and assist if your essential biking equipment is stolen or damaged. Whether you’re pedaling in Canada or venturing to far-flung trails, World Nomads helps keep your adventure on track with 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance and coverage for more than 250 sports and activities.

What types of cycling adventures can be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?

World Nomads offers coverage for:

• Mountain biking - On or off road/downhill/cross country up to 3,000 metres in elevation
• Mountain biking - On or off road/downhill/cross country up to 6,000 metres in elevation
• BMX – on road 
• BMX - off road/on-track/cross country 
• Quad biking
• Scooter biking/riding 
• Triathlons and endurance races that are less then ultra-distance (non-professional) may also be covered! 

Note: Special conditions and exclusions, in addition to the General Conditions and General Exclusions, may apply while taking part in certain sports or activities. 

Cycling Travel Insurance: What’s covered?

World Nomads Travel Insurance for Canadian residents may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the road. Plans may include:

At World Nomads Travel Insurance, we know your cycling trip is more than just biking from one destination to the next. That’s why our plans include travel insurance coverage for cyclists and protection for over 250 other adventure sports and experiences – from camping and rock climbing to zip-lining and snorkeling. Whether you’re flying downhill or taking a trail straight up a mountain, we offer two travel insurance plans with different levels of 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.

To see the cost of adding your particular adventure, get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.  

*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 cycling trip? 

• Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travellers and families. Includes up to $5,000,000CAD in emergency medical expenses and $2500 for trip cancellation and trip interruption. 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! Our plan with the highest benefit limits, including up to $3,000 for baggage, personal effects and sporting equipment coverage and $5,000 for trip cancellation.

What’s not covered when cycling?

While we can offer coverage for many losses relating to biking, there are some things that may not be covered. These include, but are not limited to:

• Participating in any activity or sport as a professional athlete.
• Bicycles and other sporting equipment that are damaged while in use due to wear and tear.
• Search-and-rescue missions.
• Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
• Cycling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Top safety tips we recommend for your cycling trip

As cyclists ourselves, we have learned that it helps to be prepared. Before you hit the road with your bike, helmet and gear, check out a few of our safety tips for having the best cycling trip ever.

• Check you have all your paperwork. Make sure you have all your appropriate documents before you leave. This can include things like proof of any required vaccinations, visitor permits if you plan to visit any national parks, and special tourist visas for the countries you’ll be visiting.
• Be responsible when choosing a cycling destination or activity. Does the cycling tour suit your experience level? Are there any travel or weather alerts for your destination?
• Wear a helmet and visible clothing. This should be a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning because in many countries around the world, the locals don’t wear helmets when cycling. Another no-brainer is if you’re planning to ride at night, you should use lights and wear high visibility clothing to make sure other riders and vehicles see you.
• Make sure your bike is set up correctly before you ride. Check the saddle, pedals, handlebars and tire pressure before you set forth on your journey.
• Save your receipts. Hopefully you will have a perfect trip and won’t need to make a claim. But if you do have a mishap, make sure to save all supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases.
• Get bike fit: Be sure you are physically capable of the cycling routes you are planning. Have you got a ‘fit for travel’ thumbs up from your doctor to take on the mountains and specific altitudes?

NOMADS TIP: Using an e-bike for the first time? Give yourself plenty of practice time. These bikes are heavy and can take longer to brake than you are used to. Start off in a low assist mode and then gradually increase as you become more comfortable.

Need destination inspiration?

Planning a holiday on two wheels? The view from a bike is a world apart from the driver’s seat. Cycling offers incredible freedom and opens the door to spontaneous adventures. Discover top cycling destinations and essential travel tips to make your ride unforgettable.

How to Plan for a Cycling Trip

5 Destinations that are Putting Cyclists Ahead of Cars

How to Safely Cycle on New Zealand’s Bike Trails

• Why should I consider travel insurance for my rock climbing trip?
• Travel insurance and non-insurance services for rock climbing: What may be covered?
• What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my rock climbing trip?
• What may not be covered when rock climbing?
• Top safety tips we recommend for your rock climbing trip
• FAQs

Whether you're rock climbing in Yosemite National Park or taking your adventure outside of the United States to epic spots like Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, it helps to always be prepared for the unexpected. If you’re planning a rock climbing trip, consider a travel protection plan that may help with issues like stolen climbing gear to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my rock climbing trip?

Unexpected issues can mess up even the most carefully planned rock climbing trips. Falling rocks can cause injuries and bad weather can put a halt to your climbing. Travel insurance benefits designed for adventures paired with our non-insurance services designed for rock climbing trips 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. If you have a more adventurous climb planned in the Rocklands and you have travel insurance for Africa, you may be covered as well.

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

Rock climbing can test your physical and mental abilities – and as adventurers ourselves, that’s part of what we love. Since unexpected situations can happen when climbing though, we’ve designed coverage for losses resulting from rock climbing while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

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

All plans include adventure travel insurance coverage for rock climbing, 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 rock climbing trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for US residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even when you’re going on a rock climbing trip, you may want to do other fun things too when you’re traveling, like hiking or camping. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase a travel protection plan that includes extreme sports travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services.

• Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while rock climbing and bouldering indoors, outdoor rock climbing and ice climbing up to 9,842 feet/3,000 meters and scrambling up to 19,685 feet/6,000 meters. It also includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation.
• Explorer Plan – This is for those who want to take their rock climbing adventures even higher. It covers via ferrata and outdoor rock climbing, mountaineering, scrambling and ice climbing up to 21,325 feet/ 6,500 meters. It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
• Epic Plan – This plan covers everything the Explorer Plan covers, but includes more activities and allows you to climb even higher. Outdoor rock climbing, ice climbing, bouldering, soloing, scrambling and mountaineering up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters may be covered. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
• Annual Plan – If you’re planning multiple trips throughout the year, this plan may be for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year. It includes adventure travel insurance coverage for the activities included in the Standard Plan.

What may not be covered when rock climbing?

The US has some great places to climb, and you may be covered by your extreme sports travel insurance benefits inside the country too – but you may not be covered for rock climbing or traveling within 100 miles of your home. Some other things that may not be covered include:

• Unattended baggage, climbing gear or personal items
• Not following ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued by the US government prior to departure
• Participation in activities not listed in our 250+ sports, activities and experiences.
• Ignoring your doctor if they have advised in writing that you are not medically fit to travel
• Any medical bills related to a pre-existing condition, unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer Plan during the time-sensitive period and were medically able to travel at the time of purchase

Top safety tips we recommend for your rock climbing trip

• If you’ve never climbed, take a lesson to learn proper climbing techniques.
• Always wear a helmet. Accidents can happen on any level of terrain when climbing, and you always need to protect your head.
• Double check your gear and equipment before climbing. Make sure your rope, harness and carabiners are properly fastened, and ensure your knots are secure.
• Climb with a partner and develop good communication with them, including established hand signals. Make sure they are experienced and have the necessary skills to keep you safe.
• Only climb in places that allow climbing. If you’re trespassing in an area where you shouldn’t be climbing, you may not be covered by your adventure travel insurance benefits included in your travel protection plan.
• Don’t get in over your head. Be responsible when choosing a rock climbing destination and make sure it suits your experience level.
• 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. Depending on the medication, you may need to start it prior to your trip. 
• Check with the US 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 the documents for your adventure travel insurance coverage 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 sure you know the name of the climbing route and the nearest landmark so you can relay the appropriate information to the local authorities if you need help.

Need destination inspiration for your next rock climbing trip?

Not sure where your next climbing adventure should take you? If you want to stay closer to home, there are great places to climb inside the US, such as Moab and Red Rock Canyon. However, there are plenty of amazing spots around the world to experience, too. Check out a couple of our favorite rock-climbing locations and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Where to Go in Lisbon to Avoid the Crowds (Rock climbing the cliffs of Cascais)

Seven Day Trips from Kathmandu to Add to Your Itinerary (Rock climbing around Hattiban)