Histórias verdadeiras do departamento de Sinistros
Qualquer coisa pode acontecer em uma viagem (e acontece).
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Leia os melhores depoimentos dos piores casos que nós tratamos ao longo dos anos.
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
- Você ou sua família estão doentes, feridos ou mortos?
- Perdeu seu emprego?
- Teve sua casa destruída?
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
- Precisa de medicamentos?
- Sofreu um acidente?
- Ficou doente?
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
- Se acidentou no exterior?
- Precisa urgentemente de um hospital?
- Impossibilitado de prosseguir viagem?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Suas malas sumiram?
- Não encontra sua bagagem?
- Malas danificadas?
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 teamObtenha uma cotação de seguro de viagem
Seguro viagem simples e flexível. Compre em casa ou durante a viagem e faça a solicitação online de qualquer lugar do mundo
Faça uma cotação
Travel Insurance When Backpacking
Essential travel insurance information for Americans backpacking worldwide.
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As featured in:
At a glance:
- Backpacking can come with risks—injuries, stolen gear, or trip interruptions—travel insurance can help cover the unexpected.
- World Nomads offers plans with coverage for emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and 250+ adventure activities.
- Coverage varies by plan, including treks up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters with the Epic Plan.
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage adds flexibility if plans change unexpectedly (must be added within 7 days of first deposit for your trip).
- Access pre-trip telehealth to get essential meds, like altitude or stomach illness treatments, before you go.
- How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance coverage?
- Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
- What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
- What may not be covered by the travel protection plan for backpackers?
- Top tips for backpackers
- FAQs
Just you, your pack, and the open road. Backpacking is a rite of passage for nomads chasing big experiences on a small budget.
Whether you're out to find your crew or yourself, travel insurance coverage can help if things go off track.
World Nomads Travel Insurance covers backpackers exploring Thailand, Vietnam, South America, Europe and beyond.
How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance coverage?
Backpacking looks different for every traveler—maybe you're hostel-hopping across Europe and want protection in case your gear gets stolen, or you’re trekking through the Andes where emergency medical expense coverage could be very helpful. That’s why World Nomads Travel Insurance offers flexible travel protection plans for backpackers, with coverage designed to match your style of adventure. From safeguarding your belongings to covering accidents at high altitudes, we’ve got your back.
-
Standard Plan
covers backpacking trips up to
19,685 feet/6,000 meters -
Explorer plan
covers backpacking trips up to
21,325 feet/6,500 meters -
Epic plan
covers backpacking trips up to
26,247 feet/8,000 meters -
Annual plan
covers backpacking trips up to
19,685 feet/6,000 meters
Plus, our plans include coverage for 250+ other activities you might do along the way, so you can explore confidently, wherever your backpack leads you.
Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
Backpacking is all about freedom and spontaneity—but that flexibility also comes with risk. From sprained ankles on rocky trails to food poisoning in rural villages or stolen gear on overnight buses, the unexpected can derail your trip fast. That’s where travel insurance for backpackers can help—covering emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, evacuations from high-altitude regions, and lost or stolen passports. And if your plans change before you even leave, optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage may reimburse you for non-refundable, unused trip costs—ideal for travelers who like to keep their options open. Whether you're trekking through South America or hopping between hidden towns in Southeast Asia, having the right coverage gives you the confidence to go wherever the trail takes you. Certain conditions and limitations apply.
What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the plan maximum benefit amount) for:
- Medical expenses:if you get hurt while backpacking and need medical attention, our accident and sickness medical expense insurance benefit may provide reimbursement for the treatment you need.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: If your injuries are severe, acute, or life-threatening our plans may cover evacuation and transportation to a medical facility best suited for your care, subject to approval from the treating medical physician and the non-insurance 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Baggage and personal effects protection: Our gear coverage may help with reimbursement of the cost to repair or replace damaged, lost or stolen items, including airline checked bags.
- Trip cancellation: if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an unexpected illness, we may be able to reimburse your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations. Want even more freedom to cancel? Check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit available on some plans (additional cost applies; not available in NY).
- Natural disaster evacuation assistance: if unforeseen severe weather or natural disaster event puts a stop to your trekking adventure, your plan may cover costs to get you out of there and to the nearest place of safety. Certain conditions and limitations apply.
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 quoteWhat may not be covered by the travel protection plan for backpackers?
Here are a few things we may not cover:
- Being under the influence of narcotics.
- Travel within 100 miles of your home.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
Top tips for backpackers
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right plan for your adventure sport or activities. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide on whether to buy a Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plan, as they have different levels of coverage.
- Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your plan may not apply in all countries.
- Traveling long-term: You can buy another plan for more travel insurance coverage while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket. And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Multi-Trip plan could be best for you.
- Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider using our non-insurance service partner to initiate an online consultation to obtain prescription medications for the most common travel needs, like altitude sickness pills, delivered to your door before you leave on your trip (costs may apply).
- 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 backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
-
What does travel insurance cover for backpacking trips?
Travel insurance for your backpacking trip can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, stolen gear, emergency evacuations, and more. World Nomads offers flexible plans that include coverage for 250+ activities you might encounter on the road.
-
Do I need travel insurance for a backpacking trip?
Only you can decide your travel insurance needs however our plans were created with backpackers – and their unique circumstances - in mind. Whether you're trekking in high altitudes or navigating unfamiliar cities, the right travel insurance coverage can protect you from unexpected bills due to injuries, illness, theft, and trip disruptions.
-
Is emergency evacuation included in backpacking travel insurance?
Yes, our travel insurance coverage includes emergency evacuation. If you’re seriously injured or become unexpectedly ill while backpacking. If you’re in a remote area and need transport to the nearest adequate medical facility, the Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains benefit may help cover the cost – which can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Evacuation must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plans’ elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you’re protected for your specific adventure.
- The Standard and Annual plans cover hikes up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters)
- The Explorer plan covers up to 21,325 feet (6,500 meters)
- The Epic plan extends coverage up to 26,247 feet (8,000 meters)
-
Does the travel insurance coverage include protection for stolen backpacks or gear?
Yes, backpacking gear and equipment may be covered under the baggage and personal effects benefit of our plans if it’s lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged during your trip. Coverage maximum benefits amounts and conditions vary by plan, so be sure to review your chosen plan documents – especially if your carrying high-value items like trekking poles, boots, or GPS devices. Note: coverage does not include wear and tear, or gear damaged during use. Additional terms and conditions apply.
-
Can I cancel my backpacking trip and get reimbursed?
If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason—like an unexpected illness or injury—your plan may reimburse the pre-paid, unused, non-refundable trip costs with the ‘trip cancellation’ benefit. Want more flexibility? World Nomads offers optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage if you buy it within 7 days of your first trip deposit. Optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit is available on some plans (additional cost applies; not available in NY).
-
Am I covered for high-altitude trekking while backpacking?
Yes, but coverage depends on your plan. World Nomads offers multiple plans that cover hiking and trekking at different altitudes—from lower elevation hikes to epic multi-day routes up to 8,000 meters (26,247 feet).
-
Can I buy travel insurance after my backpacking trip has started?
Yes, with World Nomads you can purchase travel insurance and non-insurance services even if you’ve already started your trip. Waiting periods may apply for certain benefits, so it’s best to buy coverage early.
-
What should I do if I get sick while backpacking abroad?
If you become ill while backpacking, your travel protection plan may help with reimbursement of medical expenses. If Emergency Medical Evacuation is required it must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plan’s elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you're protected for your specific adventure.
Need destination inspiration for your next safari trip?
When you buy a World Nomads Travel Insurance plan, rest assured that your coverage has been crafted by passionate travelers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs, and fought with food poisoning along the way as well. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts, as well as some of our favorite backpacking trips:
Climbing Kilimanjaro: What to Know and How to Prepare
6 Backpacking Tips for Staying Safe in Thailand
2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Get Your Day-by-Day Travel Guide
How Traveling Cheaply Can Also Be Good for the Planet
This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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 Backpacking
If something unexpected happens to Canadians, we’ve got your back – pack or no pack.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance:
- Backpacking can come with risks—injuries, stolen gear, or trip interruptions—travel insurance can help cover the unexpected.
- World Nomads offers plans with coverage for emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellations, and 250+ adventure activities.
- Coverage varies by plan and corresponding activity level purchased. The maximum elevation covered is 6,000 meters.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team is available in dozens of languages.
- Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
- How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance?
- What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
- What doesn't backpacker insurance cover?
- Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- FAQs
Just you, your pack, and the open road. Backpacking is a rite of passage for nomads chasing big experiences on a small budget.
Whether you're out to find your crew or yourself, travel insurance can help if things go off track.
World Nomads Travel Insurance covers backpackers exploring Thailand, South America, Europe and beyond.
Why you may want to consider travel insurance to protect your backpacking trip
Backpacking is all about freedom and spontaneity—but that flexibility also comes with risk. From sprained ankles on rocky trails to food poisoning in rural villages or stolen gear on overnight buses, the unexpected can derail your trip fast. That’s where travel insurance for backpackers can help—covering emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, evacuations from high-altitude regions, and lost or stolen passports. If you have to cancel your trip before departure due to a covered reason—like sudden illness or injury—trip cancellation coverage may help reimburse your prepaid non-refundable expenses. Whether you're trekking through South America or hopping between hidden towns in Southeast Asia, having the right coverage gives you the confidence to go wherever the trail takes you.
How can I protect my backpacking trip with travel insurance?
Backpacking looks different for every traveller—maybe you're hostel-hopping across Europe and want protection in case your gear gets stolen, or you’re trekking through the Andes where emergency medical expense coverage could be very helpful. That’s why World Nomads offers flexible travel insurance plans for backpackers, with coverage designed to match your style of adventure. From safeguarding your belongings to covering accidents at high altitudes, we’ve got your back.
-
Standard & Explorer Plans
Hikes and Backpack trips covered up to 3,000 meters -
Optional Extra
Hikes and Backpack trips covered up to 6,000 meters
Plus, our plans include coverage for 250+ other activities you might do along the way, so you can explore confidently, wherever your backpack leads you. Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
What travel insurance benefits could cover you and your backpacking trip?
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the plan maximum benefit amount) for:
- Emergency medical expenses:if you get hurt while backpacking and need medical attention, our emergency medical coverage for injury or sickness may provide reimbursement for the treatment you need.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: If your injuries are severe, acute, or life-threatening our plans may cover evacuation and transportation to a medical facility best suited for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Baggage and personal effects protection: Our gear coverage may help with reimbursement of the cost to repair or replace damaged, lost or stolen items, including airline checked bags.
- Trip cancellation: if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an unexpected illness, we may be able to reimburse your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations.
What doesn't backpacker insurance cover?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Here are a few things we don’t cover:
- Any alcohol related sickness, death or injury or the abuse of medication, drugs, alcohol or any other toxic substance.
- Travel within your home province
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
- Backpacking over 6,000 metres.
Nomads tip: 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.
Get a backpacking travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quoteTop travel insurance tips for backpackers
Here are some pointers to help keep you covered while backpacking.
- For you, does backpacking = hiking or mountain climbing? Make sure you select the right plan and level of coverage for your activity. Our article on covered sports and activities should help you decide what to pick.
- Going wherever the breeze blows? If you want to cross the border, check with our customer service team first as your plan may not apply in all countries.
- Travelling long-term: You can buy more travel insurance while abroad (waiting periods may apply) even if you don’t have a return ticket.
- Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider going to the doctor before your trip to make sure you had all the necessary medications.
- 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 backpacking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team
-
What does backpacking travel insurance cover?
Backpacking travel insurance plans can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, stolen gear, emergency evacuations, and more. World Nomads offers flexible plans that include coverage for 250+ activities you might encounter on the road.
-
Do I need travel insurance for a backpacking trip?
Only you can decide your travel insurance needs however our plans were created with backpackers – and their unique circumstances - in mind. Whether you're trekking in high altitudes or navigating unfamiliar cities, the right travel insurance coverage can protect you from unexpected bills due to injuries, illness, theft, and trip disruptions.
-
Is emergency evacuation included in backpacking travel insurance?
Yes, our plans include emergency medical evacuation if you’re seriously injured or ill while backpacking. World Nomads requires approval from the attending physician and the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. It’s critical you call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team prior to arranging evacuation. Be sure your plan covers the maximum altitude you’ll be hiking in, as well.
- The Standard and Explorer plans cover hikes up to 3,000 meters
- An additional activity level can be added to raise the maximum elevation to 6,000 meters. You can do this while getting a travel insurance
-
Does backpacking travel insurance cover stolen backpacks or gear?
Yes, baggage and personal effects coverage may help reimburse you for stolen or damaged backpacks, gear, or checked luggage—just be sure to keep receipts and file a report to support your claim.
-
Can I cancel my backpacking trip and get reimbursed?
If you cancel for a covered reason—like sudden illness or injury—your plan may reimburse non-refundable trip costs with the ‘trip cancellation’ benefit.
-
Am I covered for high-altitude trekking while backpacking?
Yes, but coverage depends on the activity level you purchased. Both plans cover backpacking up to 3,000 meters. You must add an additional level of protection for hikes up to 6,000 meters. You can do this when you get a quote for travel insurance.
-
Can I buy travel insurance after my backpacking trip has started?
Yes, with World Nomads you can purchase travel insurance even if you’ve already started your trip. Waiting periods may apply for certain benefits, so it’s best to buy coverage early.
-
What should I do if I get sick while backpacking abroad?
If you become ill while backpacking, your travel insurance may help coordinate your medical care, arrange transportation to the most suitable medical facility and cover your medical expenses. All of this is subject to plan terms and conditions. The first step is always to call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, if at all possible.
Need destination inspiration?
When you buy a World Nomads travel insurance plan, rest assured that your coverage has been crafted by passionate travellers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs, and fought with food poisoning along the way as well. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and don’ts, as well as some of our favorite backpacking trips:
Climbing Kilimanjaro: What to Know and How to Prepare
6 Backpacking Tips for Staying Safe in Thailand
2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Get Your Day-by-Day Travel Guide
How Traveling Cheaply Can Also Be Good for the Planet
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- 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 teamTravel Insurance for New Zealand
From snowsports to watersports, and hiking to biking - New Zealand is full of adventures. Get our tips on how to experience it like a true Kiwi!
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand
- Travel insurance for activities in New Zealand
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in New Zealand
- Travel insurance for lost bags in New Zealand
- Road trips through New Zealand
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to New Zealand
From the waterfalls of Fjordland, to the rainforests, beaches, and glacial peaks, New Zealand is a dream vacation spot for many Canadians.
The northland region’s Bay of Islands gives you the chance to island hop between over 100 islands, but you may also want to rent a campervan and trek over to Mount Parihaka to take in the picturesque panoramic views.
If you’re exploring the South Island, you can check out the majestic Blue Pools of Makarora or you may be lucky enough to spot a sea lion or penguin near the Otago Peninsula. The south island definitely has its share of phenomenal hiking opportunities and scenic cycling routes.
While a trip to New Zealand is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of. With everything from earthquakes to parasites, and cancelled flights to lost bags - there’s definitely some things our nomads have learned along the way. We encourage you to check out our team’s insights on things to know about New Zealand before you go.
Do I need travel insurance for New Zealand?
When you’re planning your trip to New Zealand, you’ll find that there’s plenty of adventures like rafting on the Rangitata Gorge and sand boarding on the giant dunes at 90 Mile Beach. You can plan your itinerary and book your excursions in advance, but what you can’t plan for are the unexpected things that may happen along the way.
With any overseas travel, there’s always going to be some things you can’t anticipate - like cancelled trips, delayed baggage and medical emergencies. If you tumble off of your sand board and break a leg, your travel insurance for New Zealand could help you get the medical care you need.
Unexpected natural disasters could also put a halt to your plans. New Zealand is located in an active seismic zone, and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can happen there. If your trip to Tongariro National Park is cancelled because Mount Ruapehu unexpectedly erupts and the Canadian Government issues an advisory against travel to a destination, country or region listed on the itinerary of your insured trip (and the advisory is issued after your purchased your non-refundable prepaid trip arrangements) or the natural disaster makes it impossible for you to occupy your destination residence, your travel insurance for New Zealand could assist with reimbursing you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses for things like hotel accommodations and excursions if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Because of these unplanned situations you could encounter, travel insurance for New Zealand may be something you should consider. There are two different plans to select from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in New Zealand
Since New Zealand is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, we know you may want to take that leap while you’re there. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to New Zealand - including bungee jumping.
In a country surrounded by water, you’ll probably be having some aquatic fun as well. Things like scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing could be covered too.
When you get a quote for your travel insurance for New Zealand, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you plan on participating in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, contact us before your purchase your policy to determine if you will be covered.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in New Zealand
With all of the fun to be had in New Zealand, there’s plenty of adventure activities that you’ll want to try. Our nomads all agree that one of our favorite must-do activities there is glacier walking.
The Haupapa/Tasman glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier and is located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the South Island. It’s a magnificent thing to see, and is a great excursion for visiting Canadians. Never venture out onto a glacier alone though. Instead, we recommend choosing an eco-friendly tour operator and taking a guided tour.
While the coolness of glacier walking can’t be denied, anytime you’re walking on slippery ice, accidents can happen. If you lose your footing, slide, and fall into a crevasse, you could end up with injuries. Sure, you’ll have a jaw dropping story to tell back home in Canada, but you’re also going to need to get medical care as soon as that happens.
World Nomads travel insurance plans offer cover for emergency medical expenses you incur as a result of an injury, unexpected sickness or death occurring on your trip. Your Government Health Insurance Plan may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses in New Zealand. Your World Nomads travel insurance plan offers coverage for such things as:
- Emergency medical care from a physician
- Wheelchairs, braces, crutches or other medical appliance
- Ambulance transportation
- Bedside companion
- Emergency Professional services
In most situations, medical providers will require payment upfront. Your travel insurance plan may provide reimbursement of the expense you incur.
If you have a medical emergency when travelling to New Zealand, you must contact the 24/7 emergency assistance team prior to seeking medical attention unless your medical conditions prevents you from calling, in which case you must call us as soon as medically possible or have some call on your behalf. Our emergency assistance team can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. Also remember to save all paperwork and receipts.
If our emergency assistance team or your treating physician recommends that you return to your home province because of your medical condition, World Nomads travel insurance includes coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation could also help cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in New Zealand
If you plan to visit Goat Island Marine Reserve, you may have packed your new snorkel and mask in your checked bag. If you get to Auckland and then realize that the airline lost your bag, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance for New Zealand may reimburse you for the cost to replace your snorkel, mask, and other baggage and personal effects . When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your international travel insurance policy to get the specific details what’s covered, depreciation and policy limits.
If you’re lucky, the bag just took a detour and will eventually make its way to you before your snorkeling excursion. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, and your checked baggage is delayed 12 hours or more by your airline or ground carrier, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for the expenses you incur for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
Road trips through New Zealand
If you’re up for a little spontaneity in your New Zealand adventure, you may be interested in renting a campervan and hitting the open road. Road trips have become so popular in New Zealand and you’ll find plenty of rental options - everything from small minivans to Class A RV’s. You’ll also find a variety of camping sites across the country.
Think of it as a hotel room on wheels. You can be flexible and venture out to a wide variety of areas where you can see New Zealand in a whole different way. With all of your belongings in your vehicle though, you’ll want to be careful about not leaving things out in plain sight, as that could be tempting to thieves.
If you’re parked at a remote location like a trailhead, thieves can sometimes try to take an opportunity to break in. They could think your campervan is an easy target. Try to park somewhere your campervan can be seen, and where it is well lit.
You can take the steps to try to avoid thieves on your road trip, but sometimes things happen. If this does happen to you, make sure to contact the police and file a report. You’ll need that if you make a claim.
It’s also important to note that driving there is a little different than driving back home in Canada. Check out our tips for driving safely in New Zealand to make your road trip even more epic.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to New Zealand
You’ve put in the time to plan the perfect getaway to New Zealand, but sometimes things happen that can derail your plans.
If your travel companion unexpectedly gets sick before you leave Canada, a doctor may tell him not to travel to New Zealand at that time. Nobody wants to cancel their dream vacation, but sometimes things happen. Your travel insurance for New Zealand policy includes trip cancellation coverage that may reimburse you for your non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
Unexpected things can also happen once you are in New Zealand. If there’s storms back home and you get a call that a tornado has destroyed your house, you may need to cut your trip short and go back home to Canada to deal with that.
If you have travel insurance for New Zealand, and something unexpected happens that causes you to cancel, delay, or interrupt your trip, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if the reason you need to cancel, delay or interrupt your trip is a covered reason under the policy, Examples of covered risks include:
- Medical conditions and death
- Travel Advisories
- Strike
New Zealand Travel Tips
Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for New Zealand to review their up to date warnings on any advisories. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
New Zealand can have some unpredictable weather. The sun can be brutal there, so make sure to always wear sunscreen. Pay attention to the weather forecasts, but even if it’s predicting nothing but sunny days, always make sure you're prepared for strong winds and potential rain because weather can change quickly in New Zealand.
Remember the numbers 111. That's the emergency service number you can call if you need help from the police, fire department, or if you need an ambulance when you’re in New Zealand.
If you purchase travel insurance for New Zealand, it’s always a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
Most Canadians travelling to New Zealand have no problems at all, but since disasters like earthquakes and volcanoes are possible there, make sure to check out our information about what you need to know about natural hazards in New Zealand.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
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
