Travel Insurance for hiking & trekking
Simple and flexible travel insurance to take you trekking around the world. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
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Travel insurance when hiking
From incredible landscapes unfolding beneath well-worn feet to seeking nature’s solace, hiking has a magnetism all its own. Whether it’s walking the windswept fells of England’s Lake District or tackling Europe’s great massifs; hiking puts you front and center in some of the world’s most stunning locations.
Preparation is key to any hiking adventure overseas, learning about the area, checking the route and packing the right gear if the weather rolls in. Along with a trusty map, it can pay to pack travel insurance to help if an unexpected accident or illness stops you in your tracks.
What’s covered for hiking and trekking?
Are you an experienced international hiker looking for your next extreme challenge or do you prefer a relaxed family weekend away? No matter how venturous your hiking plans, depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you choose, World Nomads plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:
- Emergency medical: overseas emergency medical expenses at a hospital or medical centre if you suffer an unexpected injury or illness while hiking.
- Evacuation: approved overseas emergency medical evacuation to the most appropriate medical facility for treatment or repatriation back to your country of residence. Emergency transport is subject to approval from the 24-hour Emergency Assistance team.
- Trip cancellation: has a sick or injured traveling companion put a stop to your hiking break? Your plan may be able to recover the unused, non-refundable travel expenses.
- Gear protection: had your camera stolen while hiking in Thailand? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings swiped from under your nose. You’ll need a police report to submit with your claim as well as copies of the original receipts and supporting documentation.
- Lost, stolen or damaged baggage cover: we offer cover for baggage and items which you take with you or buy during your trip if they are stolen, damaged or destroyed, or if lost or damaged by a carrier. You must report all theft or loss to the police as well as to the common carrier, service provider or other local authority as soon as possible. Get a Property Irregularity Report or other incident report from the carrier so you can submit it with your claim, as well as a police report, copies of the original receipts and any luggage tickets.
- Delayed baggage cover: has your checked-in baggage been delayed for more than 24 hours? Your plan may cover essential items you purchase while you’re waiting for your baggage.
- Coronavirus cover: we offer cover for some Coronavirus related events. To find out more click here.
Choose a plan to suit your needs
Both our Standard Plan and Explorer Plan may offer many of the same benefits including coverage for hiking or trekking up to 6,000 meters, you just need to select the maximum elevation you’ll be hiking to at the time of your quote.
An upgrade for certain sports and activities may be required. Check out our article on covered sports and activities, which can help you select the optional upgrades for the activities you have planned, when you buy your policy; you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply, please read your Policy Wording carefully and contact us if you have any questions.
What’s not covered for hiking?
Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (such as tackling a week-long hiking trip in a remote area when you’re only a beginner). Some things we don’t cover include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording.
- Free mountaineering, climbing in remote or inaccessible regions, exploratory expeditions and new routes, high altitude climbing over 6,000 metres, mountaineering expeditions or activities within Antarctica, the Arctic Circle or Greenland.
- Search and rescue operations to find or rescue you as per your Policy Wording.
- If you do not follow the local safety advice and warnings.
- Any adventure or sport activity you did not specify on your policy.
- If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated.
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team advise you to do. If you are unable to contact us before arranging emergency transport or medical treatment, this may impact your cover.
- Expenses that can be recovered from other sources e.g. transport carriers, accommodation providers, credit card issuers or other insurance policies.
- Medical treatment that can wait until you return to your country of residence.
- If you don't keep your gear safe and secure at all times.
How to get the most out of your travel insurance
Before you head for the hills, the following tips can help you maximize your safety and validity of cover.
- Inform a local assistance company of your trekking route and policy details.
- If you’re hiking and need emergency medical treatment, or evacuation, you, or someone with you should contact our 24-hour Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. They will contact a suitable assistance or ambulance company and arrange medical care.
- Check which countries your trail passes through to ensure your policy covers you for that region.
Traveler Tip: for the intrepid hiker, be aware a policy excess applies if you need to be medically evacuated within Nepal.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
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 died?
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
- Rolled your ankle?
- Bedridden after a local delicacy?
- Struggling with altitude?
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
- Road or air ambulance?
- Flight assistance?
- Medivac needed home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Go pro stolen?
- Gear damaged in transit?
- 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 hiking and trekking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
What’s covered when I’m hiking?
We’ve tried to give you the freedom to hike from Arizona to Zambia by helping cover some of those nasty accidents. For further info, click here
-
How do I get to the medical centre if I’m injured while trekking?
If you can, contact our emergency assistance team to help arrange the care that you need. If you have no connectivity, then contact local authorities and have them call our assistance teams once you’re in safe hands. For further info, click here.
-
What if the airline loses my gear?
If your gear is lost or damaged by the airline, World Nomads can help cover some of the cost to replace them. For further info, click here.
-
Does my travel insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
If you’re hospitalized because of an accident, the insurer may help cover these costs upfront. For further info, click here.
Travel insurance for hiking & trekking - World Nomads
Simple and flexible travel insurance to take you trekking around the world.
- 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.
Whether it’s the trek or the view you’re chasing, the world’s great hiking destinations will leave you breathless. From Europe’s alpine trails to the mist-soaked rainforests of Costa Rica, hiking has a magic all its own.
Preparation is paramount to any hiking adventure abroad; learning about the area, checking the route and making sure you have the right gear in case bad weather rolls in. Along with a trusty map, it helps to pack travel insurance if hiking accidents stop you in your tracks.
What’s covered for hiking and trekking?
Are you an experienced European hiker looking for your next big challenge or are you happier on a relaxed family hike? No matter how adventurous your hiking plans, World Nomads plans may offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:
- Emergency medical: overseas emergency medical expenses at a hospital or medical centre if you suffer an unexpected injury or illness while hiking. You’ll need to contact the 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance team. Expenses must be medically necessary and agreed by the insurer in order to receive reimbursement of your covered expenses.
- Evacuation: we offer approved overseas emergency medical evacuation to the most appropriate medical facility for treatment or repatriation back to your country of residence. Emergency transport is subject to approval from the 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance team.
- Trip cancellation: has a sick or injured travelling companion put a stop to your hiking break? Your plan may be able to recover your unused non-refundable travel expenses.
- Gear protection: had your camera stolen while hiking in Thailand? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose. You’ll need a police report to submit with your claim as well as copies of the original receipts and supporting documentation.
- Lost or damaged baggage cover: have your bags or personal items gone missing? You must report all theft or loss to the common carrier, service provider or other local authority as soon as possible. You must also get a Property Irregularity Report or other incident report from the carrier so you can submit it with your claim. Where your belongings have been stolen, you must also report it to the local police and obtain a police report. These reports, and copies of the original receipts and any luggage tickets, can be submitted with your claim.
- Delayed baggage cover: has your checked-in baggage been delayed for more than 24 hours? Your plan may cover essential items you purchase while you’re waiting for your baggage to arrive.
Choose a plan that suits your needs
Both our Standard Plan and Explorer Plan may offer many of the same benefits including cover for hiking or trekking up to 6,000 metres, you just need to select the maximum elevation you’ll be hiking to at the time of your quote.
If you’re lucky enough to have some extra adventure or sport activities planned such as kayaking or mountaineering, check out our article on covered sports and activities, which will help you select the optional upgrades you’ll need to add to your plan when you buy your policy as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply, please read your policy wording carefully or contact us if you have any questions.
What’s not covered for hiking?
Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (such as tackling an extreme hiking trip into a remote area when you’re only a beginner). Some things we don’t cover include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your policy wording.
- Free mountaineering, climbing in remote or inaccessible regions, exploratory expeditions and new routes, high altitude climbing over 6,000 metres, mountaineering expeditions or expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctica or of a dangerous nature.
- Search and rescue operations to find or rescue you, as per your policy wording.
- Any adventure or sport activity graded above the actvity level specified on your Certificate of Insurance.
- If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated.
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team advise you to do.
- If you do not follow the local safety advice and warnings.
- Expenses that can be recovered from other sources e.g. transport carriers, accommodation providers, credit card issuers or other insurance policies.
- Medical treatment that can wait until your return home.
- If you don't keep your gear safe and secure at all times.
How to get the most out of your travel insurance
Before you head for the hills, the following tips can help you maximise your safety and validity of cover.
- Inform a local assistance company of your trekking route and policy details.
- If you require any medical treatment during your trip abroad you must contact our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team when you are aware you will be admitted as an inpatient for at least one night.
- Check which countries your trail passes through to ensure your policy covers you for that region.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You can read more about hiking and travel insurance and you should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
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 died?
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
- Rolled your ankle?
- Bedridden after a local delicacy?
- Struggling with altitude?
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
- Road or air ambulance?
- Flight assistance?
- Medivac needed home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Go pro stolen?
- Gear damaged in transit?
- 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 hiking & trekking coverage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
What’s covered when I’m hiking?
We’ve tried to give you the freedom to hike from Arizona to Zambia by helping cover some of those nasty accidents. For further info, click here
-
How do I get to the medical centre if I’m injured while trekking?
If you can, contact our emergency medical assistance team to help arrange the care that you need. If you have no connectivity, then contact local authorities and have them call our assistance teams once you’re in safe hands. For further info, click here.
-
What if the airline loses my gear?
If your gear is lost or damaged by the airline, World Nomads can help cover some of the cost to replace them. For further info, click here.
-
Does my travel insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
If you’re hospitalized because of an accident, the insurer may help cover these costs upfront. For further info, click here.
Travel insurance for scuba diving
Simple and flexible travel insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Why buy travel insurance when going scuba diving?
Calm waters, crystal clear visibility and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, but accidents can happen, even to the most experienced divers. Whether you're learning or you’ve done hundreds of dives, World Nomads Travel Insurance can help take the pressure off you and your family when the unexpected sinks your next dive trip.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?
- Dive 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
- Stepped on a stonefish?
- Got a serious squeeze?
- Need 02 or hyperbaric treatment?
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
- Sea level medical evac?
- Need an ambulance?
- Medivac needed home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Go Pro stolen?
- Bags lost in transit?
- Luggage 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)
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.
World Nomads love Scuba Diving
As passionate divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover dives from the Great Blue Hole to The Yongala.
- Recreational scuba diving (qualified divers to 30 meters)
- Learn-to-dive courses or discover scuba dives (with qualified instructors)
- Shark cage diving to a maximum depth of 30 metres
- Snorkeling, island escapes, live-aboard trips, and more
*Note: Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip.
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 scuba diving. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
What’s covered when Scuba Diving?
We’ve tried to give you the freedom to learn or hone your diving skills by helping cover some of those nasty accidents. For further info, click here.
-
How do I get to the medical centre if I’m injured underwater?
Contact our emergency medical assistance team so that they can help to the care that you need. For further info, click here.
-
What if the airline damages gear?
If your diving gear is damaged by the airline, World Nomads can help cover some of the cost to replace them. For further info, click here.
-
Does my travel insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
If you’re hospitalized because of an accident, the insurer can help cover these costs upfront. For further info, click here.
Travel insurance for ski & winter sports
Simple and flexible travel insurance for skiers and snowboarders. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Whether you're a newbie hitting the bunny slopes or a seasoned pro tackling the black diamonds, accidents can happen. With World Nomads travel insurance, you can shred the slopes and let your winter adventures be as smooth as the freshest powder.
- What does World Nomads travel insurance cover for snow sports?
- Choosing the right travel insurance policy for you
- What snow sports activities are covered?
- What’s not covered
- Tips for your winter sports adventures
- FAQs
What does World Nomads travel insurance cover for snow sports?
Depending on your country of residence and the plan you choose, our policies can protect you up to policy limits for benefits including:
- Medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation: if you suffer an injury while you’re shredding and need urgent medical assistance, our 24/7 emergency assistance team is here to help you organise treatment, evacuation and get home
- Trip cancellation: if you have to cancel your travel plans
- Baggage and equipment cover: if your baggage, ski or snowboarding gear is lost, stolen or damaged
- Cover for natural disasters: if you have to cancel or rearrange your travel plans due to a natural disaster such as an avalanche, or severe weather event
- Activities and sports coverage: we can cover you for up to 150 sports, activities and experiences.
- Coverage for families: our policies can cover up to eight dependents, so you can take the whole family on a winter vacation!
Choosing the right policy for you
We offer two travel insurance plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage and benefits for your winter adventures. It is up to you to choose which plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and matches your specific snow sports plans.
With World Nomads you can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, anytime, from anywhere.
What snow sports activities are covered?
As passionate ski bums, we’ve designed our plans to offer cover for the winter activities that our Nomads love the most. We can cover:
- Skiing and boarding within resorts, including off-piste
- Heli-skiing & heli-boarding (some plans only, check yours carefully)
- Sledding and tobogganing
- Snowmobiling, ice skating, snow rafting & more.
It’s important to note that all plans are different depending on your country of residence and may require an upgrade for cover to apply. Read the Policy Wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. If you’re not sure whether the snow sports you want to do are covered, contact us.
What’s not covered
While there are several things we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:
- Any competition, free-style skiing/snowboarding, ski/snowboard jumping, ski-flying, ski/snowboard acrobatics, ski/snowboard stunting, or ski racing or national squad training, the use of skeletons.
- Some winter and snow sports have special terms including exclusions for remote areas, racing, time trials and endurance events. Check the policy wording carefully.
- Any of your ski or winter sports items lost, stolen or damaged that are unsupervised or unattended, that are over 3 years old, or while in use
- If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to U.S. Department of State ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure
- Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies or where you don’t purchase the appropriate level upgrade
- Any pre-existing medical conditions
- Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Tips for your winter sports adventures
Whether you’re a pro skier or planning your first ever winter trip overseas, these tips may be helpful when planning your next winter getaway:
- It pays to be prepared: check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your ski instructor – if any seem unreliable then reconsider if it’s a smart move to go.
- Don’t get in over your head: be responsible when choosing a skiing or snowboarding destination or winter sports activity. Does it suit your experience level? Are you using an accredited tour operator?
- Keep an eye on your ski gear: don’t leave your expensive ski and winter sports gear or any other baggage unattended - those 'I spaced out” moments might not qualify for coverage.
- Be aware of skiing or snowboarding no go zones: don’t go into back country areas without taking local advice and appropriate rescue equipment. You should follow the International Ski Federation code or the resort regulations.
- Proof of purchase: any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you intend to make a claim.
- Be responsible: choose a ski tour operator that promotes responsible tourism, works as part of the local community, as well as actively helps to conserve the environment.
Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please contact us.
FAQ's
Here are our most frequently asked questions about ski and winter sports. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Does World Nomads travel insurance cover skiing and snowboarding accidents overseas?
Our policies can cover skiing and snowboarding accidents overseas. There’s cover for emergency medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation back home.
It’s important that you select the snow sports activities you intend to do when purchasing your policy. If you don’t declare the snow sports activities you intend to do, you may not be covered if you suffer an accident on the slopes. Restrictions apply to certain winter sport activities, so be aware of this so you’re covered if something goes wrong.
-
Are winter sports equipment covered by World Nomads travel insurance?
We can cover your ski and snowboard equipment if it is damaged, lost, stolen or delayed. Our travel insurance plans offer different limits of cover for baggage, so be sure to choose the plan that best meets your needs. Keep in mind that we can’t cover damage to sporting equipment while in use or loss, damage or theft of any sporting equipment left unattended. Be sure to read the policy wording for terms and conditions.
-
Do you cover snow trip cancellations due to adverse weather conditions on the slopes?
If your snow trip is cancelled, delayed or restricted due to a natural catastrophe such as avalanche, our policies provide cover for the value of your unused accommodation, less any refunds you receive, up to the benefit limit of your plan. If your trip is affected by a natural catastrophe be sure to get supporting documents for any claims.
-
Is snow sports cover just for medical expenses?
Snow sports cover provides cover for the unexpected, whether that’s a medical situation on the slopes, your gear is lost or delayed, or your trip is cancelled due to a natural catastrophe, including avalanches. Our policies can help protect you against those unexpected situations.
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?
- Ski 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
- Slipped on ice?
- Tore your ACL or MCL?
- Popped a shoulder?
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
- Road or air ambulance?
- Flight assistance?
- Medivac needed home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Go Pro stolen?
- Bags lost in transit?
- Luggage 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
