Travel Insurance for volunteering
Don't let your good deeds go uncovered.
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Whether you have specific skills to offer or you’re in search of meaningful connections, volunteering abroad can be a life changing experience. While out in the world helping others, make sure you also look after yourself and consider buying travel insurance before you pack your bags.
World Nomads travel insurance can cover you when participating in a range of round-the-world volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. Whatever the cause, we’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back.
What's covered
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected, World Nomads travel insurance may provide cover for:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Emergency medical care
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Trip delay
- Baggage and personal belongings cover
- Extend or buy more cover while traveling
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events
Traveler tip 1: if you intend to work or study, you must have the appropriate visa to work or study under the local laws of the country you’re visiting.
Travel insurance cover on our Standard and Explorer plans
At World Nomads, we do our best to support volunteers, whether it's protecting endangered turtle hatching grounds or teaching school children in an under resourced village.
Before you take off on your next volunteer adventure, consider packing travel insurance that provides cover for the things you plan to do.
Volunteer activities our Standard Plan may cover include:
- Hospitality or work at bars.
- Farming such as fruit picking, WWOOFing or other manual labor.
- Wildlife or animal care.
- Environmental or conservation work.
- Au pair, nanny or other volunteer childcare.
- Teaching.
- Retail work such as shop assistant or store manager role.
- Office or clerical work.
Volunteer activities our Explorer Plan may cover include:
- Undertakings in construction or renovation projects, including painting, using power tools, operating machinery, or roadwork.
- NGO support and disaster relief.
- Medical and health care work (health education, medical services, medical practitioner).
Note: you can upgrade your cover for a range of other activities and experiences and manual work if you select the activities (listed as Level 2 and 3) and pay any required additional premium at the time you buy your policy.
If you feel unsure about whether your volunteer activity is covered, you can get in touch with our Customer Service team and they will be able to assist you.
Am I covered for Coronavirus-related events?
While volunteer work is rewarding, getting sick while overseas can be costly in more ways than one, especially with Coronavirus still causing major issues worldwide. The cover you will have under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. They include:
- Standard and Explorer plans: offer cover for emergency medical assistance if you get sick with Coronavirus (COVID-19) overseas (excluding pre-existing medical conditions, as defined in the policy wording) – cover includes medical assistance, repatriation, and hospitalization.
- Explorer Plan: additionally, offers cover for some Coronavirus-related events including but not limited to cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs, as well as additional cover for healthcare workers, residential care workers and law enforcement officers who have their pre-arranged leave cancelled by their employer due to Coronavirus. Benefit limits apply.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
Traveler tip 2: do your research well in advance of your trip around vaccines needed for your intended destination. Make sure you follow government, health department, and World Health Organization preventative and precautionary measures, including any relevant vaccinations, hygiene, or social distancing guidelines. Please refer to who.int for further information.
What’s not covered?
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover. This includes volunteer work that includes:
- Taking part in activities such as base jumping, wingsuit flying, cliff diving, martial arts competitions, motor sports, and piloting an aircraft among others.
- Going on dangerous expeditions; mountaineering expeditions or expeditions to inaccessible regions of the Arctic, Antarctica, or Greenland, unless approved by us.
- Crewing of a vessel more than 60 miles (96.5km) from a protected body of water.
- Work as a guide where ropes or other specialist climbing equipment is required.
- Work offshore or underground, including in caves.
- Work operating machinery or heavy/industrial equipment.
- Work at height without proper safety equipment.
- Working with dangerous animals, for example, hippopotami, crocodiles, alligators, sharks, elephants, bears, big cats, and deadly snakes.
Traveler tip 3: you must have the appropriate skills and training and hold the necessary licences and/or certificates for the work you undertake. You should only work from ground level up to two metres above ground, as the risk of injury is significantly increased when working at heights greater than two metres.
If you’re not sure about coverage, contact us and we’ll help you.
If haven't yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in the following articles:
- Questions to Ask Before You Volunteer Abroad
- Tips on Choosing an Ethical Volunteer Program
- Voluntourism 101: How to Get Started
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn't covered.
Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.
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Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
That depends on your policy and your country of residence. You may have to put in a request with the customer service team for a country to be added to your policy.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or your home health system.
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Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what happened. If it’s an emergency situation, where medical evacuation is required, World Nomads can cover these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording and you get pre-approval from the Emergency Assistance team). You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
Travel insurance for Europe
Travel medical insurance, baggage protection and trip delay coverage for single- and multi-destination trips.
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Europe is a mosaic of distinctly unique nations. Landscapes vary from cliff-bound archipelagos to highland forests and isolated beaches, in countries where you can take a deep-dive into history, brave an outdoor adventure, and taste your way across the continent… all in a single trip.
Whether you’re focusing on a single country or planning to cross borders, here are some tips on how to have a safe journey and what to do if you run into a problem and need to file a travel insurance claim.
- Getting protection for your personal belongings
- Getting help for medical emergencies
- Adventure sports coverage
- Keeping safe on the road
- Preparing for travel setbacks
Getting protection for your personal belongings
While most countries in Europe are considered safe, there is always a chance of being pickpocketed or having something stolen.
Many European cities have reliable public transportation systems, which make it easy to get around, but crowded places, such as trains and buses, can also be targets for thieves.
If your wallet, purse or other personal belongings get stolen, make sure you report the incident to the local police. When you make your claim, you’ll need to submit the police report, as well as proof of ownership of the missing items, such as receipts.
Travel insurance won’t cover certain items, such as cash or credit cards, but can help with the replacement of passports and other travel documents as well as other property, up to per article and maximum benefit limits.
Getting help for medical emergencies
Just because many European countries have universal health care systems doesn’t mean that non-residents don’t have to pay medical bills. Before you twist your ankle on a cobblestoned street or get into an accident on the ski slopes, make sure you have coverage for medical emergencies, no matter where you’re headed.
There are a lot of intricacies when dealing with medical claims, but you don’t have to muddle your way through the policy or face a crisis on your own. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team connects you to health care providers, including those who speak English, monitor your care, and communicate with you directly about your case. Need help understanding your coverage? Just ask us.
Adventure sports coverage
With snow-capped mountains, clear-as-glass lakes, and island gems, Europe’s diverse landscapes are perfect for adventurers who enjoy scenery as much as a dose of adrenaline.
You might be hiking in Corsica or surfing the big waves in Portugal, but make sure that your plan covers adventure sports and activities. Read this Help Center article on adventure sports coverage to see if activities are covered. Some sports may require an additional premium. Don’t see your sport or activity on the list? Just reach out to our customer service department and ask if you can get coverage.
Bonus: don’t forget our adventure travel hotline, where you can get access to tons of information, including weather reports and locations of nearby outfitters, gear shops and guides, and more.
Keeping safe on the road
Europe’s scenic mountain drives can pose a danger if you’re focused more on the views than the road. Turns can be tight and winding, and some of the routes may lack safety barriers or be riddled with potholes.
Different countries have different road rules, including speed limits (you may need to brush up on the road rules); you may be required to obtain an International Driver’s Permit, even if you’re already licensed in Canada.
World Nomads travel insurance does not include collision damage insurance. However, if you get into an accident, do what you would normally do in Canada: obtain the name, address, insurance information and driver’s license number of any parties involved and report the incident to the local police and to your rental car company. When you file your claim with your rental vehicle insurance provider, you’ll need to submit your rental agreement, a police report and a damage estimate.
For country-specific road safety tips, go to our Travel Safety section.
Preparing for travel setbacks
With so many countries in close proximity, it’s easy to cross the border and be transported to a completely different place. But anywhere along your journey, hiccups can happen.
World Nomads’ trip interruption coverage can help you get you get back on your feet – and back home – if the unexpected strikes. Just be sure to check that the event qualifies as a covered risk under your policy.
Depending on your case, you may need to collect and safeguard all your receipts for the expenses you’ve had to incur because of your change in plans, whether that be a hotel stay, dinner at an airport restaurant, or the purchase of a toothbrush and toothpaste. (A subsistence allowance is available for select covered risks.) Try to keep your expenses to just the basics, as our plans can cover only up to a per-day and total maximum limit.
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.
True claim
A few days into my trip to Spain, I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads, I was able to get medical attention. As luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery. I got a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy. When the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
U.S resident in Spain
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?
- Got into an accident?
- 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?
- Need a hospital?
- 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
- Hurt abroad?
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport stolen?
- Luggage lost?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
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 teamSeguro Viagem para a Europa
Aventuras no velho continente
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Um continente repleto de história e cultura
Na Europa você vai sentir um clima familiar e diferente ao mesmo tempo. Sua tradição na literatura, filmes e arte são transmitidas ao mundo todo e acabam fazendo parte da vida cotidiana de muitas outras culturas pelo mundo. Isso com certeza vai fazer você sentir que já “conhece” a Europa. Mas onde quer que você vá, ficará surpreso e se enriquecerá com experiências que nunca sonhou que poderiam acontecer.
Você provavelmente ficará com a cabeça nas nuvens, então, não se esqueça de manter os pés no chão! Esteja ciente de que você precisará ser inteligente para se manter seguro na Europa.
- Os locais turísticos populares são como um ímã para marginais. Você consegue saber se está sendo trapaceado?
- Os festivais europeus são divertidos, mas nem sempre seguros.
- Você precisa ter cautela ao dirigir pelas rodovias europeias.
Veja abaixo por que o seguro viagem World Nomads é o seguro ideal para a sua viagem para a Europa:
- Temos uma cobertura adequada para todos os países do Tratado de Schengen
- Preço justo. Oferecemos preços baixos o ano todo. Por isso, nossos planos não necessitam de descontos exagerados o tempo todo. Na dúvida, faça uma cotação e comprove.
- Assistência em português. A World Nomads tem uma equipe a postos 24 horas, 7 dias por semana, para atender a sua ligação e te dar o suporte necessário em português.
- Qualidade no atendimento. A World Nomads foi criada por um time de viajantes que ama o que faz. Nossos planos são utilizados por viajantes de diversos países, de brasileiros à australianos.
- Possibilidade de adquirir quando já estiver viajando. Você poderá adquirir o seguro viagem da World Nomads mesmo que sua viagem já tenha se iniciado. É só fazer a cotação online e contratar.
- Solicitação de reembolso de qualquer lugar do mundo. Você pode solicitar reembolso de qualquer lugar do mundo através da área de membros no nosso site.
- Recomendado por experts em viagem. Somos o seguro viagem recomendado pela Lonely Planet, Intrepid, Nomadic Matt e muitos outros especialistas em viagens. Quem entende de viagem sempre escolhe a World Nomads.
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 teamSeguro Viagem Simples & Flexível.
Seguro Viagem para viajantes independentes e famílias aventureiras. Ninguém pensa sobre o que pode dar errado em uma viagem, mas imprevistos podem acontecer. Esteja preparado e adquira seu seguro viagem agora mesmo.
Travel Insurance for Europe
Steeped in history and culture
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
Safe travel in Europe
Europe is familiar and foreign at the same time. Because of all the writing, the books, movies, art, and handed-down traditions that are a part of your everyday life you might think you know Europe. But wherever you go, you will be surprised, enlightened, and enriched by experiences you never dreamed could happen.
While you have your head in the clouds, keep your feet on the ground and be aware that you need to be smart to stay safe in Europe.
- The popular tourist locations are a magnet for petty thieves and con artists. Can you spot a scam?
- There’s more to being safe on the roads than keeping to the right.
- Festivals are fun, but not always safe.
Here are some reasons why World Nomads travel insurance may suit your trip to Europe:
- Fair price - We offer travel insurance plans at a low price all year round! Get a quote and check it out now!
- Assistance in English and Portuguese - World Nomads has a team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call and give you the necessary support.
- Quality - World Nomads is created by a team of travelers who love what they do. Our plans are backed by some of the world’s leading insurers and used by travellers from many countries, from Brazilians to Australians.
- You can buy away from home - You can purchase travel insurance from World Nomads even if your trip has already started. You can get a quote and purchase online from anywhere!
- Make a claim from anywhere - You can make a claim from anywhere in the world, through your World Nomads’ membership.
- Loved by experts in travel - We are trusted by Lonely Planet, Intrepid, Matt Nomadic and many other travel experts. Experienced travelers choose World Nomads.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
