Travel insurance when off the grid
Ready to unplug and cleanse mind, body, and spirit? We have coverage for unexpected setbacks while you’re getting away from it all.
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Whether off-grid for you means a remote mountain escape in Jasper National Park, a solo road trip in New Zealand, or experiencing rural village life by volunteering, it can be a great way to escape the stresses of daily life.
While you’re planning your off-grid getaway, don’t forget to consider travel insurance which could save you a few headaches and avoid some nasty hospital and medical bills.
Why should I consider travel insurance?
Going off-grid can be the ultimate form of social distancing if you’re seeking solitude, avoiding large crowds, and wanting to unplug from digital devices. Both our Standard and Explorer plans may offer coverage (up to the benefit limits) if:
- You get injured and need medical transport or evacuation back to your home country.
- You need coverage for your bags and valuables in case they’ve been lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
- You’ve already left home and forgot to buy travel insurance.
- You need coverage for emergency medical expenses and hospitalization costs for sudden injury or illness.
- You’re looking for coverage for a range of adventure sports, activities, and experiences.
Don’t forget to read the policy wording as all plans are different and coverage will depend on your Country of Residence. Never assume you’ll be covered in every situation, as benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions may apply. If you are still unsure about what you are covered for then contact us.
Want to know more about what is and isn’t covered by travel insurance? Read your policy and contact us if you have any questions.
Rental coverage when your road trip comes to a halt
Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your Country of Residence and your choice of insurance plan, a Standard or an Explorer. Make sure you read your policy and check the amount of coverage your plan provides.
Remember, if you leave your gear in your rental vehicle unattended or unsecured, and it gets stolen, our plans are unlikely to cover it.
If you get into a car accident, rental car travel insurance may help by covering damage to your vehicle and the cost of repairs, as well as charges imposed by the rental company, depending on your circumstances.
Make sure you report the damage to the local authorities and the rental car company as soon as possible. Also, it almost goes without saying, damage due to irresponsible behaviour will not be covered.
Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you purchase there may be coverage for vehicle rentals. However, coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
Coverage for adventure seekers and sports lovers
Off-grid getaways are a great way to engage in some high-energy activities.
Maybe abseiling or a thrilling zip line is your thing? Before you pull the rip cord on that adventure, check that your insurance covers your activity. Depending on your Country of Residence, you may need to include an insurance upgrade when you buy to have coverage for some activities. If you don’t have the right level of coverage, you won’t be able to claim if something goes wrong.
Many policies cover white water rafting and kayaking, for example, but Class 6, Extreme and Exploratory Rapids aren’t covered. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. Your policy may have conditions and exclusions.
Coverage for unexpected medical emergencies
Our plans cover emergency medical expenses when you're sick or injured. If your injuries are more serious than minor bumps and scratches, you may need to get to a hospital. Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for ambulances or transfers to an appropriate medical facility. Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount and terms of coverage in your policy.
Go REALLY off the grid, but check your destinations
OK, so there’s off-grid and then there’s really off the grid. Just be aware that the more remote your destination, the more chance there is that these may not be covered. Make sure to check if your off-the-grid destination(s) are covered by our policies.
Some destinations may not be covered due to violence, terrorism or possibly due to being designated a COVID hotspot. Additionally, there will also be certain activities, including volunteering activities, that we cannot cover as they are too dangerous.
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
What does my travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance tip 4: Depending on your Country of Residence, if you decide to travel to a country where there’s already been a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning or its equivalent put in place by your government, then your policy will be cancelled. Governments can issue or change travel warnings without notice, so always check with World Nomads before you pay anything towards your trip.
True Claims Stories
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?
- Been made redundant?
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
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance cover and tips for expats
Cover for expats worldwide for medical emergencies, sports and activities, trip cancellations, and more.
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Trusted by:
World Nomads travel insurance is designed for adventure seekers who understand that living and working in other countries and among different cultures is a great privilege, and an education. Your decision to move abroad is a big one, considering the benefits of travel insurance may be beneficial for you and your loved ones.
What expats should keep in mind?
We've put together this expat tips checklist to help you plan before you set off on your next working holiday. Please note, benefit limits, terms and conditions apply depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected.
- Change is constant, embrace it. Despite detailed planning pre-departure, things can change. We know how important flexibility is when abroad, so you can buy a policy before you leave home or while traveling for as long, or as little, as you need. If you decide to stay longer in a place than you thought you would or decide to change direction on a whim, we are happy to extend your policy and help you choose the right level of cover for your needs.
- Vaccinations are not new. For years, there have been rules in place for travelers regarding immunizations against serious illnesses, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. When planning your expat experience, check with embassies, global health bodies (such as the World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, etc) and government authorities of the countries you're hoping to visit about their entry requirements. Some countries now require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result (usually taken 48-72 hours before arrival). Read our COVID-19 Travel Insurance article and keep your vaccine and test records with you – they’re as important as your passport these days.
- Not all country entry rules are the same. We know the rules for entry to our own country, but what is acceptable in one country might not be the case in another, so do your research pre-departure. Check the entry rules and regulations for the places you plan to visit. The last thing you want to do is arrive somewhere new to you, only to be turned around for not having the correct paperwork or because you decided to travel to a country that had a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning in place.
- It’s not too late to buy travel insurance once you’ve set off. If you’ve been so busy that insurance is an after-thought, it’s never too late. World Nomads offers insurance for travelers between 18 and 65 (up to 69 years for US residents). Our policies are available to most nationalities who are working or traveling outside of their Country of Residence. You can buy a policy online using a credit card, and this can be done even after you’ve left home, but there are some exceptions, so check your policy details before purchasing.
- If you plan on driving overseas, do your homework. Driving in another country can be a big deal and at times quite scary, especially when the road rules differ, so make sure you know the requirements. Check the licensing rules (you may need to apply for an international driving permit depending on which country you’re from). Our Explorer Plan policy may be able to help with rental car excess if you’re involved in an accident, but you need to be correctly licensed, adhere to local laws, and have taken out a rental policy with the car hire company.
- If you’re a digital nomad, ensure you’re travel ready. Most expat travelers today don’t leave home without their tech devices – we’re talking digital cameras, laptops, air pods, drones etc. Aside from helping to document your travels, they’re not cheap and should be properly protected. At World Nomads, our policies may cover a wide range of everyday gadgets, but how we do that and how much we insure them for depends on the plan you choose. Terms and conditions apply.
- Adventure travel is fun, but also risky. Expats are an adventurous bunch, so it’s not surprising that many exciting activities will rate high on the to-do list. Our plans include cover for more than 150 activities globally – everything from backpacking to kayaking, hiking, and bungee jumping, but not all are covered under every plan, so read the full list here. You may need to pay an additional premium for higher-risk activities.
- Travel cover doesn’t replace international medical insurance. While we may offer cover for overseas emergency medical expenses, any treatment must be certified as medically necessary by an authorized medical practitioner or paramedic overseas and agreed by our Emergency Assistance Team. Your employer or host should take care of your medical cover. We also have some exclusions when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
This is not a full list of what's covered. There are benefit limits and terms and conditions that apply. 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.
For more answers related to travel insurance coverage please visit our Help Center or if you have a specific question about World Nomads travel insurance contact us.
You’re in safe hands with World Nomads
Check out our True Claims video to get a behind the scenes look at how we can help you when something goes wrong.
About World Nomads
World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
Did you know travel insurance covers...
- Trip cancellation
- Emergency medical
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Lost or damaged gear
- Delayed baggage
- Death overseas
- Terrorism
- And more...
You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.
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.
True Claims Stories
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?
- Been made redundant?
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
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance for volunteering
Get cover for your good deeds
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
Kiwis have always loved to volunteer — be it at the local school tuck shop, or further afield in another country. If you want to volunteer while you travel abroad, World Nomads Travel Insurance is a strong supporter of paying it forward and giving back too.
Our travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. What better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open eyes (and hearts) than by contributing to a worthy purpose?
What’s covered for volunteers?
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? If you need volunteer travel insurance because you want to volunteer overseas, or you’re planning a volunteer vacation, World Nomads travel insurance plans may include coverage for:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Medical emergency care
- Emergency evacuation
- Baggage delay
- Theft of baggage and personal belongings
What volunteer activities may I participate in?
While we don’t cover all kinds of volunteering (see the exclusions listed below) the kinds of volunteer work we might cover include:
- Hospitality which, for example might include serving the homeless dinner.
- Retail work such as helping out in a co-op shop.
- Teaching
- Clerical work.
- Childcare
If you purchase a higher level of travel insurance cover, you may have travel insurance coverage for volunteer work such as:
- Manual work or work with power tools or working under 5 metres in height.
- Volunteer instructor or guide of a covered sport or activity if you have the appropriate qualification, certification or license to participate in this covered sport, activity or experience.
Make sure you add the activity when you purchase your travel insurance so it’s included in your policy. If you can’t find the activity in our list, contact us for help.
Which volunteer activities are excluded
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky, for example volunteer fire-fighting, panther minding or activities in places known to be unsafe or dangerous. This includes volunteer work that is:
- Work performed over 5 metres in height.
- Work performed offshore, underground or in caves.
- Operating machinery.
- Working with dangerous animals and / or big game.
What else isn’t covered?
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we hope you’ll act responsibly and within your limits! But just to be clear, we won’t cover any incidents related to:
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Reckless behavior.
- Criminal or illegal acts.
- Changing your mind.
- Existing medical conditions unless specified under your Policy Document.
- Third party compensation and legal expenses.
- Your legal and personal liability following professional advice or other services performed by you as a volunteer.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered.
If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
- Buy while travelling
- Get cover 24/7 online
- Instant confirmation
- Ongoing traveler support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
Waiting periods apply
It's not always fun.
Due to mishap, my frenulum on my penis got severely damaged. During intercourse with my girlfriend it nearly ripped and caused me a lot of pain and blood. I went to the doctor and he operated on it. Now everything is okay again.
Danish Resident.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the 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.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about volunteering while traveling. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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Will travel insurance cover me for countries other than those listed on my policy?
That depends on your policy and your country of residence. You may have to put in a request with the customer service team for a country to be added to your policy.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illnesses overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or your home health system.
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Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened. If it’s an emergency situation where medical evacuation is required, World Nomads may cover these costs upfront. You must contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance if you have a medical emergency.
