Travel Insurance for Asia
Travelling to Asia? Canadians have a lifetime of adventure in this exciting part of the world.
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Serving as home to more than half of the world’s population, we know there’s so much diversity Canadians can experience when travelling to Asia. You can take your journey to new heights as you experience the majesty of the highest peaks - from Mt. Fuji in Japan to Mt. Everest in Nepal.
From our own experiences though, we know that any international travel can also sometimes involve those less than great moments - like sickness, missed flights, and lost baggage. Because of this, you may want to get a quote for travel insurance for Asia before you set forth on your journey.
- Do I need travel insurance for Asia?
- Travel insurance for activities in Asia
- Travel insurance for motorbiking in Asia
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Asia
- Travel insurance for lost bags in Asia
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Asia
Do I need travel insurance for Asia?
The flights to Sri Lanka are booked, you made the reservation for your guided safari at Yala National Park and found an adorable beach bungalow. It sounds like you planned the perfect vacation, but there’s some things you just can’t plan for.
What happens if a monsoon hits Sri Lanka a few days before your trip and makes it impossible to travel there? Natural disasters can strike while you’re already on holiday and you could get hurt. Canadian travellers may want to consider travel insurance for Asia that could help with trip cancellation, overseas emergency medical coverage, and emergency evacuation and repatriation.
We recommend you think about the places in Asia where you’ll be travelling and the types of adventures and activities you’ll be participating in while you’re there. When you get a quote for travel insurance for Asia, you can compare the different plan options, and then choose the best travel insurance for your overseas holiday.
Travel insurance for activities in Asia
From trekking through Sumatra to see orangutans to scuba diving the Great Wall of China, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Asia. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Asia - including trekking, scuba diving, and more.
When you get a quote for travel insurance for Asia, 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’re participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you will be covered.
Travel insurance for motorbiking in Asia
Motorbiking is common throughout many countries in Asia, and in some instances, it may be covered by your travel insurance policy. However, just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike or scooter in many Asian countries doesn’t mean you should ride one, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.
We receive a lot of injury claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Asia because it’s cheap and easy to rent, and they get hurt in an accident. You’ll notice that often safety is not a top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience is. The rules of the road and the road quality itself can be very different from back home in Canada.
Motorbike accidents are quite common (it’s one of our most common claims) and it’s very important to know that if you don’t hold the proper Canadian license for operating a motorbike, if you are injured while operating a motorbike in Asia, your travel insurance plan won’t cover you.
If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to investigate getting the proper license for motorbiking in Asia before you leave Canada. Check out our article on . You can get specific license requirements for each country you’ll be visiting on the Canadian government’s website. You’ll also want to review your policy wording carefully when you get a quote for travel insurance for Asia.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Asia
Before you leave Canada, consult with your doctor to see if you may need certain vaccinations. Depending on where you’re headed in Asia, they may recommend vaccinations that protect you against things like tetanus, typhoid and yellow fever. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from dengue fever and malaria.
While these preparations could help protect you, there’s still a chance you may get sick or injured during your travels. If you’re surfing in Phuket and break a leg, emergency medical travel insurance could reimburse you for certain medical expenses. Your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses.
Keep in mind that there’s over 2,000 languages spoken across Asia. If you are in an emergency, language barriers may get in the way when you’re trying to get medical care. You may also find limited medical services available in some remote places. The 24/7 emergency assistance team will be able to help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your medical team if they don’t speak English or French.
If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go back home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Asia may cover the costs to get you back to your Canadian home province .
Travel insurance for lost bags in Asia
If your Asian vacation includes hiking in Nepal, you’ve likely packed your favourite pair of hiking boots. But if you land in Kathmandu and then realize that your bag isn’t waiting for you on the airport carousel, it can make an unpleasant start to your trip.
If the airline loses your bag, you could be reimbursed for the cost to replace your hiking boots and other belongings. When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your travel insurance for Asia to get the specific details on depreciation and policy limits.
Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. It’s not uncommon for your bag to accidentally take a different route to your destination. The baggage coverage that is included in your international travel insurance could even reimburse you for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way back to you.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Asia
Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cause you to cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip.
Asia is a continent full of natural wonders, but unfortunately, there’s also the possibility of natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis that can affect your travels. If your planned trip to Okinawa gets cancelled because a typhoon makes it impossible for you to get there and the Canadian government issues a travel advisory (and the travel advisory is issued after you have booked your trip and purchase your travel insurance), your travel insurance for Asia could help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.
You could also be reimbursed if you get sick before leaving Canada and your doctor advises you that you are not medically fit to travel to Asia at that time.
Travel insurance could also help if you’re already on your trip and something happens. For example, you may need to go back to Canada early if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency. You may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses if your trip is interrupted.
Make sure to keep all documentation and receipts for things you paid for in advance- you’ll need those if you make a claim.
Asia Travel Tips
Asia has so much to offer visiting Canadians. Before you leave for your vacation, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings to review travel advice for the countries you’re visiting in Asia. You’ll want to review each country on your itinerary to see up to date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
Before you set forth on your Asian vacation, it’s also 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.
Finally, we recommend taking time to read up on all of the amazing experiences available to Canadians visiting Asia. Some of our team’s favorite spots include China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. The hardest part of your trip may be deciding which Asian country to visit first!
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 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 teamTravel insurance for Thailand
Learn how travel insurance could help Canadians if you get sick or injured on your trip to Thailand.
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Thailand welcomes thousands of Canadian travellers each year. Whether you’re checking out the Bangkok nightlife, the water buffalo races in Chonburi or have your sights set on more off the beaten path spots in Thailand like Mu Ko Chang National Park, as nomads ourselves, we’ve had our share of good times in Thailand.
We’ve danced the night away in Ko Pha-Ngan at Thailand’s epic Full Moon Parties, trekked through the jungle, and enjoyed the flavorful local dishes like Khao Soi and Pad Thai. And, we’ve learned a few things along the way and love to share our Thailand travel tips (check out our article: What to know before you go to Thailand).
- Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
- Travel insurance for activities in Thailand
- Travel insurance for motorbiking in Thailand
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Thailand
- Travel insurance for lost bags in Thailand
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Thailand
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
When you’re planning your trip to Thailand, there are some things you just can’t foresee. We had a claim from one of our nomads who needed surgery after they broke their leg in Koh Samui. We had another claim from one of our nomads who had a camera stolen on the crowded streets of Khao San Road in Bangkok. These events definitely weren't planned, but a World Nomads travel insurance plan for Thailand could help if you run into trouble on your overseas adventure.
With any overseas travel, there’s always going to be some things you can’t plan for - like cancelled trips, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and delayed baggage. Because of these unforeseen situations, travel insurance should be something you consider. There are different plans to choose 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 Thailand
Your Thailand adventure may take you surfing in Phuket or kayaking the Run Tee River. You may also decide to hike to Tarn Lod Yai - a massive ancient sea cave. World Nomads travel insurance covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Thailand - including surfing, kayaking, and hiking.
We recommend that you think about the types of adventures and activities you’ll be doing while you’re there. When you get a quote for travel insurance for Thailand, 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 you purchase your policy. If you’re participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you will be covered.
Travel insurance for motorbiking in Thailand
Motorbiking is common in Thailand, and in some instances, it could be covered by your travel insurance policy - but it’s not guaranteed. Just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike there doesn’t mean you should, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.
We get a lot of accident claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Thailand because it’s cheap and easy to rent. However, safety is not always top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience is. The rules of the road and the road quality itself can be very different from back home in Canada. Motorbike accidents are quite common (it’s one of our most common claims) and it’s very important to know that if you don’t have the proper license for motorbiking, your travel insurance for Thailand won’t cover you.
If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to look at getting the proper license for motorbiking in Thailand before you leave Canada. You can get specific license requirements for Thailand on the Canadian government’s website. You’ll also want to review your policy wording carefully when you get a quote for travel insurance for Thailand.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Thailand
Before you leave Canada, consult with your doctor to see if you may need certain vaccinations or antimalarial medication for your trip to Thailand. We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent, as this can help protect you from things like dengue fever and malaria.
While these preparations can help, there’s still a chance you could get sick or injured during your travels in Thailand. If you get lunch from a street vendor and get travellers diarrhea or if you're stung by a poisonous jellyfish off Koh Lanta, emergency medical travel insurance could reimburse you for certain medical expenses. Your Government Health Insurance Plan may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses while you’re in Thailand.
If you get hurt while hiking in a remote jungle in Thailand, you may find limited medical services available. Our 24/7 emergency assistance team will be able to help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your medical team if they don’t speak English or French.
If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Thailand may cover the costs to get you there when approved in advance by our medical department.
Travel insurance for lost bags in Thailand
If you’re headed to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands for a beach getaway, you’ve likely packed one (or five) new swimsuits. If you check your bags in Canada, and then realize that the airline lost your bag, the baggage coverage included in your travel insurance for Thailand may reimburse you for the cost to replace your belongings. When you get a quote, you can check the policy wording in your international travel insurance policy to get the specific details on depreciation and policy limits.
If you’re lucky, the bag just took a detour and will eventually make its way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Thailand
Sometimes you have the perfect getaway planned, but things happen that can cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip.
Thailand is located in an active seismic zone, and there’s the possibility of natural disasters that can affect your travels. If your trip to Krabi is cancelled because an earthquake has destroyed your destination residence or the Canadian Government issues an advisory against travel to the destination, country or region listed on your itinerary (and the advisory is issued after the date you paid for your prepaid travel arrangement and after the date you purchased your policy) , your travel insurance for Thailand could help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.
Travel insurance could also help if you’re already on your trip and something happens. For example, you may need to go back to Canada early if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency.
Make sure to keep all documentation and receipts for the non-refundable travel arrangements you paid for in advance- you’ll need those if you make a claim.
Thailand Travel Tips
Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s safety warnings for Thailand to review their up-to-date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
If you purchase travel insurance for Thailand, it’s also a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your policy number in your phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
We also recommend saving all receipts and documentation for activities, transportation, and accommodations that you have booked. If you need to make a claim, you’ll need those things.
And finally, take the time to study up on the laws in Thailand before your trip. You won’t be smiling in the land of smiles if you end up in jail. We also suggest you educate yourself on ethical wildlife encounters; you may have opportunities to see exotic animals (elephants, tigers, gibbons, etc.) but you don’t want to contribute to the suffering of these majestic creatures. Never ride an elephant or take selfies with captive animals – doing so only harms their species.
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 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 teamTravel insurance for the Caribbean
Essential travel insurance tips
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The Caribbean islands aren’t always paradise. That’s why there’s travel insurance. Here are a few situations that you could encounter and tips on how you can get the most out of your coverage.
Severe Weather
Hurricanes and tropical storms are among the biggest threats of your trip turning upside down. If your flight has been cancelled or your hotel is unable to accept visitors, you may qualify for trip cancellation or interruption benefits. Timing is key here: You need to have bought your plan before the storm was announced. You also won’t be eligible for coverage if you cancel because of a few knocked-down trees or the forecast is cloudy and gray.
Street Crime
Street crime and petty theft, such as pickpocketing and mugging, are unfortunate realities in the Caribbean. Should that happen to you, get to safety first and go to the local authorities to report the incident (don’t forget to get a copy of the report). World Nomads, 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can give you hand with whatever you need in a crisis, such as helping to locate health care facilities or consular services and contacting family members.
If your personal belongings get swiped under your supervision, besides reporting the incident, you’ll also need the original receipts for the items. Your policy may have per-item and maximum limits and exclude coverage of high-value items or cash.
Adventure
The Caribbean feels like a non-stop adventure, from snorkeling in crystal-clear water and trekking amid cloud forests to swimming under cascading waterfalls.
Whatever the activity, it’s important to choose the right level of coverage. Read the policy wording, browse the World Nomads’ Help Center, or contact our customer service team to see if what you’re planning to do is covered under your plan. You may have to pay an additional premium for an adventure sports upgrade or purchase the Explorer plan instead of a Standard.
Certain adventures may also have special conditions and exclusions which, if you don’t comply, could affect your coverage. These could be getting certification for your activity or booking the excursion with a qualified, licensed operator. It could also be as simple as abiding by safety practices, whether or not or they’re a part of the local law.
It’s never a good idea to guzzle multiple frozen daiquiris before scuba diving, or going hiking solo when you’re just a beginner and have a poor sense of direction. Your coverage is contingent upon your responsible behavior. So, best to refrain from anything that would be likely to get you in trouble. Also, be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as unguided dives or search-and-rescue missions.
Medical Emergencies
Surfing accidents, sunburn and dehydration, food poisoning, or – heaven forbid – an act of violence. Major and minor occurrences can happen in the Caribbean, and believe us, they do…no matter how careful or prepared you think you are.
The first thing to remember is to contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, who will need to approve your surgical procedures, medical treatment, or evacuation before you go forward with them. Otherwise your coverage may be reduced or invalidated.
Remember: Any emergencies due to pre-existing conditions aren’t included unless specified in your policy; and your plan only covers emergencies, not routine or preventative care, such as eyeglass prescriptions and annual physicals.
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 team
