Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi. Photo credit: Getty / Marco Bottielli
Surviving traveler's diarrhea
You're going to find a variety of delicious food while traveling in Thailand but food preparation standards can vary. Gastro and its unpleasant side effects are one of the more common medical complaints our World Nomads have while traveling through Thailand.
Fortunately, our Emergency Assistance team can support you 24/7, even if you’re held up in a squat toilet. We can help you find a doctor, particularly useful in Thailand’s remote areas, where access to medical care is harder to come by. Or if it’s really serious, the team can arrange for an emergency evacuation.
Hospitals in Thailand (especially if you’re near Bangkok or Phuket) are usually well-equipped to treat you even if they may seem less modern than facilities you’d find at home.
But let’s hope you don’t get there. Here are some simple actions that can help save you and your tummy:
Always wash your hands before and after eating or use a hand sanitizer… that little action can save you a lot of time and expense!
Never eat anything that's been sitting around, even for a short while. How long has that food in the hotel buffet really been sitting there?
Try to pick clean, fly-free food stalls that have a lot of people at them. A food stall that's popular will have a high turnover of produce, so nothing is left sitting around to go off.
Don't drink tap water in Thailand; stick to bottled, boiled or treated water. Most restaurants use ice from the extensive network of ice factories which use purified water. The safe ice is easy to spot… it’s tubular in shape.
Gastro can turn deadly quickly if you lose more fluids than you can keep down. Seek help early and carry rehydration sachets with you.
It’s easy to rent a motorcycle, so it’s not surprising that we see everything from exhaust pipe burns to injuries caused by horrific crashes, which can sometimes be fatal.
For your coverage to take effect, certain conditions apply:
You must bring your driver’s license from home.
You need to comply with local laws and safety practices (obey speed limits, don’t drive drunk).
Always wear a helmet.
If you choose to ride, be sure to buy a travel insurance plan that covers motorbike and scooter use. Read our article on covered sports, activities and adventures. In some cases, you may also have to buy an adventure sport upgrade for an additional premium.
World Nomads coverage for travelers hurt in motorcycle accidents may include:
Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or by a doctor at the local medical center
Evacuation to more suitable medical facility if it’s urgent, medically necessary and if you’re fit to travel
Repatriation if you’re seriously ill or injured and unable to continue your trip.
If you need medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation, you or a travel companion MUST contact our Emergency Assistance team immediately.
Limits, conditions and exclusions to coverage will apply so read your policy carefully for full details.
Motorbike traffic in Bangkok. Photo credit: Getty / Leo Patrizi
Theft in Thailand
Before you travel to Thailand, store a copy your receipts, as you’ll need proof of ownership to make claim should your items get stolen. Contact your bank before departure to let them know of your travel plans, and be on the lookout for any suspicious transactions, especially after you return home.
All World Nomads travel insurance plans will have some coverage for theft. However, with any insurance plan, limits, conditions and exclusions may apply. For example:
If you have simply spaced out and misplaced your gear or if your tech gets damaged from everyday wear and tear, this is not covered.
Generally, you need to be able to show that you took reasonable care of your belongings. That means you should carry your electronics and valuables with you at all times and lock your belongings up in a secure location, as can be described in your policy wording.
If your stuff is stolen, you’ll need a police report, or some other kind of report from an authorized representative (for example, a property irregularity report from the airline or bus company if your bags were checked in) to validate your claim.
Backpacker in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo credit: Getty / Krisanapong Detraphiphat
Will an excess or deductible apply?
An excess or deductible is the amount you pay for covered expenses before insurance coverage kicks in. Whether or not you have an excess or deductible depends on your country of residence. Check your policy wording. If your claim adds up to less than the excess or deductible, then you don’t get paid out.
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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.
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?
How we helped when this nomad got injured while skiing in the USA
I should have called it quits for the day and headed into a bar for a warming Schnapps. Instead, I decided to take the last ski run down the mountain. As I was flying down the slopes, my left ski collided with my right, blowing out my left knee and causing me to tumble down the mountain. When eventually I came to a stop, I couldn't move. Thankfully, a passing skier called the ski patrol team and they came to my rescue within minutes.
How World Nomads helped...
Emergency hospital care and treatment. (Medical costs totalled $2518.32, but policy had a $100 excess.)
CLAIM PAID AUD $2418.32
Need to make a claim?
This World Nomad’s claim may be different, even if the same thing happened to you. Your travel insurance policy explains what’s covered, what’s not covered and if any conditions or limits apply. Ask us if you have questions about coverage or need help to make a claim.
AerobicsAir guitarBackpacking up to 4,500 metres BalletBowling Bushcraft up to 4,500 metres Bushwalking up to 4,500 metres Camel riding or trekking overnightCamping up to 4,500 metresCaving / spelunking - sightseeing Cycling / mountain biking (up to 6,000 metres)Dance Dirt boardingDogsledding Dune buggy Fell running / fell walking up to 4,500 metres Fitness trainingGo karting Hiking up to 4,500 metres Hunting (except big game)In-line skatingKite flyingMoped riding / scooter biking Motor biking - as a pillion passengerOrienteeringOutdoor endurance Outward bound Paint balling Quad biking Rock climbing - boulderingSafari tours Sandboarding / sand skiingSegway toursSkateboarding - ramp / half pipe / skate park / streetSnookerStilt walkingTheme parks / fairgroundsTramping up to 4,500 metres Tuk Tuk - as a passengerWar games - online gamingWar games / military simulation
Optional extras
Backpacking up to 6,000 metresBushcraft up to 6,000 metresBushwalking up to 6,000 metresCamping up to 6,000 metresCanyoningCycling / biking - independent cycle touringFell running / fell walking up to 6,000 metresHiking up to 6,000 metresKite buggyKite wing Land surfingRock climbing (indoor / outdoor)Trekking up to 6,000 metres
American football - gridiron Australian Rules Football (AFL)AthleticsBadmintonBaseballBasketballCheerleadingClay pigeon shootingCricketCroquetDartsDodge ballFencing FloorballFootball FrisbeeGolfGym trainingGymnastics / acrobaticsHandballHockeyHorse riding - leisure/social/non-competitive riding KorfballLacrosseMartial arts training - non-contactNetballRacquetballRambling - up to 4,500 metresRifle range / sports shooting Roller hockeyRoller skating Rollerblading RoundersRunning/ jogging (marathon distance or less)SoccerSoftballSquash / racquet ballStoolballTable tennisTchoukballTennisTrampoliningUltimate frisbeeVolleyballWake skatingWakeboarding Weight training Yoga - in class, alone / home practice
Optional extras
Bicycle poloBoxingMarital arts (training)Rugby - league / unionVia ferrataYoga (teaching)
Working - any professional, clerical or administrative work.Working - as a classroom teacher or classroom assistantWorking - au pair, nanny or child minderWorking - retail, bar or hospitality work involving light duties only
Optional extras
Working - general work and manual work not involving the use of mechanical or industrial machinery; at a height not exceeding 2 metres above ground level
Activities shown as "Included for all" are automatically included in both the Standard and Explorer plans.
All sports listed as "Optional extras" will need to be added to your policy at the time of purchase.
The list is intended as a guide only and there may be conditions or exclusions to cover.
For details, read this helpdesk article,
the Policy Wording or contact us.
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?
How we helped when this nomad got their ribs fractured in the USA
I was out mountain biking in the elements… when a tree got in my way. On impact, the handle bars of my bike twisted, bluntly jutting into my ribs before I went flying. I was in a lot of pain but there was no external bruising. I figured that even if I had broken a rib, there was nothing much anyone could do, so I didn’t seek medical attention. Two weeks later, though, I was still in just as much pain as when the accident had happened — and my internal organs felt painful, too. When I started having muscle spasms near my ribs I started to worry that something might be wrong, so I went to a nearby hospital. After initial concern that I had damaged my spleen, I was told I had multiple fractures in my ribs.
Canadian in the USA
How World Nomads helped
Hospital medical care including CAT scan and chest X-ray.
PAID USD $5,236
Need to make a claim?
This World Nomad’s claim may be different, even if the same thing happened to you. Your travel insurance policy explains what’s covered, what’s not covered and if any conditions or limits apply. Ask us if you have questions about coverage or need help to make a claim.
AerobicsAir guitarBackpacking up to 4,500 metres BalletBowling Bushcraft up to 4,500 metres Bushwalking up to 4,500 metres Camel riding or trekking overnightCamping up to 4,500 metresCaving / spelunking - sightseeing Cycling / mountain biking (up to 6,000 metres)Dance Dirt boardingDogsledding Dune buggy Fell running / fell walking up to 4,500 metres Fitness trainingGo karting Hiking up to 4,500 metres Hunting (except big game)In-line skatingKite flyingMoped riding / scooter biking Motor biking - as a pillion passengerOrienteeringOutdoor endurance Outward bound Paint balling Quad biking Rock climbing - boulderingSafari tours Sandboarding / sand skiingSegway toursSkateboarding - ramp / half pipe / skate park / streetSnookerStilt walkingTheme parks / fairgroundsTramping up to 4,500 metres Tuk Tuk - as a passengerWar games - online gamingWar games / military simulation
Optional extras
Backpacking up to 6,000 metresBushcraft up to 6,000 metresBushwalking up to 6,000 metresCamping up to 6,000 metresCanyoningCycling / biking - independent cycle touringFell running / fell walking up to 6,000 metresHiking up to 6,000 metresKite buggyKite wing Land surfingRock climbing (indoor / outdoor)Trekking up to 6,000 metres
American football - gridiron Australian Rules Football (AFL)AthleticsBadmintonBaseballBasketballCheerleadingClay pigeon shootingCricketCroquetDartsDodge ballFencing FloorballFootball FrisbeeGolfGym trainingGymnastics / acrobaticsHandballHockeyHorse riding - leisure/social/non-competitive riding KorfballLacrosseMartial arts training - non-contactNetballRacquetballRambling - up to 4,500 metresRifle range / sports shooting Roller hockeyRoller skating Rollerblading RoundersRunning/ jogging (marathon distance or less)SoccerSoftballSquash / racquet ballStoolballTable tennisTchoukballTennisTrampoliningUltimate frisbeeVolleyballWake skatingWakeboarding Weight training Yoga - in class, alone / home practice
Optional extras
Bicycle poloBoxingMarital arts (training)Rugby - league / unionVia ferrataYoga (teaching)
Working - any professional, clerical or administrative work.Working - as a classroom teacher or classroom assistantWorking - au pair, nanny or child minderWorking - retail, bar or hospitality work involving light duties only
Optional extras
Working - general work and manual work not involving the use of mechanical or industrial machinery; at a height not exceeding 2 metres above ground level
Activities shown as "Included for all" are automatically included in both the Standard and Explorer plans.
All sports listed as "Optional extras" will need to be added to your policy at the time of purchase.
The list is intended as a guide only and there may be conditions or exclusions to cover.
For details, read this helpdesk article,
the Policy Wording or contact us.
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?
