What to do if...
World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, to help you explore your boundaries.
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Bitten by a shark.
I was surfing and was bitten by a shark in Tortuga Bay, Galapagos Is. I was able to walk to the medical center in nearby Puerto Ayora, where I received emergency medical treatment from Dr. Idrovo. The treatment consisted of cleaning the wound, local anesthetic and ten stitches. A course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories/ pain-killers was prescribed. A follow of check 24 hours later (today) revealed no infection. I am able to provide photos of the injury and treatment.
S.C. British Nomad in the Galapagos Islands.
Travel Insurance for Overseas Medical
A visit to the hospital shouldn't put your credit card into intensive care
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Broken bones in Mykonos, mystery illness in Madrid and bus accidents in Thailand, we’ve seen it all and know overseas medical travel insurance can literally be a lifesaver.
That’s why our policy is designed to help British travellers when unexpected illness or injury strikes and to get you back on your feet and, ideally, back on the road.
Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any statutory health insurance, or any available reciprocal health agreements (including your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Where urgent medical assistance is required, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team before incurring medical costs. You must let us know how you are going and keep in contact with our EA team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
What’s covered by overseas medical travel insurance?
World Nomads travel insurance covers accidents and emergencies when you’re travelling overseas.
If you’re accidentally injured or suddenly become ill while travelling overseas, our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team is on hand to help you. Cover may include:
- Assistance locating and paying for medical care including a doctor, dentist, chiropractor or medical facilities in your location or nearby.
- Hospitalisation.
- Out-patient care and day surgery.
- Ambulances and medical transport, including by helicopter if medically necessary and available.
- Prescribed medicines.
- Transport home to the UK if we deem it medically necessary.
Am I covered for COVID-19 while overseas?
All our plans include emergency medical cover for travellers who get sick with Coronavirus while travelling overseas, where it is not considered a ‘pre-existing medical condition’ per the definition in the Policy Wording. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Medical Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalisation;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
You can check out our What’s covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions.
Reciprocal health agreements and medical cover
World Nomads policies cover accidents and emergencies only and is not a health / private insurance policy. Cover may apply only if there is a sudden and unexpected accident or illness and for expenses for which there is no reciprocal health agreement in the country in which you are travelling.
If you are travelling to a country where the NHS has a reciprocal healthcare agreement, such as Australia or New Zealand, you will need to apply for reciprocal health cover before you leave the UK.
What’s not covered by travel insurance?
Though our policy may cover accidents and emergencies, it’s not a catch-all for every incident. Medical conditions or circumstances we don’t cover include:
- If you were doing anything illegal. (You didn’t really think we’d cover that did you?)
- Injuries or illness from drugs or alcohol.
- If you’ve been acting recklessly
- Pre-existing medical conditions as defined in the Policy Wording.
- Ongoing treatment at home.
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you get home.
- If there is a reciprocal health agreement in the country in which you are travelling.
- If you booked a one-way ticket to your destination, we will not pay for your return ticket home.
If things do go wrong contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team. They can advise on your cover and get you in contact with medical help as quickly as possible.
The policy isn’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 there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
So that's the policy details - why not get a quote and see if it's right for you.
How to get medical assistance
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team as soon as possible, so that the team can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.
So that they can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Sick in Vietnam
I was so relieved and grateful to all of the World Nomads team to get insurance cover for my treatment this week whilst I have been sick in Vietnam. Thank you for all your hard work and understanding to manage my complicated case with negotiations and international correspondence. I received a truly professional service from you.
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
- Come to a sticky end?
- Called to jury duty?
- 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 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?
- You or a family member dead?
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 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.
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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 hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
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Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't have a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams, and they'll guide to the most appropriate medical professional.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of the NHS or your private health insurance.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Terrorism?
Find out how we could help if you're caught up in a terror attack.
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Recent world events have shocked most of us with terrorist events on our doorstep and at many of our favourite holiday destinations.
Our travellers know that staying aware at all times is key to staying safe, but there are some things you can never anticipate and a terrorist event is one of those.
What can travel insurance cover if there's a terrorist attack?
In the event of a terrorist attack, our travel insurance (Explorer Plan only) covers a number of situations like:
- You decide to stay and travel: If you decide to stay and travel, as long as there is no directive from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or a similar body recommending evacuation, your policy will continue;
- You are forced to move to a safer place: You must be on your trip and have checked in to your original accommodation, it must be uninhabitable for at least 24 hours. We will pay up to the sum insured for the same standard of accommodation as you originally booked when your travel provider does not supply an alternative;
- You’re injured or die in a terrorist attack: If you’re injured or die in a terrorist attack, our policies may provide cover for emergency medical and dental assistance. You can’t have travelled against the advice of the FCDO or participated in the terrorist activity.
Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team can help you navigate next steps if you’re caught up in the chaos and aftermath of an attack and are trying to continue your trip.
What’s not covered by travel insurance if there's a terror attack?
Terrorist attacks are understandably traumatic. If you’re worried one might occur, or following an attack you want to travel elsewhere or go home, we consider that to be a change of mind and we won’t cover you for those costs. There are some exceptions to this as mentioned above.
In addition, our policy does not cover:
- If you choose to travel to a destination to which the FCDO has advised against all travel;
- If you change your mind;
- If you decide to return home early;
- If you have to leave where you are staying and leave your stuff behind you will not be able to replace it;
- Buying a policy after the event happens will not cover you for any of the event related injuries.
You must also remember that if you knowingly put yourself in danger you may void your travel insurance. This means if there’s a warning of a terrorist attack or you were likely to have had knowledge there might be one, and you put yourself at risk by traveling to or staying in the vicinity of that area, then your cover may be void.
The policy wording contains all conditions, exclusions and limitations to cover, so please read it carefully before you buy.
How to get help if you're hurt in a terror attack
It’s essential you contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams as soon as you are aware you will be admitted as an inpatient for at least one night so we can support you from the time you get injured until the time you get home.
So our teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Terror attacks in Paris
After the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13 and subsequent raids in St. Denis on November 18, we decided to cancel our trip until a better time to travel with our children overseas.
US traveller
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
- Come to a sticky end?
- Called to jury duty?
- 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 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?
- You or a family member dead?
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)
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Terrorism. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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Am I covered if I need to cancel my plans as a result of terrorism?
Yes, our Explorer plan may offer cover if your trip is disrupted.
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Can you refund the rest of my policy because I’ve returned home early?
No. If you need to cancel outside your cooling off period, there is no refund of the unused premium.
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What if I have to leave my baggage behind?
Unfortunately there’s no cover if you leave your baggage behind.
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 Pregnancy
Learn what is and isn't covered by travel insurance if you're pregnant.
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Pregnancy shouldn't be a reason to stop your next adventure. But with a new addition on board, travel insurance cover may help you look after yourself and bub-to-be if you're suddenly injured or have unexpected complications with your pregnancy while travelling.
What does pregnancy travel insurance cover?
If you're travelling and have a pregnancy complication due to a sudden illness or injury, once you were not more than 28 weeks pregnant at the time your trip started (or 24 weeks for multiple births), our policies may cover:
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospitalisation;
- Ambulance trasnfers;
- Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment (if medically required);
- 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams.
You must be able to provide confirmation from a medical practitioner or midwife that you were fit to travel, in the event of a claim.
To find out all the details on our travel insurance cover for pregnancy you can read our Help Center article for British travellers.
It’s also a good idea to check with the airline before you pay for your ticket to see if they have any restrictions on carrying a pregnant person.
What we won’t cover
We won’t cover a number of circumstances including, but not limited to:
- Having a pre-existing medical condition that results in complications.
- Normal costs or losses associated with pregnancy or childbirth. This includes medical care such as your antenatal check-ups and scans and the costs associated with giving birth, and care for a newborn baby.
- Doing anything illegal.
- Travelling against the advice of a medically qualified doctor.
- Drugs or alcohol-related injuries.
- Deliberate self-injury or wilful exposure to exceptional risk.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so please read your Policy Wording carefully before you buy for all the details.
How to get assistance if you're sick or injured while pregnant
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams as soon as possible so that you can be supported from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
So that they can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for pregnancy. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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If I decide to return home during my trip, is there cover for those expenses?
No, there's no cover for change of mind.
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If I fall pregnant before my trip, can I cancel?
The policy offers cover where upon the advice of a medical practitioner you are unable to go ahead with your trip, due to pregnancy.
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Do your policies cover pre-existing pregnancy complications?
No. There’s no cover for pre-existing pregnancy complications. Not sure if this is you? Contact customer service for more information.
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Do both of your policies cover pregnancy?
Both the Standard and Explorer Plans may cover pregnancy or medical conditions related to pregnancy provided you will not be more than 28 weeks pregnant at the time your trip is due to start (or 24 weeks for multiple births) and you have confirmation form a midwife or medical practitioner that you are fit to travel. There is no cover for routine or normal costs associated with pregnancy or childbirth.
Pregnant and dehydrated.
My wife started vomiting and getting dehydrated. So we went to Kaiser Permanente hospital in Santa Clara, California, US. We were informed that she is pregnant. But it was ok. Then she got really dehydrated (almost fainted) again so had to take her to Palo Alto Medical Foundation hospital, they treated her gave medicine and advised to consult the OBGYN. Claim paid: USD $2272,19
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
- Come to a sticky end?
- Called to jury duty?
- 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 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?
- You or a family member dead?
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 team
