Travel insurance when visiting Portugal
What Canadian travellers need to know before going to Portugal
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Portugal. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Portugal like surfing, cycling and hiking.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Portugal is a compact, easy-to-explore country where a laid-back lifestyle, strong café culture and great food add to the appeal for Canadians. Lisbon is rich in history, with centuries-old neighbourhoods, cobblestone streets and historic trams weaving through the city’s hilltop districts. Head north to Porto for port wine cellars and riverside walks along the Douro, or venture inland to the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards follow the contours of the hills. Further south, the Algarve golden cliffs and surf beaches are a magnet for travellers, while lesser-known regions like Alentejo offer wide-open landscapes, whitewashed villages and a slower pace. A smooth trip starts with smart planning, so be sure to choose the right cover before you leave home.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to Portugal. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in Portugal
Portugal’s coastline and more rugged inland regions are made for getting active outdoors. Surfing is a major draw, with consistent waves along the Atlantic coast from Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve, to the beaches around Peniche and Nazaré. Portugal is a standout destination for hiking, with the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail considered one of the best in Europe. Cycling is another highlight, whether you’re riding through the Douro Valley’s vineyard-covered hills or along coastal routes. Canyoning and coasteering are popular in Madeira and the Azores, while rafting and canoeing offer a different way to explore Portugal’s rivers.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for Portugal
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having in Portugal, things can happen that mean you have to end your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're travelling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Stayed out too long in the sun on the Algarve and needed medical attention? Had an accident hiking in Madeira? Ate some seafood past its prime and came down with a nasty bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home to care for your fur baby. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Missing luggage
Nothing gets a trip off to a rocky start quite like arriving in Portugal without your bags. If your checked luggage is lost or delayed, travel insurance benefits may help reimburse you for lost items. Keep original receipts for any personal items you buy – like a toothbrush, medication or a change of clothes. The first step is always to report missing luggage to your carrier and check what compensation they may provide.
Tips for travelling to Portugal
- Travel outside peak season (June to September) and venture beyond the main cities to experience a different side of Portugal
- Summer temperatures can be high, particularly inland, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated
- Be mindful of pickpocketing in busy areas, especially in Lisbon and Porto
- Take care when swimming as Atlantic currents can be strong along some beaches. Swim in designated, lifeguard-patrolled areas.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Portugal. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need a visa to visit Portugal?
Canadians don’t need a visa for short stays in Portugal (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), but must apply for ETIAS authorisation before arrival. Requirements can change, so check current advice before you travel.
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What is the best time to visit Portugal?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be hot, especially inland.
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Can I drink tap water in Portugal?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink across Portugal.
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Do I need travel insurance for Portugal?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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Is Portugal safe for tourists?
Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. Petty theft can occur in busy areas, so stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Check Canadian government advice before travelling and consider travel insurance.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
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?
- 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?
- Medevac 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)
Travel Insurance for South America
From trekking the Peruvian Andes to diving off the Galapagos Islands, learn how travel insurance for South America could help Canadians
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to South America. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in South America like rock climbing, hiking and scuba diving.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip delays and lost luggage.
From Patagonia’s dramatic glaciers to Colombia’s coffee region and Brazil’s tropical coastline, South America is vast and varied. Beyond its natural landscapes, each country’s identity is shaped by history, food and tradition. Explore ancient sites like Machu Picchu, wander Cartagena’s colourful streets, dance the tango in Buenos Aires, have a pisco sour at a rooftop bar in Cusco – the more you immerse yourself in local culture, the more rewarding your trip will be. Wherever you’re headed in South America, it pays to be prepared. From missed connections to medical emergencies, travel insurance helps you handle the unexpected.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to South America. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in South America
From riding across the plains of Patagonia on horseback to exploring the underwater wonders of the Galápagos, getting active outdoors is easy in South America. If hiking is your thing, Peru’s Inca Trail, the W Trek in Torres del Paine and Colombia’s Lost City Trek are among the most iconic routes. Cyclists will love Patagonia’s dramatic roads and Peru’s high-altitude Andean routes, while mountain climbers can take on Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. All-round adrenaline junkies can head for San Gil in Colombia to take their pick of extreme sports.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for South America
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be thankful you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Hit by a car crossing the street in Santiago? Tripped over on your Patagonia trek and broke your arm? Ate questionable asado in Córdoba and got food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home to care for your fur baby. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Emergency evacuation
If you get seriously sick or injured but you’re far from appropriate medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance can help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the policy limits, the cost to get you to the closest appropriate medical facility or to your home province for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies. If you’re in hospital for three days or more, it may also include the transportation of a family member or companion to your bedside or the return of a dependent child back to your home.
Natural disasters
When a natural disaster strikes, even the most carefully planned trip can be thrown off course, but travel insurance can offer some much-needed weatherproofing. With protection for trip interruption, medical emergencies, and even evacuation, you can head into the unknown feeling prepared for whatever comes your way. Do your research before you go though, because if you buy a policy after an event is known and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
Tips for travelling to South America
- Check entry requirements for each country – visa rules, entry forms and passport validity requirements can vary
- Be mindful of food and water safety – stick to bottled or filtered water and eat freshly prepared food
- Learn a few local phrases – Spanish and Portuguese are widely spoken, and a few basics can go a long way
- Don’t let strangers help you with luggage at bus terminals, airports or train stations, and never stow bags where you can’t see them.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for South America. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need visas to travel in South America?
Visa requirements vary by country. Canadians can enter many South American countries visa-free for short stays, but some require visas or entry forms. Always check the requirements for each destination before you travel.
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Is South America safe for tourists?
Safety varies by country and region. Popular tourist areas are generally well managed, but petty theft and more serious crime can occur. Stay in well-known areas, use reputable transport and remain aware of your surroundings. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected situations.
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Is it safe to drink tap water in South America?
In many countries, it’s best to avoid tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water and take care with ice and raw foods.
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What currency is used in South America?
There’s no single currency – each country has its own. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s useful to carry cash, especially in smaller towns.
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Do I need vaccinations for South America?
Some vaccinations may be recommended depending on your itinerary, including protection against hepatitis A and yellow fever. Speak with your doctor before travelling.
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Is altitude sickness a risk in South America?
Yes. Many destinations in the Andes, including Cusco in Peru and La Paz in Bolivia, sit at high elevations. Altitude sickness can affect travellers, so it’s important to acclimatise gradually, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion in the first few days.
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Is it safe to visit the Amazon rainforest?
Yes, when travelling with a reputable guide or organised tour. Most visitors explore the Amazon through lodges or guided excursions, which help manage risks such as wildlife, navigation and remote conditions. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected medical emergency situations.
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Is it safe to travel between regions in South America?
Yes, but distances can be long and conditions vary. Domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel between major destinations, while buses are a common option for shorter routes. It’s best to plan ahead and allow extra time for connections.
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Do I need travel insurance for South America?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
-
How do I make a claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
-
What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
-
What if my passport gets stolen in South America?
World Nomads travel insurance plans cover theft or damage of the following documents:
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Birth certificates
- Travel visas
You can claim up to the maximum limit stated in the policy towards the replacement of your passport or other travel documents.
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?
- 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?
- Medevac 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)
Travel Insurance for Thailand
Learn how travel insurance could cover your trip to Thailand.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
The Land of Smiles attracts scores of sun-seeking British tourists every year. Drawn to the tropical conditions, white sandy beaches, fabulous food, the Full Moon parties, and chaotic appeal of the cities like Bangkok, it’s not hard to see why Thailand rates so highly with British travellers.
- What's covered
- How can travel insurance help when visiting Thailand
- What to look out for when travelling around Thailand
- What's not covered
What's covered
World Nomads has two plans - Standard and Explorer - each of them providing cover for a multitude of activities including hiking, kitesurfing, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving. Some activities may require an upgrade where an additional premium has to be paid.
We also offer cover for key events such as:
- Medical evacuation and repatriation back to the UK
- Trip disruption
- Emergency overseas medical
- Delays or missed flights
- Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
- Coronavirus-related events
How can travel insurance help when visiting Thailand
We know the Brits love their cocktails by the beach, island-hopping explorations, and wildlife encounters, but as much fun as a trip to Thailand always is, it is just as important to consider what could go wrong and be prepared for that as best as any traveller can. The following is a list of travel insurance considerations:
- Activities and sports cover: Whether its snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, and cycling our policies may cover you for more than 150 activities you may wish to try while in Thailand. We know Brits are an adventurous bunch, and so long as you are with a professional, and adhere to the conditions, instructions, etc, you may be covered.
- Access to our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team: We know that when travelling in a foreign country, things can get lost in translation. That’s why we have a 24-hour assistance team available to you for the entirety of your trip. Whether you have a query about the procedures you need to follow if something goes wrong, or you just want to find out about medical providers where you are, the team can assist you.
- Cover for baggage / personal belongings: World Nomads plans offer cover to UK residents for luggage and personal gear. If your baggage is delayed between Heathrow and Bangkok, we may be able to help you with necessities. Same goes for any gear that may be damaged, stolen or destroyed during your travels, so long as it wasn’t a result of recklessness or negligence. Under the Explorer plan, the policy covers accidental loss or theft of your own money while on your person or stolen from a locked safety deposit box. Unfortunately, we don't cover your sports gear while it's in use.
- Medical emergencies: No one plans to injure themselves or spend more time in bed than out exploring the sights; that’s the last thing we want. World Nomads can assist with emergency medical transport, evacuation, and repatriation if you’re medically unfit to continue your travels. Terms and conditions apply.
- Covid 19 and travel insurance: Both our Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for emergency medical assistance should you fall ill with Coronavirus while abroad.
What to look out for when travelling around Thailand
Most travellers let their hair down when they head abroad, sometimes so much so that they often forget that they’re in a foreign country and need to always keep their heads in the game.
- Theft: British travellers need to be aware that pickpockets and bag snatchers are active all over Thailand, so be mindful of your personal belongings when travelling in open transport like Tuk Tuks and don’t think a short nap on a bus is without its risks, especially if you haven’t secured your belongings.
- Drink spiking: Be diligent about not accepting drinks from strangers in bars and don’t leave glasses and cups unattended. Drink spiking has been reported in Thailand, particularly during Full Moon parties. Not only can an incident like this ruin your holiday but it has in the past led to severe illness.
- Fraud: Think twice before handing your passport to a third party; it’s risky and losing sight of your passport is a big no-no anywhere. Keep a keen eye on your debit and credit cards during transactions, always use an ATM within a bank and keep your PIN to yourself. Skimming is an issue across Thailand, so if something looks untoward, wait and find another option.
What's not covered
- Costs associated with ignoring UK Government travel warnings or advice. This includes travelling to an area where there is a ‘Do Not Travel’ alert in place; and/or choosing to remain in a country after such a warning has been issued.
- Medical expenses incurred in the UK.
- Any costs associated with a pre-existing medical condition, unless otherwise stated in your policy.
- Travelling against medical advice.
- Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unattended.
- Injury or damage caused by drug abuse or alcohol misuse.
- Participation in a sport or activity not listed in the Policy Wording or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
If you have a specific question about World Nomads insurance, please visit our online Help Center or contact us.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. 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. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
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 team
