Travel insurance when visiting Portugal
Learn more about World Nomads travel insurance for your travel across Portugal.
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If you’re planning a holiday to Portugal to experience the historic city centres of Lisbon and Porto, pristine beaches like Praia da Rocha in Portimao, wine tours in the Douro Valley, majestic castles in The Alentejo region and culinary experiences throughout this impressive European country, it’s a smart move to buy a travel insurance policy from World Nomads to protect your trip investment. And don’t forget about your health and your baggage. World Nomads plans offer out-of-country emergency medical coverage and baggage insurance.
Your World Nomads policy may include coverage for:
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost, delayed or stolen baggage
- Overseas emergency medical and benefits
- Access to our World Nomads experienced 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
- Coverage for some activities and sports you plan pursue in while in Portugal
What should you look for in a travel insurance policy for a trip to Portugal?
An emergency situation affecting your travel plans could spell disaster for you and your pocketbook. What would happen if you or an immediate family member suddenly became sick, and you had to cancel your trip? What would you do if a pickpocket swipes your phone while you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of old town Sintra? Travel insurance is designed to cover losses resulting from these types of unforeseeable and emergency circumstances.
A travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage can help protect your travel investment and should also provide cover for your baggage and personal effects and emergency medical cover in case you become sick or injured while on your trip. Travel insurance does not cover everything so make sure you read your policy to ensure it meets your needs.
A World Nomads policy can help provide you with:
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
It’s common to have to put down deposits on lodging, tours, excursions, and transportation because so many Canadian travellers visit Portugal. Travel insurance may protect your non-refundable and prepaid outlays should you need to cancel your trip because of a covered reason listed in your policy, like a sick parent.
Lost, stolen or delayed baggage coverage
World Nomads Standard and Explorer Plans offer cover for loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal belongings and sporting equipment. The policy limit will depend on the policy you choose to purchase. Upon arriving to Porto from Toronto to start your trip, if your luggage doesn’t arrive at the airport, it will be upsetting. However, our assistance services team can help you with emergency travel problems including luggage tracing. And your travel insurance policy may provide reimbursement for the replacement of necessary personal effects if your baggage is delayed by your airline or ground carrier for 12 hours or more while you are on your trip.
World Nomads travel insurance may also provide reimbursement towards the cost to replace lost or damaged baggage and personal belongings, including lost or damaged sporting equipment. Your personal belongings also may be covered if stolen while travelling in Portugal. For example, if you’re on a city tour in Lisbon, and your watch is swiped in a crowded shopping area, you may be reimbursed for this loss.
When you realize your baggage or belongings have been delayed, lost or stolen, get a report from your airline, tour operator or local police. You will need this report when you file a claim. Hold on to any related receipts. Keep in mind there could be a waiting period before your benefits kick in. Be sure to read your travel insurance policy as it will outline exclusions, per item limits and how depreciation may impact your reimbursement.
To be best protected, keep your personal belongings near you at all times. Store valuables like credit cards and travel documents in a money belt or cross-body bag, and don’t draw attention by wearing expensive jewellery. You have a duty of care to protect your belongings. For instance, if you leave your cell phone in a washroom while drinking in excess in Lisbon, your travel insurance probably won’t cover this type of loss.
Overseas emergency medical coverage
When in Portugal, having overseas medical insurance is a good idea in case you become sick or get injured. It’s important to understand that Canada and Portugal do not have reciprocal healthcare agreements. Out-of-country medical treatment can be expensive, so buying overseas emergency medical insurance for travel to Portugal is recommended. World Nomad’s travel insurance plans include emergency medical coverage for injury and sickness. Coverage may include such things as the cost of a visit to a local doctor, hospital expenses, ambulance transportation and emergency evacuation and repatriation if recommended by your treating physician. So if you cut your foot on a beach in Praia de Tavira, Algarve, the emergency medical coverage in your World Nomads travel insurance policy may cover your medical expenses.
For information on COVID-related coverage, read our Travel Insurance & Covid-19 article.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Handling a medical emergency is unsettling, but with a World Nomads travel insurance policy, you’re not alone. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team may help you to identify appropriate medical care, act as a liaison with medical providers, and assist with arrangements including upfront payment of medical care if deemed necessary. We can also assist with translation services.
Coverage for sports and recreational activities in Portugal
If you’re headed to Lagos to kayak, or you’re planning a guided bicycle tour in the Alentejo region, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for 150+ activities and sports. List your planned activities when you purchase your policy. You’ll have the option to upgrade your policy for more adventurous pursuits. Reach out to us if you need help with policy choices, we’re happy to assist.
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 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 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:
- Do I need travel insurance for South America?
- Travel insurance for activities in South America
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in South America
- Travel insurance for lost bags in South America
- Travel insurance for stolen items in South America
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to South America
- Tips for Canadians travelling to South America
Whether you want to stand in awe of the stunning Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, adventure into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, or salsa all night in Cali, South America is a continent of so many thrills. City, culture, and nature travelers alike can relish the offerings of this mesmerizing continent.
While a trip to South America is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from Canada. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to explore travel insurance plans for South America.
Do I need travel insurance for South America?
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like the hidden petroglyphs that you can find in the Atacama Desert.
Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like cancelled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you twist your ankle, fall, and get hurt while doing the El Choro trek in Bolivia, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for South America.
Travel insurance provides coverage for some of the sudden, unexpected and unforeseeable circumstances you may experience while on your trip. World Nomads offers two plans, the Standard plan and the Explorer plan, to choose from and provides cover designed for different types of travellers and adventures.
Travel insurance for activities in South America
Famed for adventures like hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and sandboarding in Atacama Desert, South America offers many thrills for the intrepid traveller. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to South America and includes things like rafting the Rio Futaleufu in Chile, kayaking in the Amazon, surfing in Mancora, Peru, and rock climbing in Patagonia.
It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when purchasing the plan—and if something happens while you are participating in an activity you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go hiking while on your trip and you didn’t list that activity out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen on the trail. You may want to overshoot and list out all possible activities you may do, just in case.
Also keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both of our Standard and Explorer Plans. To have coverage for adventures sports, work, and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need to upgrade your adventure sports coverage and pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions apply to certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in South America
Many popular destinations are at high altitudes including the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia and Lake Titicaca. It’s no fun to be experiencing altitude sickness while you’re hiking in the Andes or exploring the markets of Cusco. Take some time to get acclimated to the new heights and stay hydrated—this means drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, as tempting as it might be to have that second Pisco Sour.
Accidents can happen to anyone. Maybe you’re hiking across Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia when you slip, fall, and injure yourself. Your travel insurance for South America can help you out.
If you have a medical emergency when travelling to South America, you can call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.
If your attending physician and the 24/7 emergency assistance team determine 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 South America may cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in South America
What happens if you land in Cartagena, Colombia and your bag never arrives? If you were planning on doing the Ciudad Perdida Teyuna– the Lost City Hike—, you probably packed your hiking boots. Your insurance for South America may help you be reimbursed for your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag may be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).
If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens for 12 consecutive hours or more, you may still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited by your airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you file a lost luggage claim.
The obelisk on Ave 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo credit: Getty Images / Andrew Peacock
Travel insurance for stolen items in South America
Theft is something to watch out for when you travel to South America- especially in crowded touristy areas or busy cities like Sao Paolo or Bogota. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front.
Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, train stations, and airports. We’ve heard about organized scams where a visitor gets sprayed with something and then a “good Samaritan” points it out and offers to help. It’s really a ploy to divert your attention while someone else comes up and steals your belongings.
If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that to make a claim for those stolen goods.
It’s important that you do your part to keep your belongings safe as well. If your purse gets stolen while having a few too many drinks during a wild night out in Buenos Aires, your World Nomads travel insurance may not cover your loss.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to South America
Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans.
What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for South America? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for South America that includes cancellation coverage may reimburse you for those unused, non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
If you’re already on your trip, and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, your World Nomads travel insurance may provide reimbursement if your trip was delayed or interrupted by one of the covered reasons under your policy.
Tips for Canadians travelling to South America
Before you head south for your grand adventure, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s travel warnings for each country you plan to visit. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.
If you purchase travel insurance for South America, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
There are so many great tours that Canadian visitors can book in South America. When you’re researching options, try to find an eco-friendly tour operator. With the vast amount of untouched natural land and waterways in South America, it’s up to us nomads to do our part to protect it for years to come.
Before you take off, brush up on a few key Spanish phrases—and Portuguese if you’re heading to Brazil! You may also want to read up on some cultural do’s and don’ts, like insider etiquette tips for Argentina and check out our regional guides like this first-timer’s guide to Salvador, Brazil.
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 about your coverage, 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 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 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 teamTravel Insurance for South America
From the rainforest to the mountains, learn how travel insurance for South America benefits American travelers.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
- Do I need travel insurance for South America?
- Travel insurance for activities in South America
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in South America
- Travel insurance for lost bags in South America
- Travel insurance for stolen items in South America
- Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to South America
- Tips for Americans traveling to South America
Whether you want to stand in awe of the glaciers of Patagonia, adventure into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, or salsa all night in Cali, South America is a continent of so many thrills. City, culture, and nature travelers alike from the US can relish the offerings of this mesmerizing continent.
While a trip to South America is an amazing experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and we encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for South America.
Do I need travel insurance for South America?
International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like the hidden petroglyphs that you can find in the Atacama Desert.
Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you twist your ankle, fall, and get hurt while doing the El Choro trek in Bolivia, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for South America.
World Nomads has four 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 South America
Famed for adventures like hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and sandboarding in Atacama Desert, South America offers many thrills for the intrepid traveler. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to South America and includes things like rafting the Rio Futaleufu in Chile, kayaking in the Amazon, surfing in Mancora, Peru, and rock climbing in Patagonia.
When you get a quote for your travel insurance for South America, it’s advantageous to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. An advance plan will help you choose the best insurance for your trip—and make sure even your most daring adventure is covered.
For example, scuba diving with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands and a multi-day trek in the Peruvian Andes will be covered under all insurance plans, including the Standard Plan. However, if climbing Mount Aconcagua-- South America’s highest mountain reaching 22,837 feet— is on your list, you’ll need to invest in the Epic Plan.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in South America
Before you take off on your South American adventure, we recommend that you make an appointment with Runway Health-- an online travel clinic and our non-insurance service partner. The telehealth service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with altitude sickness and traveler’s diarrhea.
Many popular destinations are at high altitudes including the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia and Lake Titicaca. It’s no fun to be experiencing altitude sickness while you’re hiking in the Andes or exploring the markets of Cusco. Take some time to get acclimated to the new heights and stay hydrated—this means drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, as tempting as it might be to have that second Pisco Sour.
Accidents can happen to anyone. Maybe you’re hiking across Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia when you slip, fall, and injure yourself. Your travel insurance for South America can help you out.
If you have a medical emergency when traveling to South America, you can call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.
If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for South America may cover the costs to get you there.
Travel insurance for lost bags in South America
What happens if you land in Cartagena, Colombia and your bag never arrives? If you were planning on doing the Ciudad Perdida Teyuna – the Lost City Hike--, you probably packed your hiking boots. Your insurance for South America may help you be reimbursed for your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag may be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).
If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you may still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call Blue Ribbon Bags so you can file a lost luggage claim.
Travel insurance for stolen items in South America
Theft is something to watch out for when you travel to South America- especially in crowded touristy areas or busy cities like Sao Paolo or Bogota. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front.
Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, train stations, and airports. We’ve heard about organized scams where a visitor gets sprayed with something and then a “good Samaritan” points it out and offers to help. It’s really a ploy to divert your attention while someone else comes up and steals your belongings.
If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim for those stolen goods.
It’s important that you do your part to keep your belongings safe as well. If your purse gets stolen while having a few too many drinks during a wild night out in Buenos Aires, your World Nomads travel insurance won’t cover your loss.
Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to South America
Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans.
What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for South America? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for South America that includes cancelation coverage may reimburse you for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
If you’re already on your trip, and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, World Nomads insurance may be able to compensate you for covered reasons.
The Explorer and Epic Plans also offers coverage for various travel inconveniences you may encounter, if you’ve purchased your plan within the time sensitive period. Say you’re on a road trip in Argentina and your rental car breaks down, causing you to be late to your intended destination by 12 or more hours. Your World Nomads insurance plan for South America may compensate you for this headache but remember to document it, as proof of the rental car breakdown will be required.
Tips for Americans traveling to South America
Before you head south for your grand adventure, we encourage you to check out the US government’s travel warnings for each country you plan to visit. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.
If you purchase travel insurance for South America, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
There are so many great tours that American visitors can book in South America. When you’re researching options, try to find an eco-friendly tour operator. With the vast amount of untouched natural land and waterways in South America, it’s up to us nomads to do our part to protect it for years to come.
Before you take off, brush up on a few key Spanish phrases—and Portuguese if you’re heading to Brazil! You may also want to read up on some cultural do’s and don’ts, like insider etiquette tips for Argentina and check out our regional guides like this first-timer’s guide to Salvador, Brazil.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.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
