Photo © Getty Images - CollinsChin

Traveling during the busy holiday season

Travel tips to keep your holiday on track and on schedule during the busiest time of the year

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Travel tips for the one of the busiest times of the year... holiday season!

Ahh, holiday travel. Who hasn’t fantasized about bursting through the door with an armload of presents on Christmas Day, getting back home for Thanksgiving dinner, or maybe even just using that time off-work to get away? At World Nomads, we’re huge fans of travel during November and December… especially if it’s done right.

We know you’re itching to travel again. The world is waking to a new era of travel and while you want to launch heartily into the holiday season and explore new regions again, it’s important to plan ahead during peak travel periods so your much-needed holiday leaves a smile on your face.

Whatever your plans are for the holiday season you should consider purchasing travel insurance in case your dream vacation goes awry or is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

What's covered

The following is a small sample of what World Nomads Standard and Explorer plans offer (up to the benefit limits) for:

  • Coverage for extended stays: Having too much fun and want to stay longer? You can extend your policy before it expires for up to 12 months from its start date. You must not have had any change to your health, submitted a claim or intend to, or exceeded the eligible age limit at the time to be eligible to extend.
  • Emergency medical and evacuation coverage: Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can help you find a doctor and you can submit a claim to recover unexpected medical costs (up to your benefit limit). Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for ambulances or transfers to an appropriate medical facility best suited for your care (subject to approval from us). Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount and terms of coverage in your policy.
  • Baggage and personal belongings coverage: If your gear is damaged or swiped from under your nose, our gear coverage may help with replacing covered items (policy excess may apply).
  • Activities coverage: We cover more than 150 sports and adventure activities, from ocean kayaking to mountain biking. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to include an insurance upgrade when you buy to have coverage for some activities. If you don’t have the right level of coverage, you won’t be able to claim if something goes wrong.
  • Cover for Coronavirus-related events: Depending on your country of residence and the plan you choose, coverage can include medical assistance, repatriation and hospitalization benefits if you get sick with COVID-19 overseas. To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.

Traveler tip: Don’t forget to read the policy wording as all plans are different and coverage will depend on your country of residence. Never assume you’ll be covered in every situation, as benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions apply. If you are still unsure about what you are covered for, contact us.

Germany Christmas market
Germany Christmas market. Photo credit: Getty images / Juergen Sack

Tips for the busy peak holiday season

Taking some simple precautions can be the difference between holiday season bliss and a trip you’d rather forget. Here are a few tips for making the most of that precious holiday time:

  1. Stay up to date: Our number one tip is to check with your government and the government authority of the country you’re heading to, or through, and familiarize yourself with any new or existing COVID-19 requirements for entry. Government travel advisories can change rapidly. Regularly check our travel alerts, and local news updates of the country you’re in. Depending on your country of residence, some of our Explorer Plans may cover coronavirus travel costs for cancellation and trip interruption due to coronavirus.

Traveler tip: Check your passport to make sure it hasn’t or won't expire soon. Some countries require at least six months of passport validity to allow entry. Be sure to review your and your travel companion’s passport details well in advance in case you need to renew a passport, as there have been big delays in getting passports renewed.

  1. Arrive at the airport early: Travel insurance can cover many unexpected events but arriving at the airport too late – by your own fault – isn’t one of them, sorry! Traffic jams, public transport delays, and finding a car parking spot can all create a nightmare when you’re trying to catch a flight. For those short holiday trips, just taking carry-on can take some of the stress out of battling your way to the bag drop counter hours before departure.
  1. Be prepared for flight cancellations and trip delays: We know daydreaming about your next vacation doesn’t include hold-ups but delays and cancellations are common during peak holiday periods as are COVID-19 operational delays. World Nomads Travel Insurance may protect you from some out-of-pocket expenses if your transport is overbooked, delayed or cancelled due to a covered event and you need to find alternative arrangements. Remember benefit limits and sub-limits apply.

Traveler tip: Try to find a direct flight rather than one with several connections, even if it costs more. You'll reduce the risk of missing connections, trip delays, and of losing your luggage during a transfer.

  1. Know your limits: At World Nomads we see people every holiday season who are seriously injured because they did things under the influence they would never do sober. Travel insurance won’t cover you for claims that occur when you’re intoxicated, so it’s never a good idea to go swimming at midnight or try that double back-flip on skis you could do when you were a kid. While under the influence of alcohol, a traveler is also a bigger target for pickpockets and thieves, especially solo and female travelers.
  1. Take safety seriously on (and off) the slopes: The Yuletide wonderland of the Tyrolean slopes can be a cold reality if your adventure turns into a skiing accident, or if your Christmas trip surfing at Bondi Beach turns into a nasty wipe-out. World Nomads’ plans provide cover for more than 150 adventure activities from snow sports to beach sports and a lot in between but not all activities are covered under every plan – you can find out what is available for your country of residence here. You may need to pay an additional premium for higher-risk activities or choose a different plan. Many activities also have specific conditions and exclusions such as altitude limits and diving limits.
  1. Book ahead: On top of the usual peak season crowds looking for tickets, restaurants and equipment to hire, nowadays health and safety requirements can mean fewer tickets and less capacity or equipment are available than usual. Booking in advance not only saves you from walking extra miles looking for that last remaining item, but also locks down prices in a time when skis at Banff or scuba gear in Indonesia are in high demand. Of course, sometimes you’ll want to take your own equipment and some of our policies may cover your sporting equipment if it is delayed or damaged in transit by a common carrier. Check your policy as benefit limits, terms and conditions apply.
  1. If you get sick while traveling: If you’ve sanitised in hourly rituals yet the New Year’s celebration in Rio still leaves you with a mystery illness, follow any local isolation requirements and contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible to help you find medical support and treatment. You can submit a claim for prescriptions, doctors’ visits and hospitalization. Remember some countries require proof of travel insurance or payment upfront before receiving medical treatment. A doctor will need to certify that you are medically unfit to continue with your original travel plans to support your injury or illness claim. Keep all documents and receipts to submit with your claim.

Athens at night
Christmas in London. Photo credit: Getty images / _ultraforma_

Things to look out for when considering travel insurance

  • Make sure you correctly choose the right trip dates, ages of each traveler, and level of cover. 
  • Ensure all your destinations are covered.  
  • Make sure you understand what a pre-existing medical condition is under our policy, as we do not cover these conditions unless noted otherwise in the policy wording terms and conditions.
  • Some activities and sports may require an extra level of cover or may not be covered. 
  • Make sure you clearly understand the benefit limits and the excess as per the level of cover you’ve selected. 
  • Understand that there will be General Exclusions in your policy for which you won’t be covered under any circumstances.  
  • Make copies of travel documents and keep receipts in case you need to make a claim.

This is only a summary of cover 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.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

True Claims Stories

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

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?

Contact the team
Photo © ViewApart/IStock

Histórias verdadeiras do departamento de Sinistros

Qualquer coisa pode acontecer em uma viagem (e acontece).

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Leia os melhores depoimentos dos piores casos que nós tratamos ao longo dos anos.

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
  • Você ou sua família estão doentes, feridos ou mortos?
  • Perdeu seu emprego?
  • Teve sua casa destruída?

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
  • Precisa de medicamentos?
  • Sofreu um acidente?
  • Ficou doente?

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
  • Se acidentou no exterior?
  • Precisa urgentemente de um hospital?
  • Impossibilitado de prosseguir viagem?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Suas malas sumiram?
  • Não encontra sua bagagem?
  • Malas danificadas?

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?

Contact the team
Photo © StockStudioX/Getty Images

Acidente de bicicleta nos Estados Unidos

Como cuidamos deste cliente quando fraturou as costelas nos EUA

Eu estava andando de mountain bike numa trilha quando uma árvore apareceu no meu caminho. Com o impacto, o guidão da minha bicicleta torceu, se projetando abruptamente nas minhas costelas antes de eu sair voando. Eu senti muita dor, mas não haviam contusões externas, nada aparente. Eu imaginei que mesmo que eu tivesse quebrado uma costela, não havia nada que alguém pudesse fazer, por isso não eu procurei atendimento médico. Duas semanas depois eu ainda estava com a mesma dor de quando o acidente ocorreu - e sentia muitas dores na região do adbômen. Quando eu comecei a ter espasmos musculares ao redor das costelas, eu comecei a me preocupar e achar que algo estava errado, então fui para o hospital mais próximo onde fui informado de que eu tive várias costelas fraturadas.

Canadense nos Estados Unidos.

Como a World Nomads ajudou

Atendimento médico hospitalar, incluindo tomografia computadorizada e radiografia de tórax.

VALOR TOTAL: USD 5.236

Precisa fazer um pedido de reembolso?

A solicitação acima pode ser diferente da sua mesmo que a mesma coisa tenha acontecido com você. Seu seguro viagem explica o que está e não está coberto e se alguma condição ou limite se aplica. Entre em contato se você tiver dúvidas sobre as nossas coberturas ou se precisar de ajuda para fazer uma solicitação de reembolso.

Cobrimos mais de 180 esportes e atividades que nossos nômades amam

Snow 28 activities
Water 38 activities
Air 9 activities
Land 61 activities
Sports 54 activities
Experiences 8 activities
  • Scuba diving
  • Surfing
  • Snowboarding
  • Skiing
All activities are included in the Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus Plans.

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
Photo © Markus Faymonville/IStock

Dengue na Bolívia

Como ajudamos este viajante quando ficou com dengue na Bolívia

Eu estava viajando pela Bolívia quando eu tive uma forte dor de cabeça e meu corpo parecia estar congelando apesar do calor que estava fazendo lá fora. Eu comecei a tremer incontrolavelmente e meus dentes batiam tanto que quase mordi minha língua. Fui ao hospital mais próximo onde fui rapidamente atendido e diagnosticado com Dengue e febre de 40-41°C. Australiano na Bolívia.

Como a World Nomads ajudou

Atendimento hospitalar e passagens aéreas de volta para casa.

VALOR TOTAL: AUD 1.859,04

Precisa fazer um pedido de reembolso?

A solicitação acima pode ser diferente da sua mesmo que a mesma coisa tenha acontecido com você. Seu seguro viagem explica o que está e não está coberto e se alguma condição ou limite se aplica. Entre em contato se você tiver dúvidas sobre as nossas coberturas ou se precisar de ajuda para fazer uma solicitação de reembolso.

Cobrimos mais de 180 esportes e atividades que nossos nômades amam

Snow 28 activities
Water 38 activities
Air 9 activities
Land 61 activities
Sports 54 activities
Experiences 8 activities
  • Scuba diving
  • Surfing
  • Snowboarding
  • Skiing
All activities are included in the Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus Plans.

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
Photo © Miralex/IStock

Uma lesão no joelho nos EUA

Como cuidamos deste nômade quando se machucou esquiando nos EUA

Eu deveria ter encerrado o meu dia e ter ido para o bar beber algum drink para me aquecer, mas não, decidi descer a montanha mais uma vez. Enquanto eu descia, meu esqui esquerdo se chocou com o direito. O choque acabou lesionando o meu joelho esquerdo e fazendo com que eu rolasse montanha abaixo por algum tempo. Quando eu parei de rodar e capotar pela montanha, percebi que não podia me mover. A minha sorte é que outra pessoa estava passando pelo local e chamou os socorristas da estação de esqui que chegaram rapidamente.

Como a World Nomads ajudou

Atendimento médico emergencial e tratamento especializado.

VALOR TOTAL: AUD 2.418,32

Precisa fazer um pedido de reembolso?

A solicitação acima pode ser diferente da sua mesmo que a mesma coisa tenha acontecido com você. Seu seguro viagem explica o que está e não está coberto e se alguma condição ou limite se aplica. Entre em contato se você tiver dúvidas sobre as nossas coberturas ou se precisar de ajuda para fazer uma solicitação de reembolso.

Cobrimos mais de 180 esportes e atividades que nossos nômades amam

Snow 28 activities
Water 38 activities
Air 9 activities
Land 61 activities
Sports 54 activities
Experiences 8 activities
  • Scuba diving
  • Surfing
  • Snowboarding
  • Skiing
All activities are included in the Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus Plans.

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
Photo © Darryl Leniuk/Getty Images

Um aneurisma cerebral na Suíça

Como ajudamos quando este cliente precisou ser hospitalizado com urgência

Sou jovem e nunca imaginei que acabaria no hospital correndo risco de vida. Sem aviso prévio, enquanto viajava pela Suíça, tive um aneurisma cerebral, que é uma dilatação anormal de uma artéria no cérebro e quando explode, pode resultar em um acidente vascular cerebral.

Foi uma experiência assustadora.

Eu fui hospitalizado, passei por uma cirurgia e fiquei com atendimento especializado por dez dias. Depois disso foram algumas semanas de recuperação em Zurique antes de poder voltar para casa. A World Nomads cuidou de mim e levou meus pais para ficar comigo enquanto eu me recuperava..
Australiano na Suíça.

Como a World Nomads ajudou

Atendimento médico especializado e voos.

VALOR TOTAL: AUD 73.794

Precisa fazer um pedido de reembolso?

A solicitação acima pode ser diferente da sua mesmo que a mesma coisa tenha acontecido com você. Seu seguro viagem explica o que está e não está coberto e se alguma condição ou limite se aplica. Entre em contato se você tiver dúvidas sobre as nossas coberturas ou se precisar de ajuda para fazer uma solicitação de reembolso.

Cobrimos mais de 180 esportes e atividades que nossos nômades amam

Snow 28 activities
Water 38 activities
Air 9 activities
Land 61 activities
Sports 54 activities
Experiences 8 activities
  • Scuba diving
  • Surfing
  • Snowboarding
  • Skiing
All activities are included in the Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus Plans.

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