Travel Insurance for Natural Disasters
How Canadians can protect themselves if a natural disaster strikes
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- What is a natural disaster?
- What am I covered for if there is a natural disaster?
- What is not covered under natural disasters?
It’s one thing if a rainy day washes out your trekking expedition, but what if a hurricane blows the roof off your home before you leave for your trip? When a natural disaster strikes, it’s hard to classify your trip as anything but… a disaster. But World Nomads can offer some much-needed weatherproofing, with protection for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and more.
What is a natural disaster?
A natural disaster is a natural event caused by weather or climate that causes destruction or loss, such as an earthquake, widespread flooding, wildfire, hurricane, blizzard or volcanic eruption. It could also mean any weather that causes severe and widespread damage, triggering a travel advisory from the Canadian Government or a ‘natural disaster’ declaration at your trip destination.
How can travel insurance help me if there is a natural disaster during my trip?
While the forces of nature are unpredictable, your travel insurance should be a sure thing. World Nomads provides coverage for:
- Trip cancellation: If a flood, wildfire, or other natural disaster makes your Canadian principal residence—the primary home in Canada where you normally live—or the place you’re staying at your trip destination uninhabitable, you may understandably need to cancel your trip. In this case, you may be eligible for reimbursement of your nonrefundable, prepaid, unused travel expenses. If the same situation occurs while you’re already traveling, you may also qualify for trip interruption benefits.
- Trip interruption: If you have departed for your trip and a blizzard (or other inclement weather) delays the scheduled arrival or departure of your common carrier transportation for at least three hours, you may be eligible for trip interruption benefits. Our plans also include trip delay coverage which may provide reimbursement for incidentals (such as accommodations and meals) you incur while you’re waiting.
- Emergency assistance and emergency medical expenses: if you get caught in an earthquake or hurricane, you may be seriously injured. Your first step should be to call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. If the phone lines are down, call as soon as you can. They can help direct you to safety or to a medical center if you are hurt. They can coordinate your care and set up direct payments to the hospital (if possible).
What is not covered by my travel insurance if there is a natural disaster?
- You’re a storm chaser or put yourself in a storm’s path.
- You don’t follow the advice of the authorities.
- You hang around the area at risk to watch what happens.
- You buy a plan after an event becomes known (like after a storm is forecast or a hurricane is named).
- Search-and-rescue missions, like after an avalanche.
When you’re ready, you can get a quote and compare the coverages in our Standard and Explorer plans side-by side. And please reach out if you have any questions – we’re happy to help.
If you’re traveling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. 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.
Get a quote 24/7
World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you come unstuck in sticky situations, like when you show up, but your bags don’t. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.
Tsunami in Sumatra.
One night, I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
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 Pickleball
Learn how travel insurance can protect your wallet if you get hurt while playing pickleball.
- 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.
Millions of people have fallen in love with the unique combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong known as pickleball.
As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, more resorts are building pickleball courts to give experienced and new picklers a chance to get in on the action while they are traveling.
While serious injuries are rare in pickleball, even the best of us have lost our balance and taken a tumble when going for an overhead slam.
If pickleball is on your list of activities for your next trip, you may want to consider a travel insurance* plan with adventure sports coverage, as that could help protect you on and off the court when traveling.
- Should I consider travel insurance for pickleball
- What other activities are covered by travel insurance?
- What else is covered by travel insurance?
- What are some things travel insurance would not cover?
Should I consider travel insurance for pickleball?
Falls are one of the most common pickleball related injuries. You can be proactive and take steps ahead of time to work on your balance, but as you are twisting, turning, and moving across the court, there’s always a possibility of accidents.
If you get hurt, your health insurance may not always cover you when you are traveling to other destinations. However, a travel insurance plan from World Nomads may be able to assist by helping to reimburse expenses like x-rays, medication, a hospital stay, or other emergency medical needs.
What other activities are covered by travel insurance?
You may want to explore even more sports and adventures during your travels. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for U.S. residents, and you can also have coverage for activities like boating, aerobics, and zip lining.
We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. When you get a quote, you can compare the plans, which offer coverage up to 180 days per single trip. And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, the Annual Travel Insurance Plan could be best for you; it has a maximum trip length of 45 days.
If you aren’t sure if something is covered, contact our customer service team and they can help explain what each plan includes.
What else is covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance is designed to cover losses arising from sudden, unexpected, and unforeseeable circumstances. For US residents, World Nomads may offer coverage for:
- Baggage protection: All plans include the non-insurance service Blue Ribbon Baggage, which will track and expedite the return of your airline baggage if it is lost or delayed. If you checked your equipment with a common carrier and it gets lost or damaged, or stolen after your arrival, you could get reimbursed for its current value (which factors in depreciation) or the cost of a replacement, up to a per item and total maximum limit. You must report the incident as soon as possible to the carrier and ensure you get a Property Irregularity Report, or a similar official report, in writing and make a claim directly with the carrier first before making a claim with us. (Please note we do not offer coverage for damage to sporting equipment while in use.)
- Emergency medical coverage: Emergency medical coverage may help reimburse you for expenses like an ambulance rides, medication, or a hospital stay. If you get hurt, your health insurance may not always cover you when you are traveling to destinations outside of your network or plan.
- Trip cancellation insurance: If something unexpected happens like an illness or injury, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses through our trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay benefits.
What are some things travel insurance would not cover?
- Damage that happens to your pickleball equipment while you are using it.
- Injuries that happen if you are competing in a professional pickleball competition.
- Injuries that happen if you are playing pickleball under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Any medical bills related to a pre-existing condition, unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period were medically able to travel at the time of purchase.
- Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your plan.
Safety tips for playing pickleball
From our own time on the court, we’ve learned that many injuries can often be avoided. Here are a few tips we have learned from our own experiences as picklers.
- Drink plenty of water. This can help prevent dizziness, nausea, and cramps that could cause an injury.
- Wear the right shoes. Shoes designed for court sports are best. The soles are really important since you are moving from side to side and shifting your weight. Try to find a shoe that has good stability on both the inside and outside of your foot.
- Wear eye protection. The ball is lightweight, but it can travel at high speeds. You don’t want it flying toward your unprotected eyes.
- Pick the right paddle. Higher quality paddles will more effectively absorb some of the impact and could help you avoid elbow and shoulder injuries. Make sure you choose one that isn’t too heavy for you.
- Warm up. Even a brisk 5-minute walk around the court helps get your heart pumping before you play.
- Stretch. Make sure to stretch before and after you play pickleball, focusing on your ankles, legs, groin, lower back, shoulders, and arms.
- Don’t play on wet courts. Even though the court’s surface is typically gritty to provide extra traction, it can become slick when wet.
- Wear sunscreen when playing outside. Look for one that has an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours.
- Check with your doctor. You know your body best. If you have physical conditions that you have concerns about, always talk to your doctor first about any exercise limitations that you may have.
*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.
True Claims Stories
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?
- 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 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
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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 teamTravel Insurance for Pickleball
If you’re incorporating pickleball into your travel plans, learn how travel insurance can help in case the unexpected strikes.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Millions of people have fallen in love with the unique combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong known as pickleball.
As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, more hotels are building pickleball courts to give experienced and new picklers a chance to get in on the action while they are traveling.
While serious injuries are rare in pickleball, even the best of us have lost our balance and taken a tumble when going for an overhead slam.
If pickleball is on your list of activities for your next trip, you may want to consider a travel insurance plan with adventure sports cover, as that could help protect you on and off the court when you are traveling.
- Should I consider travel insurance for pickleball
- Does travel insurance cover other adventure sports I might participate in during my trip?
- What else is covered by travel insurance?
- What's not covered
Should I consider travel insurance for pickleball?
Falls are one of the most common pickleball related injuries. You can be proactive and take steps ahead of time to work on your balance, but as you are twisting, turning, and moving across the court, there’s always a possibility of accidents.
A travel insurance plan from World Nomads could assist with things like x-rays, medication, a hospital stay, or other emergency medical needs that you may have.
Does travel insurance cover other adventure sports I might participate in during my trip?
If you are looking to explore even more sports and adventures during your travels, you will want to compare the cover in both the Standard and Explorer plans that are offered by World Nomads.
You can select your country of residence and get a quote to learn more about activities that are covered. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to add activities to your policy when you purchase it.
If you aren’t sure if something is covered, contact our customer service team and they can help explain what each policy includes.
What else is covered by travel insurance?
Aside from emergency medical cover, travel insurance may help with several other aspects of your trip. Depending on your country of residence, World Nomads may also offer cover for:
- Baggage protection: If the airline lost the bag that held your favorite paddle, baggage protection may help replace it if it is lost by a common carrier.
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption: If something unexpected happens like an illness or injury, and you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses.
- Evacuation: If you get injured playing pickleball in a place where there aren't nearby medical facilities, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team could help get you transported to a place that offers the level of care you need.
What are some things travel insurance would not cover?
- Damage that happens to your pickleball equipment while you are using it.
- Injuries that happen if you are competing in a professional pickleball competition.
- Injuries that happen if you are playing pickleball under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Pre-existing medical conditions.
- Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy.
Tips for playing pickleball
From our own time on the court, we’ve learned that many injuries can often be avoided. Here are a few tips we have learned from our own experiences as picklers.
- Drink plenty of water. This can help prevent dizziness, nausea, and cramps that could cause an injury.
- Wear the right shoes. Shoes designed for court sports are best. The soles are really important since you are moving from side to side and shifting your weight. Try to find a shoe that has good stability on both the inside and outside of your foot.
- Wear eye protection. The ball is lightweight, but it can travel at high speeds. You don’t want it flying toward your unprotected eyes.
- Pick the right paddle. Higher quality paddles are made to absorb some of the impact better, and could help you avoid elbow and shoulder injuries. You will also want to make sure the one you choose isn’t too heavy for you.
- Warm up. Even a brisk 5 minute walk around the court helps get your heart pumping before you play.
- Make sure to stretch before and after you play pickleball. Focus on your ankles, legs, groin, lower back, shoulders, and arms.
- Don’t play on wet courts. Even though the court’s surface is typically gritty to provide extra traction, it can become slick when wet.
- Wear sunscreen when playing outside. Look for one that has an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours.
- Check with your doctor. You know your body best. If you have physical conditions that you have concerns about, always talk to your doctor first about any exercise limitations that you may have.
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.
True Claims Stories
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?
- 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 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
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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 teamUp to 15% off* our travel insurance plans
We're thrilled to announce our largest-ever price reduction
We're delighted to announce we’ve cut our prices, up to 15%* reduction on our travel insurance plans.
Got a quote recently? We encourage you to request a new quote on our website. You might be pleasantly surprised by the savings now available to you.
World Nomads Travel Insurance
You're looking forward to a safe, happy holiday, but if something goes wrong, we're here to help. World Nomads travel insurance has been designed for adventurous, independent travelers to cover your trip essentials. If you run out of travel insurance or leave home without it, World Nomads can help you get cover. We keep you and your family protected and, with us, you'll travel smarter and safer, too
*This price reduction of up to 15% applies to the premium payable and is subject to conditions such as country of residence, travel destination and duration of trip.
