Travel Insurance for Medical Repatriation
When your illness or injury stops you in your tracks and you have to get home for treatment
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 14 July 2021 12:00am UTC, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 14 July 2021 please see below.
Our intrepid global travelers often go to places off-the-beaten-track. Unfortunately, off-the-beaten-track can also mean limited medical support.
That’s when World Nomads can help with travel insurance. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can help when you are overseas and can get you to the medical care you need, when you need it.
What will we cover you for?
If you are ill or injured and need help getting medical assistance the first step is always to contact our Emergency Assistance team and let us know what is going on.
Depending on what's happened to you, we can:
- Transport you via ambulance or other means to adequate medical facilities nearby.
- Evacuate you to medical facilities in another country.
- Transport you back home to your country of residence to receive medical support.
Am I covered for COVID-19 while overseas?
All our plans include emergency medical cover for travelers who get sick with COVID-19 while overseas (excluding pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in the Policy Wording). If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalization;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
If you have purchased the Explorer Plan, you may have some cover for trip cancellation events which are outside of your control and caused by:
- You or a member of your traveling party being diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Your close relative back home being hospitalized or dying due to COVID-19.
- You or a member of your traveling party who are permanently employed as a healthcare worker, residential care worker or law enforcement officer having pre-approved leave cancelled due to COVID-19.
Our article ‘What’s Covered for Coronavirus’ explains the benefits available if you get COVID-19 and need urgent assistance.
What we won’t cover
Important: Before you agree to any transportation back home, you must ensure it has been approved by us or you will not be covered. In addition, we will not cover you for:
- Unreasonable expenses. For example, we won’t pay for you to fly first class back home if there’s an economy seat available.
- If you refuse transportation which our Emergency Assistance team has deemed medically necessary.
- Any expenses that have not been approved by us.
- Any pre-existing medical conditions, as per your policy wording.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
How to get medical assistance.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance teams teams as soon as possible, so that our teams can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Dislocated shoulder.
Skiing at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, CA, USA. On an intermediate run, clipped into a snow drift and tumbled over landing on shoulder. Shoulder dislocated. Taken to Squaw Valley Medical Clinic and given x-rays then had the shoulder put back into place.
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 deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.
-
Can my mum come and get me?
Yes, in some situations we can send your mum over to pick you up if you need mobility support. If you’re on any kind of administrative medication, then we might send you a nurse or doctor.
-
Can I choose the sex of my nurse or doctor?
You can ask and we'll see what we can do.
-
What if I'm on really heavy drugs as pain killers while I'm coming home? Will I be allowed to transit in all countries?
There are some countries which will not allow you to enter (even transit) with certain drugs and in these cases we will either reroute you or discuss with your treating doctor on alternate pain killers.
-
What happens I’m on life support?
That’s a really bad way to end your holiday, and we hope you never end on life support. But if you do, we will look at the best possible solution to either get you home, or get your family over there to say goodbye.
Travel Insurance for Medical Repatriation
When illness or injury trashes your trip, get home in one piece
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
Serious accidents or illnesses can happen at any time during your trip, whether you’re trekking through the Eurasian Steppe or (not so) simply crossing the road in Vietnam. And if it’s bad enough to end your trip mid-way or if our medical teams recommend you return to your country of residence for treatment, our repatriation cover can help get you home safely.
The cost of medical evacuations can vary, depending on a number of circumstances, including the remoteness of the location from which the evacuation might occur, as well as the type of medical care required for injuries or illnesses incurred. That's what our emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance in all of our plans is designed to cover.
I need help now – what do I do?
The first step is to get medical help.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team as soon as possible so that our team can support you from the time your fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
Our 24/7 Medical Emergency Assistance Team can make arrangements and get pre-authorisation for your repatriation home. Our doctors and nurses have seen some horrific accidents and illnesses and have helped thousands of travellers get home safely to fully recover. Our teams are trained to help in these situations, negotiating the complexities of hospitals, specialist transportation, airline approvals and medical escorts so you (and your family) can focus on your recovery.
World Nomads offers benefits for medical issues related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) under the Medical section. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while abroad, your benefits include evacuation or repatriation if deemed necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
Our article What’s covered for Coronavirus explains the benefits available if you get COVID-19 and need urgent assistance.
Please note that cover is up to the amount shown in your policy wording and is subject to our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team or us, on the advice of a medical practitioner appointed by us in consultation with your medical practitioner overseas, first deciding that:
- Transportation is medically necessary; and
- The style and timing of the transportation are reasonable and appropriate; and
- You're medically fit to be evacuated; and
- You should be transferred back to your country of residence.
How World Nomads travel insurance can get you home
Travel insurance is made to cover emergency treatment abroad and, if necessary, to provide cover to rearrange your initial travel plans or for specialist medical transportation to get you back home. If our medical teams believe it’s necessary to bring you home for treatment or ongoing care, there’s cover in all of our policies for:
- Air Ambulance
- Sea Level Aircraft
- Ground Ambulance
- Flight changes, upgrades or just more space
- Flight upgrade + medical staff
What's not covered
There are some cases where it's just not possible to provide cover:
- Flight upgrades, new flights or changes without our approval (or where it's not medically necessary).
- Refusal to return home for treatment.
- Changing your mind to not continue your trip, even if you're fit to travel.
- Medical expenses once you're back in your home country
- A joy flight to get down off the mountain after you've reached Base Camp.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
How to get assistance
If you suddenly fall ill or are injured, it’s essential to contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team once you are aware you will be admitted as an inpatient for at least one night. That way, we can ensure you get the right care from the beginning to the end – from initial emergency treatment in a local hospital, through to medical repatriation home if medically necessary. So that we can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following when you contact us:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Dislocated shoulder
Skiing at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, CA, USA. On an intermediate run, clipped into a snow drift and tumbled over landing on shoulder. Shoulder dislocated. Taken to Squaw Valley Medical Clinic and given x-rays then had the shoulder put back into place.
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 deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions on medical repatriation. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
Can my mum (or another family member) come and get me?
In some situations (where deemed medically appropriate) we can pay for a loved one’s transport and accommodation so they can accompany you home. If you’re on certain types of medication, we might send a nurse or doctor instead.
-
If I'm on really strong pain killers, will I be allowed to transit in all countries?
There are some countries that will not allow you to enter (even in transit) with certain medications. In these cases we will either reroute you or discuss with your treating doctor alternative pain killers.
-
What happens if I’m on life support?
That’s a really bad way to end your holiday and we hope you never end up on life support. But if you do, we will look at every situation individually to try and find the best solution.
Travel Insurance for Pregnancy
Learn what is and isn't covered by travel insurance if you're pregnant.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
Pregnancy shouldn't be a reason to stop your next adventure. But with a new addition on board, travel insurance may help you look after yourself and bub-to-be if you're suddenly injured or have unexpected complications of pregnancy while travelling.
- Conditions of cover you should know
- What travel insurance will cover during pregnancy
- What we won't cover
- How to get assistance if you're sick or injured while pregnant
Conditions of cover you should know
The policy wording outlines all conditions of cover when you and other insured persons are travelling.
You must be less than 28 weeks pregnant at the time your trip is due to start (24 weeks for multiple births), and prior to departing on your trip you must have confirmation from a general practitioner or midwife that you are fit to travel.
To minimise the cost of medical treatment, travel with and present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to medical providers when receiving medical treatment within the European Union.
What travel insurance will cover during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and confirmed not fit to travel, or if you will be more than 28 weeks pregnant at the start of your trip (24 weeks for multiple births), you can make a claim under Cancelling Your Trip provided you purchased a policy/booked a trip before you were aware you would not be able to travel.
If you're travelling and experience a sudden illness or injury or medical condition arising from your pregnancy, our policies offer cover for:
- Emergency medical treatment abroad
- Hospitalisation
- Ambulance transport
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
For residents of Denmark only
In addition to the above information, cover is also available for pregnancy or medical conditions arising from pregnancy provided that, prior to departing on your trip, you received confirmation from a medical practitioner or midwife that you were fit to travel. Cover is available for your child born prematurely (i.e., before the 37th week of pregnancy) during your trip. Claims involving multiple births are considered one event.
What we won't cover
We won’t cover a number of circumstances including, but not limited to:
- Travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner.
- Expected costs arising from the 37th week of pregnancy, for example: for the expected childbirth; planned medical assistance with delivery, including a Caesarean section; scheduled pregnancy-related treatments; care of the newborn child.
- Doing anything illegal.
- Drug or alcohol-related injuries or illnesses.
- Deliberate self-harm or wilful or reckless exposure to exceptional risk.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so please read your Policy Wording carefully before you buy for all the details.
How to get assistance if you're sick or injured while pregnant
Seek medical assistance if it is an emergency – your hotel, tour guide or accommodation provider may be able to help.
Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team can help you get in touch with local medical assistance and direct you to what to do next. Make sure you keep any receipts in case you need to make a claim, and keep in contact with our Emergency Medical Assistance team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
If you are travelling in the European Union, travel with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medically necessary, state provided healthcare.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams as soon as possible so that you can be supported from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
So that they can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Unable to travel.
My Wife, pregnant 8 weeks and 3 days, went today to the gynecologist for a checkup following abdominal pain. The doctor diagnosed that the pregnancy was at risk and therefore she can't travel and needed complete rest.
Italian Nomad.
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 drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for pregnancy. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
If I decide to return home during my trip, is there cover for those expenses?
No, there's no cover for change of mind.
-
If I fall pregnant before my trip, can I cancel?
Pregnancy or medical conditions arising from pregnancy are covered provided you will not be more than 28 weeks pregnant by the time your trip is due to start (or 24 weeks for multiple births) and a medical practitioner or midwife confirms that you are fit to travel. If you are confirmed not fit to travel, or if you will be more than 28 weeks pregnant at the start of your trip (24 weeks for multiple births), you can make a claim under Cancelling Your Trip provided you purchased this policy/booked a trip before you were aware you would not be able to travel.
-
Do your policies cover pre-existing pregnancy complications?
No, cover for pre-existing medical conditions (as defined in the policy wording) are not covered. However, If your country of residence is Denmark, cover for pregnancy is as follows: Cover is available for pregnancy or medical conditions arising from pregnancy provided that, prior to departing on your trip, you received confirmation from a medical practitioner or midwife that you were fit to travel. Cover is available for your child born prematurely (i.e., before the 37th week of pregnancy) during your trip. Claims involving multiple births are considered one event. If you are confirmed not fit to travel, you can make a claim under Cancelling Your Trip provided you purchased this policy/booked a trip before you were aware you would not be able to travel
-
Do both of your policies cover pregnancy?
Both the Standard and Explorer Plans offer cover for sudden illness or injury, including when they arise from your pregnancy. Before travel, you will need to be sure your doctor or midwife has confirmed you are fit to travel for the duration of your trip in order for cover under the policy to apply. There is no cover for routine or normal costs associated with pregnancy or childbirth.
Travel Insurance for Stolen or Damaged Baggage
If your gear has been stolen or damaged, here's how we can help.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- How does travel insurance cover baggage?
- How to report your lost or missing bags and valuables in 4 simple steps
- What’s not covered?
- Travel safety tips before you leave Australia
- Ready to get a travel insurance quote?
- Frequently asked questions
Protect your bags and personal effects with World Nomads Travel Insurance
Whether you’re carrying expensive sports gear, a wedding outfit, or just your everyday essentials, World Nomads travel insurance offers coverage for theft, loss, or damage of your luggage and personal effects.
How does travel insurance cover baggage?
As long as you can provide proof your baggage was lost, stolen or damaged and you have receipts that show the date and cost of your purchases, our plans may help cover the cost of replacing or repairing:
- Baggage and personal items if stolen or lost or damaged in a fire or natural disaster (we’re not going to give you a new camera if you throw your old one on the ground and claim it was damaged!).
- checked-in luggage when lost or damaged by a common carrier.
- Passport, credit cards and travel documents if stolen, lost or damaged (specific terms and conditions apply).
- Stolen cash (Explorer plan only) – limits apply.
It’s our choice if we replace or repair an item and various policy limits may apply. If you’re traveling with a number of valuable items you can also buy extra coverage for specific high value items at the time of getting a quote.
How to report your lost or missing bags and valuables in 4 simple steps
1. Report it
You will need to report your luggage as stolen to the relevant person at the location as soon as possible. Depending on where you are at the time, that could be airline staff, the driver on public transport, a train conductor, accommodation staff or a restaurant manager.
If your luggage has been stolen on public transport (e.g., bus, train or airplane):
- Report the incident to the public transport provider or tour operator and ask for written evidence such as a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
- Keep all relevant tickets, luggage checks and other documentation.
- Find out how the transport provider will compensate you and get this in writing.
If your luggage has been stolen from your accommodation
- Report it to the accommodation provider and ask them to provide written confirmation of the loss or theft and any compensation they’ll offer.
If your luggage has been stolen on a tour or at a public venue (e.g., airport, museum, restaurant, sports stadium)
- Report it to security, the tour operator or venue management and ask them to provide written confirmation of the theft and any compensation they’ll offer.
2. Notify the police
You’ll need to report the theft to the police as soon as reasonably possible after it occurs and get written evidence that you've reported it to the police, such as a written police report.
3. Track and block your phone, tablet and credit cards
If your mobile device (phone or tablet) is lost or stolen:
- Lock your device and change your passwords. In many cases you may be able to use the ‘find my phone’ feature to remotely secure your phone and apps to protect your data.
- Remotely erase data as soon as possible.
- Call your mobile device provider and ask them to block your service and ask for written confirmation that has been done.
If your credit cards are stolen:
Contact your bank and/or credit card provider as soon as possible. They should be able to block any future charges and potentially reverse any fraudulent charges that have already taken place and cancel the card if required. Your bank or credit card provider may also be able to help you access money without a card.
4. Keep all receipts and paperwork
You’ll need to keep all your receipts, paperwork and other relevant information regarding the theft, along with your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations of any affected travel arrangements for when you claim. If you don’t do this, we may reduce or reject your claim.
What’s not covered
- Damage to personal belongings unless checked in with a common carrier.
- Damage to, loss or theft of high valued specified items, even if checked in with a common carrier in your baggage, including jewellery, computers, cameras, hand-held and mobile devices or other electronic equipment.
- Items stolen from a vehicle that is unlocked (or there are no visible signs of forced entry) or from a non-lockable or visible part of a passenger compartment.
- Items you lost or left behind somewhere.
- Theft which is not observed by you at the time when the theft was being committed.
Travel safety tips before you leave your home
- Add a distinctive, trackable security tag with your contact info (minus your home address) to make your luggage easier to spot and recover if it goes missing.
- Be proactive and install tracking apps on your devices before travelling abroad.
- Scan copies of all your documents and store them in your phone before you leave your country of residence.
- Grab a travel insurance quote here.
Ready to get a travel insurance quote?
If you’re ready to start exploring our travel cover options and optional extras, then visit our Get a Quote page and tell us your travel details. For more information check out our FAQ article on baggage cover and personal effects and read your Policy Wording carefully before you buy.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
Choked and Robbed.
On October 8, 2013, I was trying to go back home by taxi. But I had to change taxi and walk for 30meter to get next taxi. It was little dark 7pm. At the time, I was surrounded by 3 or 4 men. A man choked me and another guy tore off my small bag, and they ran away. There were a camera, passport, watch, wallet with 300 rand and credit card, cellphone, USB Internet modem and so on. I explained to taxi driver and he helped me to bring home without pay. And my house owner helped me to go to police station and explained everything.
Japanese Nomad in South Africa.
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 deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
I'm on a gap year, can I claim for my baggage while I'm away?
You can claim whenever you like, while traveling or when you return home.
-
What if I don’t have receipts?
You can still lodge a claim. However, the team might depreciate or be unable to process your claim.
-
If the airlines loses my gear, what do I need?
You’ll need a Property Irregularity Report (‘PIR’) from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts and a copy of your itinerary.
-
Do my items get depreciated?
Yes they do. However, some policies let you pay an additional premium per item so insure them for the value you bought them (if it's under the limits).
Travel Insurance for Stolen or Damaged Baggage
If your gear has been stolen or damaged, here's how we can help.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
When you’re travelling, you don’t always have control over what happens to your gear: it can get stolen, damaged, be sent to the wrong airport or get lost permanently in transit. That’s where baggage and personal belongings cover can help.
Baggage and personal belongings travel insurance: What's covered?
World Nomads plans for residents of most countries offer coverage for your luggage and personal items you take with you. Cover includes:
- Necessities (e.g underwear & toiletries) if your baggage is delayed for at least 24 hours.
- The value of any items lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed with a deduction for wear and tear.
- Specific items you have paid an additional insurance premium for and which are shown on your Certificate of Insurance. (Deduction for wear and tear does not apply).
- The additional cost of obtaining a replacement passport or visa including fees that you would otherwise not have paid.
- If you buy the Explorer Plan, the policy also covers accidental loss or theft of your own money while you were carrying it or if you left it in a locked safety deposit box.
What’s not covered?
There are a number of items our policies don't cover and if you don’t look after your belongings properly, you may not be covered either.
- If you don't keep your gear safe and secure.
- If you don't report a theft or loss to the police (within 24 hours) and appropriate carrier or authority as soon as reasonably possible of the theft or loss being discovered. Get a written report!
- Personal baggage stolen from an unattended vehicle unless locked away and not visible from the outside and there are signs of forced entry.
- Sporting equipment while in use.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover please contact us for help.
Travel Insurance Baggage Tips:
- Find and scan your receipts before your leave
- If an airline loses your gear, tell them straight away and get it in writing.
- Theft? Report it to the police as soon as you reasonably can.
- If you’ve got a handset or tablet that can be blocked, block it.
- You can claim at home or on the road.
Robbed in Guatemala.
I was walking down the sidewalk of 11 Avenida with my backpack on the back. I wanted to check something in my Lonely Planet, so I took the backpack to the front, with one strap still one my shoulder. I had just put the book back and was about to zip the backpack closed (after 10-20 seconds) when it was suddenly ripped out of my grip. Even though I was holding on to it, the surprise and force allowed them to grap it anyway, before they speeded away. In the backpack was my camera lens (I was fortunately wearing the camera with a strap around my neck), my wallet with money I had cashed in an ATM a couple of days before, the guidebook and some clothes (jeans, socks and a hoodie). There were no personal documents as I had left them in my hotel room. I reported the theft to the police about two hours later.
Danish Nomad is Guatemala.
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 deceased?
- 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 drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
I'm on a gap year, can I claim for my baggage while I'm away?
You can claim whenever you like, while traveling or when you return home. You must claim within 60 days of your return from your trip.
-
What if I don’t have receipts?
You can still lodge a claim. However, without requested documentation your claim may be depreciated or declined..
-
If the airlines loses my gear, what do I need?
You’ll need a Property Irregularity Report (‘PIR’) from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts and a copy of your itinerary.
-
Do my items get depreciated?
Yes they do. However, an upgrade will let you pay an additional premium per item so you can insure them for the value you bought them (if it's under the limits).
Travel Insurance for Delayed Baggage
Learn how travel insurance could help if your luggage misses your flight.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
This content is for all travellers except Americans, Australians, Brazilians, British, Canadians, Irish, and New Zealanders.
You know that sinking feeling when you’re waiting at the luggage carousel, everyone has left and it finally grounds to a halt… without your bag appearing.
That’s where Delayed Baggage Travel Insurance can help out, saving you from a sweaty, smelly, uncomfortable few days (hopefully not more) until your bags arrive.
What's covered by travel insurance if my bags are delayed?
If your baggage is delayed more than 12 hours our policies cover the cost of:
- Clothing
- Medicines
- Toiletries
It's important to remember that there are benefit limits and an excess will apply.
What you’re not covered for.
If your bags arrive less than 12 hours before they were supposed to you won’t be able to claim any expenses back. We also won’t cover:
- The rental or purchase of sports equipment if your sports equipment is delayed by the carrier
- Indirect losses, such as administrative or transport costs involved in collecting the baggage or Lost opportunities due to not having your baggage
- Any items that aren’t considered ‘essential’. That means no Gucci leather jackets!
- The purchase of essential items if your bags are delayed on the way home, as the insurer expects you’ve got other clothes to wear once your return home
What do I do if my bags don’t arrive?
First step is to speak to your carrier – the airline, train or bas carrier who was responsible for transporting you. You need to make a report and get back from them a Property Irregularity Report or similar official statement including certain details – see How to Make a Claim for more information.
If it’s going to take at least 12 hours or more to get your bags to you, then you can look at claiming back the cost of essential replacement toiletries, clothing and medicine to tide you over.
Benefit limits apply so this isn’t a green light to buy the latest Gucci leather jacket you’ve been hankering after.
There is also a maximum benefit limit for each 24 hours your baggage is missing and if it’s never located, any claims paid will be deducted from any successful lost baggage claim you subsequently make.
There may be specific terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply depending on what you'll be doing. Of course, always read the full terms, conditions limitations and exclusions in the plan you choose so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use it. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
Items you can claim if your bags are delayed:
- T-shirt(s)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Toiletries
- Reasonable & necessary essential items (check your policy for details)
Items that aren't covered if your bags are delayed:
- Designer jeans to replace your fisherman's pants
- A new ball gown for that special event
- Tailor made suit
- Leather jacket
- Other non-essential items you can live without for a few days
Baggage delay in NYC.
I flew from Santiago (STI) to New York USa (JFK), when I arrived to destination Jet Blue Airways inform me that my bag was delayed. I am still waiting for my luggage.
Dominican Resident in NYC.
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 deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for delayed baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
What if I don’t have receipts?
You can still lodge a claim. However, the team might depreciate or be unable to process your claim.
-
What supporting documents do you need?
You’ll need a Property Irregularity Report (‘PIR’) from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts and a copy of your itinerary.
-
Is there an excess/co-pay/deductible?
Yes, there is an excess.
Travel Insurance for Delayed Baggage.
For when you show up but your bags don't.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.
You know that sinking feeling when you’re waiting at the luggage carousel, everyone has left and it finally grinds to a halt… without your bag appearing.
That’s where travel insurance and our Baggage Delay benefit can help out, saving you from a sweaty, smelly, uncomfortable few days (hopefully not more) until your bags arrive.
What's covered by travel insurance if my bags are delayed?
If your baggage is delayed more than 24 hours our policies offer cover for essentials items like:
- Clothing
- Essential prescribed medication
- Toiletries
It's important to remember that there are benefit limits and an excess will apply.
What you’re not covered for
If your bags arrive within 24 hours of when they were supposed to, you won’t be able to claim any expenses back. We also won’t cover:
- The rental or purchase of sports equipment if your sports equipment is delayed by the carrier
- Indirect losses, such as administrative or transport costs involved in collecting the baggage or lost opportunities due to not having your baggage
- Any items that aren’t considered ‘essential’. That means no Gucci leather jackets!
- The purchase of essential items if your bags are delayed on the way home, as the insurer expects you’ve got other clothes to wear once your return home
What do I do if my bags don’t arrive?
First step is to speak to your transport provider who was responsible for transporting you. You need to make a report and get back from them a Property Irregularity Report or similar official statement including certain details – see How to Make a Claim for more information.
If it’s going to take at least 24 hours or more to get your bags to you, then you can look at claiming back the cost of essential replacement toiletries, clothing and prescription medication to tide you over. Any claims paid for essential items will be deducted from any successful lost baggage claim you may subsequently make.
Benefit limits apply so this isn’t a green light to buy the latest Gucci leather jacket you’ve been hankering after.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
Items you can claim if your bags are delayed:
- T-shirt(s)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Toiletries
- Prescribed medication
- Reasonable & necessary essential items (check your policy for details)
Items that aren't covered if your bags are delayed:
- Designer jeans to replace your fisherman's pants
- A new ball gown for that special event
- Tailor made suit
- Leather jacket
- Other non-essential items you can live without for a few days
Bags delayed in Heathrow.
Flew out of Heathrow to Los Angeles. The airline claimed the baggage loading system at Terminal 1 had failed and they would be unable to load all the luggage. When we arrived, several hours late in LA, my bag was one of the many missing. We filed a delayed baggage report with them and were promised the bag would be delivered the next evening. I did not actually receive it until three days later. Everything was in tact when it arrived, but in the meantime I had to manage with the clothes I was wearing for the journey. We had trips booked the first two days in LA and we managed to get to a store to buy some items for me to have a change of clothes and enjoy the swimming pool in the hotel.
Norwegian Nomad in L.A.
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 deceased?
- Close relative dropped dead?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need drugs?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for delayed baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
-
What if I don’t have receipts?
You can still lodge a claim. However, the team might decline your claim if you are unable to provide requested documentation.
-
What supporting documents do you need?
You’ll need a Property Irregularity Report (‘PIR’) from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts and a copy of your itinerary. Written confirmation from the airline or travel company stating the length of delay, may also be required.
-
Is there an excess?
For Baggage Delay there is no excess.
