Photo © Getty Images/ Petar Chernaev

Travel insurance while already abroad

Get covered by World Nomads, even if you're already overseas

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying away from home. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team. 

  • Is there a waiting period?
    Yes, there is a waiting period for the policy and for types of cover. You can find the details in the Policy Wording.
  • How do I extend my travel insurance if I'm already abroad?
    You can extend your Single Trip policy online while already travelling as soon as your policy starts, up until 11.59pm GMT on the end date shown on your Certificate of Insurance. Please check the terms of the Policy Wording to confirm you are eligible.

Already travelling, decided to extend your stay and realised your travel insurance has expired? Or worse… realised you never bought it in the first place? 

With World Nomads, if you live in the United Kingdom and you’re 69 years or younger, you can buy a policy online, anytime, from anywhere in the world.

We’ve designed simple and flexible travel insurance so you can buy what you need, when you need it, even while travelling. If you forgot to buy a policy before you started your trip, are outside the UK, or your cover has ended but your trip hasn’t, you can buy a World Nomads policy 24/7 online.

If you buy a policy after leaving home or when already overseas, a waiting period may apply, which means you may have to wait up to 72 hours for full cover to apply, and certain benefits (like pre-trip cancellation) may not be available as you’ve already left home (for trips solely winthin the UK) or boarded your transportation for international trips. Where the insurance is purchased after your trip has commenced, your country of residence will determine the laws, regulations and tax that apply.

Any illness or injury that occurs during the waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition and, as a result, will not be covered. However, no waiting period applies if you're seriously injured as a result of an accident, if it’s witnessed by someone else, after you buy a policy.

Lastly, if you buy a new policy before your current policy expires, you'll have continuous cover. However, as your new policy terms and conditions may differ from your previous one, be sure to read the Policy Wording before you buy, as it will have full details of the cover, limits, conditions, and exclusions.

Left home without travel insurance?

Learn more about how to buy travel insurance.

Malaria at Christmas

On the 25th of December I woke up feeling nausea, fever, headache, and lethargy. After two days with the symptoms not ceasing I went to a clinic and was admitted with severe malaria. I stayed in the hospital for two days taking shots for malaria and also saline drip.
Claim paid: USD $392.55
A.G. Brazilian Nomad in Zambia

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
  • Come to a sticky end?
  • Called to jury duty?
  • 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 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?
  • You or a family member dead?

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)
*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

Worldwide 24 hour Emergency Assistance

Wherever you are, we’re there to help!

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Emergency Assistance for New Zealanders 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If it's an emergency, such as a serious injury, sudden illness, an accident or hospitalisation, contact our Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Our Emergency Assistance Team are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

From New Zealand & Overseas:

+61 2 8263 0470

+61 2 8292 1470

Within Australia (free call):

1800 611 210

SMS: +61 4 1720 4602

Email: assist@worldnomads.com

Be prepared.

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
  • Prescribed medication (if any)

How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?

Learn how your travel insurance policy can assist if you're in an emergency situation by watching this video.

Bitten by a tick in Colombia

I was bitten by a tick in Sierra Nevada region on my trip in Colombia, and infected by borrelia. A doctor examined me and I have received treatment for borreliose with antibiotics and probiotics. However, as the brain fog and dizziness persisted even during continuing treatment, the emergency assistance team organised medical repatriation as it is not safe for me to travel with these symptoms.
Claim Paid: USD $1,134.17
A.B. Norwegian Nomad in Colombia

Emergency Assistance for U.S. Residents

Wherever you are, we’re there to help!

    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.  

Emergency Assistance for U.S. Residents

Our Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year from anywhere in the world. This is who you will call if you need emergency help while traveling. This can be for a medical reason or instances of theft, missing bags, or natural disasters. They are your first call for any emergency situation. They also have translators available, if that is needed.

Telephone: +1-877-289-0968 (toll free within the US and Canada)

Telephone: +1-954-334-8143 (Collect worldwide)

Email: ops@gga-usa.com

Not from the U.S? Find the right Emergency Assistance team:

Be prepared.

The Emergency Assistance team will want to quickly assist you, so please be ready with the following:

  • Your plan number (if you have it on you)
  • A contact number for where you are now
  • The nature of your problem
  • Your location
  • Prescribed medication (if any)

Bitten by a tick in Colombia

I was bitten by a tick in Sierra Nevada region on my trip in Colombia, and infected by borrelia. A doctor examined me and I have received treatment for borreliose with antibiotics and probiotics. However, as the brain fog and dizziness persisted even during continuing treatment, the emergency assistance team organised medical repatriation as it is not safe for me to travel with these symptoms.
Claim Paid: USD $1,134.17
A.B. Norwegian Nomad in Colombia.

Worldwide 24 hour Emergency Assistance

Wherever you are, we’re there to help!

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Emergency Assistance for Australians

If it's an emergency, such as a serious injury, sudden illness, an accident or hospitalisation, contact our Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Our Emergency Assistance Team are available 24/7, 365 days a year.


From overseas:

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470; or

Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)


From within Australia:

Phone: 1300 787 375

SMS: +61 4 1720 4602 

Email: assist@worldnomads.com

 

You can ask the local operator to connect you reverse charges, or claim your call costs later.  You'll need the international dialling code or just the plus sign (+) to dial the number correctly on your mobile phone.

Be prepared.

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
  • Prescribed medication (if any)

How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?

Learn how your travel insurance policy can assist if you're in an emergency situation by watching this video.

Bitten by a tick in Colombia

I was bitten by a tick in Sierra Nevada region on my trip in Colombia, and infected by borrelia. A doctor examined me and I have received treatment for borreliose with antibiotics and probiotics. However, as the brain fog and dizziness persisted even during continuing treatment, the emergency assistance team organised medical repatriation as it is not safe for me to travel with these symptoms.
Claim Paid: USD $1,134.17
A.B. Norwegian Nomad in Colombia
Photo © Yulkapopkova/IStock

Does Travel Insurance Cover Dental?

Learn how travel insurance may cover emergency dental treatment abroad.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

For information relating to policies purchased prior to 03 February 2022, please check the PDS provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 03 February 2022 please see below.

No one likes going to the dentist, and even less when it's not your regular dentist. But teeth can crack and infections can strike, regardless of where you are in the world. A pitted olive that wasn't; a very, very sticky caramel... it's the worst sort of surprise. World Nomads can help you out with emergency dental cover.

What does travel insurance cover for overseas dental? 

If something happens, we only offer cover for the immediate relief of sudden and acute onset of pain on healthy teeth and teeth with fillings. We may cover those teeth if you suddenly have:

  • A cracked or chipped tooth.
  • A dental infection.
  • Dental surgery resulting from an accident.

Cover is limited, and we may need to talk to your dentist back home to see what your teeth were like before you left. Just remember, the policy comes with a AUD$100 excess which will be deducted from your claim.

What's not covered

In short, pretty much anything that's not on the list above. Specifically, there are a few straight-up things we don't provide cover for:

  • Anything routine, or that can wait until you're home.
  • Major dental work such as but not limited to crowns, bridges, dental prostheses.
  • Dental expenses incurred while you’re in Australia. This policy doesn't replace private medical insurance or Medicare.
  • Getting your teeth straightened.
  • Cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, implants, braces.
  • Dental problems you knew about before you bought the policy.

A lot of the time, our cover will be limited to patching the problem, such as a temporary filling, a pain-relieving injection, that sort of thing. The big stuff will have to wait until you get home.

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 PDS 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.

How to get dental assistance

It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible so that our teams can support you from the time your fall sick of get injured until the time you get home.

So that our 24/7 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

Tooth ache in Lumbini.

While in Lumbini, Nepal, experienced 2 days of occasional, severe aching pain from a molar on the right upper jaw, brought on by cold drinks or hot food. On the 17th the pain was constant and unrelieved by any medications. After an 8 hour bus ride back to Kathmandu I presented to CIWEC Dental Clinic where after X-ray and evaluation the dentist diagnosed an infected root canal. I was given antibiotics and scheduled an appointment for endodontic surgery in two days time, as the pain was serious and I was planning an extended trek to Everest Base Camp in the coming weeks. On the 19th of October I returned and underwent a successful endodontic treatment in one canal of my tooth and had the hole covered with posterior surface restoration.
Claim paid: $500
K.D. Australian resident in Nepal.

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
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Has one of your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

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 medicine?
  • 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 overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • 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)
*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

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas dental travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

Travel Insurance for Delayed Baggage.

Learn how travel insurance could help if your luggage misses your flight.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

This information is for Australian residents. 

So you've arrived at your destination and spent your first two hours on the ground watching a baggage carousel grow empty without ever coughing up your bags. This happens a lot. It's really annoying.  Happily, there's someone to blame. That's the airline.

In every airport, there's a lost luggage counter where you can report your missing items (also go here if your bags have been damaged). You need to get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from that counter. 

What does travel insurance cover regarding delayed luggage?

If you're luggage is delayed by more than 12 hours, our policies cover essential purchases (toothbrushes, deodorant, clean undies, etc.). 

There are limits on the amount you can spend. So before you go shopping for a new wardrobe, check your policy carefully on the limits, conditions and exclusions which may apply before you buy. 

If you need to make a claim, you'll also need to fill in all of the documentation required by the carrier and submit this with your receipts. 

What's not covered

Delayed luggage once you're back home. You've now got access to your full wardrobe, so you shouldn't need anything from your bags. When you're shopping for essential purchases, think Walmart and the chemist, not high street fashion and designer labels.

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 en route Chennai.

Upon travelling from Hanoi (Vietnam) to Chennai (India) my luggage was misplaced/delayed for 5 days. I reported the baggage missing with the airport authorities and they completed a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). I phoned the airlines every day for an update. In the meantime I had spoken several times to World Nomads to explain the situation and to check what I am covered for. The items I am claiming for are all essential items for my day to day living. I have receipts for everything I purchased.
Claim paid: AUS $295.6
Australian Nomad in India.

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
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Has one of your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

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 medicine?
  • 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 overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • 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)
*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

FAQ

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 our customer service team

  • 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.
Photo © Getty Images / Alexander Spatari

Does Travel Insurance Cover Terrorism?

Find out how we could help if you're caught up in a terror attack.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

This information is for Australian residents only. 

There's a lot of media around this, and there's a lot of allure in danger too. When everyone is saying something different about the risks of travel, it's hard to get a clear picture of what's going on. It also raises lots of questions about how insurance works. 

What can travel insurance cover if there's a terror attack?

If the event is unforeseen – which by their very nature terrorist attacks almost all are, you could be covered for:

  • Hospitalisation
  • Out-patient treatment
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Medical transportation to bring you home

In addition, we also have emergency assistance teams who can assist you – keeping you informed, putting you in contact with consular officials, arranging medical care, and getting in touch with your family for you.

What’s not covered by travel insurance if there's a terror attack?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. We often see claims for terrorism that we have to decline because the Australian plan excludes them:

  • Cancellation
  • Trip interruption expenses
  • Changing your mind to travel
  • Buying a policy AFTER the event happens
  • If the Australian government says a  destination is "Do Not Travel" and you still travel there.

Also, we don't cover anything that happens because you made jokes about terrorism or bombs while standing in an airport security screening area or other high security environment. Those people do not have a sense of humour, and you won't be laughing when they reach for the latex gloves.

How to get help if you're hurt in a terror attack

It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 emergency assistance teams as soon as possible so that our teams can support you from the time your fall sick of get injured until the time you get home.

So that our Emergency Assistance team 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

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
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Has one of your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

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 medicine?
  • 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 overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • 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)
*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

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Terrorism. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

Photo © Mario Guti/IStock

Travel Insurance for Death Overseas

Learn how travel insurance could help your family if you die overseas.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

For information relating to policies purchased prior to 03 February 2022, please check the PDS provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 03 February 2022 please see below.

It's not something anyone wants to talk about, but fatal accidents and illnesses do happen. For those worst case scenarios, your family will need help and support; emotional, logistical and financial.

Our Emergency Assistance Team can help your loved ones get you home – they're available 24/7 for help, they have the expertise to handle some aspects of international bureaucracy such as helping out with the paper work and working with relevant government departments and the policy can help with the associated costs.

The priority of your loved ones will be to bring you home; we’ll be there to help take away the added stress of navigating overseas laws, different languages and formalities.

What’s covered by travel insurance if you die overseas?

If you die overseas as the result of an accident or a sudden and unexpected illness, you may be covered for:

  • Bringing your remains back to Australia.
  • Local cremation or burial overseas.
  • When necessary, reasonable and necessary travel and accomodation costs for your next of kin to travel with your remains.

We also have access to some of the Australian Government's DFAT services, so for countries where the local laws are complex, we can call on some additional support.

Note: In case of death, the death certificate and a medical report must be included with any claim.

What's not covered by travel insurance?

A lot of the exclusions to medical cover do also apply here, so take the time to read the policy. In the event of a fatal illness or injury, if we're not going to cover your medical expenses and you then pass away, there won't be any cover under this part of the policy either.

  • Suicide.
  • Deaths as a result of drugs or alcohol.
  • Any illness or death arising from a metastatic or terminal prognosis that was made prior to the issue of the Certificate of Insurance.
  • If an existing condition causes your death (unless otherwise stated in the policy).
  • Any costs within your home country once your remains are returned to your next of kin.

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 PDS 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.

How your family or friend can get assistance if you die overseas.

It’s essential that your family or travel buddy get in contact with our Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible, so that our teams can support them from the time you die until your remains have returned home.

To help our Emergency Assistance teams assist them quickly, they'll need the following:

  • Your policy number
  • Your location
  • As many details as possible about the circumstances surrounding your death

So, leave a copy of your policy with your family or friend, just in case they need to use it.

How we help.

Overseas deaths are the most heartbreaking cases to help with. No one is ready to deal with the sudden death of a close relative overseas, let alone having to deal with the complex organisation and unexpected high costs. The World Nomads Emergency Assistance team can coordinate a local burial or bringing home loved ones with trusted partners on the ground, and ensure that families and friends are supported throughout such a difficult time.
Aurelie Menard
Operations Manager.

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
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Has one of your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

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 medicine?
  • 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 overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • 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)
*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 © Lumina Images

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:

Lost, stolen and damaged luggage incidents make up nearly half of all travel insurance claims. World Nomads travel insurance offers coverage for theft, loss, or damage of your bags and personal effects.

How can travel insurance help if my belongings are stolen or damaged?

Your Policy Disclosure Statement (PDS) will have very specific limits, both on the total value of the luggage covered, and on individual items. If there're some items you're bringing that exceed those limits, specify them when you get a travel insurance quote.

We offer cover for the following:

  • Stolen or accidentally damaged belongings.
  • If your belongings are stolen, lost or accidentally damaged by a common carrier (a commercial airline for example.
  • Taken from you during an assault.
  • Stolen from your private, locked accommodation and where there's visible evidence of damage and forced entry.

There are of course terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions on how cover applies. For example, we won't cover your electronics or jewellery if you check them into an airline. Read the PDS so there are no surprises. 

How to report your lost or missing bags and valuables in 4 simple steps

1. Report it

Your first move should be to report it, ASAP. Who you report it to depends on your circumstances. Here are some of the most common situations:

If your luggage has been lost or stolen on public transport:

  • Report the incident to the public transport provider and request written evidence, like a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
  • Gather any relevant tickets, luggage checks, and other documents.
  • Confirm how the transport company will compensate you—get it in writing.

If your luggage has been lost or stolen from your airline or accommodation provider

  • Report it immediately to the hotel or accommodation provider and request written confirmation of the incident from the carrier or the accommodation provider, along with details of any compensation.

If your luggage has been lost or stolen on a tour or at a public venue (e.g. airport, museum, sports stadium)

  • Let your tour operator, venue management, or security know right away. Ask for written confirmation of the loss or theft and details of any compensation offered.

If your situation is not listed get in contact and we can help.

2. Notify the police

File a police report—this step is non-negotiable because your potential insurance claim hinges on it. Head to the nearest police station and get a copy of the report or at least a reference number.

3. Track and block your phone, tablet and credit cards

Contact your provider to block the service and get written confirmation. And don’t forget to call your bank to block any stolen cards ASAP.

If you have an iPhone, try using the Find My iPhone feature. If you have a Samsung, use the Find My Mobile feature to pinpoint your device’s location on a map.

4. Keep all receipts and paperwork

Hold onto every bit of paperwork—receipts for emergency buys, itineraries, booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected travel arrangements. If you don’t do this, we may reduce or reject your claim.

What’s not covered by travel insurance

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims we see where there's no cover include:

  • Anything you leave behind, walk away from or simply misplace or forget.
  • If your credit cards are skimmed.
  • Leaving your gear in an unlocked car overnight.
  • Leaving your valuables unsecured in a shared hostel room.

Travel safety tips before you leave Australia

  • 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 Australia.
  • Grab a travel insurance quote here.

Ready to get a travel insurance quote?

If you’re ready to explore our travel insurance plans and optional extras, then visit our Get a Quote page and tell us your travel details.

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply. For more information check out our FAQ article on baggage cover and personal effects and read your PDS carefully before you buy.

Rooky error.

It doesn't get much more touristy than this. My iPhone 4 was stolen from me while at a Starbucks in Paris. It was on the table I was sitting at. Two girls came up and spoke to me and put a piece of paper in front of me and at this point must have taken the phone. I told them I didn't speak French, they left and by the time I had noticed my phone was missing they were gone.
Claim paid: AUD $440
Australian Nomad in Paris.

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
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Has one of your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

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 medicine?
  • 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 overseas?
  • Medivac needed home?
  • You died overseas?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • 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)
*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

FAQ

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.

  • 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).