For such a relatively small country, Ecuador is packed with amazing experiences for the adventurous traveler. From hiking up volcanoes to biking down the Andes, from floating through the jungle to fishing for piranha, thrills are everywhere. And that’s to say nothing of the amazing wildlife waiting to be discovered in the Galapagos Islands!

But along with adventure comes risk, and what if a natural disaster strikes or you suffer an accident far away from the nearest town? When planning your dream vacation, a travel insurance policy may be a good idea to help get you back on course in case an unexpected event means things go awry.

• Why travel insurance matters
• What should I look out for when traveling to Ecuador?
• What’s not covered?

Why travel insurance matters

A once in a lifetime trip to go snorkeling with the sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the Galapagos means a lot of financial outlay. Travel insurance covering lost baggage and medical emergencies can help protect this investment if the unexpected happens.

A World Nomads travel insurance policy may provide cover for:

• Delayed or lost baggage
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Stolen personal effects 
• Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events
• More than 150 activities and sports when in Ecuado

What should I look out for when traveling to Ecuador?

If it’s relaxed beaches or snow-capped mountains you’re after, Ecuador has everything to make a visit the best vacation ever! But things might not go according to plan and knowing that you may be able to resolve financial, medical or logistical problems through your travel insurance policy is a great comfort. Some of the unexpected events that we may be able to help you with include:

Delayed or lost baggage

Even though Brazil and Ecuador are close neighbors, airline companies can still manage to mislay or lose your baggage. If this happens, make sure that you follow all the correct reporting procedures at the airport and World Nomads may be able to provide you with reimbursement for a change of clothing and personal items until things get sorted.
 

Trip cancellation and trip interruption

With so much to do in Ecuador, you’ve probably spent a long time making travel arrangements. But if something unexpected, such as an illness or an accident, happens just prior to departure, or even during your trip, your travel insurance policy may be able to help recover some of your losses.

Stolen personal effects 

The bigger cities such as Quito and Cuenca provide a fascinating mix of indigenous and Spanish history and culture, including one of Latin America’s largest outdoor markets. But if you’re pickpocketed while browsing the local handicrafts, our round-the-clock hotline may be able to point you to the local police station and help you obtain temporary documents. We can also assist in getting funds wired over from your family back in Brazil.

Overseas emergency medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events 

If you injure yourself on a hike to the famous crater lakes or on a whitewater rafting expedition from the mountains into the jungle, our 24/7 emergency assistance team can help you find the nearest medical center. If the injury is serious, World Nomads may also be able to help arrange for emergency evacuation and repatriation back to Brazil.

Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic are still a part of our lives, so if you fall ill with a Coronavirus-related medical problem, your insurance may be able to help with hospital stays and medication.

Cover for over 150 activities and sports when in Ecuador

World Nomads has developed travel insurance for the adventurous traveler with cover for more than 150 exciting sports and activities. With amazing new experiences being developed in Ecuador, such as high altitude ziplining and swings flying out over canyons, it is important that you read through the different policies – Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus – and decide which one is right for the kind of vacation you plan on taking.

What's not covered?

Of course, no insurance policy can cover absolutely everything, and there are a number of things that World Nomads will not provide assistance or reimbursement for. These may include:

• Taking part in sports not covered by the policy. Always check what is and isn’t covered before taking out a policy and before signing up for a new radical sport.
• If you haven’t taken proper care of yourself or your belongings. So if you’ve left your things unattended while enjoying Quito’s nightlife or following the iguanas down the beach in the Galapagos, we won’t be able to cover you.
• Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions or if your trip has been planned specifically to receive specialist health care.

Of course, this is only a brief guide to insurance while traveling in Ecuador. So before heading off to the “center of the world,” please feel free to contact us for more detailed information on the different policies and cover available.

• What to do if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve missed a connection
• Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund
• Get the essential details in writing from your airline
• Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses
• How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?
• Handy tips in case your plans get affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

So you’re stuck at the airport … we’ve all been there. If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline should always be your first port of call. But travel insurance may be able to help in certain circumstances. Read on for more info.

What to do if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve missed a connection

In many cases, if your flight has been cancelled or you miss a connection, your airline will automatically rebook you. Before travel, download your airline’s app, and refresh the app as soon as you realize you’ve got flight issues.

If your airline has not automatically rebooked you, head to the service desk or call their customer care line. But don’t rush to buy a new flight, as neither the airline nor travel insurance are likely to reimburse you for a new flight. 

Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund

Your airline is obligated to rebook you if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve been bumped from an oversold flight. Travel insurance won’t reimburse you if you’ve been bumped, so seek compensation directly from your airline. If they can’t get you on a new flight until tomorrow, ask to be rebooked on another carrier, or request meal and hotel vouchers. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the airline. If you do end up making a travel insurance claim, you’ll need proof that you first sought reimbursement from your airline.

Get the essential details in writing from your airline

If the airline is unable to provide meal or hotel vouchers, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of out-of-pocket meal and lodging expenses under your trip delay benefit. You’ll need written confirmation from your airline that includes:

• the reason for the delay
• scheduled departure and return times
• actual departure and return times.

Head straight to the airline desk to get this critical information or ask a telephone agent to email you these details on the spot. 

Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses

Remember to keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur during your delay – you’ll need these to make a claim. Your trip delay benefit may cover taxi fares, lodging and meals while you’re delayed. And if your bags are delayed too, by more than 12 hours, keep receipts for the essential toiletries and a change of clothes that you’ll need until your trip resumes and you’re reunited with your bag.

If you do need to make a claim, check out our how to make a claim article for step-by-step guidance.

How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?

Travel insurance may be able to step in where your airline falls short. Here are some situations where travel insurance may be able to provide some relief.

• If you suffer a trip interruption due to a covered risk under the policy, for example a strike resulting in complete cessation of travel services at your departure point or destination, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
• If your flight is delayed by inclement weather for more than three hours or is cancelled entirely, you may be eligible for subsistence allowance, including meals, taxi fares and accommodation. Remember to save all your receipts, as you’ll need them to make a claim.
• Once you reach your destination, if your checked baggage is delayed by your airline or ground carrier for more than 12 hours, you may be eligible to claim for reimbursement of essential toiletries and a change of clothes under your baggage delay benefits.

World Nomads offers a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan, which have different benefit limits. Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits.

Traveler tip 1: You may have coverage if your flight was canceled due to an airline’s unannounced strike action. If you would like to know what you may be covered for in case a strike leaves you stuck at the airport, read our Help Centre article – Does travel insurance cover strikes?

What’s excluded:

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

• You running late, getting stuck in traffic or the security line and missing your flight.
• Purchase of a new flight because you didn’t want to wait to be rebooked by your airline.
• Luxury hotel suites and the most expensive thing on the menu. Travel insurance is meant to cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if you’re delayed.
• Baggage delays of less than 12 hours.
• Expenses that have been reimbursed by your airline.
• Expenses that exceed the limits as stated in your policy (for example, subsistence allowance is capped at $350 per day, to a maximum of $700).

Traveler tip 2: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, that’s not a Covered Risk. Under World Nomads policies, if an event is not specifically listed as a Covered Risk, there is no coverage for that event. Always make sure you read your Policy Wording or Certificate of Insurance for a full description of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

Handy tips in case your plans get affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

We know delays and cancellations are frustrating, but here are a few tips to help smooth the journey.   

1. Prepare in advance. Download your airline’s app. Print or save a copy of your travel insurance policy documents. Check-in online if you can.
2. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport and through the security line (usually a minimum of two hours for domestic and three hours for international flights, but check with your airline for guidance).
3. Be ready for delays and cancellations, which are increasingly common these days. Wear comfortable clothes; bring snacks; have reading, watching or listening material ready when you need it.
4. Carry-on if you can. Having everything with you will minimize the chances of baggage loss if you miss a connection or your flight is cancelled. If you need to check your bag, carry the essentials, including medications and change of clothes, with you.
5. Know what your policy does and does not cover, and when.
6. Be patient and kind. Delays and cancellations are frustrating. Be kind to the customer service agents who are dealing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other angry passengers.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.

For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.

• Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?
• Travel insurance for activities in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador
• Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States

Wander through historic streets in the center of Quito, learn weaving traditions with the Indigenous Otavalo people, search for wildlife on the storied Galapagos Islands, and hike one of Ecuador’s volcanoes. It’s easy to see why Ecuador is a popular choice among American travelers.

You can swing over the forest in Banos, go on a hiking adventure through the lakes and mountains of Cotopaxi National Park, and visit historic sites in Cuenca. For outdoor adventurers and culture buffs alike, Ecuador entices the curious traveler with its natural wonders, UNESCO historic centers, and rich Indigenous heritage.

While a trip to South America is an incredible experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for Ecuador.

Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like spotting a giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands.

Some surprises are not as great. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you injure yourself in a mountaineering adventure while attempting to climb Cotopaxi, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for Ecuador.

World Nomads has four plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.

Travel insurance for activities in Ecuador

With incredibly varied landscapes from the Amazon Rainforest to soaring volcanoes, Ecuador is a phenomenal destination if you’re looking for some adventure. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Ecuador and includes things like scuba diving in North Seymour Island, kayaking in the Amazon Rainforest, and surfing in Montanita.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. An advance plan will help you choose the best insurance for your trip—and make sure even your most daring adventure is covered.

If you’re hoping to go horseback riding through the lush El Choco Rainforest, sea kayak in the waters around San Cristobal Island, or white-water raft down Quijos River, you’ll be covered under all plans, including the Standard Plan. Maybe you have your sights set on climbing Mount Chimborazo—Ecuador’s highest peak, which rises to a soaring 20,702 feet. In that case, you’ll need to invest in the Explorer Plan or the Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador

Before you head to Ecuador, we recommend that you make an appointment with Runway Health-- an online travel clinic and our non-insurance service partner. The telehealth service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with altitude sickness and traveler’s diarrhea.

We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent to help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. Keep in mind that tap water isn’t drinkable, so you’ll need to stay hydrated with bottled or filtered water.

Most Americans diving in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have no problems at all, but sometimes things happen. Make sure to protect yourself. Never dive deeper than your qualification limits and never dive solo. If you get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage under your travel insurance for Ecuador may reimburse you for your medical expenses.

In the event that you have a medical emergency when traveling in Ecuador, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they may be able to refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Ecuador may cover the costs to get you there.

Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador

You probably packed your hiking boots if you’re planning to hike the scenic Quilotoa Loop. What happens if you land in Quito, but your bag doesn’t arrive at the same time? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help reimburse your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).

If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call Blue Ribbon Bags so you can file a lost luggage claim.

Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador

Petty theft and pickpockets are something to watch out for when you travel to Ecuador- especially in crowded areas in Quito and Guayaquil. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front. Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, as well.

If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador

Even if you have the perfect getaway planned with all your hotels and excursions booked, unexpected situations can throw your plans off track. Before you invest in an insurance plan for Ecuador, make sure it includes cancellation coverage.

Ecuador is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding. What happens if heavy rains cause a landslide in central Ecuador, wiping out roads in the region, and making it impossible for you to reach your destination in Banos? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.

If you’re already in Ecuador and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, World Nomads insurance may compensate you for covered reasons. For example, if your travel companion gets injured while rock climbing in Cuenca and needs to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours for treatment, you could be reimbursed for the expenses you incur during that time, like hotels.

Let’s say you’re planning to catch a cruise around the Galapagos Islands from San Cristobal but your flight leaving the US is delayed by more than three consecutive hours and the boat leaves without you. You’ll probably have to pay to travel to the next port of call to catch up with your cruise. The Explorer and Epic Plans cover for missed connections and may reimburse you for the cost to travel to the next port.

Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States

Before you leave the United States, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for Ecuador. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any advisories that may exist at that time.

If you purchase travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of a Blue-Footed Boobie, only to find out you have a dead battery. If you make the journey to see the rare bird species on the Galapagos, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.

As you’re preparing for your trip, we recommend you learn a few Spanish phrases that will help you navigate Ecuador comfortable. You might also want to check out our tips for visiting Ecuador to make sure you’re ready for your grand adventure!

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.

• What to do if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve missed a connection
• Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund
• Get the essential details in writing from your airline
• Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses
• How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?
• Handy tips in case your plans get affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

So you’re stuck at the airport … we’ve all been there. If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline should always be your first port of call. But travel insurance* may be able to help in certain circumstances. Read on for more info.

What to do if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve missed a connection

In many cases, if your flight has been cancelled or you miss a connection, your airline will automatically rebook you. Before travel, download your airline’s app, and refresh the app as soon as you realize you’ve got flight issues.

If your airline has not automatically rebooked you, head to the service desk or call their customer care line. But don’t rush to buy a new flight, as the airline is not likely to reimburse you for a flight purchased on your own and travel insurance can only reimburse you if your flight is canceled for a reason specified by your plan.

Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund

Your airline is obligated to rebook you if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve been bumped from an oversold flight. Travel insurance won’t reimburse you if you’ve been bumped, so seek compensation directly from your airline. If they can’t get you on a new flight until tomorrow, ask to be rebooked on another carrier, or request meal and hotel vouchers. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the airline. If you do end up making a travel insurance claim, you’ll need proof that you first sought reimbursement from your airline or other travel provider.

Get the essential details in writing from your airline

If the airline is unable to provide meal or hotel vouchers, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of out-of-pocket meal and lodging expenses under your trip delay benefit. You’ll need written confirmation from your airline that includes:

• the reason for the delay
• scheduled departure and return times
• actual departure and return times.

Head straight to the airline desk to get this critical information or ask a telephone agent to email you these details on the spot.

Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses

Remember to keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur during your delay – you’ll need these to make a claim. Your trip delay benefit may cover local transportation, lodging and meals while you’re delayed. And if your bags are delayed too, by more than 12 hours, keep receipts for the essential toiletries and a change of clothes that you had to buy until your trip resumes, and you’re reunited with your bag. As soon as you realize your bag has been misplaced by the airline, you should also email our non-insurance service partner, Blue Ribbon Bags. They’ll get on the case and will update you every step of the way as they find and retrieve your bags.

If you do need to make a claim, check out our how to make a claim article for step-by-step guidance.

How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?

Travel insurance may be able to step in where your airline falls short. Here are some situations where travel insurance may be able to provide some relief.

• If an airline refused to provide meal or lodging vouchers, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of those expenses after a delay of six or more hours.
• If your delayed or cancelled flight caused you to miss pre-paid accommodation or tours, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of those unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
• If your flight is cancelled or delayed for at least 24 consecutive hours due to a strike, you may be able to claim reimbursement for new flight tickets that you had to purchase out of pocket.
• If you miss the start of your trip due to a covered missed connection reason, you may be eligible for reimbursement to ‘catch up’ and join, instead of having to cancel your plans.
• If you’re stuck overnight and your airline can’t deliver your checked baggage for more than 12 hours, you can claim for reimbursement of essential toiletries and a change of clothes under your baggage delay benefits. Remember to also get in touch with Blue Ribbon Bags, our non-insurance service partner who retrieves lost bags quickly.

World Nomads offers four plans, which each have different per day and maximum benefit limits. Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits.

Traveler tip 1: Remember, travel insurance is for the unexpected. If a storm or strike, or any other event, was known when you bought your travel insurance plan, coverage may not apply.

What’s excluded:

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

• You running late, getting stuck in traffic or a long security line and missing your flight.
• Purchase of a new flight because you didn’t want to wait to be rebooked by your airline.
• Luxury hotel suites and the most expensive thing on the menu. Travel insurance is meant to cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if you’re delayed.
• Flight delays of less than six hours.
• Baggage delays of less than 12 hours.
• Expenses that have been reimbursed by your airline.

Traveler tip 2: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, contact your airline. Travel insurance won’t be able to reimburse you for your missed flight if you overslept, got stuck in

Handy tips in case your plans get affected by a delayed or cancelled flight.

We know delays and cancellations are frustrating, but here are a few tips to help smooth the journey.

1. Prepare in advance. Download your airline’s app. Print or save a copy of your travel insurance plan documents. Check-in online if you can.

2. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport and through the security line (usually a minimum of two hours for domestic and three hours for international flights, but check with your airline for the most up-to-date guidance).

3. Be ready for delays and cancellations, which are increasingly common these days. Wear comfortable clothes; bring snacks; have reading, watching or listening material ready when you need it.

4. Carry on if you can. Having everything with you will minimize the chances of baggage loss if you miss a connection or your flight is cancelled. If you need to check your bag, carry the essentials, including medications and a change of clothes, with you.

5. Know what your plan does and does not cover, and when. Trip delay benefits for U.S. resident plan holders start at six hours. Baggage delay benefits start at 12 hours. Know what types of delays are (e.g. weather) and are not (e.g. airline staffing issues) covered.

6. Be patient and kind. Delays and cancellations are frustrating. Be kind to the customer service agents who are dealing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other angry passengers.