• What should I do if I have an emergency while traveling?
• Ready to get a quote?
• How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?

What should I do if I have an emergency while traveling?

Has an illness or injury derailed your holiday and need a doctor urgently? Do you need multi-lingual assistance or help with translation services?

There are many ways the World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can assist you when things don’t go as planned. Some of the most common events our team has helped with include:

• Determine if hospital care and treatment is reasonable for your condition
• If medically necessary and agreed to by us, we can organise for you to be evacuated or repatriated
• Help with financial assistance by determining policy coverage whilst on trip
• Help you access medical care in your location
• Access to a house doctor or on the phone if you’re unable to visit one locally
• Help you find local updates on an unexpected natural disaster or a specific unfolding situation
• Provide support if you need to contact your government/embassy
• Explain how your Travel Policy can respond in your particular medical emergency
• And many more!

Our experienced emergency assistance case managers and friendly claims and customer service staff will be there to aid you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

All you need to do is get in touch with us as soon as you have experienced an emergency. We have all the contact details below, whether it's over the phone, SMS or email.

Find the right Emergency Assistance team

• US residents
• Canadian residents
• European residents
• UK residents 
• Irish residents
• Brazilian residents
• Australian residents
• New Zealand residents
• Chinese residents
• Residents of all other countries

You’re the last one standing at baggage claim. And there are no bags left on the merry-go-round. Every Nomad’s been there. Delayed baggage is a common offender and can leave even the most seasoned Nomad without their unmentionables. Sometimes it pays to squeeze everything into your carry-on luggage.

• When your luggage doesn’t follow the travel itinerary
• What you can claim if your bags are delayed
• Items that aren’t covered for delayed baggage
• If you need to make a claim
• Things you should know (and other tips for surviving delayed baggage)

When you arrive but your bags don’t, our travel insurance may help ease the blow (and get you on your way to a fresh pair of knickers).

When your luggage doesn’t follow the travel itinerary

If your luggage has lost its way you may be wondering what’s covered if your bags are delayed.

Depending on your Country of Residence and your chosen travel insurance policy, if your checked-in bags are delayed for the duration or more of your waiting period your policy may cover essential items.

Terms and conditions, limits and waiting periods apply, so before you hit the shops on a spending spree be sure to become familiar with your policy wording, the conditions and exclusions of your travel insurance policy.

If you have any questions or are unsure if something is covered, contact us for more information.

What you can claim if your bags are delayed

An airport help desk has a way of delivering unwelcome news - particularly if they’ve failed to deliver your bags. If you’ve been told your bag was delayed in transit, chances are you’ll need fresh clothes at some point. Items you can claim if your bags are delayed include:

• Underwear
• Socks
• T-shirt(s)
• Toiletries
• Prescribed medication.

You may also be covered for other reasonable and (deemed) necessary essential items. Like if you’ve arrived at the snow fields of Canada without a warm jacket (and other clothing to suit the weather of your destination).

Get in touch if you’re unsure what you can claim and consider your policy wording before making any purchase to replace your delayed items.

Items that aren’t covered for delayed baggage

Travel insurance may be the best provision for your personal possessions but that doesn’t mean it covers the impractical (like replacing your rundown kicks with a new pair of designer boots).

While things like underwear, toiletries, and prescribed medication fall under the ‘items you can claim if your bags are delayed’ umbrella, non-essential items are not. A general rule is, if you can live without it for a few days, it’s considered a non-essential item and may not be covered if your bags are delayed. Items deemed non-essential include:

• Designer jeans
• Leather jacket
• Prada shoes.

If you need to make a claim

If your bags are stranded for an extended period without you for company, you’re probably going to need to make a claim.

If you need to make a claim for delayed baggage there are a few steps you need to follow, including but not limited to:

• Report it to your carrier
• Complete all documentation required by your carrier
• Submit relevant receipts for the items you buy
• Follow the guidelines around spending limits and items that are covered as part of your policy.

Take a look at our article ‘What to do if your luggage is delayed’ for more information. And if you’re still not sure, get in touch and one of our team can help.

Things you should know (and other tips for surviving delayed baggage)

Terms and conditions and exclusions apply and there are limits on the amount you can spend. And if your bags arrive at your destination within the waiting period outlined by your travel insurance policy, cover may not apply.

Always check your policy wording for full details on what’s covered and what’s not, as well as what you need to do to make a valid claim for delayed baggage.

One of the best tips from our Nomads to keep your luggage safe is to keep your valuables with you. When in transit, take your most precious items out of your checked-in luggage and carry them with you in your carry-on luggage and/or daypack. That way, when the inevitable happens, you won’t be left without them.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

• What overseas medical expenses are covered by travel insurance?
• Am I covered for Coronavirus related medical costs while overseas?
• 24/7 emergency assistance support
• What should I do if I have an emergency while traveling?
• What's not covered
• FAQ's

We’ve seen some pretty hairy accidents and illnesses, from aneurysms to scooter crashes, and at least one shark bite! When the unexpected happens, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team will support you and your family, so you can focus on getting better.

What overseas medical expenses are covered by travel insurance?

If you’re injured in an accident or suddenly get sick while traveling, you may be covered for emergency medical treatment overseas including:

• Hospitalization
• Day surgery and out-patient treatment
• Visits to registered medical practitioners
• Prescribed medicines
• Ambulances

Am I covered for Coronavirus related medical costs while overseas?

Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may also have access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for certain events. Some of our plans offer:

• Emergency medical cover, evacuation, and/or repatriation if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas;
• Cover for some additional Coronavirus-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers on the Explorer Plan.

To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has some of the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions. Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.

Why should I consider travel insurance for medical emergencies?

Whether you’re young, old, or anywhere in between, one of the key reasons why many travelers take out travel insurance is to make sure they are covered for any unexpected injury or illness while on holiday.

That’s why World Nomads policies offer two different plans – Standard vs Explorer – that offer different levels of cover for overseas emergency medical situations. In many cases, if you get sick, the hospital may not treat you without upfront payment or providing proof of a travel insurance policy. World Nomads travel insurance can offer cover for overseas emergency medical expenses including:

• Hospitalization
• Out-patient treatment (that doesn’t require hospital admission)
• Prescribed medicines
• Dental care
• Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment if we decide it's medically necessary.

This is not a full list of what's covered. There are terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that apply, and cover will depend on your Country of Residence, and which plan you have purchased.

Worldwide 24/7 assistance for many types of emergencies

The Emergency Assistance team can help get you find local medical facilities if needed, and in the worst-case scenario, help get you home if you’re seriously injured or ill and need to be repatriated. When you call (free from anywhere in the world), make sure you have your policy number and a contact number for where you are so we can help.

Some of the most common events our EA team has helped with include:

• Determining if hospital care and treatment is reasonable for your condition
• If medically necessary and agreed to by us, we can organize for you to be evacuated or repatriated
• Help you access medical care in your location
• Help you find local updates on an unexpected natural disaster or a specific unfolding situation
• Provide support if you need to contact your government/embassy
• And many more.

Note: coverage may depend on your past medical history, what's happened to you and any other conditions, limits, or exclusions of cover as described in your policy.

What should I do if I have an emergency while traveling?

What’s not covered?

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

• If you've used drugs or alcohol, as per the policy wording
• Any sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections (except, for example, where contracted through an assault).
• Any reckless behavior
• Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's for travel emergencies)
• Pre-existing medical conditions as shown in your policy wording
• Ongoing treatment at home

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. 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.

• What does travel insurance cover for overseas dental?
• What’s not covered
• Experiencing a dental emergency?
• FAQ’s

Broken or chipped teeth can happen at any time. It can be seeded bread in Berlin, olives in Athens, or dried fish in Krasnodar. If pain suddenly strikes, World Nomad travel insurance may cover the emergency dental treatment to get relief.

What does travel insurance cover for overseas dental?

All of our policies can offer cover dental expenses if you have to see a dentist while traveling, for the immediate relief of sudden pain to healthy, natural teeth if:

• You get an unexpected infection
• You've broken your tooth
• You injure your mouth or jaw in an accident

Not all of our policies are the same. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of cover vary depending on the policy you buy and your past dental history.

Always read the policy wording as you go through the purchase path, as there are terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions on the cover. Cover will depend on your Country of Residence and which plan – Standard vs Explorer – you buy.

Travel insurance tip: Your dental illness or injury must be confirmed in writing by your treating medical practitioner overseas. You must get copies of all medical and dental records, reports, and clinical notes before you leave the hospital or medical facility as well as original receipts to document your expenses so we may verify your claim. Cover is limited to the amount shown in the Summary of Cover.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common dental claims we see where there isn't cover include:

• General check-ups
• Getting your teeth straightened in Thailand
• New teeth or fillings following pain-relieving treatment
• Major dental work, such as crowns, dentures, bridges, and implants
• If you've bought a policy after the pain has set in
• Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's for travel emergencies)

Experiencing a dental emergency?

Experiencing a dental emergency? Our Emergency Assistance team helps take the stress out of already stressful situations and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

If you're experiencing a dental or medical emergency, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who can help direct you to medical help, and if necessary, work with local authorities to repatriate you home, subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of your policy.

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. 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.

For more information, check out our article on dental cover, all you need to do is select your country of residence from the country picker to access the right information. Always read your policy carefully before you buy.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

With your new addition on board, it’s important that you have the right travel insurance to look after yourself and your unborn child.

• What does travel insurance cover if I'm pregnant?
• What’s not covered for pregnant travelers
• 24/7 emergency assistance support

What does travel insurance cover if I'm pregnant?

If you have to cancel your trip because your doctor certifies you're medically unfit to travel due to an injury or illness, you may be covered for your pre-paid, non-refundable transport and accommodation costs.

If you're traveling while pregnant, and you're suddenly ill or injured or you have an unexpected pregnancy complication (including an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage), all of our policies offer cover for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization
• Ambulances
• Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment, if medically required
• 24-hour/7-day, multi-lingual assistance teams.

Coverage for unexpected pregnancy complications depends on your Country of Residence, the plan you have chosen, and how many weeks’ pregnant you are while traveling.

What’s not covered for pregnant travelers

• If you decide not to travel due to your pregnancy
• Childbirth at any time
• A pregnancy with any complications for any pregnancy prior to buying and/or extending the policy
• Routine pregnancy check-ups, e.g. standard ultrasounds and blood tests, pregnancy tests, etc.
• Fertility treatments at any time
• Expenses incurred in your home country
• Pre-existing medical conditions, which may be exacerbated in your pregnancy.

Please note: depending on your Country of Residence, your pregnancy may be considered a pre-existing medical condition. Please take the time to read your policy wording as there are limits on your coverage.

24/7 emergency assistance support

The Emergency Assistance team can help get you find local medical facilities if needed, and in the worst-case scenario, help get you home if you’re seriously injured or ill and need to be repatriated. When you call (free from anywhere in the world), make sure you have your policy number and a contact number for where you are so we can help.

Some of the most common events our EA team has helped with include:

• Determine if hospital care and treatment is reasonable for your condition
• If medically necessary and agreed to by us, we can organise for you to be evacuated or repatriated
• Help with financial assistance by determining policy coverage whilst on trip
• Help you access medical care in your location
• Help you find local updates on an unexpected natural disaster or a specific unfolding situation
• Provide contact details for your government/embassy
• And many more.

Note: coverage may depend on your past medical history, what's happened to you and any other conditions, limits or exclusions of cover as described in your policy.

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. 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.

For more information check out our Help Centre article - Am I covered by travel insurance if I'm pregnant? All you need to do is choose your Country of Residence from the country picker at the top of the page to access the latest information, and read your policy carefully before you buy.

When you take yourself on an adventure to the far ends of the Earth—whether it’s dog-sledding with Huskies across the snow in Scandinavia or riding the waves in Japan, accidents (or illnesses) are bound to happen. And if they do, there really is no place like home when it comes to receiving the best medical care.

Differing to medical evacuation, which may be able to help transport you to the nearest medical center in an emergency, the medical repatriation benefit offers coverage to get you home for further medical treatment, recovery, or rehabilitation.

If things go sideways while you’re overseas, we’re here to help. Here are just some of the ways we can assist with medical repatriation for you and your family.

• What’s covered
• What's not covered
• Am I covered for COVID-19 related medical repatriation and evacuation?
• Real life medical repatriation
• FAQ‘s

What’s covered

After World Nomads and your local doctor have given you the go-ahead to return home, then we may cover:

• One-way economy airfare to return you to your Country of Residence; or
• Fares for additional seats should you need to accommodate a stretcher; or
• Flight upgrade to business class when a stretcher isn’t necessary;
• Round-trip airfare for a medical escort when a requirement by the airline or when medically necessary.

What's not covered

While your safety and health are our utmost concern, we don’t cover everything. Always check your policy wording. Here’s an overview of what’s not covered.

We don’t cover:

• Incidents related to the intake of alcohol or drugs (see policy wording)
• Unnecessary upgrades or other non-cost-effective options
• Medical expenses incurred back home
• Accidents that are a result of irresponsible or risky behavior
• Pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in your policy wording.

Am I covered for COVID-19 related medical repatriation and evacuation?

Depending on your Country of Residence, you may have access to cover for repatriation if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas, your cover may include:

• 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care
• Medical hospitalisation
• Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending medical practitioner.

To find out what cover applies to you, read our What's Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.

Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.

Our policies aren’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.

Real life medical repatriation

Here are some of the ways we’ve been able to help Nomads get home for the medical assistance they needed:

I was driving home with my friend Nick on the back of my motorbike, when, out of nowhere, a car hit us on the side. The impact immediately trapped my right leg between my motorbike and the front of the car… Nick stood up and looked at me and the first thing he said was “Don’t look at your leg. Don’t look at your leg,”. Of course, I looked at my leg, and it was gone.

Without the 24-hour medical assistance World Nomads provided, I don’t know what we would have done.

Peter,

World Nomads customer from Australia

I fell on my side and heard the sound of dry stick breaking, I realized my leg was broken, then I just lay on the beach... The first phone call I got was from World Nomads and they basically told me, you don't worry about this Anton, just focus on getting better...and we'll take care of the rest.

Anton required surgery after breaking his leg and wrist in a fall while traveling in Thailand. We called Anton daily to check on his progress and once cover was confirmed, we took care of his medical bills and his hospital admin.

After his surgery, Anton couldn’t travel back to Iceland without help, so we sent Luke from our Emergency Assistance Team to Thailand to meet him while in hospital. Luke was also there to help Anton carry his bags and escort him home on the plane to Iceland.

Anton,

World Nomads customer from Iceland

FAQ‘s

Here are our most frequently asked questions around medical repatriation. You can also find the answers to other questions in Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

How to get medical assistance.

It’s essential that you get in contact with our Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Our team can support you from the time you get sick or injured until the time you get home.

To expedite your call, please be ready with the following:

• Your policy number
• A contact number where you can be reached
• The nature of your problem
• Your location

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

About World Nomads

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

Why consider travel insurance when skiing or snowboarding?

Big dumps, fresh tracks and bluebird days will make for an epic snow trip, but accidents can happen on and off the piste, even for the most experienced sliders. If you’re learning on your first trip or you’re a ski bum chasing seasons, World Nomads travel insurance can help you and your family when the unexpected hits your next winter adventure.

World Nomads loves the snow

As passionate ski bums, we’ve designed our plans to offer cover options our Nomads love the most*:

• Skiing and boarding within resorts
• Cross-country skiing on marked trails
• Terrain parks, heli-skiing & heli-boarding (some plans only, check yours carefully)
• Snowmobiling, ice skating, snow rafting & more.

*All plans are different and may require an upgrade for skiing or snowboarding cover to apply. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip.

What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?

• Skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports accidents
• Piste closures
• Cancelled and delayed flights
• Cover for natural disasters (for example if an avalanche occurs)
• Medical evacuation and repatriation when required
• Cover for high value specified items (ski/winter equipment such as snowboard, skis or helmet)
• Cover for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.

For more information on what you may be covered for you can read our Helpdesk article on coverage when skiing and doing other winter sports. Make sure you add in your country of residence in the country picker for the most up to date information.

Coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related events

With Coronavirus causing travel disruptions globally, it’s important that you follow any government guidelines when planning your trip overseas.

The level of cover you’ll have for any Coronavirus-related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected. To find out more, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which goes into more detail on all the benefits, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.

Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can direct you to nearby appropriate care, talk to doctors, help with a foreign language, provide access to translation services, and keep travelers in touch with family members. If your situation is life-threatening, seek medical help immediately and let us know when you can so we can help with medical assistance and keep your friends and family informed.

What could affect the cost of my travel insurance?

There are several factors that may affect how much you’ll end up paying for your travel insurance. Depending on what your plans are, where you are going, and how much cover and optional extras, the prices may vary due to some of these key factors:

• Any existing medical conditions
• You and your travel partner’s age as well as your dependents ages
• Optional extras cover such as adding specific adventure activities & sports
• The length of your trip
• Any high value items you want to add. You must list all high value items on your policy when you buy it.
• The number of destinations you plan to visit.

Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. With World Nomads you can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, anytime, from anywhere.

What’s not covered

While there are several things we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• Any competition, free-style skiing / free-style snowboarding, ski/ snowboard jumping, ski-flying, ski / snowboard acrobatics, ski / snowboard stunting, or ski racing or national squad training, the use of skeletons
• Working as a ski, snowboard or diving instructor or guide
• Any of your ski or winter sports items lost, stolen or damaged that are unsupervised or unattended
• If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure
• Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies 
• Any pre-existing medical conditions 
• Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Key insurance tips for your ski and winter sports trip

Whether you’re a pro skier or planning your first ever winter trip overseas, these insurance tips may be helpful when planning your next winter getaway:

• Be aware of skiing or snowboarding no go zones: don’t decide to go into back country areas without taking local advice and appropriate rescue equipment. You should follow the International Ski Federation code or the resort regulations.
• Proof of purchase: yep, any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you intend to make a claim.
• It pays to be prepared: check the weather, check your equipment, and check the credentials of your ski instructor – if any seem unreliable then reconsider if it’s a smart move to go.
• Don’t get in over your head: be responsible when choosing a skiing or snowboarding destination or winter sports activity. Does it suit your experience level? Are you using an accredited tour operator?
• Keep an eye on your ski gear: don’t leave your expensive ski and winter sports gear or any other baggage unattended - those 'I spaced out” moments might not qualify for coverage.
• Be responsible: choose a ski tour operator that promotes responsible tourism, works as part of the local community, as well as actively helps to conserve the environment.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please get in touch.