Find out how earthquakes, volcanoes or tsunamis may be covered by travel insurance.
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Natural disasters not only cause physical harm, they also shut down airports, wipe out accommodation and cancel trips. While natural disasters are unpredictable, some give off enough warning so you're not caught off guard.
While you can’t control the weather, you can do your part to insure yourself against unexpected weather events. If you don’t want to risk it, you should consider travel insurance on your next trip just in case it gets cancelled, or you become stranded overseas and need to pay for additional accommodation and flights.
If you’re affected by a natural disaster, you may be able to make a claim for:
For World Nomads policies that do cover natural disasters in one way or another, you'll need to have bought a policy before the natural disaster event is known and do everything you can to minimize your expenses.
For example, if you’re a UK resident, you’ll be covered for reasonable additional accommodation (room only) and transport costs (Economy Class) you incur during your trip, if you’ve taken out the Explorer plan and you:
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: If your destination is impacted by a natural catastrophe or severe weather then you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible so we are advised of the situation. If you do not comply with this condition, it may impact what we pay you for your claim.
For more information regarding cover for natural disaster check out our Help Center article - Am I covered for a natural disaster? Just pick your country of residence in the country picker at the top of the page to access the latest information.
In the event that you need to file a claim, we’ve created this easy to follow step-by-step guide. Be sure to gather the following documentation, as it pertains to your case:
If you have any questions about how World Nomads travel insurance covers natural disasters, please contact us.
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.
If you’re traveling to a region that’s known for natural disasters, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance before you go or when you're already traveling any time anywhere 24-hours a day. Get an instant quote today.
One night, I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamHere are our most frequently asked questions about natural disasters and insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center.
Traveling is expensive and accidents can be even more so. Get covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance.
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I just wanted to let everyone know how deeply and forever grateful I am for all the help I received from World Nomads insurance in one of my more painful and scary moments of my life. I never wished or intended to EVER use my insurance, and I have never used any of the ones I had in previous travels, but this time a sudden and excruciating stomach pain forced me to the Hospital while being in Thailand (Chiang Mai Ram Hospital). I thought I would get the right antibiotic and more powerful meds through an IV and end of story. But no, the actual case was that my appendix was inflamed and infected, and the only way of dealing with this was surgery. I just couldn't believe it! So yeah, it was scary, I was alone, and they were awesome, replied right away through e-mail, which was fantastic because I did not have time to make phone calls, then alongside the International Patient Services from the Hospital, took care of everything and saved my life. I just want everyone to be aware of the importance of having insurance, and a good one, even if they think they're healthy and nothing bad is going to happen, unexpected things happen all the time, and it can ruin your fun AND your budget. I am very thankful I had my World Nomads insurance by my side, and you can be sure I will always have it on every future trip.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamSimple and flexible travel insurance for international travel. Buy, extend and claim online anywhere in the world.
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No promo, no countdown. Just lower prices on the cover you need for your next adventure.
Get a quoteBeen working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamHere are our most frequently asked questions. You can also visit our help center for more answers.
Learn how your tech could be covered while you're working or traveling overseas.
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In today’s tech-centric world, taking your gadgets on the road is just as common and essential as packing an extra pair of socks. Whether you’re plugging into your social network or working remotely in a hub, we can help you protect your laptop, smart phones and other devices.
Our policies may offer cover for a wide range of gadgets: iPhones, smartphones, iPads, Kindles, tablets, cameras, lenses and laptops. But how we can cover your items (and how much) depends on your Country of Residence and the plan you have selected. With Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans to choose from, we may offer cover for:
Note: depreciation and wear and tear will be taken into account when calculating the value of your electronic items.
Watch the video to learn how our travel policy can provide cover for all of your tech gear during your travels.
This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply. Please read your policy carefully.
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 World Nomads you can buy travel insurance before you go or when you're already traveling any time anywhere 24-hours a day. Get an instant quote today.
It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, Iphone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and, as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours, because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamHere are our most frequently asked questions about travel insurance for digital nomads. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
Most of our policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so don’t assume you’re covered.
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Having a pre-existing medical condition isn't a reason to stop traveling, but it can affect your travel insurance and what you’re covered for. Whether you're traveling off the grid or blogging in it, it's best to know if we can cover your pre-existing condition before your travel, so you're not caught unaware.
A pre-existing medical condition is any ongoing medical or dental condition that is either under investigation by a doctor, dentist or chiropractor, or you have experienced symptoms of the condition and are aware of them. It may also be any condition(s) you experienced within a specified period of time before you purchased your policy, for example in the previous 90 days, 180 days or other specified period of time.
It is important that you read your policy wording and any definition of a pre-existing medical condition and determine if the cover offered will meet your needs.
In addition, if you took out cover after you left home, there may be a waiting period (called a time excess in some policies) of up to 72 hours before the insurance takes effect, depending on your Country of Residence. Any illness or injury that occurs during this waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition for the remaining period of your insurance.
Depending on your Country of Residence our policies may not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Check your policy information for your Country of Residence to see whether your pre-existing medical condition might be covered in your travel insurance policy.
In most instances our policies still cover many events for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions that can take place while on the road, as long as the event is not as a result of the pre-existing medical condition(s). This includes cover for:
Our policy may also cover cancellation if, after you’ve purchased the policy and before you start your trip, you or someone whose health your trip is dependent on suffers a serious illness or injury.
To find out more about how to utilise your travel insurance in an emergency and how to claim visit our help center ‘Emergency & Claims’ page where you can find details for common questions.
It can be.
To find out more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for your Country of Residence, select your Country in the top left-hand corner of this screen. Or to read more about 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.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. The main things that aren’t covered are:
This isn't a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits, conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our article on pre-existing medical conditions and read your policy wording carefully before you buy. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
Looking for answers? Here are some of our frequently asked questions relating to insurance for anyone travelling with a pre-existing medical condition. You can also visit our Help Center for more information, or get in touch with our friendly customer service team for any specific questions.
It’s important to protect yourself and your trip - even with a pre-existing medical condition. Depending on the policy you choose and your Country of Residence, it’s worth considering whether or not your existing medical condition is covered before you embark on your travels. While we offer cover for a range of pre-existing medical conditions, there are some we do not cover. Check your policy wording and the conditions of your travel insurance policy to see whether your pre-existing medical condition will be covered while you’re on the road. Still not sure? Get in touch and we can go over the policy wording with you.
Absolutely. If you’ve checked and your pre-existing medical condition is not covered but you’re not concerned about covering it, you can still buy a World Nomads travel insurance policy online. It’s important to note though, any claim made in relation to your pre-existing condition will not be valid as part of your cover.
About World Nomads
World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief 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.
If your pre-existing medical condition isn't covered and you're not worried about covering it, you can still purchase a policy online through World Nomads. Just be aware there's no coverage for any claim made as a result of this pre-existing condition.
I realized I had forgotten a medication (clonazepam) that I take for insomnia. I visited a doctor in Mexico City the next day and got a prescription for the medication. However, he also diagnosed me with a condition that I was not aware of (hyperthyroid) and suggested that the medication would help with the condition on a short-term basis. He suggested that I get a blood test for hyperthyroid, which I just did in Boston.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamLearn if we could help you get back on track after your trip's been interrupted.
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If you've had to interrupt your trip and return home because you were sick or injured overseas, or one of your close relatives has been hospitalized or has died, or a severe weather event has impacted your holiday, certain World Nomads policies offer coverage for reasonable transport and accommodation expenses to get you back on the road so that you can finish your trip.
Every World Nomads policy will differ depending on your selected plan and your Country of Residence. As part of our Trip Interruption coverage, and depending on which plan you purchase – Standard vs Explorer - you may be covered (up to the benefit limits) for:
You should read your policy wording carefully to understand what you will be covered for when it comes to trip interruption. Particularly the defined Insured Events, which relate specifically to the cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Your policy still needs to be valid for the period of your resumed trip and needs to be the one that you were traveling on when you had to return home.
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, even while traveling.
It depends on which policy you have chosen. As much as we would love to cover every possible Coronavirus (COVID-19) scenario, that‘s not what travel insurance is designed for. Some exclusions may apply for epidemics, pandemics or World Health Organization (WHO) declarations of a public health emergency of international concern. When they apply, these exclusions are outlined in your policy wording.
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.
This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are item limits and conditions and exclusions that apply, so for more information check out our article on trip resumption and read your policy carefully before you buy.
Depending on your claim, you'll need copies of:
Travel Insurance Tip: Some, but not all, of our policies offer coverage for some insured events resulting in cancellation, trip interruption and trip resumption. Please take the time to read your policy wording as there are limits on your coverage depending on your Country of Residence and which plan you buy.
My grandmother suffered an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage after having a fall and was subsequently placed in palliative care in November. I received a phone call to return home as my grandmother only had a few days to live according to the doctors. I returned home, and she passed away. I then recommenced my travels after her passing and funeral.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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 teamHere are our most frequently asked questions about trip resumption and insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask our customer service team.