Ahh, Great Britain - home to the British royals, countless unique castles, stunning scenery, and a rich history which spans from Stonehenge to Shakespeare and beyond. Before you book your trip to visit Great Britain, you may want to consider travel insurance, so the only drama is on stage with the actors.

• Lost or delayed baggage cover
• Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events
• Access to our Emergency Assistance Team around the clock
• Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

When planning a trip in and around the UK the most common issues Irish travellers may face are lost or delayed luggage, or unexpected medical issues. And now you can add Coronavirus to the list of common issues that travellers are dealing with.

What should I look out for when traveling to Great Britain?

Lost, stolen or delayed baggage cover

It can throw a massive spanner in the works to arrive at Heathrow and find yourself alone at the baggage carousel, watching it go around waiting for your bags to appear. You could also get your gear stolen on public transport or from your accommodation, which is why baggage insurance should be considered. 

World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal items depending on your specific situation, see below:

• Bags stolen or damaged: as soon as you’ve realised your bags have been stolen or damaged please report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). In the case of a theft, you’ll also need to report it to the local police or relevant authority, as theft is a crime. Insurance won’t cover things such as losing bags or valuables that were left unattended; this includes if they were left unattended in a car (even if the car is locked). Remember to always keep originals or copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.

• Bags delayed: you may be covered if your bags were lost in transit. You’ll need to report the incident and get a Property Irregularity Report or a similar official report in writing and make a claim directly with the carrier first. You may be able to claim your expenses for any essentials you have to buy to keep you going until your bag turns up. You must get copies of all written reports, luggage checks and tickets, travel documentation and all correspondence with the carrier or service provider if you need to make a claim.

You may also need to take depreciation into account and some policies, depending on the plan you purchase, may also have an excess applicable to any claim made. Details on how depreciation works can be found in your policy.

Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events

When traveling around Great Britain, you should consider medical insurance in case of an accident or sudden illness. You don’t want to be left out of pocket if you have to visit a local doctor, go to hospital, need an urgent trip to the dentist, or even worse, have to be repatriated back to Ireland.

With Coronavirus causing travel disruptions globally it’s also important that you follow any Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and UK government guidelines while in the UK. It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when visiting any of the UK’s popular hotspots, even in open-air places such as Stonehenge, London’s parks and palace grounds, or when strolling through the bustling streets of Edinburgh.

The level of cover you’ll have for any Coronavirus-related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on the plan you choose. Check out our Travel Insurance cover for Coronavirus article which goes into more detail on all the benefits, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.

Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock

Dealing with a medical emergency can be frightening and confusing, but you don’t have to go through this experience on your own. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can direct you to nearby appropriate care, talk to doctors, help out with admin and arrange for payment of expenses if necessary. 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 keeping your friends and family informed.

Cover for activities and sports when in Great Britain

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline levels up and you go hiking in Snowdonia, or camp and mountain bike in the Scottish Highlands, World Nomads offers travel insurance cover for 150+ activities and sports. Please check your Policy Wording when choosing any activities or sports as you may need to upgrade the policy and sporting level to ensure you’re covered for everything you plan to do.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration for Great Britain? World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics on Great Britain or check out our articles if you need the latest safety travel alerts.

This is not a full list of what’s covered and what’s not covered. Please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Travel insurance tip 1

Never leave your bags and valuables out of your sight and reach. Try and carry your portable electronic devices (tablets, laptops, photographic and video equipment, mobile phones and other hand-held devices), jewellry, specified high value items, travel documents, cash and credit cards with you at all times. If you can’t, then leave them in a secure place such as a locked safe. Remember that if you buy anything, before or during your trip, to keep all receipts.

Travel insurance tip 2

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has not affected the rights of Irish citizens within the Common Travel Area. The right to live, work and access public services in the Common Travel Area is protected. Your Common Travel Area rights do not extend to your family. This means that if your spouse or partner, or other relative, is not an Irish or UK citizen, they may have to apply for residence in the UK.

Travel insurance tip 3

In some parts of the UK (including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) signage, including road signs, are written in the local Gaelic, Welsh or Irish language. However, English is still widely spoken and it is relatively easy to find medical assistance. 

From mountainous rainforests and volcanic calderas to its dramatic coastline and iconic surf beaches, Hawaii is great for travellers looking for adventure and relaxation.

Whether you’re looking to get some sun and pure relaxation or aiming for thrills and seek an action-packed adventure, it’s important to choose the right level of coverage. Read the policy wording, browse the World Nomads’ Help Centre, or contact our customer service team to see if what you’re planning to do is covered under your plan.

• What am I covered for?
• Coverage if bags are stolen, damaged or delayed when visiting Hawaii
• What to look out for when travelling around Hawaii?
• Do I need any documents when travelling to Hawaii?
• What's not covered?

What am I covered for?

The USA’s 50^th state is a safe and friendly place but the unexpected can still happen. Travel insurance can help if your bags are lost or stolen, if your transport is delayed or if you suffer an injury that lands you in hospital.

World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:

• Emergency overseas medical: the surfing in Hawaii is impressive but not if it ends in an accident. Emergency medical coverage can help when you need urgent medical treatment. Get to a doctor for treatment and medication and you can submit a claim to recover the costs (up to your benefit limit).
• Evacuation: the mountain hikes on Oahu might take you far away from medical facilities. With our coverage, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us. 
• Activities cover: we cover more than 150 sports and adventure activities, from ocean kayaking to mountain biking the forest trails on Maui. If your favourite sport isn’t on the list get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. An upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.
• Trip cancellation: has a sick or injured traveling buddy put a stop to your tropical adventure? Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.

If you’ve already arrived in Hawaii and you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving New Zealand, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night and purchase a policy.

Coverage if bags are stolen, damaged or delayed when visiting Hawaii

Baggage that’s been delayed, lost or stolen is never a fun thing to deal with when travelling. If you’ve arrived in Honolulu but your bags haven’t or if they’ve been damaged or stolen on public transport, World Nomads baggage insurance can offer you cover for:

• Bags stolen or damaged: as soon as you’ve realised your bags have been stolen or damaged please report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). You’ll need their Property Irregularity Report or similar to submit with your claim as well as a police report if stolen. You may be able to get compensation from the transport carrier if your bags were lost in transit and you’ll need to show you’ve attempted this if you decide to put in a claim. Where there is no compensation by the carrier, there is cover for the value of your belongings after allowing for wear, tear and depreciation.

• Bags delayed: if your checked-in baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, there is cover to replace those essential items and toiletries while you wait for your bags to arrive.

What to look out for when travelling to Hawaii?

If you want to visit historic Pearl Harbour on Oahu and also tackle Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island, you’ll have flights and transports to navigate between islands.

While mostly idyllic, sometimes Hawaii experiences severe weather, flash flooding and volcanic activity. If adverse weather affects your connecting transport, or a natural disaster  occurs and you cannot use your booked accommodation, you may be covered for the related expenses to find other transport or accommodation.

Hawaii offers plenty of ocean-based activities like windsurfing, scuba diving or kayaking. But you don’t want to be left out of pocket if you have an accident and need medical help or even worse, if you have to be repatriated back home to New Zealand.

For injuries where treatment costs are not expected to exceed NZD$2,000, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement. If you are hospitalised or if your treatment expenses as an outpatient are likely to go above NZD$2,000, you must call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team first to confirm cover and they will liaise with the hospital on your behalf to arrange payments.

There are many outdoor activities, sports, and experiences that are automatically covered and available on the Standard Plan. But, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can upgrade your level of cover for adventure sports and activities.

Do I need any documents when travelling to Hawaii?

You may need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) travel authorization system when travelling to Hawaii. The ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, a traveller is notified of his or her eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.

Please refer to the ESTA website to confirm your visa requirements as they are subject to change.

Our travel insurance plans include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with Coronavirus while travelling (benefit limits apply and vary between plans). It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when visiting any of Hawaii’s popular hotspots but if you do get sick, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team so they can help direct you to local medical facilities if needed and help you understand your options.

Our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has all of the details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions. 

What's not covered?

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything. Some things we don’t cover include:

• Unattended baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
• Any existing medical conditions which are not listed as an automatically covered pre-existing medical condition as per your Policy Document. Check your Policy Document carefully.
• If you do not use a professional, qualified and licensed guide and operator for activities where required.
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
• The policy excess per person per insured event where applicable (check the Summary of Benefits in your Policy Document).

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 Policy Document 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.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

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.

There’s so much more to Hawaii than its world-renowned surfing and tropical beaches, including dramatic scenery and untouched rainforests. Take in the views from a helicopter or try scouting for humpback whales in an outrigger canoe, but no matter what you have planned, it might be worth considering travel insurance.

• What am I covered for?
• Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Hawaii
• What to look out for when travelling around Hawaii
• Do I need any documents when travelling to Hawaii
• What's not covered?

What am I covered for?

The USA’s 50^th state is a safe and friendly place but the unexpected can still happen. Travel insurance can help if your bags are lost or stolen, if your transport is delayed or if you suffer an injury that lands you in hospital.

World Nomads offers coverage (up to the policy limits) for:

• Emergency overseas medical: the surfing in Hawaii is impressive but not if it ends in an accident. Emergency medical coverage can help when you need urgent medical treatment. Get to a doctor for treatment and medication and you can submit a claim to recover the costs (up to your benefit limit).
• Evacuation: the mountain hikes on Oahu might take you far away from medical facilities. With our coverage, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from us.
• Activities cover: we cover more than 150 sports and adventure activities, from ocean kayaking to mountain biking the forest trails on Maui. If your favourite sport isn’t on the list get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. An upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.
• Trip cancellation: has a sick or injured traveling buddy put a stop to your tropical adventure? Depending on your plan, you may be able to recover your travel expenses.

If you’ve already arrived in Hawaii and you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving Australia, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night and purchase a policy.

Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Hawaii?

We know how much of a pain baggage that’s been delayed, lost or stolen can be while on a holiday. If you’ve arrived in Honolulu but your bags haven’t or if they’ve been damaged or stolen on public transport, World Nomads baggage insurance can offer you cover for:

• Bags stolen or damaged: as soon as you’ve realised your bags have been stolen or damaged please report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). You’ll need their Property Irregularity Report or similar to submit with your claim as well as a police report if stolen. You may be able to get compensation from the transport carrier if your bags were lost in transit and you’ll need to show you’ve attempted this if you decide to put in a claim. Where there is no compensation by the carrier, there is cover for the value of your belongings after allowing for wear, tear and depreciation.

• Bags delayed: if your checked-in baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, there is cover to replace those essential items and toiletries while you wait for your bags to arrive.

What to look out for when travelling around Hawaii?

If you want to visit historic Pearl Harbour on Oahu and also tackle the Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island, you’ll have flights and transport to navigate between islands.

While mostly idyllic, sometimes Hawaii experiences severe weather, flash flooding and volcanic activity. If adverse weather affects your connecting transport, or a natural disaster occurs and you cannot use your booked accommodation, you may be covered for the related expenses to find other transport or accommodation.

Hawaii offers plenty of ocean-based activities such as windsurfing, scuba diving or kayaking. But you don’t want to be left out of pocket if you have an accident and need medical help or even worse, if you have to be repatriated back home to Australia.

For injuries where treatment costs are not expected to exceed AUD$2,000, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement. If you are hospitalised or if your treatment expenses as an outpatient are likely to go above AUD$2,000, you must call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team first to confirm cover and they will liaise with the hospital on your behalf to arrange payments.

There are many outdoor activities, sports, and experiences that are automatically covered and available on the Standard Plan. But, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can upgrade your level of cover for adventure sports and activities.

Do I need any documents when travelling to Hawaii?

You may need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) travel authorization system when travelling to Hawaii. The ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, a traveller is notified of his or her eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.

Please refer to the ESTA website to confirm your visa requirements as they are subject to change.

Our travel insurance plans include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with Coronavirus while travelling (benefit limits apply and vary between plans). It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when visiting any of Hawaii’s popular hotspots but if you do get sick, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team so they can help direct you to local medical facilities if needed and help you understand your options.

Our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has all of the details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions. 

What's not covered?

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything. Some things we don’t cover include:

• Unattended baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
• Any existing medical conditions which are not listed as an automatically covered pre-existing medical condition as per your PDS. Check your PDS carefully.
• If you do not use a professional, qualified and licensed guide and operator for activities where required.
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
• The policy excess per person per insured event where applicable (check the Summary of Benefits in your PDS).

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 PDS for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

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.