Essential travel insurance tips
As featured in:
Your Caribbean adventure could be trekking through rainforests in Dominica or taking a splash in the waters of Aruba. With its countless island destinations, Irish travellers will have the time of their lives when they visit the Caribbean. You may like to consider purchasing travel insurance first just in case your island adventure takes a turn for the worst.
World Nomads offer travel insurance for Irish travellers who can choose between the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan as they both offer different levels of cover.
The following is a brief list of what we cover. Each policy has different conditions and limits, please check your policy wording for a thorough list of what is and is not covered.
Overseas emergency medical: cover is offered for hospitalisation (both inpatient and outpatient), as well as treatment at medical centres in the place where you are staying. You must notify our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.
Overseas emergency dental: must relate to an injury that you sustain on your overseas trip. There is no cover for routine treatment such as regular dental cleans or check-ups.
Baggage cover: if your baggage or personal belongings are lost or damaged during your trip, then you may claim for these. However, claims without supporting documentation such as police reports and receipts may not be covered. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.
Extended stays: if you decide to lengthen your overseas holiday, you may extend your travel insurance up to a maximum of 12 months past the start date listed on your Certificate of Insurance.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: we offer emergency medical transport and repatriation back to Ireland if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.
Cover for Coronavirus-related events: Irish travellers may be covered for their non-refundable travel expenses if they are forced to cancel their holiday plans due to a Coronavirus diagnosis. For more information, please read our Coronavirus cover article, which includes all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.
We recognise that you may have different activities and experiences in mind for your overseas adventures.
Our Standard Plan provides cover for all the main risks facing overseas travellers such as illness, injuries, and theft. While the Explorer Plan offers everything that the Standard Plan does, the benefit limits and/or sub-limits are higher, and a wider range of activities are included.
For instance, if you wanted to go Scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, then you might want to check out all the different levels of coverage that we offer, and to find out what conditions or exclusions apply for this underwater activity.
Though both our Standard and Explorer plans include benefits for Scuba diving, each plan has a different level of coverage and may exclude certain types of diving or dives of a certain depth. Be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as search-and-rescue missions.
Besides Scuba diving, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:
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. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.
Like all holiday destinations, there are certain dangers that can present a challenge for anybody travelling through the Caribbean. Check your policy for all the conditions and exclusions associated with the following risks:
Extreme weather: this island region is sometimes struck by fierce storms that damage hotels and disrupt lines of transport.
Travel insurance tip: if your booked accommodation becomes uninhabitable due to extreme weather conditions, you may be eligible to claim for alternative accommodation and transport expenses up to the policy limit (Explorer Plan).
Crime: thieves are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists whose bags may be snatched from them in street mugging incidents or sneakily taken whilst their attention is diverted elsewhere.
Travel insurance tip: if you are the victim of a theft, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details along with any photographs, comply with all the conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim you make.
Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions, as well as the terms and conditions.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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 teamEssential travel insurance tips
As featured in:
Why spend your next holiday on the couch doing Sudoku puzzles, when you could be sipping cocktails watching the sun go down in Jamaica or Puerto Rico? With countless island destinations to choose from, you can explore the Caribbean’s verdant rainforests and white sand beaches.
Before you book your flight for this popular holiday destination, you might want to consider buying travel insurance first.
For all the beauty in the Caribbean, there is also the possibility of running into unexpected trouble. The following are some examples of how travel insurance can help if the unexpected happens to you:
Overseas emergency medical: if you become sick or are injured then your travel insurance may cover your treatment, hospitalisation, and medication expenses. However, you must notify our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible, when you are aware you will be admitted as an inpatient for at least one night. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care could be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.
Emergency medical evacuation: if you are injured and require emergency transport to the nearest hospital via ambulance or helicopter, then the transportation costs may be covered. You will need to check with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team first.
Medical repatriation: we offer emergency medical repatriation back to the UK if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.
Baggage cover: if your bags or other personal items are stolen, delayed, or go missing during your holiday, report the incident to the local police and get a Loss Report from them, as you’ll need to include this as supporting evidence, along with your receipts for these items, when submitting your claim. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.
Extended stays: you may extend your travel insurance policy past the expiration date if you’re planning to stay longer in the Caribbean. This will need to be done prior to the current expiration date of your policy and can be extended up to 12 months from the start date of your policy (Single Trip only).
Cover for Coronavirus-related events: British travellers may be covered for medically necessary expenses if they get Coronavirus in the Caribbean.
The policy that you ultimately choose should depend on what type of Caribbean holiday you are planning to have. World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans, the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan.
Both plans offer travel insurance essentials such as trip cancellation cover, baggage cover and emergency medical evacuation cover. However, the Explorer Plan offers higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard Plan, as well as cover for a wider range of activities.
For example, if you plan to go hiking in the mountains of St Lucia, then you might want to check out our different levels of cover for hiking in case you are injured. World Nomads offers different levels of cover for hiking depending on the altitude, these include:
Note: make sure you check your policy for specific exclusions, such as search-and-rescue missions.
Besides hiking, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:
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. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.
Here are some common problems that travellers can encounter when visiting the region:
Extreme weather: well known as a sun-drenched paradise with a year-round warm climate, the Caribbean Islands are occasionally lashed by powerful tropical storms that wreak widespread destruction.
Travel insurance tip: if a hurricane, flood, or another natural disaster damages the hotel or hostel that you are booked to stay at, then you may be covered for additional accommodation expenses with an alternative at the same destination up to the policy limit. (Explorer Plan).
Crime: travellers to the Caribbean are sometimes the targets of bag snatchings and other types of crimes, both petty and more serious.
Travel insurance tip: if you are the victim of a theft, you must obtain a written police report within 24 hours. Where possible, provide witness details along with any photographs, comply with all conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim you make.
Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions, as well as the terms and conditions.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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 teamEssential travel insurance tips
As featured in:
The Caribbean, with its many island destinations such as Jamaica, St Lucia, and the Dominican Republic, has always been a mecca for international travelers who dream of escaping chilly climates and their frantic way of life. If you’re planning a trip to this unique part of the globe, considering travel insurance can provide support if your Caribbean holiday suddenly goes awry.
World Nomads travel insurance provides cover for illness, injury, or damage to your personal belongings. Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you have selected, you may be covered for:
Overseas emergency medical: if you’ve had an injury or need urgent medical attention and require a medical centre or hospital, you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you’re given proper care.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: we offer emergency medical transport and repatriation back to your Country of Residence if medically necessary and authorised by our emergency medical assistance team.
Baggage cover: if your baggage or other personal belongings are lost or damaged during your trip, then you may claim for these. However, claims without supporting documentation such as police reports and receipts may not be covered. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply.
Extended stays: if you are having way too much fun on your Caribbean holiday and choose to stay longer, you may also extend your travel insurance for a maximum of one year past the start date of your policy.
Coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events: if you are forced to cancel your holiday plans due to being diagnosed as having Coronavirus by your treating doctor, then you may claim for any non-refundable travel expenses. To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.
The two travel insurance plans that we offer are the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Both offer cover for injuries, illness, trip cancellation expenses and theft. However, the Explorer Plan offers higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard Plan and cover for a wider selection of activities.
For example, if you plan to go Scuba diving in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, then you might want to consider our levels of coverage for Scuba diving in case you are involved in a Scuba diving accident.
Though both our Standard and Explorer plans include benefits for Scuba diving, each plan has a different level of coverage and may exclude certain types of diving or dives of a certain depth. Be sure to check your policy for exclusions, such as unguided dives or search-and-rescue missions.
Besides Scuba diving, World Nomads offers cover for 150+ adventure activities including:
If your favorite sport is not on the list get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.
The Caribbean is a tropical playground where travelers from all over the world gravitate to enjoy the lush wilderness, white sand beaches and laid-back vibes. However, getting sick or injured could prove to be very costly, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance before you go.
Here are some common problems that travelers can encounter when visiting the region:
Extreme weather: well known for being a sun-drenched paradise with year-round warm climates, the Caribbean Islands are occasionally lashed by powerful tropical storms that wreak widespread destruction.
Travel insurance tip: if your hotel is damaged by a natural catastrophe, you may be covered for transport expenses as well as accommodation in a different hotel up to the policy limit.
Theft: thieves are known to prey on unsuspecting tourists whose bags may be snatched from them in street mugging incidents or sneakily taken whilst their attention is diverted elsewhere.
Travel insurance tip: if any of your belongings are stolen, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details as well as photographs, comply with all conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim that you make.
Below is a brief list of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions as well as the terms and conditions.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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 teamFrom the museums of Paris to the vineyards of Bordeaux, here’s how World Nomads travel insurance could help Americans in France.
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
Home to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Palace of Versailles, there’s plenty to see and do in France for American sightseers.
If you want to see medieval fairytale villages and prehistoric caves, you’ll enjoy getting outside of the city with a visit to the Pyrenees mountains. Meanwhile, water lovers can flock to the French Riviera, and foodies can make the trek to Lyon, which has earned the title of gastronomic capital of France.
While a trip to France is definitely a tres bien experience, there are some things to be aware of. Our nomads have dealt with currency conversion confusion, delayed flights, and pickpockets on the Metro. We encourage you to check out our team’s travel tips for France before leaving the US so you can be prepared—and look into travel insurance* for France to help you travel with peace of mind.
For the most part, you can spend your days promenading along the River Seine or swooshing down the slopes of Mont Blanc without any incident. But if you twist your ankle or take a tumble on the slopes, you may then realize that travel insurance for France would have been a good idea.
With any overseas travel, there are going to be some things you can’t plan for - like canceled trips, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and delayed baggage. Because of these situations, travel insurance for France may be something you consider. There are four plans to choose from. When you get a quote, compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
The Tour de France has made the country famous as a cycling destination. Even if you’re not competing, you can still explore France on two wheels and check out amazing cycling routes along the Seine or in Corsica. If you’re more interested in exploring France on four wheels, you may be interested in a safari tour to see the flamingos in Camargue. You may even want to leave land and set sail on the blue waters of the Bay of Cannes.
World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to France including cycling, sailing, and safari tours. It's best to have an idea of your planned activities and adventures before you get a quote for travel insurance for France.
Different plans cover different activities so this will help you choose the best coverage for your trip. For example, bikepacking in Provence is covered under all plans, including the Standard Plan. However, if you’re hoping to go cliff jumping in Calanques National Park near Marseille, you may want to choose the Explorer or Epic Plan.
If there’s an avalanche when you’re skiing in the French Alps and you get hurt, you may not know where to go for help. With travel insurance for France, you’ll have access to the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need.
Your international travel insurance for France could also offer evacuation coverage if you need to be transported to another place to get care. If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the United States to get medical treatment, the repatriation coverage that is included in your plan may cover the costs to get you there.
If you have an emergency and need to make a claim, call and report your emergency as soon as it happens, or as soon as you’re able. Also remember to save all paperwork and receipts for any unexpected medical expenses.
To streamline your experience seeking medical treatment in France, sign up for FootprintID. This non-insurance service is part of all plans and is a portable personal health record where your documents, prescriptions, test results, and emergency contacts are accessible in one place anywhere in the world. Whether you need to refill a prescription or deal with a more serious injury, FootprintID expedites the process.
What happens if you make it to Nice but your bags didn’t? If the airline loses your bag for 12 consecutive hours or more, you could be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
If that reunion never happens, you could be reimbursed for your lost bags and belongings with your travel insurance for France. The first step is to contact the airline to try and track down your bag.
The second step is to contact Blue Ribbon Bags, which is a non-insurance service that comes with all plans and 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.
While baggage coverage is included in your travel insurance for France, know there are plan limits. If you’ve purchased expensive items in France, you may want to take it on the plane as carry on instead of checking it. If you have any questions, contact us and we can help explain what is covered.
Pickpocketing is something to watch out for when you travel to France - especially in crowded areas like Paris. One nomad found herself the victim of a pickpocketing scam in France in which her bag and sunglasses were stolen. While her travel insurance for France covered reimbursement for the stolen items, she would have preferred that this never happened to her in the first place.
This particular scam started with simple flattery from a stranger that distracted her. Check out our tips for avoiding travel scams in France before your trip, and always be aware of your surroundings. If anything does happen, make sure you contact the police and file a report. You’ll need that if you make a claim.
Make sure to do your part to keep your belongings safe too. If you’re in Bordeaux, overindulge at your wine tasting, and forget your purse at the vineyard, you won’t be covered.
What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for France? If your doctor tells you not to travel to France at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. Your travel insurance for France includes cancellation coverage and you could be reimbursed for those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
Sometimes situations happen that can disrupt your plans once you’re already in France. In the home of the French Revolution, strikes, protests, and demonstrations happen fairly frequently. If your train travel is affected by a strike and you can’t get from Paris to Reims, you may miss the hot air balloon ride you had booked. If you prepaid for your balloon ride and it’s non-refundable or transferable, your travel insurance for France may reimburse you for that excursion.
The Explorer and Epic Plans also cover various travel inconveniences you may encounter in France if you purchased during the time sensitive period. For example, if you planned a winter ski vacation to Chamonix, but the resort’s facilities are closed due to a lack of snow for at least a day, you may also get some compensation.
France is a beautiful country, and we’ve made many memories there. We think you’ll love it too. Any international travel comes with things to watch out for. Just be aware of your surroundings, and make sure to check out our travel safety tips for France before you go.
You’ll also want to check out the US government’s safety warnings for France before leaving the United States. Weather, safety, and political situations can change quickly, and this is where they list their up-to-date warnings on any advisories that may exist at that time.
If you purchase travel insurance for France, 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.
Finally, learn a few French words and phrases—it will go a long way. Bon voyage and make some wonderful memories!
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.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 teamDon't let your good deeds go uncovered.
As featured in:
Whether you have specific skills to offer or you’re in search of meaningful connections, volunteering abroad can be a life changing experience. While out in the world helping others, make sure you also look after yourself and consider buying travel insurance before you pack your bags.
World Nomads travel insurance can cover you when participating in a range of round-the-world volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. Whatever the cause, we’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back.
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected, World Nomads travel insurance may provide cover for:
Traveler tip 1: if you intend to work or study, you must have the appropriate visa to work or study under the local laws of the country you’re visiting.
At World Nomads, we do our best to support volunteers, whether it's protecting endangered turtle hatching grounds or teaching school children in an under resourced village.
Before you take off on your next volunteer adventure, consider packing travel insurance that provides cover for the things you plan to do.
Volunteer activities our Standard Plan may cover include:
Volunteer activities our Explorer Plan may cover include:
Note: you can upgrade your cover for a range of other activities and experiences and manual work if you select the activities (listed as Level 2 and 3) and pay any required additional premium at the time you buy your policy.
If you feel unsure about whether your volunteer activity is covered, you can get in touch with our Customer Service team and they will be able to assist you.
While volunteer work is rewarding, getting sick while overseas can be costly in more ways than one, especially with Coronavirus still causing major issues worldwide. The cover you will have under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. They include:
To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
Traveler tip 2: do your research well in advance of your trip around vaccines needed for your intended destination. Make sure you follow government, health department, and World Health Organization preventative and precautionary measures, including any relevant vaccinations, hygiene, or social distancing guidelines. Please refer to who.int for further information.
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover. This includes volunteer work that includes:
Traveler tip 3: you must have the appropriate skills and training and hold the necessary licences and/or certificates for the work you undertake. You should only work from ground level up to two metres above ground, as the risk of injury is significantly increased when working at heights greater than two metres.
If you’re not sure about coverage, contact us and we’ll help you.
If haven't yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in the following articles:
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn't covered.
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 overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.