Travel Insurance for Hiking and Trekking
Simple and flexible travel insurance to take you trekking around the world.
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Whether it’s the trek or the view you’re chasing, the world’s great hiking destinations will leave you breathless. From Europe’s alpine trails to the mist-soaked rainforests of Costa Rica, hiking has a magic all its own.
Preparation is paramount to any hiking adventure abroad; learning about the area, checking the route and making sure you have the right gear in case bad weather rolls in. Along with a trusty map, it helps to pack travel insurance if hiking accidents stop you in your tracks.
What’s covered for hiking and trekking?
Are you an experienced Irish hiker looking for your next big challenge or are you happier on a relaxed family hike? No matter how adventurous your hiking plans, World Nomads plans may offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:
- Emergency medical: overseas emergency medical expenses at a hospital or medical centre if you suffer an unexpected injury or illness while hiking. You’ll first need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider, if applicable, and follow their emergency procedures and claims procedures. Where your PMI provider cannot assist, contact the 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance team. Expenses must be medically necessary and agreed by the insurer in order to receive reimbursement of your covered expenses.
- Evacuation: we offer approved overseas emergency medical evacuation to the most appropriate medical facility for treatment or repatriation back to Ireland. Emergency transport is subject to approval from the 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance team.
- Trip cancellation: has a sick or injured travelling companion put a stop to your hiking break? Your plan may be able to recover the unused non-refundable travel expenses.
- Gear protection: had your camera stolen while hiking in Thailand? Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were swiped from under your nose. You’ll need a police report to submit with your claim as well as copies of the original receipts and supporting documentation.
- Lost or damaged baggage cover: have your bags or personal items gone missing? You must report all theft or loss to the police as well as to the common carrier, service provider or other local authority as soon as possible. You must also get a Property Irregularity Report or other incident report from the carrier so you can submit it with your claim, as well as a police report, copies of the original receipts and any luggage tickets.
- Delayed baggage cover: has your checked-in baggage been delayed for more than 24 hours? Your plan may cover essential items you purchase while you’re waiting for your baggage to arrive.
- Coronavirus cover: we offer cover for some Coronavirus related events.
Choose a plan that suits your needs
Both our Standard Plan and Explorer Plan may offer many of the same benefits including cover for hiking or trekking up to 6,000 metres, you just need to select the maximum elevation you’ll be hiking to at the time you get your quote.
If you’re lucky enough to have some extra adventure or sport activities planned such as kayaking or mountaineering, check out our article on covered sports and activities, which will help you select the optional upgrades you’ll need to add to your plan when you buy your policy, you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply, please read your Policy Wording carefully or contact us if you have any questions.
What’s not covered for hiking?
Sorry – we won’t cover you if you do something reckless (such as tackling an extreme hiking trip into a remote area when you’re only a beginner). Some things we don’t cover include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording
- Free mountaineering, climbing in remote or inaccessible regions, exploratory expeditions and new routes, high altitude climbing over 6,000 metres, mountaineering expeditions or expeditions to the Arctic or Antarctica.
- Search and rescue operations to find or rescue you as per your Policy Wording.
- Any adventure or sport activity you did not specify on your policy.
- If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated.
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team advise you to do.
- If you do not follow the local safety advice and warnings.
- Expenses that can be recovered from other sources e.g. transport carriers, accommodation providers, credit card issuers or other insurance policies.
- Medical treatment that can wait until your return to Ireland.
- If you don't keep your gear safe and secure at all times.
How to get the most out of your travel insurance
Before you head for the hills, the following tips can help you maximise your safety and validity of cover.
- Inform a local assistance company of your trekking route and policy details.
- If you require any medical treatment during your trip while outside of Ireland you first need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and claims procedures. Where your PMI provider cannot provide assistance, please contact our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team before incurring medical costs.
- Check which countries your trail passes through to ensure your policy covers you for that region.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You can read more about hiking and travel insurance and you should read your Policy Wording 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.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly died?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Rolled your ankle?
- Bedridden after a local delicacy?
- Struggling with altitude?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Road or air ambulance?
- Flight assistance?
- Medivac needed home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Go pro stolen?
- Gear damaged in transit?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about hiking & trekking insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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What’s covered when I’m hiking?
We’ve tried to give you the freedom to hike from Arizona to Zambia by helping cover some of those nasty accidents. For further info, click here
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How do I get to the medical centre if I’m injured while trekking?
If you can, contact our Emergency Medical Assistance team to help arrange the care that you need. If you have no connectivity, then contact local authorities and have them call our assistance teams once you’re in safe hands. For further info, click here.
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What if the airline loses my gear?
If your gear is lost or damaged by the airline, World Nomads can help cover some of the cost to replace them. For further info, click here.
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Does my travel insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
If you’re hospitalized because of an accident, the insurer may help cover these costs upfront. For further info, click here.
Scuba Diving travel insurance
Simple and flexible travel insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
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Why buy travel insurance when going scuba diving?
Calm waters, crystal clear visibility and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, but accidents can happen, even to the most experienced divers. Whether you're learning or you’ve done hundreds of dives, World Nomads travel insurance can help take the pressure off you and your family when the unexpected sinks your next dive trip.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Dive buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Stepped on a stonefish?
- Got a serious squeeze?
- Need 02 or hyperbaric treatment?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Sea level medical evac?
- Need an ambulance?
- Medivac needed home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Go Pro stolen?
- Bags lost in transit?
- Luggage delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
World Nomads love Scuba Diving
As passionate divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover dives from the Great Blue Hole to The Yongala.
- Scuba diving (qualified divers to 30 meters – an additional premium may apply)
- Learn-to-dive courses or discover scuba dives (with qualified instructors)
- Shark cage diving
- Snorkeling, island escapes, live-aboard trips, and more
*Note: All plans are different and may require an upgrade to go scuba diving. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip.
24/7 emergency assistance
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about scuba diving insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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What’s covered when Scuba Diving?
We’ve tried to give you the freedom to learn or hone your diving skills by helping cover some of those nasty accidents. For further info, click here.
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How do I get to the medical centre if I’m injured underwater?
Contact our emergency medical assistance team so that they can help to the care that you need. For further info, click here.
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What if the airline damages gear?
If your diving gear is damaged by the airline, World Nomads can help cover some of the cost to replace them. For further info, click here.
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Does my travel insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
If you’re hospitalized because of an accident, the insurer can help cover these costs upfront. Contact the Emergency Medical Assistance team where urgent medical assistance is required. For further info, click here.
Travel Insurance for Overseas Medical
Don't let your medical costs bury you.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased after 27 June 2024, please see below.
Broken bones in Mykonos, mystery illness in Madrid and bus accidents in Thailand, we’ve seen it all and know overseas medical travel insurance can literally be a lifesaver.
In order to help our Irish travellers get back on their feet our policy has been designed to help out when some unexpected illness or injury strikes and you’re ready to get back on the road again.
Keep in mind that you’ll first need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow their emergency medical procedures and their claims procedures. Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any cover provided by your PMI. Also, provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us co-ordinate your care. Where your PMI provider does not cover you, contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team before incurring medical costs. You must let us know how you are going and keep in contact with our assistance team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
What’s covered by overseas medical travel insurance?
World Nomads travel insurance covers accidents and emergencies when you’re travelling overseas.
If you’re accidentally injured or suddenly become ill while traveling, our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team is on hand to help you. Cover may include:
- Assistance locating and paying for medical care including a doctor, dentist, chiropractor or medical facilities in your location or nearby.
- Hospitalisation.
- Out-patient care and day surgery.
- Ambulances and medical transport, including by helicopter if medically necessary and available.
- Prescribed medicines.
- Transport home to Ireland if we deem it medically necessary.
Am I covered for COVID-19 while overseas?
All our plans include emergency medical cover for travellers who get sick with Coronavirus while overseas (excluding pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in the Policy Wording). If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Medical Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalisation;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
You can check out our What’s covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions.
Reciprocal health agreements and medical cover
World Nomads policies cover accidents and emergencies only, and it is not a private health insurance policy. Cover may apply only if there is a sudden and unexpected accident or illness and for expenses for which there is no reciprocal health agreement in the country in which you are travelling.
If you are travelling to a country where Ireland has a reciprocal healthcare agreement, such as Australia or EU countries, you will need to apply for reciprocal health cover before you leave Ireland.
What’s not covered by travel insurance?
Though our policy may cover accidents and emergencies, it’s not a catch-all for every incident you might find yourself in. Medical conditions or circumstances we don’t cover include:
- If you were doing anything illegal. (You didn’t really think we’d cover that did you?)
- Injuries or illness from drugs or alcohol.
- If you’ve been acting recklessly.
- Pre-existing medical conditions as defined in the Policy Wording.
- Ongoing treatment at home.
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you get home.
- Medical expenses covered under a reciprocal health agreement in the country in which you are travelling.
- If you booked a one-way ticket to your destination, we will not pay for your return ticket home.
How to get medical assistance
For our Irish travellers, if you have private medical insurance (PMI) in Ireland, get in touch first with your PMI provider and follow their emergency assistance and claims procedures. If you do not have PMI or they can no longer assist, it’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team as soon as reasonably possible so that the team can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.
So that they can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
The policy isn’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 there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
Monkey Bite!
While visiting the Monkey Forest in Bali, I was bitten by a monkey and blood was drawn. After returning to our hotel we then visited a local doctor the same evening of the bite. I received my first rabies vaccination and then went to the International SOS office in Bali for an examination. There I received a second rabies shot, and then immunoglobulin shots.
S.D. U.S Resident in Indonesia.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Have you died?
- Have your relos died?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medicine?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas emergency medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
-
Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer can sometimes cover these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
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Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't publish a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, call our assistance teams, and they'll guide you to the most appropriate medical professional.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or government healthcare.
