How may the Coronavirus impact your travel plans?
General information and helpful government links
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As featured in:
How may the Coronavirus impact your travel plans?
New cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to be diagnosed around the world. If you are planning on traveling overseas, please be aware that many countries are restricting or banning travel.
- I’m concerned about how Coronavirus may affect my travel plans. What do I do?
- Experiencing a medical emergency?
- What to do if there are cases of COVID-19 in countries that you’re traveling in
- Am I covered if my next trip is affected by COVID-19?
- Things to look out for when purchasing travel insurance:
If you are planning on traveling or transiting through any countries internationally, please check any travel advices issued by your Country of Residence and monitor the situation through local and international media as it may affect your travel insurance policy.
Helpful links:
- US Department of State Advice
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office
- Irish Department of Foreign Affairs
- Government of Canada
- Health Canada
- Australian Government Smart Traveller
- NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
You can also read more about how COVID-19 might affect your travel insurance policy in our Recent Events update (Select your Country of Residence) on COVID-19, or our latest safety information on it.
You can also read more about how COVID-19 might affect your travel insurance policy in our Recent Events update (Select your Country of Residence) on COVID-19, or our latest safety information on it.
I’m concerned about how Coronavirus may affect my travel plans. What do I do?
- Contact your airline, cruise or tour operator to check if tourist services are affected or if you need to change your travel arrangements. Always contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
- Refer to your policy wording for more detail or contact our Customer Service Centre to discuss your plans before making any changes. All policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
- Ill with COVID just before traveling? Unsure if you are covered for trip cancellation because of COVID? Contact us as soon as possible. Our Explorer Plan offers cover for some coronavirus related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs. Cover depends on your Country of Residence, and which plan you’ve selected.
- In the event of a claim covered by your policy, you must do everything you can to minimize and reduce the cost of the claim and provide all supporting documentation of the event and expenses incurred. If you intend to submit a claim, please complete the claim form and if you need help doing this, contact us.
Experiencing a medical emergency?
If you're experiencing a medical emergency and need medical help, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who can help direct you to medical help, and if necessary, work with local authorities to repatriate you home, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.
When you call, please have ready:
- Your policy number
- A contact number and traveling companion details for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
What to do if there are cases of COVID-19 in countries that you’re traveling in
- Get an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
- Organise any documentation your destination needs, such as COVID-19 entry declarations.
- If your destination or airline needs evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result, book a COVID-19 test. Make sure to check the test types accepted and timeframes they need the test done within, and plan ahead.
- All travelers should follow local authorities’ advice, check COVID -19 travel alerts, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) advice and keep updated via local media and reports on what is happening.
- We recommend that you avoid all high-risk areas where there are large crowds of people and in particular avoid farms, live animal and seafood markets, and areas where animals are slaughtered, including avoiding contact with animal secretions or droppings.
- Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Consider purchasing a face mask for your travel as it may help reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Contact your airline or travel company for information about changes to flight services.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact us.
Am I covered if my next trip is affected by COVID-19?
The level of coverage you’ll have for any Coronavirus related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas, your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance Team, who can help you access local medical care.
- Medical costs including hospitalization.
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
Some of our Explorer plans also offer coverage for some additional Coronavirus-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers.
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.
Note: don't forget to read the policy wording when you hit the quote button as all plans are different – don't just assume you are covered in every situation, as terms and conditions, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply.
Things to look out for when purchasing travel insurance:
- Make sure you correctly choose the right trip dates, age limit, and level of cover.
- Ensure all your destinations are covered.
- Make sure you understand what a pre-existing medical condition is under our policy.
- Some activities and sports may require extra level of cover or may not be covered.
- Make sure you clearly understand the benefit limits and the excess as per the level of cover you’ve selected.
- Understand that there will be General Exclusions in your cover for which you won’t be covered under any circumstances.
- Make copies of travel documents and keep receipts in case you need to make a claim.
Need more info?
For more information on planning ahead and safeguarding your trip against Coronavirus check out the following articles:
- Travel tips for the COVID-19 era
- How the COVID-19 vaccine could impact your travel plans
- Tourist Visas
- Our latest worldwide Travel Alerts
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.
About World Nomads
World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 200 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 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.
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 hospitalized?
- Travel 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
- Need meds quick?
- 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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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 teamTravel Insurance for Digital Nomads
Learn how your tech could be covered while you're working or traveling overseas.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Protecting your gadgets is an important part of travel, taking your gadgets on the road is just as common and essential as packing an extra pair of socks. That's why our travel insurance plans have been designed for digital nomads.
Double check the specific terms and conditions of your policy as there may be limits to what you can claim depending on the premium you have paid and what happens to your equipment while on the road.
- Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?
- How are my electronics covered?
- Countries offering digital Nomad visas to travelers globally
- Does my travel insurance cover my tech?
- What's not covered by travel insurance?
- FAQs for digital nomads
Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?
Travel insurance may not always be required, but when that illness, injury, baggage delay or trip interruption occurs, and you’re left out in the cold in a foreign country it could come in very handy. World Nomads may offer travel insurance for several events, some of these include:
- Hospitalization due to a severe injury or illness
- A flight is delayed or canceled.
- If your bags and valuables are delayed, stolen or damaged.
- When you urgently need 24-hour Emergency Assistance.
- If you’re planning to be active and doing outdoor adventures (we offer over 200+ activities, sports and experiences).
- If you need cover for a multi-destination trip.
- If you’re travelling with family and need cover for dependants.
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
How are my electronics covered?
World Nomads may be able to replace, repair or recover the costs of your tech devices when stolen, lost or damaged under your supervision, in certain circumstances. Benefits are available only after exhausting other sources of compensation, such as from your common carrier (this can be a public airline, bus or train company licensed to carry passengers for a fee, excluding taxis and rental vehicle companies, and operating to regular public schedules/timetables).
Remember, depreciation and wear and tear on your gear are taken into account when we review your claim, and claims are subject to per item limit and total maximum benefit amount, which can be found in your policy wording.
In the event that your equipment is delayed, lost and/or accidentally damaged by a common carrier, you must report the incident as soon as reasonably possible to a responsible officer for the carrier.
You must also get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or a similar official report and make a claim directly with the carrier as a first step.
Get a travel insurance quote from World Nomads today.
Countries that offer digital Nomad visas to travelers globally
- Portugal – Digital Nomad Visa
- Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa
- Croatia – Digital Nomad Temporary Stay Visa
- Germany – Freelance "Freiberufler" Visa
- Spain – Digital Nomad Visa (part of the Startup Act)
- Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa
- Costa Rica – Rentista Visa
- Iceland – Long-Term Remote Work Visa
- Barbados – Welcome Stamp Program
- Dubai (UAE) – Virtual Working Program
- Malta – Nomad Residence Permit
- Georgia – Remotely from Georgia Program
- Greece – Digital Nomad Visa
- Mauritius – Premium Travel Visa
- Norway – Independent Contractor Visa
- Czech Republic – Zivno Visa
- Hungary – White Card Visa
- Romania – Digital Nomad Visa
- Bermuda – Work from Bermuda Certificate
- Anguilla – Work from Anguilla Program
For more information on digital nomad visas please refer to the visa guide website.
Does my insurance cover my tech?
Watch the video to learn how our travel policy can provide cover for all of your tech gear during your travels.
What's not covered by travel insurance?
- When you mindlessly leave your gear behind (like that time when you forgot your very expensive camera and lenses in a taxi on your way to the airport).
- Whenever you leave items (including tablets, laptops, photographic or video equipment, mobile phones and other hand-held devices) unattended, including in a car, boat, tent or camper trailer or checked in with your common carrier.
- Gear or equipment that you use for professional purposes.
- Electronic malfunctions (you'll have to hit up the manufacturer).
- When you fail to file a loss or theft report with the local authorities or the representative of the venue where it took place, such as a common carrier, tour operator or other travel provider.
This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply so please read your policy carefully.
If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.
Tips for digital nomads
- travelling, understand the requirements for digital nomad visas and ensure your World Nomads travel insurance policy aligns with the country’s health and travel regulations.
- Find and scan your receipts before you leave.
- If an airline loses your gadgets, notify them right away and get a record.
- Theft? Report it to the police as soon as possible.
- Password protect your devices and enable the lock screen if possible.
Bag snatched in Latvia.
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.
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 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
- Need meds quick?
- 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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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 protection for tech gear and digital nomad travel 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 are the requirements to get a digital nomad visa?
Each country has specific requirements, but generally, digital nomad visas require proof of income, travel insurance, and accommodation plans. Some may also require a valid employment contract or proof of self-employment. Be sure to check each country’s specific requirements before applying.
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Do I need travel insurance for a digital nomad visa?
Yes, most digital nomad visas require proof of travel insurance or health insurance that covers you for the entire duration of your stay in the foreign country.
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If I've not specified my items, why do they get depreciated?
Electronics age and get knocked about. Depreciation happens to match the claim with the item's current price, not cost price.
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If my electronics are out of warranty, can I claim if there's a malfunction?
The policies excludes cover where there's an electronic malfunction.
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Why won't you cover my electronics if they're checked-in with an airline?
Because electronics are fragile and checked-in luggage can easily be damaged.
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What if I don't have receipts for all of my items?
You'll need to show a proof of ownership - enough evidence to 'tip the balance' if you're lodging a claim.
