World Nomads travel insurance is designed for adventure seekers who understand that living and working in other countries and among different cultures is a great privilege, and an education. Your decision to move abroad is a big one, considering the benefits of travel insurance may be beneficial for you and your loved ones.

What expats should keep in mind?

We've put together this expat tips checklist to help you plan before you set off on your next working holiday. Please note, benefit limits, terms and conditions apply depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected.

1. Change is constant, embrace it. Despite detailed planning pre-departure, things can change. We know how important flexibility is when abroad, so you can buy a policy before you leave home or while traveling for as long, or as little, as you need. If you decide to stay longer in a place than you thought you would or decide to change direction on a whim, we are happy to extend your policy and help you choose the right level of cover for your needs.
2. Vaccinations are not new. For years, there have been rules in place for travelers regarding immunizations against serious illnesses, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. When planning your expat experience, check with embassies, global health bodies (such as the World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, etc) and government authorities of the countries you're hoping to visit about their entry requirements. Some countries now require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result (usually taken 48-72 hours before arrival). Read our COVID-19 Travel Insurance article and keep your vaccine and test records with you – they’re as important as your passport these days.
3. Not all country entry rules are the same. We know the rules for entry to our own country, but what is acceptable in one country might not be the case in another, so do your research pre-departure. Check the entry rules and regulations for the places you plan to visit. The last thing you want to do is arrive somewhere new to you, only to be turned around for not having the correct paperwork or because you decided to travel to a country that had a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning in place.
4. It’s not too late to buy travel insurance once you’ve set off. If you’ve been so busy that insurance is an after-thought, it’s never too late. World Nomads offers insurance for travelers between 18 and 65 (up to 69 years for US residents). Our policies are available to most nationalities who are working or traveling outside of their Country of Residence. You can buy a policy online using a credit card, and this can be done even after you’ve left home, but there are some exceptions, so check your policy details before purchasing.
5. If you plan on driving overseas, do your homework. Driving in another country can be a big deal and at times quite scary, especially when the road rules differ, so make sure you know the requirements. Check the licensing rules (you may need to apply for an international driving permit depending on which country you’re from). Our Explorer Plan policy may be able to help with rental car excess if you’re involved in an accident, but you need to be correctly licensed, adhere to local laws, and have taken out a rental policy with the car hire company.
6. If you’re a digital nomad, ensure you’re travel ready. Most expat travelers today don’t leave home without their tech devices – we’re talking digital cameras, laptops, air pods, drones etc. Aside from helping to document your travels, they’re not cheap and should be properly protected. At World Nomads, our policies may cover a wide range of everyday gadgets, but how we do that and how much we insure them for depends on the plan you choose. Terms and conditions apply.
7. Adventure travel is fun, but also risky. Expats are an adventurous bunch, so it’s not surprising that many exciting activities will rate high on the to-do list. Our plans include cover for more than 150 activities globally – everything from backpacking to kayaking, hiking, and bungee jumping, but not all are covered under every plan, so read the full list here. You may need to pay an additional premium for higher-risk activities.
8. Travel cover doesn’t replace international medical insurance. While we may offer cover for overseas emergency medical expenses, any treatment must be certified as medically necessary by an authorized medical practitioner or paramedic overseas and agreed by our Emergency Assistance Team. Your employer or host should take care of your medical cover. We also have some exclusions when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

This is not a full list of what's covered. There are benefit limits and terms and conditions that apply. 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.

For more answers related to travel insurance coverage please visit our Help Center or if you have a specific question about World Nomads travel insurance contact us.

You’re in safe hands with World Nomads

Check out our True Claims video to get a behind the scenes look at how we can help you when something goes wrong.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote 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.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

• Trip cancellation
• Emergency medical
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Lost or damaged gear
• Delayed baggage
• Death overseas
• Terrorism
• And more...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

Costa Rica is teeming with incredible wildlife and beautiful landscapes, and like most visitors, the Irish are drawn to its misty volcanic peaks, rushing rapids, epic waves, and exotic rainforests. Many who seek out Costa Rica do so for the adventure and, of course, are in search of La Pura Vida. 

• What’s covered?
• How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?
• What to look for out when travelling to Costa Rica?
• What's not covered

What’s covered?

To enter Costa Rica, you must fill in a Health Pass 72 hours prior to arrival and show proof of travel insurance. That’s where World Nomads comes in, as our policies provide cover, so you can focus on your holiday.

World Nomads has two levels of cover – Standard and Explorer – that offer different benefits, limits, and sub-limits, so it’s best to compare them. For Irish travellers with their sights set on Costa Rica, our policies include cover for:

• Emergency medical coverage: if you’re injured or fall ill during your trip, World Nomads may cover surgery and hospital fees, and emergency medical transport.
• Activities: World Nomads has cover for more than 150 activities. For those considered higher risk you may be asked to upgrade your cover or pay an additional premium. When participating in an activity, always act sensibly, use safety equipment, and undergo the required training.
• Baggage and personal belongings: if your baggage or belongings are stolen, damaged, or destroyed you may be compensated. Baggage delays may also be claimable so long as the delay is more than 24 hours.
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: to find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus

Travel insurance tip 1: Irish residents will need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow its emergency medical procedures and 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 Assistance Team before incurring medical costs.

How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?

Irish travellers have long considered Costa Rica a great place to holiday. Most flights from Dublin require a stop on the way and transit time can take up to 16 hours. Those who are well travelled know that long haul doesn’t always mean smooth travelling, flights get delayed or cancelled, baggage goes missing, and documents/personal belongings are mislaid. Insurance can reduce this travel-related stress.

What to look for out when travelling to Costa Rica?

Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, road conditions in this part of Central America can be poor; crime does occur; it experiences hurricanes, and as the country is on the so-called Ring of Fire, it can be earthquake-prone.

When you’re at the beach, always follow lifeguard advice, and be aware of dangerous currents particularly at  beaches that aren’t supervised by lifeguards.

If you’re a digital nomad, keep your tech devices secure as thieves are active everywhere.

If you’re hiring a car, our Explorer Plan covers rental car excess if you have an accident. Cover is also available for the cost of replacing rental car keys if they get lost, stolen or damaged during the rental period. You must have a valid licence from your country of residence for the class of vehicle you’re driving overseas, regardless of local laws. You must also comply with local laws of the country you’re driving in.

Please note: travel insurance doesn’t replace the need to have a signed rental vehicle agreement or damage waiver in place.

Explorer Plan policy holders can take advantage of provisions for hijacking and costs associated with natural disasters, so long as the event was unexpected and there wasn’t prior warning.

When it comes to the loss or theft of personal belongings, both plans offer travel insurance cover, but as always cover will depend on your country of residence and the circumstances.

Make sure you list all the activities you’re planning in the policy detail. Higher-risk activities may require an upgrade to the level of cover or an additional premium. Remember our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 and can assist with any language barriers you may face. 

Travel insurance tip 2: Costa Rica grants visas to digital nomads. It allows foreign nationals and their families to live and work there for at least 12 months, with the possibility of a year-long renewal. The visa allows exemption from income tax, and a local bank account; this is a significant increase on the 90-day limit on tourist stays.

For the latest travel advice from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) check out their website.

What's not covered

Some things we won’t cover include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in the Policy Wording.
• Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government Do Not Travel or Avoid Non-essential Travel warning.
• Illness associated with a failure to comply with preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization.
• Loss or damage to luggage due to age, wear and tear, loss of value. Damage to sporting equipment caused while in use.

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.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

• Trip cancellation
• Emergency medical
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Lost or damaged gear
• Delayed baggage
• Death overseas
• Terrorism
• And more...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

More than 91,000 British travellers head to Costa Rica every year, drawn to its misty volcanic peaks, rushing rapids, epic waves, and exotic jungle wildlife. Many who seek out Costa Rica do so for the thrills, adventure and, of course, the La Pura Vida.

• What’s covered?
• How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?
• What to look for out when travelling to Costa Rica?
• What’s not covered

What’s covered?

To enter Costa Rica, you’ll need to fill in a Health Pass 72 hours before you arrive and show proof of travel insurance. That’s where World Nomads comes in - our policies cover you so you can focus on your holiday.

World Nomads has two levels of cover – Standard and Explorer – that offer different benefits, limits, and sub-limits, so it’s best to compare them to see which is best for what you’re planning to do. For British travellers to Costa Rica, our policies include cover for:

• Emergency medical coverage: if you’re injured or fall ill during your trip, World Nomads may cover surgery and hospital fees, and emergency transport.
• Activities: World Nomads has cover for more than 150 + activities. For those considered higher risk you may be asked to pay an additional premium. When participating in an activity, always act sensibly, use safety equipment, and undergo the required training.
• Baggage and personal belongings: if your baggage or belongings are stolen, damaged, or destroyed you may be compensated. Baggage delays may also be claimable so long as the delay is more than 24 hours.

How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?

British travellers have long considered Costa Rica a go-to vacation spot. With direct flights between Heathrow and San Jose, it is an accessible, exciting destination.

As dizzying as the appeal is, Costa Rica is a 10-hour flight from London, and most of us know that long haul isn’t always smooth travelling, flights get delayed or cancelled, baggage goes missing, and documents/personal belongings are mislaid. Insurance can reduce this stress.

What to look for out when travelling to Costa Rica?

Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, road conditions in Costa Rica can be poor; crime occurs, it experiences hurricanes and, as the country is on the so-called Ring of Fire, it can be earthquake-prone.

When you’re at the beach, always follow lifeguard advice, and be aware of dangerous currents particularly at beaches that aren’t supervised by lifeguards.

If you’re a digital nomad, keep your tech devices secure as thieves are active everywhere.

Explorer Plan policy holders can take advantage of provisions for costs associated with natural catastrophe's, as long as the event was unexpected and there wasn’t prior warning.

When it comes to the loss or theft of personal belongings, both plans offer travel insurance cover, depending on your country of residence and the circumstances.

Make sure you list planned activities when you apply for your policy (higher-risk activities may require an upgrade to an increased level of cover with an additional premium). Remember our Emergency Medical Assistance Team is available 24/7 to answer any urgent questions if you’re in a medical crisis. 

Travel Insurance tip: Costa Rica grants visas to digital nomads. It allows foreign nationals and their families to live and work there for at least 12 months, with the possibility of a year-long renewal. The visa allows exemption from income tax, and a local bank account; this is a significant increase on the 90-day limit on tourist stays. 

What‘s not covered

Some things we won’t not cover include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording;
• Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government Do Not Travel warning;
• Illness associated with a failure to comply with preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization;
• Loss or damage to luggage due to age, wear and tear, loss of value. Damage to sporting equipment caused while in use.

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 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.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

• Trip cancellation
• Emergency medical
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Lost or damaged gear
• Delayed baggage
• Death overseas
• Terrorism
• And more...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

Costa Rica draws adventure travelers from all over the world. Whether you’ve got your heart set on ziplining through dense rainforest, tackling the epic waves of the Pacific Coast, or taking in the misty volcanic peaks on foot, this Central American destination ticks all the boxes.

• What’s covered?
• How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?
• What to look for out when traveling to Costa Rica?
• What’s not covered

What’s covered?

Costa Rica is an intriguing destination, but like any country there are risks involved. That is why it is a requirement that travelers show proof of travel insurance to gain entry.

With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance with two levels of cover – Standard and Explorer – as soon as your trip is locked in and you're ready to go, or while you're on the road traveling around Costa Rica. Please be aware that each plan has different benefits, limits, and sub-limits.

Note: All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what you are claiming for, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy.

Our plans include cover for:

• Emergency medical coverage and evacuation: if you fall ill or are injured during your travels, we may offer cover for surgery and hospital costs, prescribed medicines, and emergency medical transport. If you are in the jungle, get bitten by something and the nearest treatment centre is two hours away, medical evacuation will come in handy. You must call the 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team, before incurring any medical costs.
• Trip delays or cancellation: flying to Costa Rica may require a stopover. If you miss a connecting flight or face unexpected delays and cancellations, we may cover you for transportation, lodging or personal care items. Benefit limits apply and delays must be more than six hours.
• Activities: World Nomads has cover for more than 150 activities. For a high-risk activity, such as ziplining, you’ll need to be with a professional, qualified and licensed guide, instructor or operator.
• Baggage and personal belongings: if your baggage or belongings are stolen, damaged or destroyed you may be able to claim costs. Baggage delays may also be covered, so long as delays are more than 24 hours.
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: 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.

How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?

Depending on where you’re traveling from, flying to Costa Rica may require a stopover which can lend itself to tight turn arounds of connecting flights, lost luggage, and bad weather causing unexpected flight cancellations.

And that’s not all you need to consider, although beautiful, this tropical haven is in an active earthquake, hurricane, and volcano zone, and the mountainous landscape is prone to landslides. World Nomads offers cover for natural disasters, but cover will depend on your Country of Residence and varies between plans. We can assist with all these situations and the right policy can go a long way to reducing the stress involved in international travel.

What to look for out when traveling to Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, road conditions are often poor, with potholes and inadequate signage, and crime does occur.

When it comes to beach safety, currents can be dangerous and many beaches are unsupervised by lifeguards and lack signage advising of unsafe conditions. If you are a digital nomad, be mindful of your tech security.

If you’re hiring a car, our Explorer Plan includes rental car excess. Cover is also available for the cost of replacing rental car keys if they get lost, stolen or damaged during the rental period. You must have a valid licence from your country of residence for the class of vehicle you’re driving overseas, regardless of local laws. You must also comply with local laws of the country you’re driving in.

Note: travel insurance doesn’t replace the need to have a signed rental vehicle agreement or damage waiver in place.

If you find yourself in a crisis, the World Nomads 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team is available for roadside assistance referrals or locations of nearby hospitals, medical providers or pharmacies. The team can also help if you’re having trouble getting by in a language you don’t know.

Traveler tip: Costa Rica grants visas to digital nomads. The visa allows foreign nationals and their families to live and work there for at least 12 months, with the possibility of a further year-long renewal. The visa allows exemption from income tax, and a local bank account; this is a significant increase on the 90-day limit on tourist stays.

What's not covered

Some things we won’t not cover include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your policy wording.
• Any expenses which World Nomads or the Emergency Assistance Team determine are not medically necessary.
• Change of mind, disinclination, or reluctance to travel.
• Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government Do Not Travel or Avoid Non-essential Travel warning issued by the US Department of State.
• Illness associated with a failure to comply with preventative measures for the region, as outlined by the World Health Organization, including obtaining relevant vaccinations. Refer to int for further information.

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 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.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

• Trip cancellation
• Emergency medical
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Lost or damaged gear
• Delayed baggage
• Death overseas
• Terrorism
• And more...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.