If you are getting ready to travel here are some tips to know before you go
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At World Nomads, we’ve heard stories from many travelers telling us about how much they miss traveling and how they have had their dream trip disrupted by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Dealing with eye-watering medical and quarantine bills is something most of us don’t budget for. To avoid some nasty surprises, we’ve compiled these handy tips that we hope will give you the upper hand for your next trip in this new traveling era of COVID-19.
While we can tell you what you should expect or look out for, we can’t tell you what you’ll need to know for your exact destination, so our number one tip is to check in with the government authority of the country you’re heading to, or through, and familiarize yourself with any new or existing COVID-19 requirements for entry...
If you’ve been given the greenlight to travel then we envy you, but it also means there may be a few more hoops for you to jump through. Many countries have implemented extra measures at borders, with airport and customs staff taking extra measures to collect health declarations at arrival, as well as travelers’ visa requirements and contact details. You may need to complete a travel risk assessment, undergo a COVID-19 test, or provide more information on where you’ve been and where you’re going. Be ready to add in an extra two to three hours if traveling in a large group or if you need to make a flight connection.
While many countries have quarantine measures already in place, some countries may not have them until you arrive, or, you may be asked to go into mandatory quarantine if authorities believe you have come in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or if an outbreak occurs. Please note that if you need to go into compulsory quarantine as required by the government to return to your home country, you will have to factor in the costs as this is not covered under World Nomads travel insurance policies.
To kick-start tourism some popular destinations now require new tourist visas (e.g. Thailand, Costa Rica, Japan) with new rules in place to combat COVID-19 ensuring travellers visiting their country have a level of cover to pay any potential medical costs. We’re seeing more countries introduce these visas and with some new requirements travellers may need to:
Whether or not you’ll need to do this depends on the visa requirements at the countries you are traveling to or through. Also be prepared to use your credit card or have the funds if you’re asked to go to a hospital or need to quarantine on arrival.
Now more than ever there are key benefits to getting a clean bill of health right before you go overseas. A growing number of airlines and governments now require travelers to produce a PCR test that shows they are negative for COVID-19. Many people have had to cancel their trips at the last-minute or have had significant losses because they didn’t get tested, or their PCR test was delayed. Make sure you know when the test needs to be taken – you'd hate to have it not count as you took it five hours before the eligible time period kicked in. Current reports have test times varying from 48 to 72 hours before your flight - check with the government at the destination you are heading to or through for any requirements and be sure you leave enough time to get tested and have the results back in time before you arrive at the airport to avoid delays, having to reschedule or deal with any further losses.
Many countries and regions are planning or have implemented travel bubbles, travel corridors and travel tiers. It can get confusing knowing who can go where and when so it’s important to keep an eye on government and travel websites for travel alerts and what levels of travel may be in place, especially if you’ve bought your travel insurance quite far in advance of your travel dates (a lot can change in a week or two when it comes to COVID-19!). Be aware some travel bubbles are one way only – for example between New Zealand and Australia – this could mean added costs if you haven’t done your research. If that bubble does pop you could be required to go into quarantine if you’re already traveling, or you may have to cancel your trip if you haven’t left home. Many travel tiers and corridors can change at a moment’s notice when COVID-19 cases go up or down and may cause a big headache if you’ve booked tours, have connecting flights, and need to cancel or rearrange your flight and accommodation dates.
One thing that remains super important with COVID-19 is keeping copies of receipts and your paperwork when you travel. It’s a good idea to send a copy to a friend or family member at home, as well as yourself via email, so you can always access them easily. When you first head off on your trip, you may need evidence of your planned travel and accommodation costs, and medical documents confirming you’ve got a clean bill of health. If you need to make a claim after you’ve returned home, you may need to:
If you’re lucky enough to have a holiday planned out and everything goes to plan, you should take every measure possible in place to avoid putting yourself and others at risk of getting COVID-19. Some things that will help you have a stress-free holiday include:
At the end of the day, your holiday is meant to be packed with fun and not stress. The better informed and prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have!
You can read more about the latest information on Coronavirus. If you have any unanswered questions our FAQ's section may be able to help out.
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, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
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.
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 teamTravel insurance may help if Coronavirus cancels your travel plans.
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Cover and benefit limits apply and vary between plans.
Benefit | Standard | Explorer |
---|---|---|
Emergency medical expenses overseas | Yes | Yes |
Medical repatriation/ evacuation (including funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains if the worst-case scenario happens) | Yes | Yes |
Trip disruption cover Note: Check your policy wording for full details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions. |
YES | Yes |
If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to yourself or a travel companion being diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical practitioner, and certified as unfit to travel, or if an immediate relative is hospitalised or dies due to coronavirus, we have provided some tips below, especially if you intend to make a claim. Please follow these simple tips:
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so make sure you’re careful with your planning and you read the Policy Wording to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions get in touch.
Contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams as soon as possible, so they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
When you call please have ready:
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.
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 teamTravel insurance may help if Coronavirus cancels your travel plans.
As featured in:
Benefit limits apply and vary between plans.
Benefit | Standard | Explorer |
---|---|---|
Emergency medical expenses overseas | Yes | Yes |
Medical repatriation/ evacuation (including funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains if the worst-case scenario happens) | Yes | Yes |
Trip Disruption Cover Check your policy wording for full details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions |
Yes | Yes |
If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to yourself or a member of your travelling party being certified as too ill to travel with COVID-19 by a medical practitioner, or if your immediate relative is hospitalised or dies due to coronavirus, we have provided some tips below, especially if you intend to make a claim. Please follow these simple tips:
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so make sure you’re careful with your planning and you read the Policy Wording to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions get in touch.
How to get medical assistance
Contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Teams as soon as possible, so they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured, until the time you get home.
When you call please have ready:
• Your policy number
• A contact number and travelling companion details for where you are now
• The nature of your problem
• Your location
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.
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 teamAs featured in:
Maybe your next trip won’t include crossing an ocean or boarding a plane. But just because you’re travelling within Canada doesn’t mean that you won’t need backup if your travels take a turn for the worst.
World Nomads’ coverage starts when you leave your home province and provides essential protection against a wide range of mishaps that you could encounter on the road.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on a distant continent or in an adjacent province or territory – you could sprain your ankle, get into a car accident, or get delayed by inclement weather just about anywhere. A good travel protection plan can help prevent any of these unexpected events from turning into full-blown disasters.
Accidents and emergencies can happen in your own backyard – which is why it’s important to consider these five main benefits of domestic travel insurance.
It is important that you read and understand your coverage. There are limits and exclusions that apply to all insured travellers.
Along with the benefits above, World Nomads travel insurance also includes important assistance services and features such as:
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 teamTravel tips to keep your holiday on track and on schedule during the busiest time of the year
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Ahh, holiday travel. Who hasn’t fantasized about bursting through the door with an armload of presents on Christmas Day, getting back home for Thanksgiving dinner, or maybe even just using that time off-work to get away? At World Nomads, we’re huge fans of travel during November and December… especially if it’s done right.
We know you’re itching to travel again. The world is waking to a new era of travel and while you want to launch heartily into the holiday season and explore new regions again, it’s important to plan ahead during peak travel periods so your much-needed holiday leaves a smile on your face.
Whatever your plans are for the holiday season you should consider purchasing travel insurance in case your dream vacation goes awry or is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
The following is a small sample of what World Nomads Standard and Explorer plans offer (up to the benefit limits) for:
Traveler tip: Don’t forget to read the policy wording as all plans are different and coverage will depend on your country of residence. Never assume you’ll be covered in every situation, as benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions apply. If you are still unsure about what you are covered for, contact us.
Taking some simple precautions can be the difference between holiday season bliss and a trip you’d rather forget. Here are a few tips for making the most of that precious holiday time:
Traveler tip: Check your passport to make sure it hasn’t or won't expire soon. Some countries require at least six months of passport validity to allow entry. Be sure to review your and your travel companion’s passport details well in advance in case you need to renew a passport, as there have been big delays in getting passports renewed.
Traveler tip: Try to find a direct flight rather than one with several connections, even if it costs more. You'll reduce the risk of missing connections, trip delays, and of losing your luggage during a transfer.
This is only a summary of cover 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.
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, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
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.
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 teamSimple 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.
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:
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.
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:
Before you head for the hills, the following tips can help you maximise your safety and validity of cover.
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.
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 hiking & trekking insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
Simple and flexible travel insurance for skiers and snowboarders. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
As featured in:
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.
As passionate ski bums, we’ve designed our plans to offer cover for the style of riding our Nomads love the most*:
*All plans are different and may require an upgrade for skiing or snowboarding cover to apply. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport upgrade for your trip.
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 snow sports insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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.
As featured in:
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.
As passionate divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover dives from the Great Blue Hole to The Yongala.
*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.
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 scuba diving insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
Don't let your good deeds go uncovered.
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At World Nomads, our travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. We’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back — and what better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open your eyes (and arms and hearts) than contributing to a worthy purpose?
Want to step out into the world and volunteer your time? If you need cover because you want to volunteer overseas, or you’re planning a volunteer vacation, World Nomads plans may safeguard against:
We provide travel insurance cover for a range of non-manual volunteer activities involving light duties only which may include:
For all volunteering work you must wear the right gear, have the right training or be supervised appropriately, and add the activity when you purchase the travel insurance so it’s included in your policy. Some kinds of volunteering require an optional upgrade to your travel insurance cover. If you pay the optional upgrade, travel insurance coverage under your policy may also include volunteer work for manual and non-manual work such as:
Some volunteer activities may not be covered as they’re just too risky for us to cover, for example volunteer fire-fighting, panther minding or activities in places known to be unsafe or dangerous. This includes volunteer work that includes:
If you’re not sure, contact us and we’ll tell you if you’re covered.
As a global citizen contributing to good causes, we hope that you’ll act responsibly and within your limits! But just to be clear, we won’t cover any incidents related to:
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 haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you can find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
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 volunteering insurance cover. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
What's covered by travel insurance when your adventure turns into misadventure.
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Knowing your cover for accidents overseas is a critical part of planning for any adventure. Whether you’re exploring on the grid or hurtling off it, serious accidents can happen anywhere, anytime.
Yes. 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 EA team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
If you’re injured in an accident, Irish residents may be covered for emergency medical treatment overseas including:
Our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance Team can guide you to the nearest hospital, arrange medical transport, set up direct payments to the medical facility, and give support to your family.
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.
It's essential that you get in contact with our Emergency Medical Assistance Teams as soon as possible so that our teams can support you from the time you get injured until the time you get home.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
I was injured in a moped accident, in Koh Tao, Thailand. The moped turned over onto my foot and I had sprained/injured ligaments and tendons in my left foot. I was unable to walk on my foot at all. The doctor gave me a bandage in lieu of a cast, and crutches, stating that I could not bear any weight on my foot for a minimum of three weeks. I was also told to rest my foot, and could not do so while traveling. I needed to come back to the US for help getting around as well as time to heal.
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 emergency medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.