Travel Insurance Coverage for Surfing
US Residents can protect their surf trips abroad with travel insurance
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At a glance:
- Travel insurance coverage for surfers may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and damaged surfboards—whether you're surfing in Costa Rica, Europe, or beyond.
- Coverage may include surf-related injuries, like reef cuts, board collisions, and jellyfish stings.
- 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance is available if you run into trouble in or out of the water.
- Choose from four travel protection plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic, or Annual—tailored to your trip style and level of adventure.
- World Nomads plans also cover 250+ other adventure activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to zip-lining and jungle trekking.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my surf trip?
- Surfing travel insurance benefits
- Plan levels for surf trips
- What's not covered
- Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- FAQs
For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
Whether you're catching waves in Bali, tackling reef breaks in Fiji, or just learning to surf on vacation, accidents can happen. Wipeouts, board collisions, reef cuts, or even jellyfish stings can quickly turn your dream surf trip into one you’d rather forget. That’s where travel insurance can step in — helping with emergency medical costs and other unexpected events.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my surf trip?
Wave chasing is thrilling—but even the best-planned trip can run into trouble. Wipeouts, sudden illness, or flight delays can disrupt your itinerary, while gear damage or theft can leave you stranded without a board. Travel insurance may help with the costs of medical care if you’re hurt while on your trip, reimburse you for canceled plans if you need to cancel for a covered reason, and may assist with lost or damaged equipment.
Whether you're paddling out stateside or heading to remote islands in search of world-class waves, World Nomads offers plans that support your sense of adventure—backed by 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance and coverage for more than 250 sports and activities.
What travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services are offered by World Nomads for surfers?
World Nomads Travel Insurance for US residents may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the water. Plans may include:
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Emergency Medical Expenses
Broken bones or gashes from epic surfing wipeouts -
Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the beach -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Broken or damaged surfboards in transit -
Trip Cancellation
Reimbursements of pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if you’re unexpectedly too sick to go on your surf trip
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
At World Nomads Travel Insurance, we know your surf trip is about more than just riding waves. That’s why our plans include travel insurance coverage for surfers and protection for over 250 other adventure sports and experiences – from jungle hikes and scuba dives to zip-lining and snorkeling. Whether you’re chasing swells or exploring off the beach, we offer four travel protection plans with different levels of insurance coverage to suit your trip style, budget, and adventure level. Check out our (lengthy) activity list and ensure you pick the plan that covers everything you plan to do.
*All coverage is subject to plan terms and conditions. Be sure you read and understand your plan documents. Any questions, just ask!
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my surf trip?
- Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travelers and families. Includes benefit maximums up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2500 for trip cancellation. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
- Explorer Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Covers over 300 activities and offers the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit for ultimate flexibility.
- Epic Plan – Checking that big trip off your bucket list? We’re talking safaris, cruises, luxury resorts… you name it! This plan offers our highest level of coverage for trips that are truly once in a lifetime.
- Annual Plan – Weekend warriors, digital nomads, world explorers… this plan is for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year.
You can compare plans and maximum benefit amounts when you get a quote. Optional coverages come at an additional cost.
Get a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quote
What may not covered by the travel protection plan I buy for surfing internationally?
Some things we may not cover include:
- Surfing during competitions or as a professional under contract with an agreed upon salary or compensation
- Surfing under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Any damage related to the wear and tear of sports equipment.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Travel within 100 miles from your home.
Top safety tips we recommend for your surfing adventure
- Always check local conditions and surf reports
- Wear reef booties and rash guards for protection
- Know your limits — and don’t surf alone
- Use a leash and inspect your gear before hitting the waves
- Respect local surf etiquette
- Save the 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance Line on your phone and print out a copy of your travel insurance documents. If you need help in a pinch, you don’t want to be searching for who to call.
- Keep your receipts and paperwork. Any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for surfing. 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 does travel insurance for surfing cover?
Travel insurance coverage for surfing may help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, damaged or stolen surf gear, and 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance. World Nomads offers plans designed for adventure travelers, including surfers chasing waves internationally.
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Does travel insurance cover surfboard damage or loss?
World Nomads travel protection plans include baggage and personal effects benefit that could reimburse you if your surfboard is damaged or stolen while traveling. Keep receipts and incident reports to support your claim.
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Can I get reimbursed if I have to cancel my surf trip?
If your trip is canceled due to a covered reason—such as unexpected illness or injury—World Nomads’ travel insurance may reimburse you for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights and accommodation.
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Are surf competitions or professional surfing covered?
Your participation in an organized athletic or sporting competition, contest, or stunt under contract in exchange for an agreed-upon salary or compensation is excluded. This does not include athletes participating in exchange for a scholarship or tuition. Always review your plan details to understand any exclusions related to professional sports.
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What plan should I choose for a surf trip abroad?
World Nomads offers four travel protection plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic, and Annual. The right plan depends on your trip budget, destination, and planned activities. Explorer and Epic plans include higher benefit levels and coverage for more extreme activities. If you get a quote, you can compare coverages.
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Does travel insurance cover surfing injuries like reef cuts or broken bones?
Yes, if you’re hurt while surfing, World Nomads’ Accident & Sickness Medical Expense benefit may help reimburse you for doctor visits, hospital stays, or other medical treatment needed due to an accident on the water.
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What may not be covered by travel insurance for your surfing trip?
Travel insurance may not cover injuries that occur while surfing under the influence of drugs or alcohol, participating in pro competitions, or damage from regular wear and tear. It also may not cover unattended baggage or travel within 100 miles of your home.
Need destination inspiration?
Already picked your surf spot? Nice. But if you’re dreaming about your next wave—or just want to daydream between sessions—check out some of our surf stories for inspiration. You might just discover your next favorite break.
Surfing in Europe: 5 unexpected spots to explore
Where to find the best surfing on Mexico’s West Coast
Surf town hopping in Costa Rica
This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.
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
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
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
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
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
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
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 Credit
World Nomads is offering eligible travelers a travel insurance credit on unused policies due to COVID-19 travel restrictions - this is not available to residents of Brazil.
This offer is not available for residents of Brazil. For more options, please contact us.
Travel Insurance for Domestic Trips
Essential protection for Americans on domestic trips, within the USA.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
- Why do I need travel insurance for domestic travel?
- What are the benefits of domestic trip insurance?
- Exclusions of domestic travel insurance
- Benefits of World Nomads travel insurance
Maybe your next trip won’t include crossing an ocean or boarding a plane. Sometimes the best vacations are just a few hours' drive away from home. But just because you’re traveling within the United States doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk that your trip will go off course.
World Nomads domestic coverage starts from at least 100 miles away from home and provides essential protection against a wide range of mishaps you could encounter on the road.
Why do I need travel insurance for domestic travel?
It doesn’t matter if you’re on a distant continent or on a road trip just a few hours from home – you could sprain your ankle, get into a car accident, or be delayed by inclement weather just about anywhere. A good travel insurance* plan can help prevent any of these unexpected events from turning into full-blown disasters.
What are the benefits of domestic trip insurance?
Accidents and emergencies can happen on any getaway. Here are five ways domestic travel insurance could help:
- Unexpected trip cancellation: Sudden illness, jury duty or a death in the family can mean you have to cancel your trip. Domestic travel insurance may help you recover your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs for these and other covered reasons. If you’ve purchased the Explorer or Epic plan and the optional ‘Cancel for any reason’ coverage during the time sensitive period, a wider range of reasons for cancelling are covered, including simply changing your mind about going.
- Medical emergencies: Hospital bills and emergency doctor visits can really add up, especially when you need to pay out-of-pocket or use an out-of-network provider. These often-sky-high costs are a smart reason to purchase travel insurance for your domestic trip. Many times, these medical emergencies arise from an outdoor activity. Be sure to check out all the activities that are covered (World Nomads covers more than 250!).
- Trip Delay: Sometimes you can hit a bump in the road – in a literal and figurative sense. Maybe you got stuck in traffic because of an accident, or a roadway happens to be closed, and you can’t make that non-refundable activity that you were looking forward to. This benefit may reimburse meals, hotel stays and other surprise expenses you could incur as a result of a covered unforeseen reason that’s at least six consecutive hours or more.
- Protection for personal belongings: If your camping gear gets stolen or you drop your camera into the lake, you can recover the value of what you packed or get an equivalent replacement, up to a per-item and total maximum limit.
- Medical evacuation: Sometimes the best place to get medical treatment is at a hospital back home. Medical evacuation coverage may help remove the challenges of transporting you to a facility where you can get the appropriate care you need.
Exclusions of domestic travel insurance
Travel insurance doesn’t apply in every circumstance, and some things just won’t be covered. Your plan will outline the exclusions to your coverage in detail, but here are a few examples:
- Pre-existing conditions, which include any illness, disease or other medical condition that you’ve previously shown symptoms of or been treated for in the 90 days before you purchased your travel insurance. Note that you can receive a pre-existing exclusion waiver if you purchase an Explorer or Epic plan during the time-sensitive period of 7 days. If you’re healthy enough to travel when you buy your insurance plan but have a pre-existing condition that flairs up during your travels, treatment related to that pre-existing condition may now be covered with the waiver.
- Fancy vehicles: Our Explorer and Epic plans offer coverage for rental car damage, but that coverage is not designed for high-end cars or off-roading vehicles.
- Alcohol and drug-related incidents: you won’t be covered if incidents arise as a result of acting irresponsibly or if you are under any sort of intoxication or influence.
- Any losses related to participating in illegal activities.
- Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment, and musical instruments.
Benefits of World Nomads travel insurance
Along with the above, World Nomads includes the following non-insurance services in your domestic insurance policy:
- A 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team that can help with you with medical and dental referrals and more.
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery. Simply report your lost bags to this service after alerting the airline and the company will take it from there.
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Service and Portable Health Records. Licensed US doctors can prescribe you medications that you may need for the destinations where you will be traveling and they will be delivered straight to your door. Depending on your activities, you may want to consider bringing medication for altitude sickness, motion sickness and other common ailments. The Portable Health Records service is a secure solution that allows you to have immediate access to your medical records 24/7, anywhere in the world. This may be very helpful if you end up in a hospital far from home.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.
Damaged Baggage
On a flight from San Diego to Honolulu, I checked my surfboard bag, which contained three surfboards. When I went to claim my bag, I found that two of my surfboards had been broken beyond repair. Both boards were broken into two pieces and the noses were crushed. After examination, it seems as if my ultra-protective surfboard bag (packed with utmost care), was either dropped upside-down from a high place or crushed by the weight of other bags during air or ground transport.
U.S Resident in Hawaii
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
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
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
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
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
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
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 teamWhat Does Domestic Travel Insurance Cover?
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Just because your trip isn’t on a faraway continent thousands and thousands of miles away, doesn’t mean that things can’t go astray. If you’re traveling within your home country, World Nomads offers domestic travel insurance ─ though only for residents of select countries. If you’re a U.S. citizen, check out our page on Domestic Travel Insurance that sums up all the benefits.
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 teamWhat to do if you’re hurt in an accident
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As featured in:
- 1. Safety comes first
- 2. Get any reports in writing
- 3. Get it in writing
- 4. Hold on to your receipts
- 5. Need to know more?
- How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?
1. Safety comes first
If you are seriously hurt during your overseas holiday, then make sure you attend a local medical centre or hospital immediately to receive medical attention.
2. Seek medical attention
If you’re experiencing an emergency our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can advise you of the nearest medical facility if you are unsure where to go, or if you need help navigating a foreign language.
Once you’re able to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location.
Once you’ve been admitted to hospital or reviewed by a doctor in a medical centre, you’ll need to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to update them on your situation. If you are hospitalised or if your treatment expenses as an outpatient are likely to go above NZD$2,000, then our Emergency Assistance Team will liaise with the hospital on your behalf to arrange payments.
For injuries where treatment costs are not expected to exceed NZD$2000, you pay all your medical fees, and then submit all your receipts to our claims department for reimbursement.
3. Get it in writing
If you’re injured and wish to claim for your medical expenses, always remember to collect as much supporting documents as possible. Some examples of documentation that you may need to provide include:
- Treating doctor’s report stating how the injury occurred and the diagnosis.
- Hospital admission report.
- Report from the emergency medical transport service (if taken to hospital by ambulance or helicopter).
- Medical imaging reports from any scans or tests that were conducted.
- If the police attended the scene of your accident, ask them for a police report.
- Medical centre or hospital invoices showing a list of the individual costs associated with your care and treatment.
4. Hold on to your receipts
Make sure you retain all your receipts if you intend on claiming for medical expenses. This includes receipts for any pharmaceutical products that you purchased in relation to your injury. If you cannot provide receipts to substantiate your treatment expenses, then your claim may be dismissed, or any payments that you do receive might not be for the full amounts.
It’s always a good idea to keep all documentation relating to your holiday in general, not just for your accident. As well as medical receipts, make sure you keep your itinerary, correspondence from airlines or hotels regarding cancellations, as well as all hospital, police, and doctor’s reports.
5. Need to know more?
Always read your Policy Document carefully so that you will be clear about the terms and conditions, limits, exclusions, and benefits of your plan. Our Standard and Explorer plans both have different levels of cover. It’s your responsibility to know the details of your policy, including what is and what isn’t covered, in case you need to make a claim. Your Policy Document will always have the full details.
If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.
How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?
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 teamPolicy documents
Find the right policy document for your trip
Looking for your policy documents?
Our travel insurance products change over time and our level of coverage may vary depending on your country of residence.You bought a policy before?
Please login to your member portal to access all your information. If you have not signed up with us, the best way is to contact us.
Sign inYou are planning to buy?
Please get a quote to get the latest policy document specific to your country of residence.
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Contact usRelated Articles
View moreWhat to do if you fall suddenly ill
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- 1. Seek medical attention
- 2. Get any reports in writing
- 3. Retain all your receipts
- 4. Cover for some Coronavirus-related events during your holiday
- 5. Need to know more?
- How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?
1. Seek medical attention
If you suddenly feel unwell at any time during your overseas trip, go to the nearest medical centre or hospital. An emergency transport service provider can carry you to the nearest hospital if you’re in too much pain to walk or take public transport.
In case you don’t know the whereabouts of your nearest hospital or doctor’s surgery, you can call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who will direct you where to go. You’ll need to tell them your policy number, what seems to be wrong with you and your current location.
After being examined by a hospital or medical centre doctor, call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team again to update them on your situation. If you’re admitted to hospital, our Emergency Assistance Team will correspond with the Admissions Department regarding payments and care arrangements.
2. Get any reports in writing
You will need to provide copies of all reports in relation to your illness. Cover is only provided for illnesses that happen during your trip and not for any existing medical conditions. We may request a report on your medical history from your General Practitioner in New Zealand if we require further information. Types of reports you’ll need to obtain include:
- Emergency medical transport report (if taken to hospital by ambulance or helicopter).
- Treating doctor’s report stating the date you fell ill, the diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the causation of your illness.
- Hospital admission report stating the dates you were admitted and discharged from hospital.
- Other medical reports such as lab reports, specialist’s reports and public health emails confirming a Coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis.
- Any correspondence from airline, hotel or railway firms confirming cancellations of any accommodation or journeys that you had paid for.
3. Retain all your receipts
If you wish to claim for any expenses you incurred because of falling ill on your overseas holiday, then you’ll need to be able to provide your receipts. While it’s always necessary to keep receipts for your medical expenses, make sure that you keep any other receipts from your holiday as well. Receipts for hotel stays, flights and even dining receipts (if you experienced food poisoning) may be required to substantiate your claim. Examples of receipts that you should keep include:
- All hospital and doctor’s receipts
- Receipts for pharmaceutical products that you may have purchased
- Pathology receipts
- Hotel, airline, railway, bus company and/or restaurant receipts
4. Cover for some Coronavirus-related events during your holiday
If you or one of your travelling partners contracts COVID-19 at any time during your holiday, and you need to cancel your travel plans, then you may be able to claim for any non-refundable expenses that you had incurred. Your Explorer Plan cover must already be in effect (having already passed your 72-hour waiting period), at the time that you or one of your companions caught COVID-19.
To support your claim, you’ll need to obtain a treating doctor’s report or medical certificate stating the Coronavirus diagnosis. Other documents that you’ll need to provide include pathology reports or official health statements indicating a positive COVID-19 result for you or anyone in your travelling party. Any claims for non-refundable expenses will need to be supported by copies of your receipts.
Please note: Coronavirus cover varies between plans.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details including terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions.
5. Need to know more?
This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Document will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.
If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.
How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?
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 teamWhat to do if your passport is stolen
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If your passport is stolen while you’re on your trip, follow this guide on what to do next. Rest assured knowing that our policies may help cover your extra costs while you arrange an emergency replacement passport.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Report the incident immediately
Report the incident to the relevant authorities and make sure you get a report from them. Relevant authorities may include:
- The local police.
- The nearest New Zealand embassy, High Commission or consulate (the New Zealand Government may also accept online notifications).
- For visas and passports from other countries – contact the relevant embassy.
- Any other relevant parties, such as the airline, hotel or tour operator.
Important: For some countries, it may be an offence not to report the loss or theft or your passport as soon as you learn of the loss. It may also affect your travel insurance cover if you don't report it immediately. Contact us if you need help.
2. Arrange a replacement or emergency passport
Check the process to apply for an emergency or replacement passport with the nearest New Zealand embassy. To organise a replacement, you may need:
- a passport photo,
- ID (driver's license or expired passport),
- evidence of citizenship (photo of your missing passport),
- your e-tickets or itinerary,
- You may also need a police report.
If you need to travel to a different location to apply in person or collect your emergency passport, you should arrange to do this.
3. Rearrange or cancel any affected travel arrangements
As soon as you know that any of your travel plans are going to be affected, contact any accommodation, tour, transport and other providers to rearrange or cancel any plans you may have.
Make sure you get confirmation from them in writing of the changes or cancellation and keep receipts and details of any refunds or extra fees paid.
4. Keep your receipts
You'll need to keep all official reports you were given and all original receipts as evidence to support a claim on your travel insurance policy, including your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected transport, accommodation and additional expenses.
In the event of a claim, provide all your supporting documentation such as receipts.
5. Will my travel insurance cover the cost of replacing my passport?
Our policies may cover you for the official processing fees to replace your passport if it got lost stolen or was accidentally damaged.
If your trip is interrupted as a result of your passport being stolen, if it got lost, stolen or was accidentally damaged, we may cover you for reasonable and necessary additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred to replace these items. You can find more information in the Policy Document.
6.Need to know more?
If you have any questions about what's covered and not covered, feel free to contact us.
7. Passport-safe tips
- Always keep a copy of your passport in some form – whether that’s a photocopy or a photo on your device(s). Play it safe and have copies in multiple forms.
- Travel with some spare passport-sized photos just in case
- Lock up your passport when you’re not using it
- Emergency passports do not permanently replace your passport. They can be issued quickly with limited validity so you can return home or continue with your trip.
This is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please carefully read your Policy Document for a full description of coverage. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
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 teamWhat to do if your luggage is delayed
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- 1. Report the delay to your carrier immediately
- 2. Obtain receipts for any purchases
- 3. Obtain a final report
- 4. Need to know more?
- Does my insurance cover my tech
1. Report the delay to your carrier immediately
Once you realise that your baggage has been delayed, speak with a representative from your carrier (usually your airline) to report the delay. Ask them for a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or another official document. The report should state the reason for the delay as well as the date and time that your luggage is estimated to arrive.
Ask the carrier for some financial assistance to help you buy some everyday items such as toothpaste, deodorant, or new underwear while you wait for your bags. If they refuse your request, then ask them to put the reason for their denial in writing to you. You must include this letter or report with your other documentation when submitting your claim for essential items.
2. Obtain receipts for any purchases
If you need to buy a few essentials to make life more comfortable until your bags arrive, then you’ll need to keep copies of your receipts should you wish to claim for these expenses.
Cover for essential items is only offered to travellers whose luggage is delayed for at least 12 hours after their scheduled arrival. If your luggage is returned to you within 12 hours of arriving, you cannot claim for essential items.
Therefore, only receipts showing a date and time which is at least 12 hours after your scheduled arrival, and before the delivery time of your luggage, will be covered.
3. Obtain a final report
After you get your bags, ask your carrier for a report stating the reason for the delay, the length of the delay, as well as the date and time the luggage was returned to you.
A few points to consider if you wish to claim for essential items
Before you rush out to your favourite designer’s shop to buy this season’s must-haves, please remember that only reasonably necessary items may be covered under our policies. Some examples could include toiletries, prescription medications or new underwear.
These are items to help you stay clean, fresh, and comfortable until your baggage is returned to you.
There is no cover for essential items if your luggage is delayed on your return home to New Zealand.
Both our Standard and Explorer plans have different daily limits of cover. Please read through your Policy Document to make sure you’re aware of the limits, benefits and exclusions that relate to your policy.
4. Need to know more?
This information could help you if things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Document will always have the full terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions that apply.
If you have questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.
Does my insurance cover my tech
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 teamWhat to do if you must cancel your trip due to illness or injury
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- 1. Rearrange or cancel your bookings straight away
- 2. Provide all written documents
- 3. Don’t forget your receipts
- 4. Cover for some COVID-19-related events
- 5. Need to know more?
- What does my travel insurance cover?
1. Rearrange or cancel your bookings straight away
If you’re injured or get ill during your overseas holiday, ask your treating doctor to give you a report or medical certificate stating your diagnosis and period that you will be unfit for travel. Then contact the airlines and hotels with whom you have bookings as soon as reasonably possible. Try to make alternative arrangements for when you’ll be fit to resume your holiday.
If your doctor believes there is no option but to cancel your holiday and return home, then you may be covered for any of your previously paid, non-refundable expenses. However, if you are only unfit for a brief period, then your expenses may only be covered for the time stated on your medical certificate, not for the remainder of your holiday.
Don’t leave it to the last minute to cancel or rearrange your hotel or airline bookings as this may lead to additional costs. If you delay notifying these organisations, then your claim for expenses may not be approved.
Any cover offered for accommodation and flights will only be made up to the maximum benefit limits stated in your Policy Document. That’s why it’s important to read through your policy so that you know the applicable terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions.
2. Provide all written documents
To submit a claim for expenses, you’ll need to submit all the medical reports related to your illness or injury, as well as general correspondence regarding your cancellations. Examples of reports you’ll need to provide include:
- The treating doctor’s report or medical certificate must state the diagnosis, date of injury or when you first noticed the symptoms of your illness, and period that you’ll be unfit to travel.
- The specialist’s report and other medical reports including any medical imaging and pathology reports.
- A hospital admission report confirming the dates that you were admitted and discharged.
- Emergency medical transport reports if you were taken to hospital by an ambulance or helicopter.
- Police report (if the police were called to the scene of your accident).
- Emails or letters from hotels or airlines regarding your cancellations.
- Your itinerary.
3. Don’t forget your receipts
If you cannot provide receipts for your accommodation, flights, and treatment expenses, then your claim may be dismissed, or any payment that you do receive might only be for a minimal amount. Types of receipts that you’ll need to provide include the following:
- Receipts for doctor’s consultations, hospital stays, medical imaging tests, and consultations with any allied health providers.
- Pharmaceutical products.
- Accommodation, flights, train, or bus journeys.
4. Cover for some COVID-19-related events
If you or one of your travelling companions’ contracts Coronavirus (COVID-19) during your overseas holiday, and have to cancel the rest of your trip, then your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses may be covered if you have selected the Explorer Plan.
You’ll need to ask your treating doctor for a report stating the diagnosis of COVID-19, as well as a pathology report or public health statement indicating a positive COVID-19 result.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 within the 72-hour waiting period after being issued with your Certificate of Insurance, then your non-refundable travel expenses may not be covered.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details including terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions. Please note: COVID-19 cover varies between plans.
5. Need to know more?
This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Document will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.
If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.
What does my travel insurance cover?
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 team