How may the Coronavirus impact your travel plans?

New cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to be diagnosed around the world. If you are planning on traveling overseas, please be aware that many countries are restricting or banning travel.

• I’m concerned about how Coronavirus may affect my travel plans. What do I do?
• Experiencing a medical emergency?
• What to do if there are cases of COVID-19 in countries that you’re traveling in
• Am I covered if my next trip is affected by COVID-19?
• Things to look out for when purchasing travel insurance:

If you are planning on traveling or transiting through any countries internationally, please check any travel advices issued by your Country of Residence and monitor the situation through local and international media as it may affect your travel insurance policy.

Helpful links:

• US Department of State Advice
• UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office
• Irish Department of Foreign Affairs
• Government of Canada
• Health Canada
• Australian Government Smart Traveller
• NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

You can also read more about how COVID-19 might affect your travel insurance policy in our Recent Events update (Select your Country of Residence) on COVID-19, or our latest safety information on it.   

You can also read more about how COVID-19 might affect your travel insurance policy in our Recent Events update (Select your Country of Residence) on COVID-19, or our latest safety information on it.

I’m concerned about how Coronavirus may affect my travel plans. What do I do?

• Contact your airline, cruise or tour operator to check if tourist services are affected or if you need to change your travel arrangements. Always contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
• Refer to your policy wording for more detail or contact our Customer Service Centre to discuss your plans before making any changes. All policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.
• Ill with COVID just before traveling? Unsure if you are covered for trip cancellation because of COVID? Contact us as soon as possible. Our Explorer Plan offers cover for some coronavirus related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs. Cover depends on your Country of Residence, and which plan you’ve selected.
• In the event of a claim covered by your policy, you must do everything you can to minimize and reduce the cost of the claim and provide all supporting documentation of the event and expenses incurred. If you intend to submit a claim, please complete the claim form and if you need help doing this, contact us.

Experiencing a medical emergency?

If you're experiencing a medical emergency and need medical help, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who can help direct you to medical help, and if necessary, work with local authorities to repatriate you home, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.

When you call, please have ready:

• Your policy number
• A contact number and traveling companion details for where you are now
• The nature of your problem
• Your location

What to do if there are cases of COVID-19 in countries that you’re traveling in

• Get an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
• Organise any documentation your destination needs, such as COVID-19 entry declarations.
• If your destination or airline needs evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result, book a COVID-19 test. Make sure to check the test types accepted and timeframes they need the test done within, and plan ahead.
• All travelers should follow local authorities’ advice, check COVID -19 travel alerts, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) advice and keep updated via local media and reports on what is happening.
• We recommend that you avoid all high-risk areas where there are large crowds of people and in particular avoid farms, live animal and seafood markets, and areas where animals are slaughtered, including avoiding contact with animal secretions or droppings.
• Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Consider purchasing a face mask for your travel as it may help reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Contact your airline or travel company for information about changes to flight services.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact us.

Am I covered if my next trip is affected by COVID-19?

The level of coverage you’ll have for any Coronavirus related events under our Standard and Explorer plans will depend on your Country of Residence. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas, your benefits may include:

• 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance Team, who can help you access local medical care.
• Medical costs including hospitalization.
• Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.

Some of our Explorer plans also offer coverage for some additional Coronavirus-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers.

To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.

Note: don't forget to read the policy wording when you hit the quote button as all plans are different – don't just assume you are covered in every situation, as terms and conditions, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply.

Things to look out for when purchasing travel insurance:

• Make sure you correctly choose the right trip dates, age limit, and level of cover.
• Ensure all your destinations are covered.
• Make sure you understand what a pre-existing medical condition is under our policy.
• Some activities and sports may require extra level of cover or may not be covered.
• Make sure you clearly understand the benefit limits and the excess as per the level of cover you’ve selected.
• Understand that there will be General Exclusions in your cover for which you won’t be covered under any circumstances.
• Make copies of travel documents and keep receipts in case you need to make a claim.

Need more info?

For more information on planning ahead and safeguarding your trip against Coronavirus check out the following articles:

• Travel tips for the COVID-19 era
• How the COVID-19 vaccine could impact your travel plans
• Tourist Visas
• Our latest worldwide Travel Alerts

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 200 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Protecting your gadgets is an important part of travel, taking your gadgets on the road is just as common and essential as packing an extra pair of socks. That's why our travel insurance plans have been designed for digital nomads.

Double check the specific terms and conditions of your policy as there may be limits to what you can claim depending on the premium you have paid and what happens to your equipment while on the road.

• Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?
• How are my electronics covered?
• Countries offering digital Nomad visas to travelers globally
• Does my travel insurance cover my tech?
• What's not covered by travel insurance?
• FAQs for digital nomads

Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?

Travel insurance may not always be required, but when that illness, injury, baggage delay or trip interruption occurs, and you’re left out in the cold in a foreign country it could come in very handy. World Nomads may offer travel insurance for several events, some of these include:

• Hospitalization due to a severe injury or illness
• A flight is delayed or canceled.
• If your bags and valuables are delayed, stolen or damaged.
• When you urgently need 24-hour Emergency Assistance.
• If you’re planning to be active and doing outdoor adventures (we offer over 200+ activities, sports and experiences).
• If you need cover for a multi-destination trip.
• If you’re travelling with family and need cover for dependants.
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

How are my electronics covered?

World Nomads may be able to replace, repair or recover the costs of your tech devices when stolen, lost or damaged under your supervision, in certain circumstances. Benefits are available only after exhausting other sources of compensation, such as from your common carrier (this can be a public airline, bus or train company licensed to carry passengers for a fee, excluding taxis and rental vehicle companies, and operating to regular public schedules/timetables).

Remember, depreciation and wear and tear on your gear are taken into account when we review your claim, and claims are subject to per item limit and total maximum benefit amount, which can be found in your policy wording.

In the event that your equipment is delayed, lost and/or accidentally damaged by a common carrier, you must report the incident as soon as reasonably possible to a responsible officer for the carrier.

You must also get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or a similar official report and make a claim directly with the carrier as a first step.

Get a travel insurance quote from World Nomads today.

Countries that offer digital Nomad visas to travelers globally

• Portugal – Digital Nomad Visa
• Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa
• Croatia – Digital Nomad Temporary Stay Visa
• Germany – Freelance "Freiberufler" Visa
• Spain – Digital Nomad Visa (part of the Startup Act)
• Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa
• Costa Rica – Rentista Visa
• Iceland – Long-Term Remote Work Visa
• Barbados – Welcome Stamp Program
• Dubai (UAE) – Virtual Working Program
• Malta – Nomad Residence Permit
• Georgia – Remotely from Georgia Program
• Greece – Digital Nomad Visa
• Mauritius – Premium Travel Visa
• Norway – Independent Contractor Visa
• Czech Republic – Zivno Visa
• Hungary – White Card Visa
• Romania – Digital Nomad Visa
• Bermuda – Work from Bermuda Certificate
• Anguilla – Work from Anguilla Program

For more information on digital nomad visas please refer to the visa guide website.

Does my insurance cover my tech?

Watch the video to learn how our travel policy can provide cover for all of your tech gear during your travels.

What's not covered by travel insurance?

• When you mindlessly leave your gear behind (like that time when you forgot your very expensive camera and lenses in a taxi on your way to the airport).
• Whenever you leave items (including tablets, laptops, photographic or video equipment, mobile phones and other hand-held devices) unattended, including in a car, boat, tent or camper trailer or checked in with your common carrier.
• Gear or equipment that you use for professional purposes.
• Electronic malfunctions (you'll have to hit up the manufacturer).
• When you fail to file a loss or theft report with the local authorities or the representative of the venue where it took place, such as a common carrier, tour operator or other travel provider.

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply so please read your policy carefully.

If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.

New Zealanders are taking advantage of digital nomad visas to explore new countries while working remotely. Whether you're headed to Bali, Portugal, or Mexico, it’s essential to consider the right travel insurance to keep you covered on your international adventure.

World Nomads offers flexible travel insurance plans designed to protect New Zealanders working overseas. With coverage for unexpected situations like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and stolen devices, you can focus on your work and exploring.

Both our Standard Plan and Explorer Plan are designed to protect your tech gear when you’re on the road.

Always take some time out to double check the specific terms and conditions of your policy as there may be limits to what you can claim depending on the premium that you have paid and what happens to your equipment while on the road.

• Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?
• How are my electronics covered?
• Does my travel insurance cover my tech?
• What's not covered by travel insurance?
• Countries offering digital Nomad visas to New Zealanders
• FAQs for digital nomads

Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?

Working overseas under a digital nomad visa offers incredible freedom, but it also comes with risks. From lost luggage to unexpected health issues, travel insurance can offer cover when things don’t go to plan. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or running your own business from a beachside café, World Nomads travel insurance can offer key benefits like:

• Medical emergencies: Access to medical evacuation and hospital coverage if you fall ill or get injured.
• Bags and valuables: We offer cover for your valuables and bags in case they are stolen, damaged or go missing while in transit.
• Trip cancellation: If your plans change unexpectedly due to a family emergency or illness, cancellation cover can help recover some of your costs.
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Access to worldwide support whenever and wherever you need it.
• And many more!

How are my electronics covered?

World Nomads may be able to replace, repair or recover the costs of your tech devices when stolen, lost or damaged under your supervision, in certain circumstances. Benefits are available only after exhausting other sources of compensation, such as from your common carrier (this can be a public airline, bus or train company licensed to carry passengers for a fee, excluding taxis and rental vehicle companies, and operating to regular public schedules/timetables).

Remember, depreciation and wear and tear on your gear are considered when we review your claim, and claims are subject to per item limit and a total maximum benefit amount, which can be found in your Policy Document.

In the event that your equipment is delayed, lost and/or accidentally damaged by a common carrier, you must report the incident as soon as reasonably possible to a responsible officer for the carrier.

You must also get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or a similar official report and make a claim directly with the carrier as a first step.

Does my travel insurance cover my tech?

Watch the video to learn how our travel policy can provide cover for all of your tech gear during your travels.

What's not covered by travel insurance?

• When you mindlessly leave your gear behind (like that time when you forgot your very expensive camera and lenses in a taxi on your way to the airport).
• Whenever you leave items (including tablets, laptops, photographic or video equipment, mobile phones and other hand-held devices) unattended, including in a car, boat, tent or camper trailer or checked in with your common carrier.
• Gear or equipment that you use for professional purposes.
• Electronic malfunctions (you'll have to hit up the manufacturer).
• When you fail to file a loss or theft report with the local authorities or the representative of the venue where it took place, such as a common carrier, tour operator or other travel provider.

Get a travel insurance quote from World Nomads today.

Countries offering digital nomad visas to New Zealanders

• Portugal – Digital Nomad Visa
• Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa
• Croatia – Digital Nomad Temporary Stay Visa
• Germany – Freelance "Freiberufler" Visa
• Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa
• Spain – Digital Nomad Visa (part of the Startup Act)
• Costa Rica – Rentista Visa
• Iceland – Long-Term Remote Work Visa
• Barbados – Welcome Stamp Program
• Czech Republic – Zivno Visa
• Georgia – Remotely from Georgia Program
• Malta – Nomad Residence Permit
• Greece – Digital Nomad Visa
• Dubai (UAE) – Virtual Working Program
• Mauritius – Premium Travel Visa

For more information on digital nomad visas please refer to the visa guide website.

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.

Working remotely as a digital nomad means the world is your office. That means after spending an hour on your laptop, you can go on an African safari or a trek in the Alps.

World Nomads offers flexible travel insurance plans designed to protect Australians working overseas. With coverage for unexpected situations like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and stolen devices, you can focus on your work and keep exploring after hours.

Both our Standard Plan and Explorer Plan are designed to protect your tech gear when you’re on the road.

Double check the specific terms and conditions of your policy as there may be limits to what you can claim, depending on the premium that you have paid and what happens to your equipment while on the road.

• Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?
• How are my electronics covered?
• Does my travel insurance cover my tech?
• What's not covered by travel insurance?
• Countries offering digital Nomad visas to Australians
• FAQs for digital nomads

Why travel insurance is important for digital nomads?

Working overseas under a digital nomad visa offers incredible freedom, but it also comes with risks. From lost luggage to unexpected health issues, travel insurance may offer cover when things don’t go to plan. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or running your own business from a beachside café, World Nomads travel insurance may offer key benefits like:

• Medical emergencies: Access to medical evacuation and hospital coverage if you fall ill or get injured overseas.
• Bags and valuables: We offer cover for your valuables and bags in case they are stolen, damaged or go missing while in transit.
• Trip cancellation: If your plans change unexpectedly due to a family emergency or illness, cancellation cover can help recover some of your costs.
• 24/7 emergency assistance: Access to worldwide support whenever and wherever you need it.

How are my electronics covered?

World Nomads may be able to replace, repair or recover the costs of your tech devices when stolen, lost or damaged under your supervision, in certain circumstances. Benefits are available only after exhausting other sources of compensation, such as from your common carrier (this can be a public airline, bus or train company licensed to carry passengers for a fee, excluding taxis and rental vehicle companies, and operating to regular public schedules/timetables).

Remember, depreciation and wear and tear on your gear are considered when we review your claim, and claims are subject to per item limit and a total maximum benefit amount, which can be found in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

In the event that your equipment is delayed, lost and/or accidentally damaged by a common carrier, you must report the incident as soon as reasonably possible to a responsible officer for the carrier.

You must also get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or a similar official report and make a claim directly with the carrier as a first step.

Does my travel insurance cover my tech?

Watch the video to learn how our travel policy can provide cover for all of your tech gear during your travels.

What's not covered by travel insurance?

• When you mindlessly leave your gear behind (like that time when you forgot your very expensive camera and lenses in a taxi on your way to the airport).
• Whenever you leave items (including tablets, laptops, photographic or video equipment, mobile phones and other hand-held devices) unattended, including in a car, boat, tent or camper trailer or checked in with your common carrier.
• Gear or equipment that you use for professional purposes.
• Electronic malfunctions (you'll have to hit up the manufacturer).
• When you fail to file a loss or theft report with the local authorities or the representative of the venue where it took place, such as a common carrier, tour operator or other travel provider.

Get a travel insurance quote from World Nomads today.

Countries offering digital nomad visas to Australians

• Portugal
• Estonia
• Croatia
• Mexico
• Spain
• Costa Rica
• Germany
• Iceland
• Barbados
• Czech Republic

For more information on digital nomad visas please refer to the visa guide website.

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply so please read your PDS carefully.

If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.

Just you and the open road, the basics on your back, the world at your feet. Backpacking is a rite of passage for many nomads seeking maximum experience for minimum expense. Freedom and flexibility are key and we’re here to help with our policies created by travelers, for travelers just like you.

You might be setting out to find your crew or yourself, to connect with a destination or hit the dance floor. Whatever creature comforts you can do without, travel insurance should be considered.

• Why should I consider insurance when backpacking?
• What’s covered when backpacking?
• What’s not covered?
• Top tips for backpacking nomads

Our policies can help global backpackers

Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve chosen our policies offer flexible options for your backpacking adventures including:

• Flexible cover for long-term adventures: World Nomads policies may offer coverage for up to a year. And in some instances - depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve chosen - you may also extend your policy or buy travel insurance while abroad for another 12 months . Please note that waiting periods or time excess may apply, even if you don’t have a return ticket.
• Backpacking means adventure! Our policies may cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences so you can adventure with confidence.
• Want to work or give back? Our policies may offer cover for different types of work, working holidays and volunteering, including for digital nomads.

You can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling.

Choosing the right policy for you

World Nomads travel insurance may help if:

• You’re injured and need medical transport or evacuation home.
• You want cover for your bags and valuables in case they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
• You need to cancel your trip, or your trip is unexpectedly delayed.
• You’ve already left home and need to buy travel insurance.
• You want cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
• You need cover for overseas medical expenses and hospitalization costs.
• You’re looking for cover for adventure sports, activities, and experiences.

Your coverage will vary according to your Country of Residence and whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer plan. Read your policy for details on cover, maximum benefit limits, exclusions and conditions of your coverage.

Why should I consider insurance when backpacking?

If your backpacking travels take you on the wrong kind of adventure – such as a sudden illness or injury, a natural disaster, stolen or lost belongings, or an emergency – travel insurance may be able to help you with expenses, so you’re not left with a huge bill.

What’s covered when backpacking?

Depending on the plan you choose and your Country of Residence, some of the key benefits on our policies include cover (up to policy limits) for:

Unexpected medical emergencies

Your health and safety are a priority when you’re backpacking around the world. That's why our plans offer cover for emergency medical expenses if you fall ill, get into an accident or get hurt on your travels. Please note that terms and conditions, benefit limits, and exclusions apply

Being avid backpackers ourselves, we know that your adventure may take you far from medical help, and if you need emergency evacuation our policies may also cover you.

24/7 emergency assistance

If something goes wrong in an unfamiliar place, it can be overwhelming. With World Nomads you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team. Whether you need help finding a doctor for Bali Belly, if you come off your bicycle touring the countryside or if your gear is stolen, our Emergency Assistance team can help with emergencies in most parts of the world where you may be traveling.

Adventure ‘till you drop!

Our policies are designed to allow for maximum adventure, whatever your budget. Depending on the plan you choose and your Country of Residence, you could be covered for more than 150 sports, activities and adventures including:

• Scooter and motorbike riding
• Bungee jumping
• Hiking
• Scuba diving
• Snowboarding
• Skydiving

It’s important to remember that not all activities, sports, and experiences are covered under every plan. You may have to upgrade the policy and sporting level to receive the cover you require for the activities you plan to do. Some activities may have special terms and some activities may not be covered at all. If you’re not sure whether your activity is covered, contact us.

Trip interruptions and delay

Don’t let an unexpected incident unravel your backpacking trip - our trip interruption coverage can help salvage pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve had to forfeit if a covered event has disrupts your plans.

Our policies may also cover you if you experience a delay by making sure you have the essentials to be comfortable such as meals, toiletries and even accommodation. Check your policy for any conditions you need to meet: your delay might need to be a certain number of hours or be caused by a covered reason.

Stolen or lost baggage

When everything you have with you is on your back, it can be confronting if your gear is stolen, or your travel carrier loses your only possessions. With our travel insurance policies, you may be able make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions apply so be sure to check the policy wording.

Note: Keep in mind that benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions apply depending on your Country of Residence, so be sure to read your policy wording carefully. If you have any questions about your cover, contact us.

What’s not covered

While there are several things we can offer coverage for, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:

• Any pre-existing medical conditions
• Any items lost, stolen or damaged that are unsupervised or unattended.
• If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.
• Going against local authority warnings by entering closed or restricted areas or places or putting yourself in an unsafe or dangerous situation.
• If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
• Any remote search or rescue operations to remove you from a life-threatening situation (unless covered by natural catastrophe).

• Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies.
• Certain items such as cash, credit cards and sports equipment damaged while in use
• Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Top tips for backpacking nomads

• Keep an eye on your gear and belongings. When everything you have is on your back you could be a target for thieves.
• The cheapest option isn’t always the best choice. Be savvy about things like safety in your activities, transport and accommodation options.
• Keep digital copies of your important documents like passport, visas and insurance certificates.

When you buy a World Nomads travel insurance policy, your coverage has been crafted by passionate travelers who have lugged backpacks, battled bedbugs and waited in line for the restroom too. For trip ideas and tips, check out our article on backpacking dos and dont's and heaps more.

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.