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Simple and Flexible Travel Insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
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We are World Nomads
Travel insurance, inspiration and opportunities to help you fuel your curiosity, find your journey and travel bravely.
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Digital Nomads Travel Insurance Benefits
US Residents can get coverage for medical emergencies and unexpected incidents while on a trip
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers plans that include travel insurance benefits for digital nomads
- The baggage and personal effects benefit may help cover lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal gear (including personal cameras* and laptops)
- Accident and Sickness Medical Expense coverage may help assist with medical costs and the Medical Evacuation Benefit provides coverage for transport to a suitable medical facility when adequate treatment is not available in the immediate area if your condition is acute, severe or life threatening
- If your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted for a covered reason, you may be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable costs that could include tours, accommodations, and transportation
- Why should digital nomads consider travel insurance coverage?
- What May Be Covered for Digital Nomads
- Important to Know
- Trip Length Maximums
- Tips for Making a Claim
- Our Recommended Tips for Being a Digital Nomad
- FAQs
Why should digital nomads consider travel insurance coverage?
The 9-5 grind of work isn’t so bad if you have your toes in the sand and a fruity drink by your side. These days, you can work from just about anywhere in the world with a strong WiFi connection. For good reason, an increasing amount of people are becoming digital nomads.
If you’re thinking about jumping on this trend, you may want to consider what happens if something unexpected occurs while you’re traveling. Our nomads have had broken legs, family emergencies back home that cut their trip short, and stolen iPhones. Because of all of the what-ifs that can happen while you’re away from home, you may want to consider getting a quote for a single-trip or annual travel protection plan that includes travel insurance benefits for digital nomads.
What May Be Covered for Digital Nomads
- Emergency medical expenses
- More than 250 adventure sports and activities
- Canceled, delayed, and interrupted trips
- Lost, damaged, or stolen bags (including personal laptops and cameras*)
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Important to Know
- Your trips must be at least 100 miles away from home
- Routine healthcare is not covered
- Equipment that is owned by someone other than yourself or used for professional purposes may not be covered
Trip Length Maximums
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 days Get a quote |
180 days Get a quote |
180 days Get a quote |
45 days per trip Get a quote |
Tips for Making a Claim
- If something happens, you can make a claim online, but you must notify us within 20 days of any losses and submit required documentation within 90 days after the date of loss.
- Scan receipts and/or take photos of your belongings before you depart on your trip. If you need to make a claim for lost, stolen or damaged bags or gear, you’ll need proof that you own the items you are claiming for.
- Remember that travel insurance is considered secondary, or excess. This means that in most cases, you must first try to seek compensation from other sources, such as your airline if they’re responsible for losing your bag.
- If you experience a travel delay or cancellation by your airline, you must first try to get the issue resolved with them directly. You must get the reason for the cancellation or delay in writing, and seek compensation from them first.
- If your baggage is stolen, make sure you file a police report. You’ll need that if you make a claim for your travel insurance benefits.
- Gather any other documentation that may be related to your claim (i.e. new flight itinerary, doctor’s notes etc.). You’ll need to submit the documentation, including proof of loss as soon as possible or within 90 days after the date of the loss.
Our Recommended Tips for Being a Digital Nomad
It's never been easier to unplug and take off now that you can work remotely, and recent data** indicates there are more than 40 million digital nomads across the world. Interestingly, almost half of those are residents of the United States (U.S.). If you’re planning to become a digital nomad yourself, here are a few of our personal tips that will help you work productively from anywhere in the world.
- Check to see if there’s reliable Wi-Fi where you’re traveling. It’s better to ask questions in advance before you’ve traveled to your destination and then see that there’s a problem.
- Take advantage of the pre-departure medical consultation included in your non-insurance services and see if there are any vaccinations or prescription medications, like altitude sickness pills, recommended for your destination.
- Check with the U.S. Department of State to see if they have issued any travel advisories for your destination.
- Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay updated on emergency situations while you’re abroad.
- Have a copy of your plan documents for digital nomads saved in your phone. Save the phone number for the 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance team and have that easily accessible as well.
- Make time for work and play. The whole point of being a digital nomad is to be able to experience a new place, so plan out some time to enjoy your destination. There are over 250 adventure sports and activities that may be included in World Nomads Travel Insurance plans, so get out and have a little fun.
- For more tips on becoming a digital nomad, you may also want to check out the World Nomads Podcast: Saying Goodbye to the Office.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for digital nomads. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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What is included in travel insurance benefits for digital nomads?
World Nomads Travel Insurance may assist with a variety of unanticipated situations that digital nomads may face while traveling. Some of the travel insurance benefits for digital nomads include:
- Emergency medical expenses
- More than 250 adventure sports and activities
- Canceled, delayed, and interrupted trips
- Lost, damaged, or stolen bags (including personal laptops and cameras*)
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Maximum benefits vary by plan, and if you have questions about what’s covered, you can contact us.
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Which plan might you want to consider if you are a digital nomad?
World Nomads Travel Insurance has three single-trip plans, as well as an annual protection plan. The Annual Plan allows you to purchase travel protection once for the year and be covered on almost all the trips you take that are over 100 miles from your home - even those that are here in the US. The maximum trip length is 45 days. If you know you’ll be the type of digital nomad who is traveling a lot throughout the year, this may be one to look at closely when you’re doing your travel plan comparison. When you get a quote, you can compare the plans side-by-side and determine which plan has the best benefits for your needs.
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Will my travel insurance benefits cover my laptop and other electronics?
Our plans are designed to provide coverage for your baggage and personal effects, including electronic devices and personal computers. While our plans may provide coverage for your personal electronics that you own and take with you on your trip, we may not cover your professional gear that is owned by someone other than yourself or used for professional purposes.
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Is medical care covered when I’m working remotely in another country?
World Nomads plans include emergency accident & sickness medical expense insurance coverage in the event you suffer a medical emergency while on your trip. Travel insurance may not pay for everyday or preventative care or routine check-ups. If you have an unexpected medical emergency though, World Nomads Travel Insurance may help with things such as hospital stays, prescription medications, and x-rays (could be subject to approval, refer to your plan document for full details)
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What should I do if I have a medical emergency while traveling abroad?
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call the local emergency authorities first to receive immediate assistance. If you’ve purchased a World Nomads plan that includes digital nomads travel insurance benefits, contact the 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance Team as soon as you can. They’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
You’ll want to have this information handy when you call:
- Your policy number
- A contact number where you can be reached
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
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Can I purchase a plan after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan that includes travel insurance benefits for digital nomads online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Insurance for U.S. residents takes effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage, you’ll need to buy your insurance at least the day before you need coverage.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac 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)
Compare Travel Insurance.
Find the best travel insurance for your trip.
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Taking the time to compare travel insurance policies can be the difference between making sure you get help when you need it most… or being left uncovered. That’s why World Nomads has made comparing our travel insurance simple, so you can see at a glance what is and isn’t covered.
Getting it wrong can mean not being able to replace your lost baggage, or shelling out for ski hire when yours fails to arrive off the luggage conveyer belt.
How do I compare travel insurance policies?
You must make sure the policy you select will adequately cover you, so we suggest the best starting point is determining:
- What you are planning on doing
- Where you are going
- How long you’ll be gone for
Once you’ve done that, the next step is to consider the level of cover you’ll need and what you’ll need coverage for. To help you, the claims we most often see are:
- Overseas medical
- Baggage
- Cancellation
The other must have is 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance so no matter where you are or what time it is, there’s someone just a phone call away waiting to help you and your family.
Which travel insurance policy do I need?
To compare travel insurance policies just enter a few details online about yourself and you'll be able to compare our Standard and Explorer options, their benefits, and how much you’re covered for.
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 you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
Pulmonary Embolism.
Just wanted to say thank you to this wonderful insurance company. When my husband notified the company that I had suffered a life threatening pulmonary embolism, World Nomads took care of everything. They contacted the hospital immediately and checked on my situation, A wonderful nurse called me everyday, speaking to doctors and making sure I understood what had happened and the course of my treatment. I would recommend World Nomads to every traveler. We are still travelling and until we return home will continue to insure with them.
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 teamCompare travel insurance
Find the travel insurance plan that suits you on your next trip
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Taking the time to compare travel insurance policies can be the difference between making sure you get help when you need it most… or being left uncovered. That’s why World Nomads has made comparing our travel insurance simple, so you can see at a glance what is and isn’t covered.
Getting it wrong can mean not being able to replace your lost baggage, or shelling out for ski hire when yours ski gear fails to arrive off the luggage conveyer belt.
How do I compare travel insurance policies?
You must make sure the policy you select will adequately cover you, so we suggest the best starting point is determining:
- What you are planning on doing
- Where you are going
- How long you’ll be gone for
Once you’ve done that, the next step is to consider the level of cover you’ll need and what you’ll need coverage for. To help you, the claims we most often see are:
- Overseas medical
- Baggage
- Cancellation
We believe the other must have is 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance so no matter where you are or what time it is, there’s someone just a phone call away waiting to help you and your family.
Which travel insurance policy do I need?
To compare travel insurance policies just enter a few details online about yourself and you'll be able to compare our Standard and Explorer options, their benefits, and how much you’re covered for.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document 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.
Pulmonary Embolism.
Just wanted to say thank you to this wonderful insurance company. When my husband notified the company that I had suffered a life threatening pulmonary embolism, World Nomads took care of everything. They contacted the hospital immediately and checked on my situation, A wonderful nurse called me everyday, speaking to doctors and making sure I understood what had happened and the course of my treatment. I would recommend World Nomads to every traveler. We are still travelling and until we return home will continue to insure with them.
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 teamCompare Travel Insurance Plans
Easy comparison for US residents: emergency medical, baggage, and trip cancellation coverage.
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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.
- How do I compare travel insurance plans?
- Which travel insurance plan do I need?
- What does travel insurance not cover?
Taking the time to compare travel insurance* plans can be the difference between getting help when you need it most or being left without adequate coverage. That’s why World Nomads has made it easy to compare travel insurance online, so you can quickly see what is and isn’t covered.
Just buying the cheapest travel insurance plan without reading the details could mean shelling out for ski rentals when your skis or snowboard fails to arrive off the luggage conveyer belt or getting stuck with unexpected medical bills if you have been in an accident.
How do I compare travel insurance plans?
It’s important to make sure the plan you select will adequately cover your needs, as you will not be able to add coverage post-purchase. We suggest the best starting point is to consider:
- What are you planning on doing?
- Where are you going?
- How long will you be gone?
- What activities do you plan on participating in while you’re traveling?
- How much money did you invest in the trip?
Once you’ve done that, the next step is to consider the level of coverage you’ll need and what you’ll need coverage for. To help you out and provide some context, the claims we most often see are for:
Another important consideration is 24/7 Emergency Assistance so no matter where you are or what time it is, there’s someone just a phone call away waiting to help you and your family.
Our emergency assistance teams can help you locate a doctor who speaks your language, coordinate your emergency treatment plans, and even arrange for your emergency evacuation and repatriation back home in a worst-case scenario.
We also cover over 250 adventure activities and offer cancel-for-any-reason coverage (depending on the plan you choose). And if you decide to travel longer, World Nomads lets you buy more coverage on the road.
Which travel insurance plan do I need?
Only you can decide the best travel insurance plan for you. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, our website makes it easy to compare prices and benefits.
To get a quote, just enter a few details about your trip and you'll be able to compare our Standard, Explorer, Epic or Annual plans, benefits, and how much you’re covered for. These plans cover different activities and have different coverage limits so read them carefully. You can also download and read the full plan wording before you buy. You can’t upgrade your coverage after you purchase a plan, so it’s important to get this right on the first go.
World Nomads plans offer coverage for up to 180 days at a time with the Standard, Explorer, and Epic plans. And if you plan to take numerous trips during the year, then the Annual Plan could be best for you. It has a maximum trip length of 45 days.
What does travel insurance not cover?
While we want to cover you for as many scenarios as possible, we can’t cover everything. Here are a few situations we don’t cover:
- Cancelling your trip due to fear of travel or just changing your mind (unless you purchased the cancel-for-any-reason add-on benefit).
- Anything illegal (we can’t bail you out or pay for your lawyer).
- If you've taken drugs or overindulged in alcohol and then got into an accident.
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (remember it's not regular health insurance; it's for medical emergencies).
- Any medical bills related to a pre-existing condition, unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period were medically able to travel at the time of purchase.
*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.
Flooded guestroom
While living on the third floor of a guesthouse in Cambodia, I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and discovered that there was about 5 inches of water on my room floor. It turns out a pipe had burst and the water was seeping out of the walls. Unfortunately, my suitcases were under my bed, so everything in them got soaked- including my camera. Although I tried to reverse the water damage by putting my camera in a pot of rice for 24 hours, it did not help and now my camera will not function.
SH US Nomad in Cambodia
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
- Are you or your family sick, injured or dead?
- Natural disaster or terrorist attack where you’re going?
- Called to active service?
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 drugs 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 to get to hospital urgently?
- You or a family member dies?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Go Pro Gone?
- Laptop Lost?
- Sports Gear Stolen?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance for Medical Repatriation
When your illness or injury stops you in your tracks and you have to get home for treatment.
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Serious accidents or illnesses can happen at any time during your trip, whether you’re trekking through the Eurasian Steppe or (not so) simply crossing the road in Vietnam. And if it’s bad enough to end your trip mid-way or if our medical teams recommend you return home for treatment, our repatriation cover can help get you home as safely as possible.
The cost of medical evacuations can vary, depending on a number of circumstances, including the remoteness of the location from which the evacuation might occur, as well as the type of medical care required for injuries or illnesses incurred. That's what our emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance in all of our plans is designed to cover.
Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any statutory health insurance, or any available reciprocal health agreements (including your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Where urgent medical assistance is required, 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 Emergency Medical Assistance team until you no longer require treatment or assistance.
Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance teams are trained to help in these situations, negotiating the complexities of hospitals, specialist transportation, airline approvals and medical escorts so you (and your family) can focus on your recovery.
How World Nomads travel insurance can get you home
Travel insurance is made to cover emergency treatment overseas and, if necessary, cover to rearrange your initial travel plans or for specialist medical transportation to get you home. If our medical teams believe it’s necessary to bring you home for treatment or ongoing care, there’s cover in all of our policies for:
- Air Ambulance
- Sea Level Aircraft
- Ground Ambulance
- Flight changes, upgrades or just more space
- Flight upgrade + medical staff.
Please note that cover is up to the amount shown in your Policy Wording and is subject to our Emergency Medical Assistance team or us, on the advice of a medical practitioner appointed by us in consultation with your medical practitioner overseas, first deciding that:
- Transportation is medically necessary; and
- The style and timing of the transportation are reasonable and appropriate; and
- You're medically fit to be evacuated; and
- You should be transferred to the United Kingdom.
World Nomads offers benefits for medical issues related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) under the 'Emergency Medical Expenses & Medical Repatriation' section. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas and it’s not considered a ‘pre-existing medical condition’ under our policy your benefits include evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
You can check out our What’s covered for Coronavirus which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions.
I need help now – what do I do?
The first step when you have been admitted as an inpatient for at least one night is to contact us as soon as possible (or get someone else to do so on your behalf). Our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team can make arrangements and get pre-authorisation for your repatriation home if it's required. Our doctors and nurses have seen some horrific accidents and illnesses and have helped thousands of travellers get home safely to fully recover.
What's not covered by World Nomads travel insurance
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. There are some cases where it's just not possible to provide cover:
- Flight upgrades, new flights or changes without our approval (or where it's not medically necessary).
- When you refuse to return home for treatment.
- Changing your mind to not continue your trip, even if you're fit to travel.
- Medical expenses once you're back in your home country.
- A joy flight to get down off the mountain after you've reached Base Camp.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so for more information check out our article on medical transport and repatriation
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.
Get a quote today.
How to get medical assistance.
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 your fall sick of get injured until the time you get home.
So that our Emergency Medical Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Abdominal pain in Myanmar
On my second day in Burma, I woke up in the middle of the night with intense abdominal distress. I was rushed to the Asia Royal Hospital and immediately taken for evaluation and an ultrasound. I had a large mass in my abdomen and evacuated to Bangkok that evening to see a specialist. I was admitted to Bumrungrad International Hospital, where I stayed for eight days for a battery of tests, including several ultrasounds, a CT scan, and two aspirations of what turned out to be a renal cyst. After a conditional discharge, where I was restricted to rest, I was deemed stable enough to be evacuated. Two days later I was on a flight back to the U.S., where I am now continuing treatment.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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Can my mum (or other family member) come and get me?
Yes, in some situations we can send your mum or a close family member over to pick you up if you need mobility support. If you’re on any kind of administrative medication, then we might send you a nurse or doctor.
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Can I choose the sex of my nurse or doctor?
You can ask and we'll see what we can do.
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What if I'm on really heavy drugs as pain killers while I'm coming home? Will I be allowed to transit in all countries?
There are some countries which will not allow you to enter (even transit) with certain medication and in these cases we will either reroute you or discuss with your treating doctor on alternate pain killers.
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What happens if I’m on life support?
That’s a really bad way to end your holiday, and we hope you never end up on life support. But if you do, we will look at every situation on a case-by-case basis and will try to find the best possible solution.
Travel Insurance for Stolen or Lost Passports
How travel insurance could help if your passport is stolen or lost while traveling.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
This content is for New Zealand travellers.
It's just about the ultimate travel nightmare. You reach for your passport... and it's gone! It happens a lot. Sometimes it's a deliberately targeted item, sometimes it's just something in a bag that got snatched. Either way, you need help, and quickly.
What does travel insurance cover if my passport is stolen?
After you've spoken to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to notify them that the passport's been stolen, lost or damaged, you'll probably need to make your way to the nearest consulate or embassy.
Keep your receipt for that taxi fare – you can claim it. Worst case scenario, the nearest embassy isn't in the same city as you. You can claim the cost of travelling to where you need to be to replace the passport.
If you have to cancel other bookings because you're waiting for a new passport to be issued, you can claim that too. We'll also cover the cost of a temporary replacement passport. If you need a full replacement of your passport, our cover will be based off the amount of time remaining on your original passport (e.g. you paid NZD$480 for your passport 5 years ago. It's valid for 10 years, so we'd pay you NZD$240).
What's not covered?
All the exclusions that apply to other pieces of luggage also apply to passports. Leaving it somewhere by accident or leaving it unattended means it won't be covered. If we don't cover the passport itself, then we won't cover the costs relating to getting a new one.
We also won't cover it without the report from MFAT or the embassy/consulate – you must report a lost or stolen passport under New Zealand law, so you'll want to do that anyway... not to mention that they probably won't let you leave the country without a valid passport!
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document 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.
How to get assistance if your passport is stolen.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible so that our teams can help you navigate local laws and advise you on how to get your replacement passport.
So that our Emergency Assistance team can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Passport stolen during dinner with friends.
My handbag was stolen when I was having dinner with friends. In my bag was my passport, and as I had to apply for an emergency passport, and then another visa, in order to leave China. I had to cancel the flight I had booked.
Claim Paid: $1112.22
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
- Have you died?
- Has one of your relos died?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
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 medicine?
- 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 overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Is there an excess/co-pay if I need to claim for a stolen passport?
Most policies come with an excess/co-pay. Check your policy to find out what's applicable.
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Will you pay upfront for my passport replacement?
No. You'll need to need to pay for it and then lodge a claim for your expenses.
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What assistance can your emergency assistance team provide me?
They can guide you to the nearest embassy, give you their contact information, and help you report your loss.
Travel Insurance for Lost or Stolen Passports
Learn what to do if your passport is stolen while travelling, and how World Nomads travel insurance could help.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
- Four simple steps to take if your passport is stolen
- Travel insurance coverage for stolen passports
- What do I need to make a claim?
- Important exclusions and limitations
- Preventative measures to protect your passport
- What’s not covered by World Nomads travel insurance?
- FAQs for stolen or missing passports
Four simple steps to take if your passport is stolen
Losing your passport while traveling can be stressful, but following these steps can help minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother replacement process:
- Report the theft to local authorities – File a police report as soon as possible and obtain a written document confirming the theft. This will be required for both the embassy and travel insurance claims.
- Contact your embassy or consulate – Reach out to the nearest diplomatic mission to begin the process of obtaining an emergency passport or a replacement.
- Secure documentation and copies – Keep a record of the police report, embassy correspondence, and any receipts for related expenses.
- Notify your travel insurance provider – If you have a policy with us, tell us. Contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to guide you through the process.
Travel insurance coverage for stolen passports
Having travel insurance can help mitigate the financial and logistical challenges of replacing a stolen passport. Key areas of coverage include:
- Emergency passport expenses – Some policies may cover the cost of obtaining an emergency passport.
- Additional travel expenses – If the theft results in delays or itinerary changes, certain policies may help cover costs.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance – We can assist in locating the nearest embassy, translating documents, and guiding you through the claim process.
Note: an AUD $100 excess is payable per event.
What do I need to make a claim?
- Reports from local police, common carriers, service providers and any other relevant parties.
- Receipts for passport processing fees.
- Copies of all documentation provided by the Australian Government.
- Receipts for pre-paid, non-refundable accommodations and any additional expenses incurred, should it apply to your case.
Important exclusions and limitations
Understanding the limitations of travel insurance can help prevent claim issues. Common exclusions include:
- Negligence – Claims may be denied if the passport was left unattended or not properly safeguarded.
- Lack of documentation – A valid police report is typically required for a successful claim.
- Confiscation by authorities – If a government official takes your passport, insurance usually does not cover this.
- Full replacement cost – Most policies only cover emergency passport fees, not the full cost of a new passport.
Preventative measures to protect your passport
- Before travelling – Make photocopies and store digital backups in a secure, accessible location.
- During travel – Keep your passport in a safe or secure bag and avoid carrying it unnecessarily in crowded places.
Ensuring a smooth claims process
To ensure a smooth claims process:
- Notify us as soon as possible after the theft.
- Submit all required documentation, including police reports and receipts.
- Follow our specific claim process and deadlines.
By taking proactive steps and understanding your insurance coverage, you can handle passport theft more efficiently and reduce its impact on your travels.
To find out more about how to make a claim click here.
What’s not covered by World Nomads travel insurance?
- If you leave your passport behind.
- If you don’t take proper precautions to protect your passport.
- If you don’t obtain a written police report if it's stolen.
- If customs or another government body confiscates your passport.
- A new passport is not covered. Cover is to get you an emergency passport, not the full replacement cost.
Need to know more?
When you get a travel insurance quote, you’ll be able to compare the coverage of each plan so you may determine the best travel insurance plan for your needs. If you’re unclear about anything at all, get in touch with us.
The features and benefits described are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.Passport stolen during dinner with friends.
My handbag was stolen when I was having dinner with friends. In my bag was my passport, and as I had to apply for an emergency passport, and then another visa, in order to leave China. I had to cancel the flight I had booked.
Claim Paid: $1112.22
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
- Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
- Has one of your relatives died?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
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 medicine?
- 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 overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Will my travel insurance cover the cost of replacing my Australian 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, 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 Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Travel Insurance for Health Emergencies
Find out why travel insurance isn't health insurance and learn the difference.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
Travel Insurance for health emergencies
Travel insurance is there to help you when you need it most. If you've been involved in an accident or you've fallen ill and need medical care, our travel insurance policies can help patch you up and get you back on the road.
Just keep in mind that our policies are travel insurance policies not health insurance policies, and many policies don't cover existing medical conditions. Make sure you read through your policy carefully to see how and if you can be covered.
So this isn't a health insurance plan?
No, it's a travel insurance policy. It's there for overseas unexpected medical emergencies. It's not designed to cover cover ongoing illness, routine check-ups or treatment overseas, or any treatment when you get home.
What does travel insurance cover if I'm sick or injured?
If you’re injured in an accident or suddenly become ill while travelling, you can be covered for overseas emergency medical treatment including:
- Hospitalisation.
- Day surgery and out-patient treatment.
- Visits to registered medical practitioners.
- Prescribed medicines.
- Ambulances.
- Extra expenses to get you home, if medically necessary.
We also have 24/7 Emergency Assistance teams who can guide you to the nearest hospital, arrange medical transport, set up direct payments to the medical facility, and give support to your family. Coverage may depend on your past medical history, what's happened to you and any other conditions, limits or exclusions of cover as described in your policy.
Is cover for Coronavirus available?
World Nomads can offer benefits for medical issues related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas and it’s not considered an ‘existing medical condition’ under our policy, your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalisation;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
In addition, our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions.
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims for overseas medical expenses we see where there's no cover include:
- If you're intoxicated as a result of taking drugs or alcohol.
- Where you've been acting recklessly.
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home to New Zealand (that's what your health insurance or national health coverage at home is designed to do).
- Any existing medical conditions.
- Ongoing treatment at home.
For more information check out our articles on overseas medical coverage and adventure sports coverage.
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 Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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.
How to get medical assistance for health emergencies.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Teams as soon as possible, so that our teams can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you get home.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Cramps and body explosions in India.
I had been sick in India for about a month with ongoing symptoms including diahorrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, loss of appetite etc. Once we had arrived in Turkey I had an attack during the night at our Hostel. I was vomiting, had diahorrhea and intense stomach cramping so my boyfriend and I thought it was best to head to a hospital. Due to my condition I could not walk, it was also 2am/3am and we had no other method of getting to a hospital other than arranging for the hospital to send an ambulance to pick me up. Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctors undertook an examination of me and my conditions and due to severe dehydration they gave me a drip to restore my fluids. To find out what the causation of my symptoms were, they conducted tests on my blood and stool. The doctor also prescribed me medication to treat both my symptoms and illness. These included creams and also antibiotics.
Claim Paid. $1042.54
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
- Have you died?
- Has one of your relos died?
- Has an earthquake damaged your home?
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 medicine?
- 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 overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about travel health insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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I'm at expat, but return to see family once a year. Can I buy a World Nomads' policy?
You can buy a policy for your return trip. However, if you intend to move somewhere permanently, you'll need health insurance
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Will I need medical records if I need to claim?
Yes. The team will ask for medical records before processing any medical claim.
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Does it matter if my receipts are in another language?
You can submit your claim with the receipts in another language. If the claims examiner requires you to translate it, they'll let you know.
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Is there an excess?
Yes, medical claims come with a NZD $100 excess.