• Do I need travel insurance for Africa?
• Travel insurance for activities in Africa
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Africa
• Travel insurance for lost and stolen luggage in Africa
• Travel insurance for crime and political unrest in Africa
• Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips in Africa
• Tips for travelling to Africa from Canada

Home to mesmerizing wildlife, extraordinary natural grandeur, tribes rich with tradition, and contemporary urban centres, a trip to Africa is often considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime vacation by many Canadian travellers.

Whether you adventure to ancient ruins in Egypt, search for the Big 5 on safari, trek through leafy jungle abundant with primates, get soaked by the spray at Victoria Falls, or learn to roast coffee in a mountain village in Ethiopia, every traveller will find their own kind of fun on this abundantly diverse continent.

As you prepare for your adventure, we encourage you to consider travel insurance for Africa, as you may experience the unexpected.

Do I need travel insurance for Africa?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like watching a lion sunbathe while on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park or spotting mountain gorillas while climbing a volcano in Rwanda.

Some surprises aren’t so great, though. Nobody wants to think about things like cancelled trips and medical emergencies, but these things can happen. You might come down with malaria symptoms and need to see a doctor. Or perhaps you fell and broke your ankle while climbing through the forest terrain of Odzala National Park in Congo Brazzaville and need to be transported to a hospital. You may wish then you had travel insurance for Africa.

World Nomads has two plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.

Travel insurance for activities in Africa

From white water rafting down the Nile River in Uganda to going for a bush walk with San Bushmen in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans, the African continent is filled to the brim with thrilling adventures. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to Africa and includes things like scuba diving in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique, undertaking a volunteer project in a local school or wildlife rescue center, and hiking Mount Kenya.

It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when purchasing the plan— if something happens during an activity you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go surfing while on your trip and you didn’t list that activity out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen while catching a wave. You may want to consider overshooting and listing out all possible activities you may do, just in case.

Keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both our Standard and Explorer Plans. For coverage for adventures sports, work and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need upgrade your adventure sports coverage to pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions may apply to while taking part in certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Africa

Before you take off on your African adventure, we recommend that you visit a travel medical clinic or your local doctor’s office to make sure you are up to date on all vaccines you may need. You may also want to ask your doctor about malaria medication.

We also recommend packing a few basic supplies for your trip, as some basic things aren’t always available, especially in rural areas on the continent. Strong mosquito repellant to help prevent malaria, sunscreen (it can be hard to find outside of South Africa), and bandages, are a good place to start.

Water and food sanitation vary widely across the continent. Water is safe to drink in Cape Town and the Western Cape, but it generally isn’t safe to drink throughout the rest of the continent. Make sure to drink bottled or filtered water outside of those regions. Malaria is prevalent in many areas, so if you suspect that you have malaria symptoms, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance for assistance in finding  a local clinic. Malaria is something that most clinics in Africa can test and treat, whereas Canadian clinics may not have that same level of expertise.

Health care varies widely across the African continent and typically will be quite different than what you’re used to in Canada. Emergency medical care and medical facilities with the right equipment are often hard to find. If you have a medical emergency when travelling in Africa, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there is a language barrier. 

Maybe you fall and hurt yourself while hiking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care. The emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Africa may cover the costs to get you there. 

However, there is an important thing to note: you must have GHIP coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefits. Without GHIP coverage, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to CAD$40,000.

Travel insurance for lost and stolen luggage in Africa 

Nobody plans for lost bags, but it happens. If you’re heading to South Africa for a surfing vacation, you may have packed your favorite surfboard. When you land in Durban and realize that the airline lost your bag, your travel insurance for Africa may reimburse you for the cost to replace your belongings. 

If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited. If you incur expenses because you need rent a surfboard until your favorite one arrives, you may be eligible for reimbursement under the sporting equipment delay coverage included in your insurance plan.

Travel insurance for crime and political unrest in Africa

Safety varies widely across Africa. The best thing you can do is have a sense of awareness around yourself, your surroundings, and your belongings. Leave the flashy jewelry at home to avoid unwanted attention and store your credit cards and valuables in a safe in your accommodations.

Take particular care in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. Keep your bags in front of you and avoid flashing valuables like smart phones if possible. In most major cities, like Nairobi and Kampala, it is also best to avoid walking at night— we encourage you to take motorized transportation instead.

If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim and get reimbursed for stolen goods with your travel insurance for Africa.

Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips in Africa

When you’re searching for the best travel insurance for Africa, make sure it has coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, and trip interruption. If it does, you could be reimbursed for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if something unexpected happens.

If you get sick before leaving Canada and your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. Or, if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency while you’re on your adventure, you may need to go back to Canada early. Travel insurance for Africa may provide reimbursement for your prepaid, nonrefundable insured trip costs and may provide additional benefits to help you cover expenses you incur to get back home.

Sometimes situations happen that disrupt your plans once you’re already in Africa. Certain countries in Africa experience frequent political unrest. If possible, avoid travelling during elections, when tensions may be high, and protests and unrest can break out.

Tips for travelling to Africa from Canada

Before you leave Canada, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s travel advisories for each country you plan to visit. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.

If you purchase travel insurance for Africa, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

With 54 nations and over 2,000 languages, cultural customs, transport, and everything in between in Africa are pretty different country-to-country. We recommend that you read up on each place you intend to visit ahead of time Also, keep in mind that most African countries are more culturally conservative than Canada. Modest dress is recommended in rural areas—a great rule of thumb is to cover your knees and shoulders out of respect for local culture.
Whether you’re heading to Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa, or Tanzania, do some pre-trip reading for destination inspiration—you’ll be wowed by how much there is to do beyond a safari vacation. And speaking of safaris, we encourage you to look for ethical wildlife and cultural experiences so your experience doesn’t harm the environment or people involved.

Check out our tips for photographing wildlife and keep those camera batteries charged to make sure you’re ready for those gorilla, lion, and other wildlife shots!

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the plan. It is important you read and understand your plan as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.

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.

• Do I need travel insurance for Cambodia?
• Travel insurance for activities in Cambodia
• Travel insurance for motorbiking in Cambodia
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Cambodia
• Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in Cambodia
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Cambodia
• Tips for traveling to Cambodia from the United States

From catching sunrises over Angkor Wat to relaxing on the shores of Koh Rong, Cambodia is home to ancient wonders, mouthwatering dishes like fish amok, and beautiful jungle and coastal landscapes. Thousands of Americans make the trip to Cambodia every year to dive deeper into the wonders this Southeast Asian country has to offer.

Sample pepper straight from the trees in Kampot, fill up on crab in Kep, and visit the floating villages on Tonle Sap. Admire the gilded Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, wander through the markets of Siem Reap, and explore ancient temples beyond Angkor Wat. Unwind on peaceful Koh Thmei or drink Angkor beers and dance the night away in Sihanoukville.

While a trip to Cambodia is an incredible experience, there are some things to be aware of when visiting from the US, including theft and motorcycle accidents. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for Cambodia.

Do I need travel insurance for Cambodia?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like swimming in bioluminescence waters along on the Cambodian coast.

Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you get into a motorcycle accident while cruising around Siem Reap, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for Cambodia.

World Nomads has four plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to choose the best international travel insurance for your needs.

Travel insurance for activities in Cambodia

Cambodia has plenty of adventures to offer the active traveler. Nature lovers will particularly be enthralled by Cambodia’s wild east, where you can look for endangered river dolphins, go wild swimming, and visit tribal villages and waterfalls. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Cambodia and includes things like scuba diving in Koh Kon, hiking through the remote jungles of Virachey National Park, and kayaking down the Mekong River.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Cambodia, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. Knowing your activities in advance will help you choose the best insurance for your trip.

Ziplining over the spectacular Bousra waterfall, cycling around Koh Trong Island, and volunteering at the ethical Elephant Valley Project are covered under all plans, including the Standard Plan. If you want to climb via ferrata in the rock formations around Kampot, though, you’ll need to invest in an Explorer or an Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for motorbiking in Cambodia

Motorbiking is common in Cambodia, and in some instances, it could be covered by your travel insurance plan - but it’s not guaranteed. Just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike there doesn’t mean you should, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.

We get a lot of accident claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Cambodia because it’s cheap and easy to rent. However, safety is not always top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience are. The rules of the road can be very different from back home in the United States and traffic can be hectic. Motorbike accidents are quite common and it’s very important to know that if you don’t have the proper license for motorbiking, your travel insurance for Cambodia won’t cover you.

If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to look at getting the proper license for motorbiking in Cambodia before you leave the US. You can get specific license requirements for Cambodia on the U.S. government’s website. You’ll also want to review your plan wording carefully when you get a quote for travel insurance for Cambodia.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Cambodia

Before you take off on your Cambodian adventure, we recommend that you make an appointment with Runway Health-- an online travel clinic and our non-insurance service partner. The telehealth service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with traveler’s diarrhea or malaria prevention. We also recommend you pack a strong mosquito repellent and sunscreen to keep you protected on your travels.

Medical care in Cambodia looks a bit different than what you’re used to in the US. If you crash your bike while cycling around the temples of Angkor Wat, you may need to seek medical attention. In the event of a medical emergency while traveling in Cambodia, you can call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Cambodia may cover the costs to get you there.

Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in Cambodia

What happens if your bags don’t show up at baggage claim when you land in Phnom Penh? If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If your bag is at least 12 hours delayed, you may still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call Blue Ribbon Bags so you can file a lost luggage claim.

Petty theft, crime, and pickpockets can take place in Phnom Penh and touristy spots like Angkor Wat and Sihanoukville. Motorcyclists have been known to grab bags as they drive by people on the street. Watch out for scams, as well. A common one is a child or mother asking you to buy them formula from a store, which they’ll return for money.

Keeping your bag in front of you, having an eye on your belongings, and leaving your valuables locked in a safe at your hotel minimize the risk of theft. If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim.

It's important that you do your part to keep your belongings safe. If you have a few too many beers during a night out in Phnom Penh, leave your belongings unattended at a nightclub, and your purse is stolen, your travel insurance for Cambodia won’t cover you.

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Cambodia

Even if you’ve booked all your hotels and excursions for Cambodia, unexcepted things can happen that might disrupt your trip. When looking for travel insurance plans for Cambodia, consider getting one that covers trip cancelation, delays, and interruptions.

Cambodia is vulnerable to natural disasters and can experience things like flooding, cyclones, and landslides throughout the year. If an unforeseen cyclone hits Cambodia before you leave for your trip and the US government issues a warning for travel there, your travel insurance for Cambodia may reimburse you for pre-paid, non-refundable flights, tours, and accommodation.

Cambodia is quite a journey from the United States so if you want an additional safety net for your trip, consider purchasing CFAR (cancel for any reason) as an add-on to your Explorer or Epic Plan during the time-sensitive period. Whether you simply change your mind or need to cancel your vacation for any reason not covered by the insurance plan, CFAR allows you to cancel and get back a portion of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses, whether that be a cruise or a cultural excursion.

Tips for traveling to Cambodia from the United States

Before you head out on your epic adventure, we encourage you to check out the US government’s travel warnings for Cambodia. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.

If you purchase travel insurance for Cambodia, it is a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

Remember that Cambodia has a complicated history, and the majority of the population has been impacted by the Khmer Rouge in some capacity. Visit sites like Choeung Ek Killing Fields to learn more about this side of Cambodia’s history and be respectful when discussing these topics. You can also check out our tips on how to be a responsible traveler in Cambodia.

If it aligns with your schedule, visit during the Khmer New Year in April, which is a colorful, family-centric celebration and a fantastic way to experience Khmer culture.

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.

• Do I need travel insurance for Laos?
• Travel insurance for activities in Laos
• Travel insurance for motorbiking in Laos
• Travel insurance support for medical emergencies in Laos
• Travel insurance for stolen items in Japan
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Laos
• Tips for traveling to Laos from the United States

Also known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” Laos offers an intriguing blend of Buddhist culture, French colonial history, Khmer ruins, scenic landscapes, and laidback villages. Whether you want to go caving in Tham Nam, learn from remote mountain tribes like the Hmong and the Karen, or visit Buddhist monasteries like Pha That Luang, Laos has plenty of highlights that rival its more well-visited neighbors. You can chase islands, caves, and waterfalls in Southern Laos or head to Northern Laos for hiking, cultural, and cycling adventures.

In Vientiane, you can kick back at a trendy café, admire colonial era architecture, step back in time at historic Buddhist temples, and sample Laotian specialties like Khao Piak Sen (rice noodle soup). Beyond its buzzy cities, Laos is also a wonder for nature seekers. You can refresh in waterfalls, look for river dolphins, or take a boat ride in Nong Kiau.

While a trip to Laos is an incredible experience, there are some things to be aware of when visiting from the US, including lost luggage and motorcycle accidents. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels and encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for Laos.

Do I need travel insurance for Laos?

International travel can bring unexpected surprises, like coming across a mountain covered in ancient stone jars in Xiangkhoang Plateau. However, some surprises are not as exciting. Nobody wants to think about delayed flights or lost bags, but these things can happen unexpectedly.

If you get into a motorcycle accident while biking around Luang Prabang, you may need to see a doctor. You may then wish that you had travel insurance for Laos.

World Nomads has four plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance plan for your needs.

Travel insurance for activities in Laos

From the meandering Mekong River to the rolling mountains, Laos is plentiful with adventures. Seventy percent of the country’s geographic area is made up of mountains, highlands, and plateaus, after all. While you may not be able to go tubing in Vang Vieng anymore, the area remains a hub for rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Laos and includes things like climbing Phou Bia—the highest mountain in Laos--, rafting on the Lao River, and canyoning in Nam Sa Nam.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Laos, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. Knowing your activities in advance will help you choose the best insurance for your trip.

You can volunteer with ethical wildlife non-profits like Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife or motorbike the Bolaven Plateau Loop—home to waterfalls and coffee plantations—with any plan, including the Standard Plan. If taking a hot air balloon ride over the cliffs of Vang Vieng is on your bucket list, though, you’ll need to invest in the Explorer or the Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for motorbiking in Laos

Motorbiking is common in Laos, and in some instances, it could be covered by your travel insurance plan - but it’s not guaranteed. Just because it’s easy to rent a motorbike there doesn’t mean you should, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be covered.

We get a lot of accident claims from nomads who hop on a motorized bike for the first time in Laos because it’s cheap and easy to rent. However, safety is not always top priority for other drivers – speed and convenience are. The rules of the road can be very different from back home in the United States. Motorbike accidents are quite common and it’s very important to know that if you don’t have the proper license for motorbiking, your travel insurance for Laos won’t cover you.

If motorbiking is something you insist on doing, you’ll need to look at getting the proper license for motorbiking in Laos before you leave the US. You can get specific license requirements for Laos on the U.S. government’s website and will want to review your plan wording carefully when you get a quote for travel insurance for Laos. We also recommend that you read up on how to safely motorbike in Laos.

Travel insurance support for medical emergencies in Laos

Before you fly to Laos, we recommend that you make an appointment with Runway Health – an online travel clinic and our non-insurance service partner. The telehealth service offers affordable online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with traveler’s diarrhea or malaria prevention.

We also recommend you pack a strong mosquito repellent and sunscreen to keep you protected on your travels. You should avoid drinking tap water and instead stick with boiled or bottled water. Trust us, food poisoning is a sure way to throw off your travel plans!

Medical care in Laos looks a bit different than what you’re used to in the US. If you get injured while climbing Pha Daeng, you may need to seek medical attention. In the event of a medical emergency while traveling in Laos, you can call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Laos may cover the costs to get you there.

Travel insurance for lost and stolen bags in Laos

What happens if you land in Vientiane to find that your bags haven’t arrived? It’s no fun to be waiting at the luggage carousel wondering if your bag is on its way. If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact Blue Ribbon Bags, a non-insurance service that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call Blue Ribbon Bags so you can file a lost luggage claim.

While Laos is generally a safe place, petty theft and pickpockets can happen in crowded tourist spots or on public transportation. Like anywhere you travel, it’s smart to keep your belongings where you can see them and store your valuables in a safe at your accommodation. If anything does happen, make sure you file a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim and get reimbursed for stolen goods with your travel insurance for Laos.

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Laos

Even if you’ve booked all your hotels and excursions for Laos, unexcepted things can happen that might disrupt your trip. When looking for travel insurance plans for Laos, make sure to get one that covers trip cancelation, delays, and interruptions.

What happens if you get sick a few days before leaving for Laos? If your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. A travel insurance plan for Laos that includes cancelation coverage could reimburse you for those non-refundable or transferable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.

If you’re already on your trip, and something happens to interrupt your vacation, World Nomads travel insurance may compensate you for covered reasons. For example, if your travel companion gets in a motorcycle accident and needs to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours, your expenses (up to plan limits) could be covered, too. Make sure to keep all documentation and receipts for things you paid for in advance- you’ll need those if you make a claim.

Tips for traveling to Laos from the United States

Before you head out on your epic adventure, we encourage you to check out the US government’s travel warnings for Laos. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.

If you purchase travel insurance for Laos, it is a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

Laotians have a reputation for being warm and welcoming towards tourists. Beyond a warm welcome, you have stunning scenery and rich culture to look forward to. To help prep for your trip, you may want to read up on the things to know before you visit Laos. Brush up on some local phrases and embrace the spirit of slow travel to help you get off the beaten path in Laos and enjoy this surprising country.