Photo © Warren Gold Swain/IStock

You’re hurt in an accident

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1. Safety first

Make sure everyone is safe. If you need immediate help, contact the local emergency services.

2. Seek medical attention

3. Get it in writing

Most claims need supporting documentation and medical claims are no different. So while it may be the last thing on your mind, do try and get copies of documents that will support your claim before you leave the medical facility such as:

  • Doctor or other medical practitioner’s report, confirming what happened and the nature of your injury.
  • Hospital Admission report, if you’re admitted to hospital.
  • Ambulance and Medical evacuation reports if relevant.
  • Police report (if they were involved).
  • Any other relevant documentation related to the accident.

4. Keep your receipts

You’ll need to keep all your receipts, along with your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected travel arrangements for when you claim. If you don’t do this, we may reduce or reject your claim.

5. Need to know more?

Our suggestions should help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy will always have the full details.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Mixetto/IStock

What to do if your passport is stolen

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Having your passport stolen really sucks. Thankfully some World Nomads policies can help cover your extra costs while you arrange an emergency replacement passport (not all do, so do read your policy carefully). Here’s how.....

1. Report the incident immediately

Report the incident to the relevant authorities and get a report from them. This will include:

  • The local police
  • Your nearest embassy, diplomatic or consular mission for your country of citizenship
  • For visas and passports from other countries – contact the relevant embassy
  • Any other relevant authorities, such as the airline, hotel or tour operator

Important: For certain countries, it is an offence not to report the loss or theft or your passport as soon as you learn of the loss. It may also affect your travel insurance cover if you don't report it immediately. Contact us if you need help with this.

2. Arrange a replacement or emergency passport

You should carefully check the process to apply for an emergency or replacement passport with your embassy. You'll need a passport photo, ID (driver's license or expired passport), evidence of citizenship (photo of your missing passport), your e-tickets or itinerary. You may also need a police report.

If you need to travel to a different location to apply in person or collect your emergency passport, you should arrange to do this.

For rookies: Emergency passports do not permanently replace your passport. They can be issued quickly with limited validity so you can return home or continue with your trip.

3. Rearrange or cancel any affected travel arrangements

As soon as you know that any travel arrangements are going to be affected, contact any accommodation, tour, transport and other providers to rearrange or cancel any arrangements you may have. Make sure you get confirmation from them in writing the changes or cancellation, and details of any refunds or extra fees paid.

4. Keep your receipts

If you think you'll need to claim, you'll need to keep the official reports you were given and all original receipts as evidence to support your claim including your itineraries, booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected transport, accommodation and additional expeneses

5.Need to know more?

Our suggestions should help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy will always have the terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Taylor Roades/Stocksy

What to do if your luggage is stolen

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1. Report it

No matter where your luggage was lost or stolen, you’ll need to report it.

If your luggage has been lost or stolen on public transport ( eg plane, cruise, bus or train)

  • Report the incident to them and ask for written evidence such as a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
  • Keep any relevant ticket, luggage check and other documentation to give to us.
  • Find out how they will compensate you and get this in writing.

If your luggage has been lost or stolen from your accommodation

Report it to them and ask them to provide written confirmation of the loss or theft and any compensation they’ll offer.

If your luggage has been lost or stolen on a tour or at a public venue ( eg airport, museum, sports stadium)

Report it to tour operator, venue management or security and ask them to provide written confirmation of the loss or theft and any compensation they’ll offer.

Gather receipts for the items you're taking with you.

Scan any receipts and keep a copy in your inbox, just in case your baggage and personal items get stolen or delayed and you need to make a claim. Your expenses must be supported by receipts dated prior to the delivery of your delayed baggage and after 24 hours from your arrival.

2. Report it to the police

For stolen items, you’ll need to report the theft to the police as soon as reasonably possible after it occurs, and get written evidence that you've reported it to the police such as a written police report.

You’ll also need a police report for lost items, unless the loss was by a third party (such as an airline).

3. Track and block your phone or tablet

If your mobile phone or tablet is lost or stolen:

  • Try calling your phone to see what happens  you never know, someone might answer!
  • Apple users  try using the Find My iPhone feature
  • Call your mobile phone provider as soon as possible and ask them to block your service, and ask for written confirmation that they’ve done this.

4. Keep your receipts

You’ll need to keep all your receipts, along with your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected travel arrangements for when you claim. If you don’t do this, we may reduce or reject your claim.

5.Need to know more?

Our suggestions should help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy wording will always have the full terms, conditions and exclusions that apply

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Lukasz-Nowaki/IStock

What to do if your luggage is delayed

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1. Report it to your carrier straight away

Once you realise your luggage is delayed, report it to the carrier (e.g. airline, tour operator) straight away. For lengthy delays, you should ask them to compensate you to replace essential items you may need while you wait for your bags to be returned.

2. Get a written report

Get a written Property Irregularity Report (‘PIR’) from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they offer to you.

3. Keep your receipts

Keep the receipts for any essential items you buy like toothbrushes, prescription medication or a change of clothes.

Before you go shopping for an entire new wardrobe to replace your designer jeans or a new ballgown for that special event, because you believe everything you own is "essential", there will be limits on what your policy can and can not cover, so check your policy wording carefully or contact us (Yes, we've seen claims like this!)

Original receipts may be necessary if you intend to make a claim and your policy covers these expenses.

4. Get another report confirming the length of the delay

Once you get your luggage, get written confirmation from the carrier confirming how long it was delayed. If baggage delay is covered under your policy, there may be specific time periods that your bags are delayed before the policy can help reimburse you for extra expenses, so it’s important we know how long you were inconvenienced. For example: cover may vary if your bags were delayed for a few hours compared to a few days.

5. Need to know more?

Our suggestions should help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy wording will always have the full terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Andresr/IStock

What to do if you fall suddenly ill

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1. Seek medical attention

Get medical help from a medical practitioner, such as a doctor, or by going to a hospital as soon as possible.

  • If it's an emergency situation, contact the local emergency services first, then contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as you can.
  • If it’s not an emergency situation, call our Emergency Assistance Team if you need directions to an appropriate medical facility.

Depending on where you’re from and where you are, there may be Reciprocal Health Care Agreements in place (the Emergency Assistance team will let you know) but either way, take advantage of the public health system where possible.

2. Get it in writing

Most claims need supporting documentation and medical claims are no different. So while it may be the last thing on your mind, do try and get copies of documents that will support your claim before you leave the medical facility such as:

  • Doctor or other medical practitioner’s report confirming your illness.
  • Hospital Admission report, if you’re admitted to hospital.
  • Ambulance and Medical evacuation reports if relevant.

In some cases, we may need to obtain your past medical history from your usual doctor at home but we’ll let you know if this is the case.

3. Keep your receipts

You’ll need to keep all your receipts, along with your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected travel arrangements for when you claim. If you don’t do this, we may reduce or reject your claim.

4. Need to know more?

Our suggestions should help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy will always have the full details.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Alexander Gorbunov/Stock

What's covered

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers, to cover your trip essentials.

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Understand the key parts of World Nomads travel insurance

Photo © SolStock/IStock

Travel Insurance for Adventurers: Learn about what sports and activities we cover

Protect your next adventure with World Nomads Travel Insurance. Buy before or during your trip and be covered for a wide range of activities and sports.

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We cover 150 + activities you love + more

Here are several activities under each category that World Nomads love to do:

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. Please read your policy wording carefully before you buy.

Snow
Water
Air
Land
Sports
Experiences
  • Scuba diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Surfing
  • Bungee jumping
  • Skiing
Snow
  • Bobsledding
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Kite Wing
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Snow kiting
  • Snowmobiling
  • Tobogganing
Water
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Surfing
  • Tubing
  • Windsurfing
Air
  • Aerial Safari
  • Ballooning
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Hang Gliding
  • High Diving
  • Hot Air Ballooning
  • Passenger in a commercial aircraft
  • Skydiving
  • Tandem Skydiving
  • Zip Line
Land
  • Bushwalking
  • Camel Riding
  • Camping
  • Caving
  • Hiking
  • Orienteering
  • Motorbiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Trekking
Sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cricket
  • Fencing
  • Go Karting
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate frisbee
  • Volleyball
Experiences
  • Childcare work
  • General farm work
  • Hospitality
  • Restaurant
  • Teaching
  • Fruit Picking
  • Admin work
  • Office work
  • WWOOFing
All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces.

When you’re planning your next outdoor adventure holiday, whether it’s bungee jumping in New Zealand, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or tackling rapids on a white-water rafting expedition in the USA, the last thing you want is to face an unexpected mishap.

That’s where World Nomads travel insurance comes in. We offer travel insurance cover when life throws you a curveball. Don’t take risks with your safety, consider protecting your next adventure with World Nomads.

Choose from two travel insurance plans

World Nomads offers two plans – a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan – each with different benefits, limits and sub-limits of coverage.

  • Standard Plan: Includes a range of benefits such as overseas medical, coverage for your belongings, pre-trip cancellation and certain adventure activities.
  • Explorer Plan: Has all the benefits of a Standard Plan but with more benefits and higher limits and sub-limits.

Please choose carefully from the outset, as you can’t upgrade from a Standard Plan to an Explorer Plan mid-trip. You may need to add adventure activities to your quote as another type of coverage upgrade as you can’t add activities after you have purchased your plan.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you should never take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered.

See below for a list of just some of the many sports and activities covered under our travel insurance plans.

Learn how our travel insurance plans cover your favourite activities and sports*

How World Nomads helps with extreme sports

Let’s say you’re big wave surfing off the coast of Thailand and suffer an injury that requires emergency medical evacuation. With World Nomads, you may be covered for stolen or damaged baggage and overseas medical coverage. If your trip is cut short due to an unexpected event. World Nomads also offers cover for trip cancellations or trip interruption coverage, so you won’t lose out on any pre-paid expenses.

Always ensure you buy the right policy that aligns with your travel plans and needs. If you need more information visit our Help Centre, or get in touch.

*Our plans include cover for more than 150 activities globally, but not all are covered under every plan – you can find out what is available by choosing your Country of Residence in the country picker and then clicking on the sports and activities FAQ which lists all activities that are covered. You may need to pay an additional premium for higher-risk activities or choose a different plan. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. 

Get a travel insurance quote for your next adventure holiday!

Coverage for ski and winter sports

World Nomads travel insurance offers cover for a number of winter activities and snow sports. We’ve designed our plans* to offer cover for:

  • Skiing and boarding within resorts
  • Cross-country skiing on marked trails
  • Terrain parks, heli-skiing & heli-boarding (some plans only, check yours carefully)
  • Snowmobiling, ice skating, snow rafting & more.

*All plans are different and may require an upgrade for skiing or snowboarding cover to apply. Conditions and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. Please note, some activities may not be available depending on your country of residence and the plan you have chosen.

Learn what's covered when enjoying winter sports in our ski and winter sports FAQs. Make sure you add in your country of residence in the country picker for the most up to date information.

Top travel tips for adventurers

To make your trip as safe as it is exciting, keep these tips in mind:

  • Check government travel alerts: Before you go, verify any warnings or restrictions for your destination.
  • Stay safe: Always wear the proper safety gear (like helmets, harnesses, or life vests) and follow local safety guidelines.
  • Know your coverage: Be aware of what’s included in your policy, especially for adventure activities. World Nomads covers activities like scuba diving, rugby, and skiing—just make sure your plan includes the right level of coverage.
  • Emergency number: Save local emergency numbers and the World Nomads emergency assistance team contact details on your phone.
  • Claim online: If something does go wrong, World Nomads offers an easy online claims process, so you can file quickly from anywhere in the world.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Meghan Pinsonnault/Stocksy

Travel Insurance for Skiing and Snowboarding

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance for winter sports. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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Fresh tracks and bluebird days make for epic ski trips, yet accidents can happen no matter your level of experience. If you’re just learning to snowboard or you’re a ski bum chasing winter, World Nomads travel insurance may be able to help you and your family when the unexpected hits your next winter sports adventure.

What does ski and snowboard travel insurance cover?

As passionate ski bums, we’ve designed our plans to cover the style of skiing and snowboarding our Nomads love the most:

  • Skiing and snowboarding at resorts around the world, including within resort terrain parks
  • Cross country skiing on marked trails
  • Skiing (by helicopter/snow cat)
  • Snowboarding (by helicopter/snow cat)
  • Snowmobiling (on land), ice skating, snow rafting, and more

When you buy your policy, you’ll need to list all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Our policies are divided into three levels with different coverages and premiums associated with each one. Skiing and snowboarding fall into Level 2 or 3. In addition to your time on the slopes, we can also offer coverage for more than 250 other activities, like sledding, surfing, hiking and more.

Please contact us if you have any questions around coverage for any activities you plan to do. 

Why should I consider travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding?

Thousands of sports enthusiasts tackle the slopes every season, usually without any major incident. But adventure sports can be risky, especially when frosty temperatures and spine-rattling runs are part of the picture. Add the fact that ski trips can be really expensive between renting gear, buying lift tickets and booking a plane ticket. The cost can easily run into the thousands of dollars just for one day on the mountain. That expense is worth protecting!

If your next vacation includes skiing or snowboarding, you could find yourself needing help for everything ranging from delayed flights due to a snowstorm, to damaged equipment to emergency evacuation.

Here are a few scenarios where travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding could be a real asset. Just remember these are example scenarios only and you will need to read your policy for exact details. All claims require documentation and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Accidents on the Slopes

Whether you’re in fresh powder or on the bunny hill, navigating steep (and even not so steep) terrain can be tricky. It only takes one bad fall or collision to end up with a broken ankle, a dislocated shoulder, or a wrist fracture. Emergency medical bills can be just as painful as a crash. This is where travel insurance can soften the blow. 

Emergency Help

When you get hurt on a mountain, getting transportation to a hospital can be critical. Our ski and snowboard travel insurance plans cover ambulance service to transport you to the hospital. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can help you every step of the way, too. If your treating physician recommends you return to your home province because of your medical condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement under your World Nomads travel insurance for your airfare or, when medically necessary, medical air evacuation to your home province.

Be sure to contact our emergency assistance team before seeking medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation. Our emergency assistance coordination team can provide guidance, and in some cases, be able to arrange direct payment to providers.

Damaged or stolen ski or snowboard equipment 

If your skis or snowboard have been lost or damaged by your common carrier, or stolen after your arrival, you could get reimbursed for the current value (which factors in depreciation) of your equipment.

If your bags are delayed for 12 hours or more in transit to your destination, your plan may also cover  the cost of rental equipment for your use while you’re waiting for a resolution from your carrier. Note that damage to sporting equipment while in use is not covered. 

Weather Delays

Snowstorms are great for the mountains, but not so good for your flights. If your regularly scheduled common carrier is delayed for three hours or is cancelled due to inclement weather, you may be eligible for coverage for trip interruption as part of your ski and snowboard travel insurance plan. This means you may receive reimbursement for your non-refundable, prepaid and unused expenses for ski tickets, accommodations, etc.. if you can’t make it to your winter wonderland.

You wouldn’t forget to pack your ski jacket and gloves – so why would you leave home without travel insurance? 

What's not covered in ski and snowboard travel insurance?  

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Here are a few of our exclusions:

  • Participation in a race or competition as a professional athlete
  • Search and rescue costs
  • Sporting equipment damaged while in use
  • Delayed baggage and sporting equipment on the way home from your trip.

Get a travel insurance quote

Ready to hit the slopes? When you get a quote you can compare our Standard and Explorer plans and decide which one might best suit your needs. If you have any questions, get in touch and we can help you decide which travel insurance is best for your next winter sport adventure. Coverage is available for international trips or for domestic trips outside of your home province. 

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy 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.

Cross Country Crash Course

FAQ

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.

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?
  • Ski 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
  • Slipped on ice?
  • Tore your ACL or MCL?
  • Popped a shoulder?

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
  • Road or air ambulance?
  • Flight assistance?
  • Medivac needed home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • GoPro stolen?
  • Bags lost in transit?
  • Luggage 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Photo © Meghan Pinsonnault/Stocksy

Skiing and Snowboarding Travel Insurance

Stay protected on the slopes with World Nomads travel insurance.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

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.

Fresh tracks and bluebird days will make for an epic trip, yet accidents on and off the hill do happen, even to the most experienced skiers or boarders. Whether you’re just learning or you’re a veteran ski bum chasing seasons, World Nomads travel insurance* may be able to help when the unexpected hits your next winter adventure.

From plans with different coverages like pre-trip medical support and car rental protection to emergency evacuations, optional cancel-for-any-reason coverage, and travel credits up to $750 if trails are closed due to too much (or not enough) snow, we’ve got your back. Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding.

Why should I consider travel insurance when skiing or snowboarding?

Thousands of sports enthusiasts tackle the slopes every season, usually without any major incident. But adventure sports can be risky, especially when frosty temperatures and spine-rattling runs are part of the picture.

If your next vacation includes time on the slopes, you may find yourself needing help for a serious medical emergency, evacuation, or repatriation back home, or simply for disappointing travel inconveniences related to too much or not enough snow preventing you from skiing during the trip. Some plans let you cancel for any reason and also include non-insurance services like pre-trip medical support and even rental car damage protection.

You wouldn’t forget to pack your ski jacket and gloves – so why would you leave home without travel insurance*?

Here are a few case scenarios where travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding may be a real asset. Just remember these are example scenarios only. All claims require documentation and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

You could get into an accident

Whether you’re on- or off trail, navigating steep (and even not so steep terrain) can be tricky. It only takes one bad fall or collision to end up with a broken ankle, a dislocated shoulder, or a wrist fracture. Emergency medical bills (including those incurred overseas) can be just as painful as a crash. This is where travel insurance may soften the blow.

Bad weather can cause delays, destruction, and cancellations

Maybe an avalanche buried your lodge or a snowstorm delayed your connecting flight. Our plans cover inclement weather under certain circumstances, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel inconveniences, and trip delay coverage due to a variety of reasons, including natural disasters.

Furthermore, our coverage for skiers and snowboarders even extends to how weather affects the activities you do on the trip. This way, you can confidently book your ski trip knowing that you may be covered if inclement weather like a blizzard (or a complete lack of snow) causes your trip to be changed.

You need to get to a far away hospital

When you get hurt on a mountain, getting transportation to a hospital can be critical. The 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can help plan your evacuation so that it’s timely and efficient, subject to doctors' approval (remember to call the Emergency Assistance Team first, before arranging evacuation). And thanks to travel insurance, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Your equipment may get lost or stolen

If your skis or snowboard have been lost or damaged by your common carrier, or stolen after your arrival, you may get reimbursed for the current value of your equipment (which factors in depreciation) or the cost of a replacement, up to a per item and total maximum limit.

Our plans also includes non-insurance services like Blue Ribbon Baggage, which will track and expedite the return of your airline baggage. Note that if your ski or snowboard gear is delayed, lost, or damaged, you must report the incident as soon as possible to a responsible officer for the carrier. Make sure you get a Property Irregularity Report, or a similar official report, in writing and make a claim directly with the carrier first before making a claim with us.

Please note we do not offer coverage for damage to sporting equipment while in use.

What's covered for ski and snowboard travel insurance?

World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you explore your boundaries. We automatically provide coverage for more than 250 activities on and off the slopes.

As passionate ski bums, we’ve designed our plans to cover the style of riding our Nomads love the most***:

  • Skiing and boarding within resorts.
  • Cross country and Nordic skiing on marked trails.
  • Terrain parks.
  • Heli-skiing and heli-boarding.
  • Acrobatic, free-style, jumping, flying and stunt skiing; speed riding and ski racing (Explorer or Epic plan only, check yours carefully).
  • Snowmobiling, ice skating, snow kiting, snow rafting, and more.

Coverage is available for international trips or for domestic trips more than 100 miles from home and can also include these unique benefits (plan dependent):

  • Get $250 per incident as a ‘travel inconvenience’ (up to plan limits) if your ski resort closes all or part of its facilities for at least one day due to lack of snow or inclement weather that causes a cessation of services. You must have purchased the Explorer or Epic plan within the time sensitive period in order to be eligible.
  • Receive reimbursement for your ski lift ticket if at least 50% of the trails or slopes are closed for at least eight consecutive hours for various reasons, subject to terms and conditions. Read your plan for details of this “Trip Interruption” benefit.
  • Gear coverage: Sporting equipment may be covered when stolen or if checked into your transportation carrier, lost or damaged. This coverage is secondary (excess) to any coverage provided by your carrier.

***Each coverage plan differs in its coverage of skiing or snowboarding activities. Conditions and exclusions apply. Review the plans and check out our Help Center article adventure sports coverage to choose the right plan for your trip.

What's not covered for ski and snowboard travel insurance?

  • Sporting equipment damaged from use.
  • Delayed baggage on the way home from your trip.
  • Being paid to compete in a sporting event.
  • Search-and-rescue missions.
  • If you travel against medical advice.
  • Any medical bills related to a pre-existing condition, unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period and were medically able to travel at the time of purchase.
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
  • Travel within 100 miles of your home.

Get a quote

Ready to hit the slopes? When you get a quote you can compare our Standard, Explorer, and Epic Plans and decide which one might best suit your needs.

Travel a lot? Then our Annual Plan may be best for you. Still not sure? Get in touch and we can help you decide which travel insurance is best for your next snow adventure.

*All information we provided here is a brief summary. *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.

We cover 250+ activities you love

Snow 42 activities
Water 56 activities
Air 31 activities
Land 80 activities
Sports 80 activities
Experience 11 activities
Blue activities are included in All Plans. Orange and blue activities are included in the Explorer Plan. Orange, blue and purple activities included in the Epic Plan.

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
  • Has an avalanche closed the road to the resort?
  • Has a snow storm canceled your flight?
  • Are you or a close relative seriously sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Slipped on ice?
  • Tore your ACL or MCL?
  • Crashed in the terrain park?

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
  • Road or air ambulance?
  • Flight assistance?
  • Medevac needed home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Go Pro or laptop stolen?
  • Skis or board damaged by the airlines?
  • Luggage lost or 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about ski and snowboarding travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask our customer service team

  • What should I do if I get injured on the mountain?
    Contact ski patrol to get immediate local assistance if you’re on the slopes. If you’re already in the village, contact the 24/7Emergency Assistance team so they can direct you to the nearest medical facility, and help arrange treatment or emergency evacuation, if required.
  • Will you cover me if the resorts are closed because of lack of snow?
    In most instances, this is a case scenario that’s not covered by the plan. Travel insurance doesn’t protect you from the loss of enjoyment. However, if your lodging is uninhabitable because of a natural disaster, you could qualify for trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers and their families. You'd rather not think about all of the things that might go wrong on your trip, but these things can and do happen.

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers, to cover your trip essentials. Even if you run out of travel insurance or leave without it, World Nomads can cover you. We don't just keep you and your family protected, with us, you'll travel smarter and safer.
Buy cover while traveling

If you're traveling and want to travel longer, World Nomads lets you buy more cover to keep you on the road.

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Our multi-lingual assistance team can help you when you need it most, connecting you with medical treatment and transportation.

Cover for 150+ Adventure Activities

At World Nomads, we love to explore our boundaries when we travel, so we've worked for over ten years developing one of the longest lists of covered activities.

Donate to local communities

We connect our customers to projects run by established charities so you can fund projects in destinations with the greatest need.

A true claim story

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L. De Jesus,
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely
    A.Brennan,
    Australian in Thailand
  • 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.
    K.McMahon,
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.Ryan,
    Canadian in Malaysia

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 in an accident?
  • Sudden death of an immediate relative?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

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
  • Injured abroad?
  • Need to get to hospital urgently?
  • Medical evacuation home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost by a carrier?
  • 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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

We cover 150+ Adventure Activities you love + more

Snow
Water
Air
Land
Sports
Experiences
  • Scuba diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Surfing
  • Bungee jumping
  • Skiing
Blue activities are automatically included in both the Standard and Explorer plans. All sports listed in orange will need to be added to your policy at the time of purchase. The list is intended as a guide only and there may be restrictions on what you can do, so read the policy wording or contact us. For a more detailed list click here

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions. You can also visit our help center for more answers.