Photo © Getty Images/Petar Chernaev

Travel Insurance While Already Traveling

With World Nomads, you can easily get travel insurance while already travelling. 

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You’ve waited for this special getaway for so long. Maybe you’re heading out on a safari in Africa, backpacking through Europe, or learning to make pasta in Italy. With all the excitement of packing your bags, jumping on a plane, and jetting off to a faraway destination, travel insurance may have been the last thing on your mind. If you’ve already left Canada, you may now be asking yourself “Can I buy travel insurance while already abroad?” The answer is yes! 

If you’ve left home without travel insurance, or your policy has run out and you’re still on the road, don’t panic. With World Nomads, you can easily get travel insurance while already travelling.  

Do I need travel insurance? 

Anytime you’re travelling, there’s always going to be some things you can’t anticipate. Because of this, travel insurance may be something you want to consider. As travellers ourselves, we’ve experienced cancelled flights and have been left sitting at the carousel for the bag that never came. We’ve also known nomads who have dealt with everything from biking injuries to stolen iPhones. Nobody enjoys dealing with these things, but they happen.  

If you don’t start thinking about all of the “what if’s” until you’ve left Canada though, that’s ok. It’s still easy to get travel insurance while already abroad.  

How do I get travel insurance while overseas? 

You just need a good internet connection to get a quote for travel insurance while overseas. You’ll answer a few simple questions about your trip and follow the prompts that will outline the coverage and benefits offered by World Nomads travel insurance. You can then compare our Standard and Explorer plans side by side and select the best travel insurance plan for your needs. You’ll see that the Explorer plan costs more but has higher benefit limits and/or sub-limits than the Standard. 

Make sure to add any activities you plan to participate in, read and accept the terms and conditions, pay for your insurance, and you’re done. It’s a simple process to buy travel insurance while already travelling, and within just a few minutes you’ll be back to lounging by the pool at your resort.  

If I buy travel insurance while already abroad, what’s covered? 

When you get a quote and purchase your travel insurance while overseas, you’ll see there’s several things that are covered.  

Activities 

World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadian residents. When you get a quote and purchase your World Nomads travel insurance, you’ll need to list your planned activities. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. It is best to list out all possible activities you may do on your trip, even if you aren’t sure. This way you can travel worry-free. If you plan on participating in an activity that isn’t listed in your policy wording, you can contact us to determine if you’ll be covered.  

Medical Emergencies  

Even if you have a Government Health Insurance Plan, it may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses while you’re travelling internationally. Unless you have travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage, you will be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur when you see medical attention. Medical providers in some areas may even require upfront payment and in some cases, if you have travel insurance, the 24-hour Emergency Assistance team may be able to arrange payment directly with the medical provider.

Travel insurance from World Nomads includes overseas emergency medical coverage for Canadian travellers, and you could be reimbursed for things like an ambulance transfer, medication, or a hospital stay. You will still need to have Government Health Insurance Plan coverage in your home province while you are on your trip though. If you don’t, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses during your trip is limited to CAD $40,000.  

Note that if you buy your World Nomads travel insurance plan while already abroad, there will be a 48 hour waiting period before you have emergency medical coverage for injury or sickness. 

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation 

The availability of medical care is not the same in all destinations. If you get hurt hiking in a remote jungle in Thailand, you may find limited medical services available. Even if you’ve purchased your travel insurance while already abroad, local ground or air ambulance transportation and emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage will still be included in your World Nomads travel insurance plan. This coverage may help get you to a place that offers the level of care that you need, and could even assist with getting you back home to Canada if your attending physician and the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team agrees that’s best for your treatment.  

Baggage 

Baggage insurance may help reimburse the cost to replace your belongings if your bag was lost by a common carrier. World Nomads travel insurance includes coverage for lost bags, as well as delayed bags (up to your policy limits.) If your luggage is delayed more than 12 hours, you could be reimbursed for the costs of things like toiletries and a change of clothes. 

Trip Interruption 

Travel insurance covers many unwelcome situations that can occur while you’re on your trip. What happens if you unexpectedly get hurt while skiing in Japan and have to cut your trip short?  Even if you wait to purchase your travel insurance while already abroad, your trip interruption coverage could help you be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you can’t recover those costs from the travel supplier.  

Natural Disasters 

The Canadian government offers travel advice and advisories for destinations across the world, and you can easily see if there are specific risks for your destination. For example, the Canadian government offers warnings about volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis in Chile. You often can’t plan for the unpredictable forces of nature, and World Nomads offers coverage for unanticipated natural disasters that may cause the Canadian Government to issue a travel advisory against travel.  

What isn’t covered by travel insurance while overseas? 

Even the best travel insurance plans don’t cover everything. If you’ve thrown back too many cervezas in Mexico and trip and fall, you wouldn’t be covered for that.  

A few other things that wouldn’t be covered include:  

  • Certain pre-existing medical condition(s) as explained in the policy wording 
  • Sickness or injury that happens within 48 hours of your departure date if you purchase travel insurance while already travelling  
  • Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy 
  • Travelling against your doctor’s advice 
  • Not following government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure 
  • Travel within 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

Malaria at Christmas

On Christmas Day, I woke up feeling nausea, fever, headache, and lethargy. After two days the symptoms hadn’t disappeared so I went to a clinic and was admitted with severe malaria. I was in the hospital for two days and had to take medication.
Outcome: Medical and Hospital Expenses Claim Paid
A.G. Brazilian Nomad in Zambia.

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
  • Come to a sticky end?
  • Called to jury duty?
  • Been made redundant?

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?
  • 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?
  • You or a family member dead?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • 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.

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 buying travel insurance away from home. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • If I extend my trip, can I extend my travel insurance while overseas?
    If you choose to extend your trip beyond your scheduled return date and you have not made a claim (nor is there any reason to make a claim), you may apply for a policy extension. The request for an extension must be made through and approved by World Nomads prior to your original return date. You must also pay the required additional premium before your original return date. 
Photo © Getty Images/Petar Chernaev

Buying Travel Insurance After You’ve Already Left on Your Trip

Americans can get travel insurance while already overseas. Learn what coverage you can expect.

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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.

With all the excitement of packing your bags, jumping on a plane, and jetting off to a faraway destination, travel insurance may slip your mind. You may be asking yourself “Can I buy travel insurance after departure?” The answer is yes!

If you’ve left home without travel insurance* or your plan has run out while you’re still on the road, don’t panic. World Nomads has got you covered with simple and flexible travel insurance plans that you can buy online, anytime, from anywhere in the world.

How do I get travel insurance if I’ve already left home or I’m already overseas?

It’s easy - all you need is a good internet connection. Head to our website to get a quote. Answer a few simple questions about your trip and follow the prompts that will outline the coverage and benefits we offer. We offer two types of plans – Single Trip or Annual. Within our single trip plans, we also have three levels of coverage– you can compare them before you get a quote and select the one that best suits your needs. Then read and accept the terms and conditions, pay for your plan, and you’re done.

Are there any waiting periods if I buy travel insurance after departure?

If you buy a plan while traveling, waiting periods, conditions and restrictions may apply. World Nomads policies for U.S. residents take effect at 12:01am local time the day after you purchase your plan. So, if you’re already traveling and want to get coverage for a day trip or ski weekend, you’ll need to buy your insurance at least the day before you need coverage.

Also remember that travel insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions (unless you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period and were medically able to travel at the time of purchase) or known events, so we think it’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance as soon as possible, so you’ll be covered for that future illness, future hurricane, etc. The future you will thank you!

What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?

We’ve designed our travel insurance to be simple, flexible and include the things our travelers have told us are most important to them.

All our plans offer coverage, up to the plan limits, for the following, when you need it the most:

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance in multiple languages. If you need help (medical, lost bags, crimes, natural disaster, etc.), they should be your first call.
  • Emergency medical coverage that may offer reimbursement for hospitalization, same day surgery and out-patient treatment, emergency dental coverage, and visits to registered medical practitioners.
  • Coverage for delayed, lost or stolen baggage, gear and sporting equipment.
  • Coverage for some of your non-refundable, pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses when you’ve had to unexpectedly cancel your trip for a covered reason.
  • Mechanical breakdowns or transportation strikes that shut down travel on common carriers for 24 consecutive hours.
  • Coverage for more than 250 adventure activities, sports and experiences, including rock climbing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, hiking and snorkeling.
  • Coverage when your trip is delayed or interrupted for certain time perimeters, as defined in your plan documents.
  • Pre-trip medical support via our non-insurance service partners at Runway Health & FootprintID.

Some of our higher tier plans (Explorer and Epic) also offer coverage for:

  • Rental Car Protection (applicable to state variability; read your plan to make sure your state is covered).
  • Travel inconveniences, like a ski resort that shuts down due to lack of snow or your cruise misses a port of call due to inclement weather.
  • Pet Kenneling for your furry friend if your travel delay causes them to stay at least six hours longer at their boarding facility than expected.
  • Trip Exchange if your travel supplier (like a tour company or cruise) changes the dates on you and you are forced to incur extra expenses, or even cancel, as a result.
  • Missed connection coverage for when you miss your trip departure (like on a cruise or tour group) by 3 hours or more for a covered reason and you incur extra expenses to join at a different location.

You can also add optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage to the Explorer and Epic plans, although an additional cost will be incurred. You may want to consider this if you are planning a big trip and have invested a lot of money, or if you are worried something could come up in the future that could cause you to miss it.

*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.

Malaria at Christmas.

In the 25th of December I woke up feeling nausea, fever, headache, and lethargy. After two days with the symptoms not ceasing I went to a clinic and was admitted with severe malaria. I stayed in the hospital for two days taking shots for malaria and also saline drip.
Claim paid: USD $392,55
A.G. Brazilian Nomad in Zambia.

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
  • Come to a sticky end?
  • Called to jury duty?
  • Been made redundant?

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?
  • 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?
  • You or a family member dead?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • 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.

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 © Getty Images/Petar Chernaev

Buy Travel Insurance Away from Home

Get covered by World Nomads, even if you're already on the road.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Can I buy a travel insurance policy if I'm already overseas?

I’m already overseas – can I get travel insurance?
Are there any special conditions?
How does a waiting period work?
Need to extend your policy?
FAQs

If you're a New Zealander and you’ve left home without travel insurance or your policy has run out and you’re still on the road, World Nomads has got you covered. With World Nomads, you can buy a policy online, anytime, from anywhere in the world.

We know it’s easy to forget to buy travel insurance. That’s why we’ve designed simple and flexible travel insurance so you can buy what you need, when you need it, no matter where you might be travelling.

I’m already overseas – can I get travel insurance?

If you forgot to buy a policy before you started your trip, are outside New Zealand without insurance, or your cover has ended but your trip hasn’t, you can buy a World Nomads policy 24/7 online.

If you buy a policy while travelling, you'll have to wait up to 72 hours for full cover to apply. However, you can be covered straight away if you're injured in an accident after you buy a policy. Your Policy Document will have full details to understand the cover, limits, and exclusions.

Are there any special conditions?

If you buy a policy while you’re already travelling, you will need to wait 72 hours after purchasing before your cover will start. This is called a waiting period.

How does a waiting period work?

  • If you buy a policy when you're overseas and the policy start date is within 72 hours of issue of your certificate of insurance, you'll need to wait 72 hours for cover to begin.
  • If you purchase a policy when you're overseas and the policy start date is 72 hours or more after the issue of your certificate of insurance, cover for Cancellation or Trip Interruption expenses will begin 72 hours from the time we issue the policy, with all other benefits commencing on your departure date.

Get a quote and buy online 24/7

With World Nomads you can Get an instant quote anytime, anywhere, before you leave home or while you’re on the road.

Cover for medical emergencies

While there is a 72-hour waiting period if you purchase your travel insurance after you’ve started travelling, both our Standard and Explorer policies offer cover if you suffer a serious injury as the result of an accident after the policy departure date and before the end of the 72-hour waiting period.

If something goes wrong and you suffer a serious injury as the result of an accident, there's cover for emergency overseas medical and dental expenses, and emergency evacuation and repatriation expenses, without having to wait 72 hours.

All other cover and benefits still begin 72 hours from when your certificate of insurance is issued, and only for events first occurring after the 72-hour waiting period.

Need to extend your policy?

If you’re travelling and decide you want to travel for longer, we can help you stay covered by extending your existing policy for up to 12 months. It’s easy! Simply sign into your World Nomads membership to check eligibility and extend your cover before 11:59pm AEST/AEDT on the return date shown on your certificate of insurance. Check out our Helpdesk guide for more information on how to extend your cover.

Traveller tip: our 24/7 emergency assistance team is here to help if things go wrong. They can help organise medical transport, payment of hospital bills and assist with medical emergencies.

If you aren’t sure of anything, or have questions, be sure to check out our comprehensive FAQs or you can also contact us.

  • Buy while travelling
  • Get cover 24/7 online
  • Instant confirmation
  • Ongoing traveller support
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Waiting periods apply

Left home without travel insurance?

Watch our video to learn more about how to buy travel insurance away from home.

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.

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.

Mexican Mosquito Virus

Upon arrival to Spain on the 4th of April I had been displaying fever, headache, exhaustion and dizziness. This lasted for a week, so I went to the doctor at the hospital in Malaga, Andalucia where they gave me a consultation and blood test showing results that indicated a mosquito-bourne virus which makes sense as I arrived in Europe from Mexico a week before the symptoms started.
Kiwi in Spain

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 carked it?
  • Have your relos carked it?
  • 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)
*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 buying away from home. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team

  • Why is there a waiting period?
    A waiting period reduces the likelihood of travellers making claims as soon as they purchase insurance. It also helps to keep the price lower for everyone.
Photo © Getty Images/Petar Chernaev

 Buy Travel Insurance Away from Home

Get covered by World Nomads, even if you're already overseas.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Can I buy a travel insurance policy if I'm already overseas?

I’m already overseas – can I get travel insurance?
Are there any special conditions?
How does a waiting period work?
Need to extend your policy?
FAQs

If you're an Australian and you’ve left home without travel insurance or your policy has run out and you’re still on the road, World Nomads has got you covered. With World Nomads, you can buy a policy online, anytime, from anywhere in the world.

We know it’s easy to forget to buy travel insurance. That’s why we’ve designed simple and flexible travel insurance so you can buy what you need, when you need it, no matter where you might be travelling.

I’m already overseas – can I get travel insurance?

If you forgot to buy a policy before you started your trip, are outside Australia without insurance, or your cover has ended but your trip hasn’t, you can buy a World Nomads policy 24/7 online.

Traveller tip: our 24/7 emergency assistance team is here to help if things go wrong. They can help organise medical transport, payment of hospital bills and assist with medical emergencies.

Are there any special conditions?

If you buy a policy while you’re already travelling, you will need to wait 72 hours after purchasing before your cover will start. This is called a waiting period.

How does a waiting period work?

  • If you buy a policy when you're overseas and the policy start date is within 72 hours of issue of your certificate of insurance, you'll need to wait 72 hours for cover to begin.
  • If you purchase a policy when you're overseas and the policy start date is 72 hours or more after the issue of your certificate of insurance, cover for Cancellation or Trip Interruption expenses will begin 72 hours from the time we issue the policy, with all other benefits commencing on your departure date.

Get a quote and buy online 24/7

With World Nomads you can get an instant quote anytime, anywhere, before you leave home or while you’re on the road.

Cover for medical emergencies

While there is a 72-hour waiting period if you purchase your travel insurance after you’ve started travelling, both our Standard and Explorer policies offer cover if you suffer a serious injury as the result of an accident after the policy departure date and before the end of the 72-hour waiting period.

If something goes wrong and you suffer a serious injury as the result of an accident, there's cover for emergency overseas medical and dental expenses, and emergency evacuation and repatriation expenses, without having to wait 72 hours.

All other cover and benefits still begin 72 hours from when your certificate of insurance is issued, and only for events first occurring after the 72-hour waiting period.

Need to extend your policy?

If you’re travelling and decide you want to travel for longer, we can help you stay covered by extending your existing policy for up to 12 months. It’s easy! Simply sign into your World Nomads membership to check eligibility and extend your cover before 11:59pm AEST/AEDT on the return date shown on your certificate of insurance. For more information, read our article on how to extend your cover.

If you have any questions, be sure to check out our comprehensive FAQs or you can also contact us.
  • Buy while travelling
  • Get cover 24/7 online
  • Instant confirmation
  • Ongoing traveller support
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Waiting periods apply

Left home without travel insurance?

Learn more about how to buy travel insurance.

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the full description of cover in the PDS for the full details on what’s not covered as well as the terms, conditions, limitation, and exclusions. If you are unsure of anything, please contact us for help.

Dengue in Bali.

I contracted dengue typhoid fevers in Bali. The doctor and medical expenses incurred, were all paid within 10 days of claim, which I submitted by email from Bali. Monies were paid into my bank account - efficient and simple!
Australian in Bali.

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 carked it?
  • Have your relos carked it?
  • 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)
*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 buying away from home. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team

  • Why is there a waiting period?
    A waiting period reduces the likelihood of travellers making claims as soon as they purchase insurance. It also helps to keep the price lower for everyone.

Worldwide 24 hour Emergency Assistance

Wherever you are, we’re there to help!

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Emergency Assistance for New Zealanders 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If it's an emergency, such as a serious injury, sudden illness, an accident or hospitalisation, contact our Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. Our Emergency Assistance Team are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

From New Zealand & Overseas:

+61 2 8263 0470

+61 2 8292 1470

Within Australia (free call):

1800 611 210

SMS: +61 4 1720 4602

Email: assist@worldnomads.com

Be prepared.

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
  • Prescribed medication (if any)

How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?

Learn how your travel insurance policy can assist if you're in an emergency situation by watching this video.

Bitten by a tick in Colombia

I was bitten by a tick in Sierra Nevada region on my trip in Colombia, and infected by borrelia. A doctor examined me and I have received treatment for borreliose with antibiotics and probiotics. However, as the brain fog and dizziness persisted even during continuing treatment, the emergency assistance team organised medical repatriation as it is not safe for me to travel with these symptoms.
Claim Paid: USD $1,134.17
A.B. Norwegian Nomad in Colombia

Worldwide 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance

Wherever you are, we’re there to help!

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Emergency Medical Assistance for travellers from the UK


For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:

Emergency Medical Assistance: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Phone (from anywhere in the world): +44 (0) 144 444 2021
Email: worldnomads.assist@collinsoninsurance.com


For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:

Emergency Medical Assistance: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Phone (from overseas): +44 (0) 20 3093 1750
Email: worldnomadsassist@axa-assistance.com



Be prepared

So that our 24/7 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
  • Prescribed medication (if any)

How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?

Learn how your travel insurance policy can assist if you're in an emergency situation by watching this video.

Toes caught in bike spokes

I was riding my bicycle along a remote stretch of road with my son on the back on a child seat. Somehow my son managed to get his toes through the frame of the bike and his foot caught in the spokes and brought the bike to a sudden stop. His foot and ankle were completely twisted around and facing backwards, his shoe and sock had come off and all the skin had been flayed off his ankle and heel – it looked like there was bone visible. My mobile phone would not work so I went to a nearby house where the 96-year-old owner called the ambulance. When the ambulance came they immobilized the foot and ankle and took us to the hospital. The emergency room could not determine whether it was a fracture in the growth plates or a severe sprain so they splinted it and referred my son to an Orthopedic doctor.
British nomad

Emergency Assistance for U.S. Residents

Wherever you are, we’re there to help!

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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.  

Emergency Assistance for U.S. Residents

Our Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year from anywhere in the world. This is who you will call if you need emergency help while traveling. This can be for a medical reason or instances of theft, missing bags, or natural disasters. They are your first call for any emergency situation. They also have translators available, if that is needed.

Telephone: +1-877-289-0968 (toll free within the US and Canada)

Telephone: +1-954-334-8143 (Collect worldwide)

Email: ops@gga-usa.com

Not from the U.S? Find the right Emergency Assistance team:

Be prepared.

The Emergency Assistance team will want to quickly assist you, so please be ready with the following:

  • Your plan number (if you have it on you)
  • A contact number for where you are now
  • The nature of your problem
  • Your location
  • Prescribed medication (if any)

Bitten by a tick in Colombia

I was bitten by a tick in Sierra Nevada region on my trip in Colombia, and infected by borrelia. A doctor examined me and I have received treatment for borreliose with antibiotics and probiotics. However, as the brain fog and dizziness persisted even during continuing treatment, the emergency assistance team organised medical repatriation as it is not safe for me to travel with these symptoms.
Claim Paid: USD $1,134.17
A.B. Norwegian Nomad in Colombia.
Photo © Yulkapopkova/IStock

Does Travel Insurance Cover Dental?

Learn how travel insurance may cover emergency dental treatment abroad.

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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 03 February 2022, please check the PDS provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 03 February 2022 please see below.

No one likes going to the dentist, and even less when it's not your regular dentist. But teeth can crack and infections can strike, regardless of where you are in the world. A pitted olive that wasn't; a very, very sticky caramel... it's the worst sort of surprise. World Nomads can help you out with emergency dental cover.

What does travel insurance cover for overseas dental? 

If something happens, we only offer cover for the immediate relief of sudden and acute onset of pain on healthy teeth and teeth with fillings. We may cover those teeth if you suddenly have:

  • A cracked or chipped tooth.
  • A dental infection.
  • Dental surgery resulting from an accident.

Cover is limited, and we may need to talk to your dentist back home to see what your teeth were like before you left. Just remember, the policy comes with a AUD$100 excess which will be deducted from your claim.

What's not covered

In short, pretty much anything that's not on the list above. Specifically, there are a few straight-up things we don't provide cover for:

  • Anything routine, or that can wait until you're home.
  • Major dental work such as but not limited to crowns, bridges, dental prostheses.
  • Dental expenses incurred while you’re in Australia. This policy doesn't replace private medical insurance or Medicare.
  • Getting your teeth straightened.
  • Cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, implants, braces.
  • Dental problems you knew about before you bought the policy.

A lot of the time, our cover will be limited to patching the problem, such as a temporary filling, a pain-relieving injection, that sort of thing. The big stuff will have to wait until you get home.

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 PDS 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.

How to get dental assistance

It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team 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 24/7 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

Tooth ache in Lumbini.

While in Lumbini, Nepal, experienced 2 days of occasional, severe aching pain from a molar on the right upper jaw, brought on by cold drinks or hot food. On the 17th the pain was constant and unrelieved by any medications. After an 8 hour bus ride back to Kathmandu I presented to CIWEC Dental Clinic where after X-ray and evaluation the dentist diagnosed an infected root canal. I was given antibiotics and scheduled an appointment for endodontic surgery in two days time, as the pain was serious and I was planning an extended trek to Everest Base Camp in the coming weeks. On the 19th of October I returned and underwent a successful endodontic treatment in one canal of my tooth and had the hole covered with posterior surface restoration.
Claim paid: $500
K.D. Australian resident in Nepal.

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)
*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 overseas dental travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

Travel Insurance for Delayed Baggage.

Learn how travel insurance could help if your luggage misses your flight.

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This information is for Australian residents. 

So you've arrived at your destination and spent your first two hours on the ground watching a baggage carousel grow empty without ever coughing up your bags. This happens a lot. It's really annoying.  Happily, there's someone to blame. That's the airline.

In every airport, there's a lost luggage counter where you can report your missing items (also go here if your bags have been damaged). You need to get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from that counter. 

What does travel insurance cover regarding delayed luggage?

If you're luggage is delayed by more than 12 hours, our policies cover essential purchases (toothbrushes, deodorant, clean undies, etc.). 

There are limits on the amount you can spend. So before you go shopping for a new wardrobe, check your policy carefully on the limits, conditions and exclusions which may apply before you buy. 

If you need to make a claim, you'll also need to fill in all of the documentation required by the carrier and submit this with your receipts. 

What's not covered

Delayed luggage once you're back home. You've now got access to your full wardrobe, so you shouldn't need anything from your bags. When you're shopping for essential purchases, think Walmart and the chemist, not high street fashion and designer labels.

Items you can claim if your bags are delayed:

  • T-shirt(s)
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Toiletries
  • Reasonable & necessary essential items (check your policy for details)

Items that aren't covered if your bags are delayed: 

  • Designer jeans to replace your fisherman's pants
  • A new ball gown for that special event
  • Tailor made suit
  • Leather jacket
  • Other non-essential items you can live without for a few days

Baggage Delay en route Chennai.

Upon travelling from Hanoi (Vietnam) to Chennai (India) my luggage was misplaced/delayed for 5 days. I reported the baggage missing with the airport authorities and they completed a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). I phoned the airlines every day for an update. In the meantime I had spoken several times to World Nomads to explain the situation and to check what I am covered for. The items I am claiming for are all essential items for my day to day living. I have receipts for everything I purchased.
Claim paid: AUS $295.6
Australian Nomad in India.

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)
*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 cover for delayed baggage. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • What supporting documents do you need?
    You’ll need a Property Irregularity Report (‘PIR’) from the carrier confirming the delay and any compensation they provided to you or offered to you, your receipts and a copy of your itinerary.
Photo © Getty Images / Alexander Spatari

Does Travel Insurance Cover Terrorism?

Find out how we could help if you're caught up in a terror attack.

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This information is for Australian residents only. 

There's a lot of media around this, and there's a lot of allure in danger too. When everyone is saying something different about the risks of travel, it's hard to get a clear picture of what's going on. It also raises lots of questions about how insurance works. 

What can travel insurance cover if there's a terror attack?

If the event is unforeseen – which by their very nature terrorist attacks almost all are, you could be covered for:

  • Hospitalisation
  • Out-patient treatment
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Medical transportation to bring you home

In addition, we also have emergency assistance teams who can assist you – keeping you informed, putting you in contact with consular officials, arranging medical care, and getting in touch with your family for you.

What’s not covered by travel insurance if there's a terror attack?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. We often see claims for terrorism that we have to decline because the Australian plan excludes them:

  • Cancellation
  • Trip interruption expenses
  • Changing your mind to travel
  • Buying a policy AFTER the event happens
  • If the Australian government says a  destination is "Do Not Travel" and you still travel there.

Also, we don't cover anything that happens because you made jokes about terrorism or bombs while standing in an airport security screening area or other high security environment. Those people do not have a sense of humour, and you won't be laughing when they reach for the latex gloves.

How to get help if you're hurt in a terror attack

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 your fall sick of get injured until the time you get home.

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

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)
*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 cover for Terrorism. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team