Photo © Milo Zanecchia/ Ascent Xmedia

Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Learn how your tech could be covered while you're working or traveling overseas.

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So you’re planning on a two-month flexcation (combining work and play) or maybe you’re dreaming of working remotely while you travel. While this sounds like a dream gig, life on the road can also be unpredictable. To be truly ‘travel ready’ you’ll need travel insurance to protect not only yourself, but your tech gear if something goes wrong.

Travel insurance: how are my electronics covered?

Our policies offer cover for a wide range of valuables and gadgets including:

  • Photographic equipment
  • Binoculars, telescopes
  • Computers and/or accessories (including laptops, games and gaming consoles)
  • PDA’s and tablet devices (including iPad’s and eBooks)
  • Video cameras
  • Audio visual equipment (including portable speakers and headphones)
  • DVD players
  • Mobile phones
  • Drones and satellite navigation devices.

How much we cover your items depends on your plan. We cover: 

  • When your gear is stolen when it’s under your supervision.
  • Tech devices destroyed by a fire or a natural catastrophe.

Note: depreciation and wear and tear will be considered when calculating the claim settlement value of your electronic items (depreciation will not be applied to items listed as 'high value items' and you have paid the additional premium).

Whether you’re plugging into your social network or working remotely from a hub, we can help you protect your valuables and devices. Our six tips can help you travel safely and keep your gear secure.

  • Tip 1: keep your receipts: always keep receipts (hard or digital copies) of any gadgets bought before and during your travels in case you need to make a claim. You should also make copies of your travel documents, ID cards, credit cards, and other personal information that you’re taking with you on the trip.
  • Tip 2: get proof in writing for any lost or damaged gadgets: if a common carrier (e.g. airline, bus company or hotel) has lost, delayed or damaged your gear you must notify them right away and get a record of the incident to support your claim. 
  • Tip 3: report theft to the police: if you’re bags or valuables are stolen, you need to report it ASAP to the local police as well as the common carrier, service provider or any other local authority. If you don’t it could affect your claim.
  • Tip 4: protect your devices: with cyberattacks and identity theft now commonplace make sure your devices are protected to secure  sensitive work data, banking details and more.  Your laptop should be encrypted with strong passwords, a lock screen, and with antivirus or anti-malware software. Avoid using public WIFI hotspots, and never leave sensitive information or devices in your rental car or an unattended hotel room. If you must leave anything behind, make sure it is locked up in a safe.
  • Tip 5: use a digital nomad visa: As the Covid-19 pandemic encouraged the remote working trend, many countries are offering digital nomad visas (a document or program that gives a traveller the legal right to work remotely while residing away from their country of residence). Countries offering digital nomad visas include - Costa Rica, Portugal, Estonia, and Malta, and the list is growing.
  • Tip 6: prepare for trip delays: As a digital nomad you may be travelling between places by air or road or both. Travel insurance can help if your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours.

Does my travel insurance cover my tech?

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

What's not covered by travel insurance?

Some of the main exclusions include:

  • When you leave your gear unattended
  • Electronic malfunctions (you can take that up with the manufacturer)
  • Theft or damage incurred when your valuables and gadgets are checked in with your luggage 
  • Items that you can't prove that you own (for example, you don't have a record of their purchase) 

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered.  Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your Policy Wording carefully. If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.

Get a quote today and make that digital nomad dream a reality.

Tips for Digital Nomads

  • Find and scan your receipts before you leave.
  • If an airline loses your gadgets, notify them right away and get a record.
  • Theft? Report it to the police as soon as possible.
  • Password protect your devices and enable the lock screen if possible.
  • Make a claim at home or on the road.

Bag snatched in Latvia.

It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, Iphone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and, as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours, because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
C.E. Australian in Latvia.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

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

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travellers, for travellers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for over 20 years.

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. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.