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Emergency Medical Expense Coverage for Accidents and Sicknesses

Accidents happen. Learn how US residents can protect their trip with emergency medical expense coverage

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At a glance

  • Emergency medical help abroad: Accident & Sickness Medical Expense coverage for hospital stays, ambulance transport, prescriptions, and emergency dental treatment when you’re injured or sick overseas.
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation benefit: World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of Emergency Medical Evacuation if needed. (Subject to Approval)
  • 24/7 global assistance: Our non-insurance Emergency Assistance team is on call 24/7 to help you find suitable care, communicate with doctors, and coordinate logistics in any language and in any time zone.
  • Stay healthy on the road: Get pre-trip telehealth advice, upload portable medical records, and follow simple steps to prevent foodborne illness and altitude sickness while traveling.

We’ve seen just about everything on the road—from motorbike spills and sudden illnesses to allergy attacks and even a shark bite. When the unexpected happens, knowing who to call and how to get help overseas can make all the difference. With a plan from World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can explore with confidence knowing you’re prepared for those “just in case” moments.

Why consider travel protection for medical emergencies abroad?

One of the top reasons our nomads buy travel protection plans that include the medical expense insurance benefit is to protect themselves if they get sick or injured while abroad. Food poisoning, car accidents, or sudden illness can strike when you least expect it. In fact, 27% of claims across all US travel insurance companies in 2024 were for situations like this. Sometimes you just need a doctor to prescribe medicine, but serious cases may require hospitalization, surgery, or emergency evacuation.

Your regular health insurance back home may not cover you once you leave the country. With travel insurance that includes the medical expense coverage, you can get help arranging treatment and avoid paying high out-of-pocket costs if you end up in a hospital or need emergency care while traveling.

The non-insurance Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7, 365 days a year. They should be your first call in any emergency, if the situation allows it. They’ll ask you:

  • Your plan number (if you have it on you)
  • A contact number to reach you
  • The nature of your emergency
  • Your location
  • Any prescribed medication
  • Call them at: 1-877-289-0968 within the United States and 1-954-334-8143 from anywhere in the world.

Accident and Sickness Medical Expenses that may be covered:

  • Hospitalization
  • X-Rays and Lab Tests
  • Prescribed Medicines
  • Ambulance Transportation
  • Transportation to Your Primary Residence (Repatriation), if deemed medically necessary
  • Emergency Dental Treatment

What May Not Be Covered:

  • Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home
  • Care or treatment that is payable under any other insurance plan
  • Ongoing treatment at home
  • Any reckless or illegal behavior, including being under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Coverage Maximums

Standard Plan

Explorer Plan

Epic Plan

Annual Plan

$125,000 per person

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$150,000 per person

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$250,000 per person

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Up to $100,000 per person

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Please note - plan benefits and provisions may vary by state jurisdiction.

Our recommendations in the event of an unexpected medical emergency on your trip

  1. Get to safety. In a serious emergency, go to the nearest hospital or safe location immediately.
  2. Call our non-insurance 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. They can recommend trusted doctors or clinics nearby.
  3. Stay in touch during treatment. As the unexpected situation develops, keep our team informed so they can continue to assist you.
  4. Need to be moved? If medically necessary, the non-insurance Emergency Assistance team can help arrange medical evacuation or repatriation— contact our team first before organizing transport yourself.
  5. Keep your paperwork. Save all medical reports and receipts, then file a claim within 20 days after a loss occurs or as soon as is reasonably possible.

What you’ll need to file a claim

The exact documentation will vary, depending on the care you received and the out of pocket expenses you paid. Some examples of required documents could include:

  • Discharge records of injury or illness and reports for medical and/or dental expenses claimed
  • Copies of all bills, receipts, invoices from the provider of services
  • An incident report from the local authorities
  • An explanation of benefits from any other applicable insurance

Our Recommended Traveler Tips

  • Make use of our non-insurance service perks included in all plans.
    • Pre-Departure Telehealth Service – chat virtually with a medical professional who can prescribe you travel medications, like for altitude sickness or traveler’s diarrhea. They can even prescribe you necessary vaccines.
    • Portable Health Records – upload your medical records online so your necessary information travels with you.
  • Be aware about food and water. To avoid foodborne illness while traveling, follow the rule: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it. Don’t forget about safe water for brushing your teeth too.
  • Prepare a basic travel health kit. Pack essentials like pain relievers, bandages, electrolyte packets, and prescription meds. Include copies of your health insurance card and emergency contact numbers.
  • Stay aware of altitude and climate risks. If you’re traveling to high elevations or hot, humid regions, learn the symptoms of altitude sickness or heat exhaustion and pace yourself.
20251203-5010999. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

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FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

  • Why should I purchase a travel protection plan?
    Many U.S. health insurance plans may not cover you outside the country, which can make medical care abroad expensive. World Nomads Travel Insurance offers plans that may help reimburse costs for hospitalization, prescriptions, and emergency evacuation — plus offer support if your trip is interrupted or your belongings are lost.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.