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Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Cover your tech while you're working or travelling 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 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.

But how we cover your items (and how much) 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 disaster.

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 'specified 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 seven 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. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team may be able to help you communicate with the local authorities if you don’t speak the local language.
  • 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. Also, if you’re renting a car we offer cover for the rental car insurance excess on our Explorer Plan if your rental car is damaged or stolen. Cover is also available for the replacement of the rental car keys if lost, stolen or damaged during the rental period.

Travel insurance tip: our travel insurance policy doesn’t replace the need for you to purchase rental vehicle insurance or damage waiver cover through the rental vehicle company covering physical damage and theft of the rental car and your liability to third parties for injury or property damage while the rental car is in your care or control.

  • Tip 7: follow local health and safety guidelines: always research COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for your intended destination(s) as it could save you time and money. Many countries have introduced strict rules for travellers (including quarantine, a negative COVID-19 test, and in some cases a digital COVID-19 passport to prove you’ve been vaccinated).

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.

Am I covered for Coronavirus while travelling?

As of 17 June 2021, World Nomads now offers British travellers cover for some Coronavirus-related events. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply, and cover varies depending on the plan you choose.

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 device is 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.

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.

Reconnect with the world with our travel insurance cover for some Coronavirus-related events

Itching to travel again?

Explore the world with our plans that provide cover for some Coronavirus-related (including COVID-19 related) events, including emergency overseas medical, evacuation, cancellation cover and more. Find out what cover applies to your Country of Residence, and the key benefit limits depending on which plan you purchase. Happy and safe travels!

Overseas medical expenses and repatriation home

If a qualified medical practitioner diagnoses you with Coronavirus while you’re travelling, we may offer emergency medical benefits to help you get back on your feet, as well as emergency transport to the nearest or most appropriate medical facility or back home to the UK to recover.

Standard plan:
£5,000,000

Explorer plan: 
£10,000,000

Repatriation of your remains

If the worst happens and you die from Coronavirus while overseas, we offer benefits to help your family with the costs of a funeral, or if available, bringing you back to your home country.

Standard plan:
£5,000

Explorer plan: 
£5,000

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (cancellation and curtailment pre and on-trip)

Had to cancel your trip because you, a travel companion or a close relative in the UK have been diagnosed with Coronavirus? Our cover may help with your cancellation costs.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
£1,250*

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (travel and accommodation costs on-trip)

If during your travels you’re unable to stay at your pre-booked accommodation, because it’s closed for cleaning due to a confirmed case of Coronavirus we may pay for reasonable additional travel and accommodation nearby. Did someone clip your wings? If you’re unable to board your plane, train or other scheduled transport because you’re suspected of having Coronavirus, we may offer cover for unexpected additional accommodation, meals and transport costs as needed.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
£1,250*

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (on-trip quarantine related cost)

Stuck in your hotel room due to Coronavirus? If you or your travel companion must go into compulsory quarantine due to a diagnosis of, or a confirmed close contact with, a case of Coronavirus, we may be able to help with cover for reasonable additional travel, meals and accommodation, including in-room entertainment.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
£1,250*

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (Essential Workers)

Are you or a member of your travelling party an essential healthcare worker? If you’re permanently employed as a healthcare or residential care worker or a law enforcement officer, and your pre-arranged leave is cancelled because of Coronavirus then our cover can help.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
£1,250*

Coronavirus Travel Costs (pet and childcare costs on-trip)

If while travelling you’re diagnosed with Coronavirus and unable to take care of your dependent children and/or pets, our travel insurance policies may help with cover for reasonable additional childcare and pet care costs. Pet care services covered include kennel and cattery boarding fees or pet sitting services, in the UK.

Standard plan:
Not available

Explorer plan:
£1,250*

Disclaimer: *This is the maximum limit (per insured person) available for all events combined under the Coronavirus Travel Costs section. 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 described. Make sure you read your Policy Wording carefully for a full description of coverage.

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 Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • 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

We'll get you to hospital pronto.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
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: £2,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,000
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
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.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

You can still purchase a World Nomads policy if you have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition (PEMC) – whether it is serious or not – but we won’t cover any claim/s made by any traveller under the policy as a result of this condition (this includes if you’re on separate or joint policies). This exclusion can’t be removed from the policy.   

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has a travel insurance directory on its Money Advice Service website, or you can contact the service on 0800 138 7777. This service provides details on what may be considered a PEMC, and travel insurance providers that may cover serious PEMCs, which may assist travellers wanting cover for these conditions. 

24/7 emergency 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.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 1 September 2021:
+44 (0) 2030931750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 1 September 2021:
Phone: +353 21 237 8005 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team
Wherever you are, whatever has happened, our multi-lingual assistance teams are here to help you and your family.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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.