Photo © Getty/Matteo Colombo

Travel insurance when off the grid

Ready to unplug and cleanse mind, body, and spirit? We have coverage for unexpected setbacks while you’re getting away from it all.

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Whether off-grid for you means a remote mountain escape in Jasper National Park, a solo road trip in New Zealand, or experiencing rural village life by volunteering, it can be a great way to escape the stresses of daily life.

While you’re planning your off-grid getaway, don’t forget to consider travel insurance which could save you a few headaches and avoid some nasty hospital and medical bills.

Why should I consider travel insurance?

Going off-grid can be the ultimate form of social distancing if you’re seeking solitude, avoiding large crowds, and wanting to unplug from digital devices. Both our Standard and Explorer plans may offer coverage (up to the benefit limits) if:

  • You get injured and need medical transport or evacuation back to your home country.
  • You need coverage for your bags and valuables in case they’ve been lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
  • You’ve already left home and forgot to buy travel insurance.
  • You need coverage for emergency medical expenses and hospitalization costs for sudden injury or illness.
  • You’re looking for coverage for a range of adventure sports, activities, and experiences.

Don’t forget to read the policy wording as all plans are different and coverage will depend on your Country of Residence. Never assume you’ll be covered in every situation, as benefit limits, terms and conditions and exclusions may apply. If you are still unsure about what you are covered for then contact us.

Want to know more about what is and isn’t covered by travel insurance? Read your policy and contact us if you have any questions.

Rental coverage when your road trip comes to a halt

Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your Country of Residence and your choice of insurance plan, a Standard or an Explorer. Make sure you read your policy and check the amount of coverage your plan provides.

Remember, if you leave your gear in your rental vehicle unattended or unsecured, and it gets stolen, our plans are unlikely to cover it.

If you get into a car accident, rental car travel insurance may help by covering damage to your vehicle and the cost of repairs, as well as charges imposed by the rental company, depending on your circumstances.

Make sure you report the damage to the local authorities and the rental car company as soon as possible. Also, it almost goes without saying, damage due to irresponsible behaviour will not be covered.

Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you purchase there may be coverage for vehicle rentals. However, coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

Travel insurance tip 1: before you rent that 1960s Jaguar E-type you’ve always dreamed of, check the policy. Many classic or luxury cars are not covered.

Coverage for adventure seekers and sports lovers

Off-grid getaways are a great way to engage in some high-energy activities.  

Maybe abseiling or a thrilling zip line is your thing? Before you pull the rip cord on that adventure, check that your insurance covers your activityDepending on your Country of Residence, you may need to include an insurance upgrade when you buy to have coverage for some activities. If you don’t have the right level of coverage, you won’t be able to claim if something goes wrong.  

Many policies cover white water rafting and kayaking, for example, but Class 6, Extreme and Exploratory Rapids aren’t covered. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. Your policy may have conditions and exclusions.

Top travel insurance tip 2: when it comes to any sport, safety should always come first. Responsible behavior is vital for your health and safety. If you need emergency medical treatment or evacuation, you, or someone with you, should contact our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible. They will contact a suitable assistance or ambulance company and arrange medical care.

Coverage for unexpected medical emergencies  

Our plans cover emergency medical expenses when you're sick or injured. If your injuries are more serious than minor bumps and scratches, you may need to get to a hospital. Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for ambulances or transfers to an appropriate medical facility. Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount and terms of coverage in your policy.

Travel insurance tip 3: if your medical emergency means you need to return to your Country of Residence, then your coverage may include medical repatriation.

Go REALLY off the grid, but check your destinations

OK, so there’s off-grid and then there’s really off the grid. Just be aware that the more remote your destination, the more chance there is that these may not be covered. Make sure to check if your off-the-grid destination(s) are covered by our policies.

Some destinations may not be covered due to violence, terrorism or possibly due to being designated a COVID hotspot. Additionally, there will also be certain activities, including volunteering activities, that we cannot cover as they are too dangerous.

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.

What does my travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance tip 4: Depending on your Country of Residence, if you decide to travel to a country where there’s already been a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning or its equivalent put in place by your government, then your policy will be cancelled. Governments can issue or change travel warnings without notice, so always check with World Nomads before you pay anything towards your trip.

True Claims Stories

  • 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.D.
    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.B.
    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.R.
    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 unfit to travel?
  • 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 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
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • 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
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads