Responsible travel and travel insurance
Why we believe it matters to responsible travelers
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Trusted by:
At World Nomads, we believe traveling responsibly includes making sure you have the necessary back-up if things go wrong on your trip.
Why buy travel insurance?
To be completely transparent – we sell travel insurance – but that’s not why we think it’s a good idea.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover every scenario and situation – it’s there to help with the specific events outlined in your policy that may go wrong while traveling.
All World Nomads policies include coverage for:
- Medical
- Cancellation
- Baggage
World Nomads offers two plans – a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan – each with different benefits, limits and sub-limits of cover. When considering travel insurance you should look at the destinations you plan on visiting, the activities you’re likely to do, and then pick the policy with the level of benefits to match.
You may also need to add adventure activities to your quote and, if you’d like the level of cover the Explorer Plan offers, you’ll need to add it when you purchase your insurance because you can’t upgrade or add extra activities mid-trip.
Medical coverage
Illness and injury are common reasons travelers make claims on their insurance. Whether you’re on the ‘road less traveled’ or visiting a trending destination, medical events can happen. They range from minor incidents requiring local medical assistance to life-altering medical events and even death. Medical assistance can be very expensive overseas, particularly in countries such as the US, and can bankrupt a traveler or their family if they’re not adequately insured.
Medical benefits vary between travel insurance policies but, generally, they may help with locating medical help, transport to a local medical clinic or hospital for treatment if needed, and repatriation if you’re seriously injured. In the worst case, travel insurance policies may pay for the repatriation of your remains or funeral costs.
It’s also important to remember that some countries’ medical systems are fragile and have limited services and capability. That’s why some destinations require proof you have travel insurance before you visit, so you don’t become a burden on the local people and economy if you need medical help.
Getting off the beaten track… and staying on the straight and narrow
Sure, following the path less travelled is exciting, but be aware that some travel insurance policies do not cover exploratory expeditions, new routes, hiking in remote or inaccessible areas, or traveling to dangerous places.
Do your research and understand the local environment and political landscape before you set out. Part of being a responsible traveler is respecting different cultures and, more importantly, local laws. No matter what your passion, if you do something illegal in the name of a good cause – it’s still illegal. Whether it be scaling a building, protesting outside a government building, or flying a banner on a local statue in the name of your cause, if you get injured, then you’re unlikely to be covered. That’s because many travel insurance policies won’t cover illegal events of any kind, even if it’s legal to do it in your own country.
Let’s face it, ending up in prison is probably not the overseas experience you were after anyway.
Volunteering – what’s covered
World Nomads travel insurance allows you to participate in a range of volunteer activities and vacations, from summer teaching programs to clean water projects. We’re strong supporters of paying it forward and giving back — and what better way to strengthen communities, forge meaningful connections and open your eyes (and arms and hearts) than contributing to a worthy cause?
However, we don’t cover every kind of volunteer experience, and some may have limitations or be excluded from our insurance policies altogether.
So, take the time to read your policy carefully and check the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you’re not sure if it’s covered, contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
If haven’t yet chosen a volunteer program, you may find inspiration in our article about choosing ethical volunteer programs.
Want all the details?
You can compare our Standard and Explorer plans and prices through getting an instant online quote.
How can I give back when I buy my travel insurance?
Learn more about how you can give back to the places you visit with a small donation by watching this video.
Want all the details?
You can compare our Standard and Explorer plans and prices through getting an instant online quote.
Unable to travel
I was 8 weeks pregnant but two days before I was due to travel, I had to go the hospital for an emergency scan because I had some bleeding. I was told that the baby's heart had stopped beating. The doctors told me that I have to wait until it comes out naturally, which could happen anytime in the next 14 days, so therefore they told me I cannot travel for health risks.
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)
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 teamWherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
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.