is nomad travel insurance good

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Travel insurance

World Nomads travel insurance review 2024

Jennifer Simonson

Mandy Sleight

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Heidi Gollub

Updated 5:28 p.m. UTC Feb. 23, 2024

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World Nomads

Covers COVID?

Medical & evacuation limits per person, what you should know.

While many travel insurance companies exclude coverage for adventure activities, World Nomads designed its policy with the adventure traveler in mind. Individuals who engage in high-risk, international volunteer work may also benefit from this coverage. World Nomads covers more than 200 adventure activities, from skydiving to running with the bulls. It does not offer “cancel for any reason” coverage .

• Covers hundreds of high-risk athletic and adventure activities.
• Explorer Plan offers $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.
• Offers $25,000 non-medical emergency evacuation coverage.
• If you are not an adventure traveler, you can find cheaper rates elsewhere.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade not available.
• No waiver for pre-existing conditions available.

World Nomads overview

World Nomads has been selling travel insurance since 2002. Nationwide underwrites all World Nomads travel insurance plans. 

Athletes and adventurers may be interested in World Nomads travel insurance because of its generous coverage of potentially risky activities. International volunteers may also consider a World Nomads plan if they volunteer in disaster zones or do high-risk volunteer work like construction. 

World Nomads offers two plans, each with different benefits, limits and sub-limits for coverage. Read our World Nomads travel insurance review to determine if one of these plans meets your needs.

World Nomads travel insurance plans

World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans: Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. Get an online quote to compare the plans before buying. You won’t be able to upgrade your plan mid-trip. That said, if you extend your trip while traveling, World Nomads will allow you to buy more coverage.

Both Standard and Explorer plans include emergency travel medical insurance coverage of up to $100,000 as well as trip cancellation insurance , trip delay and interruption insurance, baggage coverage and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. The plans also include a 24/7 emergency assistance number where a staff of multilingual assistants can connect you with medical treatment and transportation in the case of an emergency. 

World Nomads Standard Plan 

This budget-friendly plan covers everything you would expect from a travel insurance plan, but with lower coverage limits than the Explorer Plan. It also covers more than 200 adventurous activities, such as dog sledding, glacier walking, ice fishing, zip lining, bungee jumping, moped biking, tree climbing, sailboarding, triathlons, deep sea fishing and skateboarding. Covered activities may vary depending on your country of residence. 

World Nomads Explorer Plan

The World Nomads Explorer plan covers everything in the Standard plan but increases the limits for many coverages and adds coverage for nearly 80 adventure activities. Additional covered activities under the Explorer Plan include backcountry snowboarding, heli-skiing, free diving, shark cage diving, skydiving, running of the bulls and rock climbing. 

World Nomads Standard Plan vs. Explorer Plan

The Explorer Plan will cost you more, but it comes with higher coverage limits. Compare the two World Nomads travel insurance plans side by side.

World Nomads travel insurance covers

The main types of travel insurance packaged together in World Nomad policies include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption. Trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short because of a covered reason. Covered reasons typically include severe weather and illness, injury or death of you, your traveling companion or a close family member.
• Emergency medical expenses and evacuation. Travel medical insurance and medical evacuation coverage help pay hospital bills and medevac expenses if you get sick or injured on your trip.
• Travel delay. If your trip is delayed for six hours or more due to a reason listed in the policy, travel delay insurance can help cover the cost of accommodations, meals and local transportation while you are delayed. 
• Baggage. Baggage insurance includes lost or stolen baggage, excessive baggage damage and baggage that is delayed more than 12 hours, on your outgoing journey only.  
• Travel Assistance Services. Multilingual travel agents with Generali Global Assistance provide 24-hour assistance services for World Nomads. You can call for help locating a physician or to coordinate emergency medical transportation and care. 

World Nomads also covers more than 200 adventure activities, many of which may be excluded by other travel insurance plans. A few activities covered by both World Nomads plans are:

• Aerial safari.
• Camel riding.
• Cave tubing. 
• Dog sledding.
• Kite surfing.
• Snorkeling.
• Spearfishing.
• White water rafting.

World Nomads travel insurance doesn't cover

Like many travel insurance companies, World Nomads does not cover everything. 

Common medical claims that are not covered by World Nomads travel insurance include:

• Injury while intoxicated on drugs or alcohol.
• Injury sustained while behaving in a reckless manner. 
• Certain pre-existing medical conditions.
• Non-emergency treatments. 
• Routine medical exams. 
• Normal labor and childbirth.
• Intentionally harming oneself.
• Suicide or attempted suicide.

There are also a handful of adventure activities that are excluded from coverage, such as base jumping and mountaineering over 22,965 feet.

Read your policy carefully to understand any exclusions before traveling. If you’re not happy with your policy, you have 10 days to request a refund. 

Filing a claim with World Nomads

You can file a travel insurance claim using World Nomads’ 24/7 online portal. To start a claim, log into your member account and follow the prompts. You will be asked questions relevant to your claim. Once you are done answering all the questions and uploading any relevant documents, click the declaration to finish the claim. You should then receive an email confirmation with your claim number.

It is a good idea to always have your policy number handy in case you need to file a claim or call the 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team while traveling. 

Compare the best travel insurance companies of 2024

Shopping for a travel insurance policy? Consider getting a quote from one of the insurers that made our best travel insurance companies rating. 

Via Compare Coverage’s website

World Nomads travel insurance review FAQs

World Nomads does not cover pre-existing conditions and does not provide the option for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver, as some of the best travel insurance companies do. 

No, World Nomads does not have “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) insurance . This optional upgrade, available with many travel insurance plans, allows you to pay extra for the right to cancel your trip for any reason at all. As long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure, you’re typically entitled to a percentage of your nonrefundable trip expenses, generally 50% or 75%. 

Adding CFAR to your plan typically increases the cost of your travel insurance by 50%. Comparing travel insurance plans can help you to find the best CFAR travel insurance . 

Yes, World Nomads travel insurance covers personal electronic devices if they are stolen, lost or damaged on your trip. If all other sources of compensation are exhausted — such as filing a claim with your airline or your homeowners insurance — World Nomads may reimburse you for the depreciated value of your loss.

Keep in mind, however, that the per-article limit for World Nomads’ baggage and personal effects coverage is $500 under the Standard Plan and $1,500 with the Explorer Plan. 

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Jennifer Simonson covers everything from business to the wine industry to international travel. Outdoor adventure, water parks and all things Texas are by far her favorite beats. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Texas Monthly, Smithsonian Magazine, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Slate and more. You can follow her on Instagram at @storiestoldwell.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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• World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

World Nomads Plans Available

World nomads travel insurance cost.

• How to File A Claim with World Nomads Travel Insurance

Compare World Nomads Travel Insurance

World nomads travel insurance faqs.

• Why You Should Trust Us

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review 2024: Pros & Cons

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate travel insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're looking for travel insurance that allows you to confidently participate in a wide range of sports and adventure activities around the world, then World Nomads Travel Insurance might be right for you. The company's policies cover travel to almost anywhere on the globe and are available to residents of nearly every country. 

World Nomads Travel Insurance Summary

Among the best international travel insurance companies , World Nomads is particularly good at insuring athletes, covering well over 300 sports, including skydiving, bungee jumping, and golf. World Nomads is also a great last-minute purchase, allowing you to purchase coverage even after your trip has started. However, if you purchase a plan after departure, you will have to wait 72 hours before your plan kicks in.

That said, World Nomads lacks crucial coverage options, such as cancel for any reason coverage and coverage for pre-existing conditions. It also doesn't insure travelers older than 70.

Additionally, the service has received middling reviews from customers, averaging 3.4 stars out of five across 2,510 reviews. Customers often complained about their lengthy claims processes and poor customer service.

Some also took issue with the "Nomads" branding, as some travelers with multiple destinations and long-term trips found their trip wasn't covered by Nomads' specific policies. It's worth noting that World Nomads was very responsive to positive and negative reviews on Trustpilot.

World Nomads has two basic policies: Standard and Explorer. Each covers essentially the same things, but Explorer has higher amounts than World Nomads is willing to pay out for claims. The company's policies cover more than 150 specific activities. These range from bungee jumping and rock climbing to hang gliding and hot-air ballooning. You can see the full list on the company's website.

Additional Coverage Options (Riders)

One of the most common upgraded features of a travel insurance policy is cancel for any reason (CFAR) , where you really can cancel for reason beyond what's in a standard policy. This is not available on every policy, but it is often a feature that travelers are looking for while shopping for travel insurance before their trip. At this time, World Nomads doesn't offer CFAR coverage.

At the time of this review, World Nomads also offers sports equipment coverage. In February of 2022, it expanded coverage to include more than 150 sports and activities including Pickleball and FootGolf. It currently covers over 300 sports. So, as you can imagine, plans with sports coverage will cover virtually any sport you might play.

You can obtain a quote from World Nomads on its website by providing details about you and your trip. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your destination(s)
• Duration of trip
• Your country of residence
• State of residence (if you're from the US)
• Number of travelers
• Traveler(s) age

Notably, World Nomads does not ask you for the price of the trip, which many travel insurance companies factor into the trip of your policy. As such, World Nomads may be a good option if you're going on a particularly expensive trip. 

We ran a few simulations to offer examples of how much a World Nomads policy might cost. You'll see that costs usually fall between 5% and 7% of the total trip cost, depending on the policy tier you choose.

As of April 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following  World Nomads travel insurance quotes:

• World Nomads Standard: $76.58
• World Nomads Explorer: $123.34

Premiums for World Nomads's plans are well below the average cost of travel insurance .

World Nomads provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• World Nomads Standard: $85.83
• World Nomads Explorer: $155.06

Once again, premiums for World Nomads plans are between 2.2% and 3.8%, below the average cost for travel insurance.

A couple of 65-years of age looking to escape New York for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following World Nomads quotes:

• World Nomads Standard: $152.96
• World Nomads Explorer: $276.34

Premiums for World Nomads plans are between 2.6% and 4.6%, once again below the average cost for travel insurance. This is especially impressive as travel insurance is often more expensive for older travelers.

How to File A Claim with World Nomad Travel Insurance

You can start an insurance claim by filing it on the company's website. 

You can call toll-free in the US and Canada if you need to reach the company in an emergency at: (877) 289-0968.

Callers from outside the US and Canada can reach the company at: (954)-334-8143.

The email address is: [email protected]

You'll need to have the following ready to file a claim:

• Your policy number
• A contact number
• The nature of your problem
• Your location
• Prescribed medication (if any)

Keep any documents related to the claim you're filing, including receipts, notices, and invoices.

World Nomads is particularly good at insuring traveling athletes, but let's see how it stacks up against the best travel insurance companies .

World Nomads Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance is a strong competitor against World Nomads, especially for travelers looking for a more business-oriented option. The company has been in business for more than 120 years and offers a wide range of insurance, not just travel-related, around the world. A key difference between World Nomads and Allianz Travel Insurance is that Allianz Travel Insurance offers travel insurance that can cover multiple trips in the same year. You can take an unlimited number of trips within the same calendar year, but you do have to double-check that all of your destinations are covered by the policy you select. 

Another difference is that Allianz Travel Insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers for qualifying customers. World Nomads doesn't have the same coverage, requiring that the pre-existing condition is fully stable in order for limited coverage with respect to trip cancellations or having to end a trip early. 

Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.

World Nomads Travel Insurance vs. AIG Travel Guard

Travel Guard , a product backed by AIG Travel, is another potential alternative to World Nomads. AIG is a prominent player in the insurance industry, and the Travel Guard product represents true global coverage. 

Unlike World Nomads, Travel Guard has coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but there are conditions. Travelers must purchase their policy within 15 days of the initial trip payment to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. 

Both travel insurance companies use a tiered approach, but Travel Guard has higher dollar amounts across the board. For example, trip cancellation for Travel Guard covers 100% of the trip cost, while with World Nomads the amount will depends on the tier of the coverage you purchase. Trip Interruption is also a fully covered event with Travel Guard's. Depending on the plan selected, it will either cover 100% or 150% of the trip cost. 

If you're concerned about COVID-19 coverage with trip insurance, there's more coverage with World Nomads than Travel Guard. With Travel Guard, coverage for having to stay in a country past your original booking dates is an add-on, not a standard part of the policy. 

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

Compare World Nomad vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

If you already have a major credit card in your wallet, you most likely have some travel insurance benefits that come with it. These benefits do vary from card to card. Be sure to check your card's specific policies.

Not all credit cards will feature travel insurance protection. The ones that do may have specific limitations. For example, many credit cards with travel protection require that your airfare is paid for with the card in question for protections to take effect. 

Reimbursement isn't guaranteed. The credit cards do require that you file your claim and wait for a decision. World Nomads makes it easy to file a claim online and submit receipts and documentation. The response is fairly quick based on reviews from travelers who have actually had to file claims. 

The more premium the credit card, the more likely expanded travel protections are part of its features. If you don't already have a premium credit card, it's better to get travel insurance. This is also the case if you have multiple trips planned. Some credit cards limit not just the total dollar amount, but the number of claims within a 12-month period.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Yes, you can extend your World Nomads plan while traveling, but you cannot upgrade a standard plan to the Explorer plan. 

World Nomads covers COVID-19 like any other illness under its emergency medical coverage.

You can file a claim on World Nomads's website, over the phone, or by mail. Make sure to provide as much documentation as possible to ease the claims process. 

World Nomads currently covers 326 sports and adventure activities, from ziplining to zorbing.

Yes, you can purchase World Nomads insurance for a trip that has already started. However, a policy purchased during your trip will have a 72-hour waiting period before insurance starts.

How We Reviewed World Nomads Travel Insurance

To prepare this review on World Nomads, we started by detailing the company's travel insurance offerings. Then we looked at the best travel insurance plans and compared them to World Nomads. We looked at things like typical policy costs, coverage options, available add-ons, what's covered, and claim limits.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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9 Best Nomad Travel Insurance Options

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Table of Contents

1. World Nomads

2. safetywing, 3. atlas travel insurance, 4. allianz global assistance, 5. insured nomads, 6. img global, 7. heymondo, 8. travelex insurance, 9. aig travel guard, nomad travel insurance recapped.

Travel insurance can safeguard your nonrefundable reservations and reimburse you for any unexpected emergency medical costs that you incur while traveling. However, the travel health insurance needs of those taking several short vacations per year will vary from those of digital nomads, who may spend significant portions of the year living and working from abroad.

Digital nomads may also return home less often, travel with equipment (e.g., laptop, camera, etc.), participate in adventurous activities and want access to health insurance, especially if they don’t have that coverage back home.

Given the prevalence of remote work and increasing options to live and work from abroad, here you'll find some of the most popular nomad travel insurance options .

World Nomads is a travel insurance provider that offers coverage for residents of many countries and also allows you to extend your coverage mid-trip. It is underwritten by Nationwide Insurance. Regardless of which plan you choose, the health insurance limits are fairly good.

Importantly, the provider does not have a pandemic exclusion, so COVID-related claims are covered. However, World Nomads specifically states that fear of travel is not a valid reason for trip cancellation. So if you’d like the option to cancel a trip at your discretion, you’ll want to consider plans that offer Cancel For Any Reason coverage .

There are two trip insurance policies available from World Nomads: Standard and Explorer. The Standard Plan has lower coverage limits and includes more than 200 sports (including some adventure sports), while the Explorer Plan adds on 60 other activities and sports, including more dangerous ones such as shark cage diving, skydiving and paragliding.

The inclusion of athletic activities in both World Nomads plans is unique, since most traditional travel insurance plans exclude them.

Here's a list of what's included with World of Nomads coverage:

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay.

Emergency healthcare coverage, evacuation, repatriation and 24-hour assistance services.

Accidental death and dismemberment.

Nonmedical emergency transportation.

Baggage delay and loss.

Rental car damage (Explorer Plan only).

Adventure sports and activities.

And here are a few items of note that are excluded (not a comprehensive list):

Pre-existing conditions.

Self-harm or accidents occurring while intoxicated.

Finally, coverage can’t exceed 180 days, so if you’re traveling abroad longer than that, you’d have to renew your plan once the current coverage period ends.

To see how World Nomads compares to other travel health insurance providers, we considered a sample 180-day trip to multiple countries by a 30-year-old resident of Colorado.

Due to the lower limits and less coverage for adventure activities, the World Nomads Standard Plan is priced at $549, which is meaningfully cheaper than the $788 Explorer Plan.

It's important to note that if your nonrefundable prepaid trip costs are more than $2,500, the Standard Plan will cover you only up to $2,500 on trip cancellation. In this case, you’d want to consider the pricier Explorer Plan, which provides coverage up to $10,000 on trip cancellation. Notably, emergency accident & medical coverage is $100,000 on both plans, which offers a lot of assurance, especially if you’re abroad for a long time.

The most significant advantage of World Nomads is coverage for adventure activities. In this case, assessing the suitability of the plan has more to do with the type of coverage you’re looking for than price. Because of the multitude of advantages of World Nomads plans over various providers, we've named World Nomads as one of the best travel insurance companies out there. Check out our full rationale here: Best Travel Insurance Right Now .

SafetyWing is another popular digital nomad travel health insurance option that also offers COVID coverage. You can purchase your policy while you’re abroad, which makes it easy for those who are already traveling and decide to get insurance coverage mid-trip.

Unless you are a resident of North Korea, Cuba or Iran, you can purchase a SafetyWing policy. The default length of coverage is 28 days, and the policy will continue to renew unless canceled (maximum policy length is 364 days).

SafetyWing also provides U.S. citizens with incidental coverage in the U.S. for up to 15 days out of every 90 days. Despite the U.S. coverage, SafetyWing is meant to provide medical and travel insurance coverage while you’re abroad; it does not meet the health insurance requirement under the Affordable Care Act.

Trip interruption and delay.

Emergency medical and dental expenses.

Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and accidental death.

Lost checked luggage and lost visa/travel documents.

Return of minor children and pets.

Political evacuation and border entry protection.

Excluded (not a comprehensive list):

Mental health disorders.

Intentional acts or damages sustained under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The cost of a SafetyWing policy is based on your age and whether you’d like health insurance coverage while you’re in the U.S. For example, a four-week policy for someone aged 18 to 39 years old who doesn’t need health insurance coverage in the U.S. will cost $45. If you would like coverage while in the U.S., the policy cost jumps to $83.

A 180-day coverage comes out to $290 for a traveler between ages 10 and 39, but increases to $536 if you want to add on U.S. coverage. A deductible of $250 applies every time you start or renew a policy.

Overall, the options to purchase a plan mid-trip and receive health insurance coverage while in the U.S. are some of the main benefits of a SafetyWing policy.

Atlas Travel Insurance offers health insurance plans for digital nomads and long-term travelers looking for medical coverage (including for COVID-19) and some supplemental trip benefits (e.g., trip interruption). When selecting a policy, you’ll need to specify if you’d like to include the U.S. within your coverage area. Coverage limits decrease with age, and the plans offer varying levels of deductibles.

Medical expenses and emergency dental.

Emergency medical and political evacuation.

Trip interruption; travel delay.

Lost checked luggage and stolen visa/passport.

Natural disaster and border entry protections.

Repatriation of remains; accidental death and dismemberment.

Many adventure sports.

Various diseases including cancer.

Self-inflicted injuries and those arising when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

To compare these plans, we used the same parameters as the preceding example: a 180-day trip by a 30-year-old. Atlas offers two options to digital nomads: Atlas International and Atlas International Premium, which cost $274 and $682, respectively.

The main difference between these two Atlas plans is that the Premium option offers higher coverage limits.

It's also possible to customize the overall maximum limit and the deductible on both policies, so if you don’t want to go with the more Atlas International Premium plan, you can up the limits or change the deductible on the Atlas International plan.

Allianz Global Assistance offers affordable coverage for annual or multi-trip travel. It’s more cost-effective than purchasing coverage for separate trips individually. Allianz’s multi-trip policy covers trips up to 45 days in length.

Allianz is best for travelers who take multiple trips per year from their home base and not those who travel overseas for an extended period of time.

Covered illness.

Missed or delayed departures.

Baggage loss or delays.

A tropical storm (before it’s named).

Loss of passport.

Unforeseen pregnancy complications.

Losses that arise from foreseeable events.

War or civil unrest.

Participating in extreme or high-risk sports.

Flying an aircraft as pilot or crew.

Terrorist events.

Allianz plans limit or exclude coverage related to COVID-19 or resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Allianz Global Assistance offers a few annual plan options to digital nomads. The plans last a full year, so keep that in mind when comparing costs with other nomad insurance providers. The plans are Basic, Prime and Executive, quoting $138, $280 and $510 per year, respectively.

The Basic insurance plan from Allianz is designed for medical emergencies and provides some travel coverage, but it doesn’t provide any trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage.

The Prime plan provides affordable trip protection and medical coverage abroad.

The Executive plan is designed for business travelers by providing higher coverage limits and rental car damage and equipment rentals. The Executive plan covers personal vacations in addition to business trips .

It's also possible to sign up for a Premier plan, which lasts up to 365 days but covers up to 90 days of consecutive travel.

Insured Nomads provides medical coverage, travel insurance and trip cancellation to digital nomads, remote workers and expats.

Insured Nomads offers four plans, and they all have their own function. For example, the World Explorer plan provides coverage for a single trip lasting between seven and 364 days away from home, and the World Explorer Multi offers coverage for multiple trips within a single year. Plans are available to citizens of any country, not just the U.S.

Depending on the plan, you’ll have the option to add adventure sports, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment and car rental insurance for an extra fee.

Medical benefits, including 24-hour emergency medical care.

COVID-19 coverage.

Acute onset of pre-existing condition.

Emergency dental treatment.

Local ambulance transport.

Natural disaster accommodations.

Evacuation and repatriation.

Airport lounge access for delayed flights.

Lost luggage.

War and terrorism.

Public health emergencies or natural disasters in countries deemed Level 4 by the U.S. Department of State.

Illegal acts.

Injuries sustained while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Extreme sports (unless an add-on was purchased).

The quote for a traveler between the ages of 30 and 39 looking to travel to Mexico for six months with the World Explorer plan costs $679. This plan has a medical benefit limit of $250,000 and a deductible of $100. Increasing the medical benefit maximum to $1,000,000 increases the premium to $830, and that’s without any of the additional benefits, such as adventure sports or marine activities.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

IMG Global offers an insurance plan just for expats and citizens of the world called Global Medical Insurance. It’s a medical-only plan that doesn’t offer trip protection, but offers medical coverage worldwide.

Several tiers of Global medical insurance from IMG Global are available: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The more expensive the plan, the lower the deductible and the higher the policy maximum.

The following expat insurance rates are for a 30-year-old traveler whose primary travel destination is Spain.

The deductible amounts can be adjusted in every plan above to reduce the monthly payment. Additionally, the total coverage cost for the year can be reduced with an annual payment. An optional dental and vision rider is available for the policy you pick.

Undoubtedly, the cost is on the high end, but it does come with some noticeable extras, such as COVID-19 coverage , telemedicine and mental health professional counseling, that most travel insurance providers don’t cover.

It’s possible to purchase a World Explorer policy after you’ve left on your trip, and you can extend coverage by up to six months beyond the initial policy purchase.

In addition to the Global Medical Insurance, IMG Global offers the following plans to long-term travelers:

The Global Employer Option: Medical coverage for internationally assigned employees.

International Marine Medical Insurance: Health insurance for long-term (longer than one year) marine crew.

MP+ International: Group travel insurance for mission groups.

Heymondo offers comprehensive travel insurance plans to short-term and long-term travelers. Digital nomads and expats can purchase a Long Stay plan for trips longer than 90 days. The initial coverage is capped at 90 days, but you can renew if necessary. You can also add electronics and adventure sports riders to the Long Stay policy at an extra cost.

Coverage is available to travelers between 90 days old and 49 years old.

What’s included :

Emergency medical and dental coverage (with a $250 deductible).

Medical transport and repatriation home.

Baggage delay , theft and loss.

Travel delay or a missed connection.

Natural disaster.

Personal liability.

Accidental death or disability.

What’s not included (not a comprehensive list):

General medical check-ups.

Trips aimed at receiving medical treatment.

Burial, ceremony and coffin costs in the repatriation of remains.

Petty theft.

Damage caused by strikes, earthquakes or radioactivity.

Motor vehicles.

A 90-day global coverage that excludes travel to Canada and U.S. costs $257 upfront. You can renew coverage once it expires or prepay for additional coverage at the following prices:

30 days: $76.

120 days: $304.

180 days: $456.

275 days: $731.

Notably, medical coverage includes COVID-19, including medically prescribed PCR tests and extra lodging expenses when you’re prescribed a medical quarantine .

» Learn more: Best long-term travel insurance options

Travelex Insurance offers long-term nomad insurance with its Travel Select plan, which is one of the provider’s comprehensive travel insurance plans . This plan covers trips up to 364 days. You must select travel dates and provide the cost of your trip to get a quote.

A 30-year-old Colorado resident traveling to Italy for six months will pay $734 for a Travel Select plan from Travelex Insurance to cover a trip that costs $5,000. It comes with:

100% trip cancellation.

150% trip interruption.

$2,000 trip delay (with a $250 daily limit).

$1,000 baggage loss.

$200 baggage delay.

$50,000 emergency medical expense.

$500,000 emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

$25,000 accidental death and dismemberment.

Pre-existing conditions waiver : available if purchase conditions are met (more on this below).

Add-ons to the Travel Select plan include double the medical expense, adventure sports rider, car rental collision protection , extra accidental death and dismemberment coverage and even Cancel for Any Reason coverage covering 75% of the insured trip's cost (though the covered trip cost maxes out at $10,000).

The good thing about this plan is it provides coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you pay for insurance within 15 days of the initial trip deposit. Most annual policies notably exclude a pre-existing conditions waiver.

The bad thing is its high cost because of all the bells and whistles of a comprehensive plan.

AIG Travel Guard offers an annual plan that provides essential coverage to business and leisure travelers who are U.S. residents (not available for Washington state residents).

The Travel Guard Annual Plan is an option for travelers who take multiple trips within a single year (364 days), with a limit of 90 days per trip.

100% trip interruption.

Trip delay.

Missed connection.

Baggage loss or delay.

Medical expenses, including dental.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains.

Non-flight accidental death or dismemberment.

Security evacuation.

War or acts of war.

Participation in a riot, civil disorder or insurrection.

Commission or an attempt to commit a felony.

Being under the influence of drugs or intoxicated above the legal limit.

Trips taken against a physician’s advice.

Release, escape or dispersal of nuclear or radioactive contamination, and pathogenic or poisonous biological or chemical materials.

A Travel Guard Annual Plan comes out to $242 for a Colorado resident, which is a pretty good deal considering all the inclusions — but remember that your trips cannot exceed 90 days each, so its usage is limited to remote workers taking shorter trips.

» Learn more: How much does travel insurance cost?

Expats and digital nomads have different travel health insurance needs than the average traveler, so choosing a policy that aligns with your travel style is advisable.

If you’re looking for adventure sports coverage, World Nomads, Insured Nomads, Heymondo and Travelex Insurance all have the option to add a rider to their policies.

However, if those benefits aren’t relevant to you and you’d instead prefer to have the option of medical coverage when you’re abroad (and to a certain degree while you’re in the U.S.), consider SafetyWing or Atlas, which offer this feature. For medical-only coverage, IMG Global provides some options, albeit pretty expensive ones.

Additionally, take into consideration your travel style. Are you taking one long trip or multiple shorter trips within one year? Because Allianz and AIG Travel Guard won’t work well if you plan to be abroad longer than the limit specified in the policy.

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Worth the piece of mind - fast, easy, and reasonably priced

I travel extensively and have used World Nomads for years. They consistently provide excellent service at a competitive rate. The quote and purchase process is fast and easy. Definitely worth the piece of mind to have them covering me.

Date of experience : September 08, 2024

Reply from World Nomads

Hi Eric! Thank you so much for your fantastic review! 🖐-⭐️ review We're delighted to hear that you've been a loyal World Nomads customer and appreciate our service.😊 It’s wonderful to know that our fast and easy process, along with competitive rates, gives you peace of mind while traveling. We’re here for all your future adventures— Enjoy every moment as you explore the vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisines of Taiwan and Vietnam. Safe travels Lucy ✈️World Nomads.

Highly recommend - best on the market.

Highly recommend. Easy to purchase, good rates, easy to make claims. Also cover outdoor and adventure activities and gear that most insurance companies don’t, and you can purchase and renew while you’re overseas, which many other companies also don’t allow. I have been using them for >12 years and will continue to use them!

Date of experience : September 06, 2024

Many thanks for the 5 ⭐️'s, Taylar! Have the best time on your trip - We hope your travels are as wonderful as the review you've given us 🤩 Safe Travels - Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

Travel agency recommendation was spot on

Based on the travel agencies recommendation, I decided to try world nomads. The website was easy to follow an easy to read. It took me less than 30 minutes to review and understand the information being provided. It was an easy form to complete as long as you had the necessary information in hand, the coverage is fair and reasonable. That said I didn’t shop around, but what they were offering was what we needed for our trip. I did not have to reach out to customer service. The confirmation email Verified what we purchased and was very friendly and thorough. I will definitely use them again for future.

Date of experience : September 03, 2024

Hello Aurora! We are incredibly grateful you took the time to leave us a 5-star review and share your experience. Please let us know what we can do for you in the future. Happy Travels to Japan 🗾🎎! 😊 Babita ✈️World Nomads

Quick and easy!

The insurance plan was well explained and immediately quoted a price. The price was reasonable and it took very little time to make the purchase. It also came highly recommended to us by other travellers.

Hi Shelly! Thank you so much for your wonderful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review! We're thrilled to hear that you found the insurance plan easy to understand and reasonably priced. It's great to know that our service came highly recommended to you. Have an amazing time in Portugal! I recently visited and absolutely fell in💗 with it—such a beautiful place! Safe travels Lucy ✈️World Nomads.

New client review

At this point I am giving a 4 star rating as it was easy to sign up for World Nomads, the pricing is comparable and slightly better than some of the others, response to queries has been prompt and the policy seems to cover most situations. One star is lost in the phone call with a male representative I spoke to when calling World Nomads who was less than friendly.

Date of experience : September 12, 2024

Hi Mary, Thank you kindly for the 4 ⭐️! We strive to give the best customer service to our travellers, so we will definitely pass on your comments to our Customer Service Team! We can't wait to travel with you soon! Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

Simple to understand policies

Simple to understand policies. No need to add up what your cost are, Just pick the plan and coverage you need. I picked policy that has more coverage than I actually need and still saved over $100.00 compared to other insurance companies.

This is what we love to hear, Patrick! It's great to hear that we hit the mark on quality and affordability for our travellers! Safe travels, Leah ✈️ World Nomads

I like World Nomads

I like World Nomads - they are the only UK insurance you can get for a trip over a year long. I've used them for 5 years now and we did need to make a claim last year and they paid us per the policy. They were very easy to deal with, always very helpful, so I would recommend them. Plus their website is great - its so quick & easy to buy the insurance.

Date of experience : September 13, 2024

Hi Kathryn, We strive to give the best customer service to our travellers - We hope that your trip is as wonderful as the review you've given us ✨! Have the best time on your adventure 🌍! Safe Travels - Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

The website is unstable

The website is unstable. I use the Internet for most everything and understand how to navigate websites. I used World Nomads two times in the last 3 years. Both times I had to contact customer service to get the website to work. The website does not work correctly and locks up even when I click on the correct selection in the drop down menus. I also had it lock up when I type information into type in areas. Customer service is excellent which improved my rating.

Date of experience : September 05, 2024

Hi Antoine! Thank you for sharing your feedback. I'm really sorry to hear about the issues you've encountered with our website. It’s clear that the stability problems you’ve faced have been frustrating, especially given your familiarity with online navigation. I’m glad to hear that our customer service was able to help you, but I understand that it’s not ideal to rely on that for website functionality. I’ll make sure your feedback is passed on to our tech team so they can work on improving the website’s performance. Wishing you an amazing trip to Canada! Safe travels and enjoy every moment. – Lucy ✈️ World Nomads

Travel soundly, knowing I'm covered

I have used World Nomads before. As the last time I used World Nomads, easy to apply for Insurance, reasonable rate and I have never had a problem, travelled safely and arrived home without any issues. I aim to have the same service whilst overseas this time, trusting I am covered for anything, if required.

Hi Rochelle! Thanks so much for the amazing review 🤩 Safe travels - Belle ✈ World Nomads

World Nomads Explorer

We purchased the world nomads explorer insurance for our recent international trip. Luckily, we did not use the insurance,but were happy for the peace of mind for having purchased it. We chose this company off of recommendations from friends who have also used your services. The price was fair and the ease of obtaining the plan was excellent.

Date of experience : August 16, 2024

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review, Jennifer. I'm glad you had such a great experience. It sounds like you had quite an amazing trip! 🦘🎎 Sarah ✈ World Nomads

Easy but very expensive

The process to arrange travel insurance whilst already away was straightforward but for a period of 10 days it has cost over £130. This doesn’t represent good value for money.

Hi Glyn, thanks for your review! The price of the policy is based on a number of factors. I have passed on your comments to the relevant team so someone can get in touch to discuss with you. Safe travels - Belle ✈ World Nomads

We have used World Nomads for a number…

We have used World Nomads for a number of years. The product and process is consistent and reliable.

Date of experience : September 15, 2024

Thank you for the fantastic 5-star Andrew 😊 . Enjoy your rest of the travels in China 🐼🥡. Safe Travels. Babita ✈️World Nomads.

Duplicate coverage…

I purchased 1 insurance for an upcoming trip, but received 2 confirmations. When I called customer service to rectify this, the rep provided an email address to send a request for a cancellation. 24 hours later, I got a response giving me ANOTHER email address to redirect my request to cancel. I still have not received a response regarding this cancellation.

Date of experience : September 11, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that this hasn't been a smooth start for you, Sandi! I have forwarded this request to the correct team to assist you in your cancellation asap! Safe travels, Leah ✈️ World Nomads Hi again Sandi, I have been notified that your refund has now been processed and you have been sent an email advising you that this has been completed! Safe travels, Leah ✈️ World Nomads

Helpful customer service

Customer service Niamh is very responsive & helpful. Yet to submit any claim and also hope not to use it.

Thanks for your kind words and the 5 ⭐️, Dennis! We'll be sure to pass your comments to Niamh. Safe Travels - Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

Policy # WNUSA24579448

Policy # WNUSA24579448 I cannot view or print my policy online that shows what is included and other details.

Hi David, We're sorry to hear you are not able to print your policy 😢 I have sent you an email with a copy of your policy documents which outlines the cover available under your policy - You should receive this shortly! Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

Easy to setup Travel Insurance Policy

Easy to setup Travel Insurance Policy. This is my second policy, had to actually use the first policy to cover cost of getting Dengue Fever on the first trip in Nepal. The process of claims was easy and quick. Will use for all travel abroad.

Hi Richard, Thank you kindly for the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! We're so happy we could help and we can't wait to travel with you soon! Safe Travels - Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

Poor customer service response

This is my 13th trip I've insured with World Nomads. All the others have been good. However, the trip insurance I purchased over a week ago still isn't showing up in my account. I've now called twice and received no help and have written to thecustomer service group two days ago requesting help but haven't received any response. Very disappointing and unlike theirprevious service.

Date of experience : August 29, 2024

We're sorry to hear that your policy did not merge to your account upon purchase, Russ! I have merged it for you manually so you will see it there next time you log in! Safe travels, Leah ✈️ World Nomads

Can't talk to a live person for customer service

Bought a policy three days ago and have been unable to create a login. Called the phone number listed in the policy email and was told that I can only get customer service for my issue through email. So I have to play email tag back and forth.

Date of experience : September 09, 2024

Hi Bethany, we're sorry to hear you're having trouble logging in. I can see a member of our team has been assisting you via email. I have also forwarded your comments to the relevant team so someone can reach out to assist. Safe travels - Belle ✈ World Nomads

Responsive and personal!

World Nomads was very responsive and helpful. When the dates of our trip changed, they were able to accommodate that without fuss. They gave personal attention when we reached out for assistance. Thank you!

Date of experience : September 07, 2024

Thank you so much for the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, Joyo! I'm so glad to hear that you had such a great experience. I hope you have a wonderful trip! 🦓 Sarah ✈ World Nomads

Had a unique situation (yes we are all…

Had a unique situation (yes we are all unique) but heading away for 23.5 months . This company was the only one with a travel insurance solution. Easy to deal with by website, email and phone

Thank you for the ⭐️'s, Alain! we hope you make some amazing memories and have the best time on your adventure 🌍! Wishing you all the best during your travels - Ayden ✈️ World Nomads

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World Nomads Travel Insurance Coverage Review – Is It Worth It?

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

327 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

45 Published Articles 3394 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

What is world nomads, plans and coverages offered by world nomads, how to get a quote, how does world nomads compare, filing a claim, why we like world nomads travel insurance, some drawbacks to world nomads travel insurance, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Spending money on insurance to protect our assets is painful. Whether it’s home, auto, liability, or even business insurance, we rarely receive anything in return besides the peace of mind of knowing we’re covered if something should go wrong.

Travel insurance is different — things frequently go wrong. Whether it’s a flight cancellation, missed connection , weather delay , lost baggage , or other incident, chances are you’ve personally experienced some sort of disruption during your travels.

Perhaps you’ve even had to cancel a trip because you, or an immediate family member, became ill or had a fear of getting ill, during your travels.

It’s not difficult to find a reason to purchase coverage for your travels, but finding the right travel insurance policy for your specific needs can be a challenge.

Today we’re going to look at an organization that is operated by travelers just like us. It’s a company that knows the types of coverage travelers need and partners with highly-rated insurance companies to provide those coverages.

In this regard, World Nomads travel insurance is unique in the travel insurance marketplace. We’re taking the time today to invite you to learn more about the products and services it offers and why you’d want to consider the company when it’s time to purchase coverage for your next trip.

World Nomads is not an insurance company, but you could say that they’re better than an insurance company. World Nomads is an organization based in Australia that offers travel insurance options throughout the world and also gives back to local communities. The organization is made up of travelers, for travelers, so you’ll also find a group of storytellers who additionally provide downloadable guides, recommendations, scholarships , and other travel resources.

The travel insurance offered by World Nomads is underwritten in the U.S. by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and the company’s affiliates. Nationwide is highly rated by insurance financial rating company A.M.Best and has been in business for 95 years, so you know you’ll be dealing with an established, financially sound company. Different insurance companies underwrite World Nomad policies depending on the country.

World Nomads specializes in providing essential travel insurance coverages but also includes coverage for 200 activities, many of which you might not find coverage for with other companies.

Bottom Line: World Nomads is an organization of travelers that provides travel insurance that is underwritten by different insurance companies throughout the world. The company offers a core group of essential coverages plus coverage for up to 200 specific activities that are automatically included in each of its plans. 

Travel insurance can cover a wide range of perils you might face during your travels. Here are the types of core coverages you can expect with the 2 plans World Nomads offers, the Standard plan (in the first column) and the Explorer plan (in the second column).

Medical and Emergency Dental Coverage

Both plan options offered by World Nomads provide up to $100,000 for emergency medical expenses, $750 for emergency dental, and $500 if you should need to make a deposit for any hospital admission. If your major concern is having medical insurance while traveling, either plan would work for meeting that requirement.

Plus, whether you’re planning on taking a polar plunge, bungee jumping, or finally making that indoor skydive, you’ll be able to find coverage with World Nomads for up to 200 such activities. The list of covered activities varies by plan.

Additionally, while it appears pre-existing conditions are not covered, World Nomads states that “the pre-existing condition doesn’t apply if the problem is treated or controlled solely by the taking of prescription drugs.” There are other limitations that do apply.

Sports and Activities Coverage

One of the reasons World Nomads stands out in the travel insurance arena is its inclusion of coverage for activities that other companies exclude or for which there may be a surcharge. Here are some examples of the 200 activities that can be included depending on the plan chosen.

Bottom Line: If you participate in adventure sports while traveling, World Nomads may have a plan that will cover you. 

Evacuation Coverage

Evacuation can be expensive, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if you’re injured and need to be evacuated, you could have that expense covered. While having $500,000 in coverage is nice to have, according to Travelex Insurance , an evacuation can cost $25,000 within the U.S., up to $100,000 from Europe and $250,000 from more remote locations. So, $300,000 coverage could be sufficient.

World Nomad plans also include evacuation due to civil or political unrest, natural disaster, or if you are expelled from a county. Of course, terms and conditions apply.

COVID-19 Coverage

World Nomads does not sell Cancel for Any Reason insurance , which can cover you if you decide, for any reason, to cancel your trip, even for fear of getting ill. The company does, however, offer some coverage for COVID-19 related illnesses.

The company offers this explanation of coverage: “Cancellations due to the fear of travel are not covered. Our medical coverage includes benefits for serious illnesses, such as COVID-19, or being placed under strict quarantine by a physician or government mandate, among other scenarios.”

You’ll find some coverage for COVID-19 illnesses within the medical, trip cancellation, and trip interruption coverages.

Bottom Line: You won’t be covered if you cancel your trip due to the fear of getting COVID-19. If you should get ill with the virus, prior to or during your travels, there may be trip cancellation, interruption, or medical coverage (during travel) available.

Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and Delay Coverage

When it comes to trip cancellation, interruption, and trip delay coverages , the 2 World Nomad policy plans offer very different coverage limits. You’ll want to select the level of coverage that is close to matching any expenses at risk should a covered loss occur prior to, or during, your trip.

Delayed, Lost, or Stolen Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

If you’ll be carrying a lot of electronics with you, you’ll want to make sure to select the proper level of coverage, paying close attention to the per-item limit.

Rental Car Coverage

The Explorer plan comes with $35,000 for damage or theft to your rental car. However, World Nomads warns that the coverage may not be accepted by all rental car companies and that the coverage is not available to residents of all states.

Assistance Services

Make just 1 call, 24/7, to receive assistance with emergency transportation, referrals for medical facilities, dentists, and translation services.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Both policy plans offer a benefit for accidental loss of life or limb — $5,000 for the Standard plan and $10,000 for the Explorer plan.

With every insurance policy, there are exclusions. Here is a quick summary of losses that are not covered with World Nomads.

• Pre-existing medical conditions that are not stabilized (terms apply)
• Participating as an athlete in professional sports
• War, insurrection
• Participation in military exercises
• Being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants, unless prescribed
• Travel to pursue medical treatment

This is just an abbreviated summary of exclusions. Each coverage has its own list of excluded losses and items that are not covered. You’ll want to read your policy documents thoroughly to be aware of which losses/items are excluded.

Bottom Line: World Nomads offers 2 plans of essential coverages you’d potentially need while traveling. Each plan offers different limits for specific coverages; the greatest differences between plans are for emergency evacuation, baggage insurance, personal effects, and trip cancellation/interruption/delay coverages. If your greatest concern is having medical coverage, either plan could work to meet that requirement. 

On the World Nomads website , you can easily secure a quote and obtain immediate coverage. You’ll need to input the countries you’ll be visiting, the dates of your trip, your country/state of residence, how many people are you insuring, and the age of the traveler(s). You will then have the option to view coverages and select the plan you wish to purchase.

Here is a quote for a single traveler, residing in California, age 35, traveling to Mexico for 1 week.

Once you’re selected your preferred plan you can proceed to checkout, enter your personal and payment information, and receive coverage for the start date you requested.

After you receive your issued policy, you will have a 10-day period to review it and if you decide not to keep it, you will get a full refund.

While the cost of your policy will vary depending on the level of coverages selected, the length of your trip, the destinations, your age, and your place of residence, we did a quick comparison for similar coverage for a single traveler, age 35, traveling for 1 week in Mexico.

Above you’ll find the results for similar coverages, however, the medical coverage in our examples was just $50,000 compared to $100,000 with World Nomads. Also, John Hancock offers the additional option to purchase Cancel for Any Reason insurance (+$44) and both Berkshire Hathaway and Generali offer a waiver for pre-existing conditions if the policy is purchased within 14 to 15 days of the first trip deposit.

Bottom Line: In our limited sampling, World Nomads appears to deliver a competitive price with competitive core coverage offerings. Your results will vary based on your own criteria.

World Nomads walks you through submitting a claim with its simple 7-step process:

• Gather your documentation including receipts and invoices.
• Log in to your World Nomads account and select Make a Claim.
• Select the policy for which you’ll be making a claim; each event requires a new claim.
• Answer the questions relating to your claim.
• List your expenses supported by your receipts and invoices.
• Review your claim, summit, and expect an email confirmation.
• Follow up, communicate with the claims team via email , call 844-207-1930 (from the U.S./Canada), or 816-905-3963 from everywhere else in the world.

Remember to take pictures, file any police reports when necessary, and gather documents immediately after the event. It can be difficult to try to obtain supporting documentation once you’ve returned from your trip.

Hot Tip: Be sure to have your policy information with you when you travel, including all emergency phone numbers. Provide these numbers and policy information to any travel companions in case you are unable to make the call. You will be required to contact World Nomads to arrange any medical services and ensure coverage. 

There are a lot of reasons to consider World Nomads travel insurance.

Here are some of the pros:

• The company was founded and is managed by travelers who understand the needs of travelers.
• Obtaining a quote and getting immediate coverage is simple.
• You can receive good value for the premium paid (prices will vary depending on your age, length of trip, destinations involved, level of coverages selected, and where you reside).
• Up to 200 activities are included automatically without additional surcharges (the list differs by plan).
• Coverage can be secured or renewed while you’re traveling.

The plans offered by World Nomads are perfect for healthy, active travelers that may travel for extended periods of time, but also serve well to cover just a week-long journey.

While there are a lot of compelling reasons to purchase your travel insurance policy from World Nomads, there are a few drawbacks and information to be aware of.

• World Nomads does not sell Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance . Granted, this coverage is expensive, does not cover the entire cost of your trip, and is not offered by every travel insurance company. However, it may be important to you if you want to be able to cancel your trip for any reason, including the fear of getting ill.
• If you’re in the U.S. and 70 years of age or older, you will not be able to purchase coverage via World Nomads. The maximum age for purchasing coverage can vary depending on your country of residence. You can, however, purchase via its partner company, TripAssure. To learn more about the best travel insurance options for seniors , check out our article on this specific topic.
• Policies are limited to 180 days in duration . However, World Nomads does offer the benefit of renewing online, even while traveling.
• There is a policy limitation for baggage and personal items. If you carry lots of electronics, as many travelers do, you’ll want to be aware of these limitations. It’s worth noting that some insurance plans do not cover personal items at all.

If you’re looking for travel insurance, it’s a good idea to check out World Nomads . Plus, if there’s a remote possibility you’ll be participating in any 1 of the 200 activities covered automatically on its plans, that’s even more of a reason to consider the company. Few companies cover all of these activities and some charge extra to do so.

The company’s plans may be the best fit for healthy, active travelers. While both plans offered include up to $100,000 in medical coverage, there is a pre-existing condition limitation for coverage. Once again, if you’re active and your primary medical concern while traveling is getting sick or having an accident, even a minor one, this coverage could be a good fit.

If your priority is securing Cancel for Any Reason insurance, covering pre-existing conditions that are not stable, or purchasing a multi-trip annual travel insurance policy, you may find a better travel insurance fit via insurance comparison sites such as InsureMyTrip , TravelInsurance.com , or SquareMouth .

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Should You Buy World Nomads Travel Insurance in 2023?

02/28/2023 by Kristin Addis 46 Comments

I have not been paid to write this World Nomads insurance review, though if you do choose to buy insurance through a link in this post, it supports this site at no extra cost to you. I do honestly discuss the numerous drawbacks of World Nomads and provide alternative suggestions as well here, so please read this fully before purchasing a plan to be sure it will work for you.

Ladies and gents, it’s time we look into travel insurance.

Why? Because it really, truly sucks if you have an emergency abroad and don’t have it, and not all insurance is created equal. There have been horror stories of people being held in hospitals, almost like hostages, for not paying outstanding bills, or worse, not getting care at all.

But if you need to be airlifted out, must have a family member flown to you, or you simply get sick on the road and don’t want to have to suffer when you could get care, then travel insurance is a no-brainer. It’s best if you never have to use it, but when you need it, it can literally save your trip (and self).

That said, travel insurance is not going to cover everything. In most cases beyond medical coverage, you will need a separate policy. I’ve taken out many of these policies in the past, and will discuss your other options in this post as well. World Nomads might not be for you, but before I talk about the drawbacks, let’s talk about the typical coverage.

Table of Contents

It Offers Cover for Major Medical Expenses

Why pay for insurance you might not use? You could risk it and travel without insurance. I’d be lying if I said I have never done that. Once I had to visit the doctor in Vietnam and, since I was uninsured, paid $100 out of pocket for the visit and medications. It cost me about the same as insurance would have for the entire 4 months that I was away. That was risky of me, because if I experienced a bigger problem, I could have been out a lot more money than that.

I’ve had friends need ambulance rides in the US which cost over $5k without insurance, met divers who needed compression chambers after diving emergencies, and recently had a family member cancel her trip when her travel companion fell ill. She had insurance and got her money back, but he didn’t, and had to eat the cost.

The worst case scenario if you have insurance is that nothing goes wrong and you spent the money just for the security, but the worst case scenario without insurance on your trip is much, much more dire. It’s possible to get denied care entirely in some countries if you can’t pay – yikes.

Why I Use World Nomads for Health Needs

I choose this one because it covers activities I love that most other insurance won’t cover, and they have paid out claims put forth by friends of mine consistently.

No insurance is perfect. If you want to get reimbursed, your claim has to include all of the necessary paperwork and qualify under the coverage they offer. I’m not a fan of any insurance company — they all kind of suck and I don’t feel health insurance should ever be for profit — but I still get insurance for all of the reasons in this post so far.

I free dive, hike at high altitudes, skydive, scuba dive, and more on my trips. World Nomads is my go-to because of the specificity of the coverage. It’s also helpful that they clearly state which activities have coverage by each of their two plans, Standard and Explorer. You can use the following tool to look at pricing:

So, for example, say you’re planning a trip to Bali to go surfing, sailing, and scuba diving. You would be able to go on the World Nomads website , look at their detailed lists of activities to find your specific ones, and determine if you need to purchase the Standard Plan or the Explorer Plan to make sure that everything you’d be doing on your trip has coverage.

World Nomads will also allow you to purchase more coverage quickly and easily if you run out while abroad (like if you decided to extend your trip at the last minute). They also have multilingual emergency assistance available 24/7.

All in all, I like that World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance designed to help cover health costs. Having the activities I love covered makes this my go-to for those reasons.

The Coverage You Need Based on the Way You Travel

Keep in mind that every policy is going to differ depending on where you are from. The following suggestions are based on their general offerings, but you need to read the fine print to be sure your policy with WN will cover these things.

That said, how do you like to travel? Are you adventurous, or do you prefer to play on the safer side when you go abroad? Does your ideal trip look like yoga on the beach, or cliff diving and hang gliding? World Nomads clearly breaks down the insurance plan you need based on the activities you plan on participating in . Figure out the coverage you need for your favorite activities below:

Some Big Drawbacks of World Nomads

World nomads contracts through providers on a location-by-location basis. What one policy covers in one country or state might differ from another, which is why reading the fine print, annoying as it is, is necessary.

World Nomads, like most travel insurance, intentionally omits things like pandemics, much to the chagrin of anyone who wanted COVID reimbursements. The travel insurance provided by Chase cards, and most other standard insurance, also has this policy. Unfortunately it’s standard and you often need additional policies, or much more expensive ones, to get full coverage (which I’ll discuss below).

They also omit acts of terrorism, civil unrest, acts of war, and really anything else that might trigger a mass payout from them. Some insurance companies will cover this, but they’re pricey. It’s always a balance of whether it’s truly worth it or not.

World Nomads also only cover a minimal amount of gear. If you’re traveling with expensive equipment, in most cases you’ll need a separate policy for the tech gadgets.

If you do need to file a claim, you must follow the fine print exactly. Like all insurance, honestly all of whom suck, they’re trying to make a profit.

For example, trip cancellation has specific requirements that will be unique to your policy, such as a required period of 24 hours. You might also find that if you return home to get treated, the insurance assumes your home coverage kicks in. Read the fine print always, because you can be sure that they will when evaluating your claim.

READ NEXT: Faye vs. World Nomads Travel Insurance

Important Things to Know

There are a few important things to know that make this insurance work better for you. The first is that booking more time upfront is better than breaking it up. If you know that you’ll be on a 6-month trip, then paying for the full 6 months upfront works out much cheaper than doing 3 now, and 3 later. Plus, you don’t want to let the insurance lapse. If anything happens when you’re not insured, it won’t be covered (that’s standard industry practice).

Also keep in mind that this insurance will only cover you if you’re over 100 miles from home. If you come home for further medical attention, travel insurance typically assumes you’re using your home coverage once again. This is important to keep in mind if you come home to get your treatment completed (you can always call them to get more info on your specific case).

Finally, this isn’t the only policy you should have if you have lots of expensive gear. I’ve learned through the years that the only way to insure your gear if you’re a professional photographer or blogger (like me) is to get a separate policy for your gear, and they ain’t cheap. World Nomads will cover most personal electronics, like phones and cheaper cameras, up to a small amount, provided you can prove the value (receipt), have a police report, and can prove you had it with you (so take pictures with your electronics on the road just to cover yourself).

Other Types of Insurance with More Coverage

As you can see, travel insurance isn’t meant to cover everything. For true coverage of all the things, you’ll need to pay more and take out policies that are designed to cover specific circumstances. Here are some I’ve tried or have been recommended to me by friends:

Expat Insurance: If you’re looking for longer term health insurance abroad, consider expat insurance instead. This will only cover medical needs, but acts more like a traditional health insurance that can cover longer term health needs abroad. I used ALC when I lived in Germany and they paid out all of the claims I qualified for after my deductible.

Diplomat Insurance: If you want to be covered for all the things, including kidnapping, acts of war, civil unrest, and more, check out Global Underwriters , which provides diplomat insurance.

Cancel for Any Reason Insurance: Some companies will offer insurance that you can cancel for any reason. Be sure to buy it as soon as you place an initial deposit (which goes for any insurance) in order for it to work. There are other stipulations as well, naturally. You can read more about AIG’s here.

Gear Insurance: If you have expensive gear, most travel insurance will only cover a small part of it. Since I travel with a backpack full of gear, I had a policy on all of my tech gear from Taylor & Taylor . I did quite a bit of research on this prior to purchasing, but ultimately do not use it anymore for one big reason: It’s really expensive. Each year the policy cost me $500 for insurance up to $7k worth of gear, and a deductible of $500 per claim. If I break a phone, for example, it would just even out. This would be a life saver if all of your gear gets waterlogged or stolen. Otherwise, unless you make a claim over $1k each year, it might be cost prohibitive.

Coverage for COVID-19

World Nomads states on this FAQ page that “fear of travel” is not covered. If you want to cancel your trip due to fear about COVID, your cancellation will not be covered. However, if you become ill prior to your trip, your plan may cover you. For more information on COVID coverage, check out this page where you’ll find up-to-date details.

In a Nutshell

There are more exclusions that are wise to read about before taking the plunge and purchasing. This is pretty typical of all insurance. All that said, for coverage of the more adventurous activities that I love, I like World Nomads the most and have been using it for years, so are many of my readers and those who come on my BMTM Adventures tours .

Want to explore more options? I recently tried out Faye Travel Insurance and actually made a claim as I got sick while traveling in Japan . You can read my full review here .

 * As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link, at no extra cost whatsoever to you. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Thanks, as always, for your support!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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09/19/2019 at 7:08 am

Hi Kristin, I love your honesty, I pretty much hate all insurance companies too, I just hate some less than others haha. I was wondering – which insurance do you use for your gear? I’m looking into getting some for an upcoming trip (separate from travel insurance since I have international health insurance that will cover me for most health issues while abroad.) Any suggestions? Thanks!

Kristin says

09/21/2019 at 9:55 pm

I did a lot of digging but only Taylor Insurance would insure all of my gear (used professionally, so it might be different for those whose gear isn’t used professionally, but I know yours is!). However it’s kind of expensive, and if you make a claim you have to pay a $500 deductible before they’ll cover anything. Still, as you get more and more expensive gear, it’s nice to have.

I have never made a claim with them, so I can’t say how good or bad they are.

09/20/2019 at 8:33 am

It is so nice how you watch the backs of your friends and fellow solo travelers with posts like this. Insurance like this is essential for adventure travelers and those going long distances to remote regions of the world like what is often discussed here. Travel insurance is very important for any vacation involving a bit of travel, especially with a family where people get sick right before trips all the time (personal experience! 🙂 )! It bailed us out on more than one occasion. Insurance is a pain with the paperwork and, in my own case, anxiety from saying or filling out something wrong and losing coverage. I have been through several kinds and you can tell, though, pretty quickly if you are dealing with something good. I have that feeling with World Nomads (and with our home and car insurance particularly the one agent we have had for 20 years) .Like other anxious things, you relax and deal with it and in the end you win out and grow. It is a pain, but it is necessary. A little pain and preparation upfront brings dividends in the end. Things happen in life and it is good to be prepared. Thanks Kristin and BMTM for watching our backs over the years, not only with this, but looking out for our safety, making sure we are prepared, providing great health and well-being advice to make sure we are mentally, physically, and emotionally strong, and always being accessible. Oh, like the humor in here too. I know where to go if I want insurance for salsa dancing and shark cage diving! One quick question if you don’t mind. Have you ever had issues with the “not covered” for pre-existing conditions? It is reasonable for this type of insurance to have this stipulation, but some insurance companies can be real sticklers. One other observation for those outside the US: The Explorer option for some countries like France is only a tiny bit more expensive than the Standard option. For instance to travel from France to Australia from October 9, 2019 to January 3, 2020 (assuming you live in France) at age 35 will cost you 281.77 Euro for Standard and 285.00 Euro for Explorer and you get so much more with Explorer. This is a steal! Other Euro countries you will find the differences not that close, but often less than 10% higher, (Those who are residents in Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic are other ones really close). As a catch, part of this small difference may be due to the fact that the Standard rate is higher in these countries while the Explorer rate is not as much higher. Interesting! It’s all statistics.

ajr1713 says

09/21/2019 at 6:43 am

Do you have any insurance recommendations for travelers over 70 ? Nomad indicated they will only cover up to age 69.

09/21/2019 at 9:52 pm

I haven’t ever looked into it, to be honest. I wish I could provide a personal recommendation±

09/22/2019 at 8:04 am

Hi ajr1713: World Nomads do indeed have coverage for 70 and over! It is “Silver-Nomads” It is partnered with “TripAssure”. I checked and typed in that I was 79 years old and it gave me a quote. This insurance seems great as insurance companies go so glad it is for all ages :). Hope this is helpful!

Roxanne says

09/23/2019 at 11:10 am

This was helpful. I have never traveled with insurance but as I am getting older I am more conscious that anything could happen. I will definitely consider World Nomads. Thanks for the in-depth information.

09/23/2019 at 6:28 pm

Glad it was helpful!

10/31/2019 at 5:40 pm

This is extremely helpful! Thank you! I just figured out which plan to buy.

Trevor says

11/04/2019 at 12:16 pm

Hi, just wanted to let you know that the information you posted about the difference in activity coverage between the standard plan and explorer plan is incorrect and misleading. I just got off the phone with World Nomads and learned that there is no difference in activity coverage between the standard plan and the explorer plan. Both plans cover what are listed as “Level 1” activities. The only way to get coverage for other activities (Level 2 and 3) is to purchase the “Sports & Activities Premium” which can be applied to either the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. If you only purchase the explorer plan, do not expect to be covered for any extra activities.

However, I am a Canadian resident and if there is a difference between the policies available for Americans and Canadians please ignore this comment.

11/04/2019 at 3:21 pm

Coverage varies from state to state and country to country, it’s very important to read the fine print. Different companies provide the coverage under the World Nomads umbrella, and that’s why insurance is so tricky!

Mrs. Helen Jones says

11/07/2019 at 3:07 pm

My husband and I will travel next October 2020, to Israel with a church group. We will pay our $500 deposit within a week. Our trip will cost $4,176.00 per person. We would like travel Insurance. Please help us with the best protection (deposit returned), in case of trip cancellation, accidents, lost luggage, hospitalization, emergency evacuations, missed flights etc..

11/07/2019 at 3:19 pm

To be honest that sounds really expensive…is it more than a week I hope? Most insurance doesn’t cover evacuation due to civil unrest or war, but otherwise world nomads would cover most of that.

11/15/2019 at 12:51 pm

I should actually point out that adventire activities aren’t just choosing a plan – get to the next step and type in whatever it is you want to do and they’ll show you the additional cost. Take trekking for example: both plans cover it , but only if you add it and pay the additional premium.

11/20/2019 at 4:47 am

I’m not sure if you have ever actually made a claim with World Nomads, as a person who has been waiting for over a month for a response from them, let me say that after filling out the VERY extensive paperwork ( my girlfriend luckily , has a medical background and understands that kind of paperwork) I am dealing with their other company that handles the actual claim.

I have very little hope that I will ever see any money. And am grateful I didnt need this company in an emergency.

11/20/2019 at 11:06 am

They’re all like that, it’s very annoying.

Felicia H says

12/05/2019 at 7:36 pm

So I decided a very last min Purchase of my Insurance from Nomad. Yes they are superb and efficient in selling your the insurance. All done within 10 mins. However , the nightmare comes, I am putting a claim for flight delayed and miss of connections. A brief reply stating the claims dept will contact me soon. Yes its been 16 days. Super Unhappy & Unsastisfied Client. Inefficient.

12/06/2019 at 11:08 am

Let us know how it works out for you! From what I’ve heard, and this goes for all insurance, you have to follow up.

12/09/2019 at 10:34 am

I would just like to point out I’ve had a terrible experience trying to get covered for a trip delay. I was stuck in San Fran for 24 hrs on my way to New Zealand. I missed my flight from Australia to New Zealand and had to buy new ones. Thinking this was exactly what trip insurance was for, I figured I’d be reimbursed for the flights. Well apparently they only cover trip delays if 1. it is due to the airport workers striking (umm… what?)2. weather delays greater than 24 hours. So we got no reimbursement and they were not super nice about it either. Very frustrating! I’m sure they have better coverage for some things but not for trip delay or trip interruption. It’s pretty ridiculous.

12/09/2019 at 12:25 pm

That’s truly strange. A friend of mine was covered for a weather delay. That said, the coverage really varies by state, because it’s a different underwriter, so it gets very confusing and frustrating.

01/12/2020 at 11:21 am

So, it would seem that people that actually had to make a claim all say World Nomads sucks balls. The rest are greatful for the info. There ya have it.

01/12/2020 at 9:29 pm

I think the more likely scenario is people get on the internet to vent. The two people I know who have made claims with WN were able to get paid out, but it was a process, as it would be with every insurance company out there.

01/23/2020 at 7:35 am

Hi, could you explain to me about this from WN Paragliding / parapenting : : special condition (a) or (b) : special exclusion (iv) & (v)

the special exclusion (iv) & (v) are: (iv) Personal Accident (v) Personal Liability

So if the accident is personal wn doesnt covered me? what is the accident is not personal when it involves the person. so tricky

can all the insurance company seek other words to replace liability, it is so hard to digest what is the meaning of Personal Liability?

thanks in advance for your answer .

01/23/2020 at 8:24 am

Hey, I’m in no way an agent or underwriter so you’ll need to call them. This is just a post about my opinion on the insurance based on my personal experience and that of my friends.

01/24/2020 at 5:54 pm

After having a very bad experience with Allianz and AIG trip protection for missed flights. I made two claims to Allianz and they ignored both. I made a claim to AIG when my fiance was not allowed to fly due to a problem with her visa paperwork. It was denied. I complained to regulatory agencies and was told they would not pursue my complaint. Flight trip insurance. NEVER AGAIN!

I am hoping World Nomads is better for health insurance claims. Gulp. i pray they are an honorable company with integrity unlike other insurance companies I have dealt with.

03/09/2020 at 6:53 pm

Informative article thanks. Heads up if you are trekking K2 Basecamp and Gondogoro Pass – WN although they cover trekking at altitude the fact that there are fixed ropes on this trek precludes them as an insurer. Spent about 15 mins on phone with them to hone down the details specific to my last trek before deciding another company would be more suited to the trek. I think it’s worth the time to read the doc then call them to ask additional questions.

03/09/2020 at 10:07 pm

To all readers here — I would be cautious about any insurance. Read all the fine print. Read it a second time. Make sure you understand what is being covered — and what is NOT covered. I did choose world nomads for a trip myself — however based on that alone I would not recommend them. As I did not have a need to make a claim. It’s not only what coverage a company offers — but do they actually pay out. I think there are both sides to this — Kristen knows two friends who did receive payout and yet two other writers here said the company has not been responsive to their claims. I would trust this review more if I knew the full services of the company had been used — that is, a claim was made, and was paid out. Again, I say read the fine print and read what other reviewers saY about the full services of a company before you choose I sir ace… my two cents….

Amanda says

03/09/2020 at 10:08 pm

I’ve used World Nomads a couple times in the past with no problems, but I didn’t have to contact them in the past. I purchased a policy for a trip coming up in April, but I need to find out if I have the right permit for my policy to be valid, and I literally have not been able to talk to anyone helpful. One person told me different information than what is on their website and the other told me my policy number format isn’t the right format, so they couldn’t help me. I also called other times but never actually got to talk to anyone due to excessive hold times. I also sent several emails that were never answered. I ended up canceling my policy because I found another one that will work.

Mirjam says

03/14/2020 at 1:50 am

Hi, and thanks for the article!

Two things I wanted to add: 1) I bought my World Nomads policy from the UK and the policy coverage is different here. Most of the activities you listed are not covered under Standard or Explorer plans but need additional Activity coverage (Level 2, 3 or 4). For example, I was planning to go hiking; hiking at low altitudes is covered under Standard or Explorer, up to 4,500 meters you need Level 2 coverage, and up to 6,000 meters you need Level 3 so there is additional cost. Level 2 itself was only a little more, but Level 3 almost doubled my insurance cost. So anyone from the UK, be mindful.

2) The other, and sadder, thing is the difficulty in actually getting a payout. I was planning to embark on 1-year sabbatical trip around the world at the end of this January (2020), and I bought World Nomads travel insurance in November. About a week before I was due to depart I received the shocking news that I had cancer – and needed to stay in the UK to treat it immediately, which I am currently in the midst of. I had planned to do hiking (Patagonia, Machu Picchu etc) and a cruise in Antarctica (quite a few things pre-paid) so I submitted a claim for trip cancellation, which under my plan should have had a payout of up to 5,000 GBP. So I would not have gotten all the money back but at least a lot. I submitted all the documentation and there was a lot of waiting. Eventually over a month later they came back with a decision that they consider the cancer to be a pre-existing condition and will not reimburse anything, because I had had some swelling in my arm (the location of the cancer) in the autumn. There was the option to ask for another review of the decision, which I did, and am waiting the results of, so fingers crossed it still turns out well in the end!!

But for me – if the insurance turns a blind eye when you are diagnosed with cancer a week before you are due to leave, what will they ever help you with?

So this was my rant – had the cancer and the denied claim thing gone differently, I would have been very happy with them.

03/14/2020 at 12:18 pm

Dang, that’s so F-ed up. I’m looking into alternatives now.

Paul Brewster says

03/23/2020 at 6:00 pm

Kristin – I believe you really should review your relationship with World Nomads Travel Insurance. I see they post an ad on your website so have to believe you have some sort of financial relationship with them. I am among the many COVID-19 refugees returning from interrupted travel by border closings and lockdowns unfolding in South America. I was lucky to get out of Santiago, Chile on March 20 before things closed down completely. I bought a policy from Travel Nomads, in part because of your recommendation and of others who had posted to your site. After returning home to the US and just beginning to regroup, I have learned that the policy I paid for covers zero expenses for ANYTHING related to COVID-19…period. They have a laundry list of FAQs that basically absolves them for any coverage which one would typically buy travel insurance for. Check out Trust Pilot reviews. Reviews from unhappy customers are pouring in. BTW, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company should be ashamed for underwriting this policy. Thanks for listening.

03/24/2020 at 7:50 am

Hey Paul, I don’t have a horse in the race and am not being paid to post by World Nomads, though I do get an affiliate commission, like I would from any insurance company. We are reviewing alternatives but have struggled to find a company that covers pandemics. I’m all ears if you do find one!

George says

06/13/2020 at 2:28 pm

Horrible, absolutely horrible customer service, and product is a complete rip off.

December 2019, we purchased a policy for travel to Europe for May 2020. We planned a tour between five countries.It became obvious In March 2020 our trip was not happening when the European Union banned travel between their borders. Covid19.

Thankfully the airline and tour company rescheduled our plans for 2021. World Nomad decided to take our money and provide no protection.

I spent hours, during March and April, trying to get a person on the phone, to ask them to change the date of travel. Instead of getting help, I got automated emails, that were not helpful. I sent on numerous occasions, emails with precise information, to get the run around.

I filed a Better Business Bureau complaint in April. As of June, Nomad has not responded to them. The BBB complaint #14291856.

I found a web link on World Nomad, of people you can contact, for help. I contacted Charles Parent-Moreau, who wrote me saying would help. We exchanged emails and said it was being handled. That was six weeks ago. I now realize, what was being handled, was they decided to not change the dates of travel for coverage.

Marilyn says

09/24/2020 at 4:21 pm

I bought nomad insurance. I fell in Jaipur and needed hospital stitches in 2 places. Had all the paperwork, sent them everything they asked for and they NEVER paid me. I’m sticking with DAN in the future. I am a scuba diver

10/10/2020 at 10:31 am

Did they send some kind of rejection? Curious what their reasoning was.

10/06/2021 at 8:57 am

My trip was interrupted due to covid complications. I called their rep before booking alternate transportation and crashing at an emergency hotel for the night. He advised me I was eligible to file a claim under both trip interruption and trip delay. Now that I’ve paid upfront out of pocket based on his advice, they don’t want to reimburse me. World Nomads seems like a scam to me. Advise everyone to stay far away from them.

01/04/2022 at 5:54 am

I’m sure the pandemic has been hard for them. My issue is that I called them prior to making what should have been reimbursable expenses. Rather than tell me he didn’t know; the rep made it sound as if the emergency purchases would all be covered. I’ve left reviews and they asked me to email them but guess what? No response. Rather than purchase insurance, I’d put the money aside so you have that extra cash to cover any unexpected expenses. Personally, if I’m going to make a charitable donation, I’d prefer it go to refugees or abused animals, rather than big business. Bloggers who may get a commission, or at the very least, special consideration if any issues come up, seem to all be in favor of WN. While most who have actually used their services (from comments on this and other blog sites) would never do business with them again. People are posting numerous warnings about this company for a reason.

Marlene says

04/15/2022 at 10:55 am

World Nomad Trip Insurance is awful. They quickly take your money but when it comes time to pay a small claim there is hardly a way to contact them directly. After waiting 6 months I finally called to get a service person on the phone who mumbled and could only say they are still reviewing, so zero help. DON NOT use them! I NEVER will again. You be better off throwing your money in a hole and then digging it up if something happened. I do not trust this company.

Rose Cashman says

05/07/2022 at 11:37 am

I agree 100%

05/07/2022 at 11:36 am

We bought World Nomads and have been home for 3 weeks trying to make a claim for trip interruption and it has been the WORST inefficient process so far. Customer service has been awful if you can even speak to a live person. I have send several emails. So far I would absolutely NOT recommend using World Nomads. I can only say thank goodness we did not have a real emergency!

07/19/2022 at 7:03 am

The brutally honest truth about World Nomads is the claims support sucks. I was sick in Egypt and had to delay my return home. The person I spoke contacted seemed a bit untrained, but said she would follow-up. I never heard back from her. On return home I had a difficult time corresponding with the claims ‘department’, sent in the information they requested. I never heard back. Fortunately the out of pocket expense was not a great deal, so I just gave up. I will never use them again.

10/24/2022 at 10:23 pm

MASSIVE LOOPHOLE WARNING Conditions that are “similar”, but unrelated to, a condition that was subject to a previous claim ARE NOT COVERED.  In their own words:

“If you were to develop a new stomach condition not related to the previous stomach issue but a similar condition you would not be covered due to it would be considered pre-existing unless it was due to an injury or something totally unrelated.”  I am happy to share the original messages they sent me – I would post a screenshot if the site allowed it. This is a shocking and appalling loophole, especially for a policy that is marketed towards long term travellers, who are likely to get separate but “similar conditions” – such as stomach issues, the most common travelers’ ailment.  This company is unethical and anyone who promotes it without mentioning this loophole is irresponsible.  I can only assume they didn’t know.  World Nomads will not provide any further details on how they define a “similar condition”, so maybe save your one claim for something life-threatening/expensive.  Of course they don’t issue any refunds after policy holders have discovered this loophole the hard way – it certainly is not explicitly stated anywhere in the policy!!  Who would buy it if it was?  I have confirmed this loophole multiple times, so I know it wasn’t just one agent giving incorrect information.  Please share this with all travellers you know – we need to have each other’s backs!

Claudia E Hartley says

03/13/2023 at 9:25 pm

So far not impressed with World Nomad at ALL. Once you actually need them, their website sucks, they don’t have online support. I can’t even start to file a claim because according to their membership dashboard, I don’t have any policies. When the do write back on email, their responses are nonsensical and don’t respond to what you shared. I recommend using NerdWallet to pick travel insurance. I did that for Spain and had a better experience.

Hilary brown says

08/30/2023 at 2:22 pm

Do not use them! Their website and FAQ page say they’ll cover you for certain things, but then when they underwrite the policy they leave out some items that the website says you’ll be covered for, and thus try to deny your claim. All insurance companies are difficult, I get that much, but to tell you you’ll covered when you buy the policy and then underwrite a policy where you aren’t covered after you pay for it is another ball game.

09/16/2023 at 7:49 am

Hello Kristin

I am considering purchasing the Nomad Explorer plan for $200 covering trip costs up to $10,000. I’ll be climbing Mera Peak in Nepal which is a few thousand feet below the max elevation Explorer covers.

I’m stunned by how much lower their premium is compared to AmEx Travel for basically the same coverage….about $500 less. Again, stunningly cheap….which means I’m immediately suspicious. Yet, you give it a great review.

Main my main concern is becoming ill or injured during the trek/climb, resulting in evacuation from the mountain to a hospital in Kathmandu. Have you ever experienced or know of situations If the evac company and or the hospital require payment immediately, will the Nomad policy advance the amount up to the benefit cap?

My second question is the policy says it will cover customary charges for the locale. Are you aware of any situations where there has been a large gap between the expense and what Nomad is willing to reimburse?

Thank you for your help.

09/17/2023 at 1:52 pm

So med evac would be a different policy and is usually not covered by most travel insurance plans. They tend to be their own plans that specifically cover medical flights out and if you’re concerned, could be a good idea to take out a separate policy for your trip. Yes, all hospitals will require immediate payment.

MarketWatch Guides is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content.  Learn More

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review | 2024

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

World Nomads travel insurance offers financial protection in case of unexpected trip cancellation or medical accident abroad. It offers competitive coverage limits and some plans designed for travelers participating in extreme sports or other adventurous activities.

In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team will review coverage options, costs, customer reviews and more for World Nomads. We’ll also compare the provider to our picks for the best travel insurance companies to help you decide on a policy that fits your needs.

• Average Cost: $153
• BBB Rating: F
• AM Best Score: A-
• Medical Expense Max: $100,000
• Emergency Evacuation Max: $500,000

Our Take on World Nomads

We awarded World Nomads 3.9 out of 5 stars overall based on our provider review methodology, naming it our pick for adventure travelers. It has the lowest average cost of the 21 providers we gathered quotes from while providing high coverage limits for baggage and travel delays.

However, World Nomads does not offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage like most other companies we’ve reviewed, which allows you to cancel your trip for reasons other than those listed in your policy. It also holds an F rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which resulted in a lower score in the customer service and reviews section of our methodology. We reached out to the company for a comment on its rating but did not receive a response.

Pros and Cons

Access to both comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance

Good coverage for interruptions (up to 200%) and delays (up to $2,000)

Low maximums and daily coverage limits on delays and cancellations on budget plans

Medical plans may have a high deductible

How World Nomads Scored in Our Methodology

Based on our travel insurance methodology, World Nomads scored 3.9 out of 5 stars in our review. It earned maximum points for coverage details and delay coverage amount in our review, but lost points in every other ratings category.

Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines

World Nomads Travel Insurance Overview

World Nomads is a modern travel insurance provider that has been operating since 2002 and specializes in offering travel insurance policies for a range of vacations and excursions. It also offers travel safety advice and destination guides, and it promotes responsible travel practices.

We rate World Nomads as a good travel insurance company for adventurous travelers in particular. The company’s delay, cancellation and interruption coverage limits are highly competitive, and its travel insurance plans are designed for the vacationer who enjoys an adventurous trip that involves any kind of extreme sport.

Compare World Nomads to the Competition

See the table below for a direct comparison of average plan costs, BBB ratings, CFAR coverage limits and COVID-19 coverage between World Nomads and its competitors.

World Nomads vs Allianz

World Nomads and Allianz Global Assistance both do not offer CFAR coverage, which may be a dealbreaker for travelers foreseeing a change of travel plans.

We found the main differences between World Nomads and Allianz based on our review of customer service and cost. At $265, the average cost of a travel insurance policy with Allianz is over 64% more than the average cost of a World Nomads policy. 

Even so, some travelers may feel Allianz’s A+ rating and accreditation with the BBB offsets the high costs associated with its plans. Allianz also offers a mobile app and more than three ways to file a claim, which World Nomads lacks.

See the table below for a direct comparison between popular plans offered by World Nomads and Allianz.

Learn more about Allianz by reading our Allianz travel insurance review .

World Nomads vs Seven Corners

World Nomads and Seven Corners share few similarities. According to quotes gathered by our team, Seven Corners is, on average, 34% more expensive than the average World Nomads plan. World Nomads also offers more coverage for lost luggage, trip and baggage delays.

However, Seven Corners’ most comprehensive plan provides markedly better medical coverage than the World Nomads equivalent. It also offers double the amount World Nomads provides for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains and five times the amount for medical expenses. Both insurance companies also offer two ways to file a claim.

The table below highlights key differences between popular plans offered by World Nomads and Seven Corners.

Take a closer look at Seven Corners in our review .

What Does World Nomads Travel Insurance Cover?

World Nomads offers two insurance plans: Standard and Explorer. You can customize either plan to cover specific activities for your vacation, and each policy includes coverage for medical expenses , emergency assistance and personal effects.

The Standard Plan from World Nomads includes:

• $2,500 for trip cancellation or interruption
• $500 a day for trip or travel delays
• $750 for baggage delay
• $1,000 in baggage and personal effects coverage
• $100,000 for medical accidents and sickness
• $300,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• $25,000 non-medical emergency transportation, such as a natural disaster
• $5,000 for death and dismemberment on a trip

What sets World Nomads travel insurance apart from other insurers is the large number of adventure sports and activities that its basic coverage includes. In the Standard Plan, activities and extreme sports like bungee jumping, indoor skydiving, biking trips, resort skiing and windsurfing are all covered. More dangerous activities like scuba diving, hot-air ballooning and alpine ski touring are covered in the Explorer Plan.

Optional Riders

A rider is the official insurance term for “add-on.” You can buy one or more riders to attach to the travel insurance policy that you like, creating a personalized plan for your trip.

But World Nomads offers almost no add-ons. That’s because either of the two plans it sells already provides coverage for things that other insurers don’t as part of their base policies. The only extra coverage option you have is a rental car damage rider, and it is only offered with the more comprehensive Explorer plan.

However, you can extend your coverage during a trip, a benefit most travel insurance companies don’t have.

Policies Offered

Here’s a breakdown of the basic coverage options for the World Nomads Explorer Plan and Standard Plan.

Cost of World Nomads Travel Insurance

According to our research, the average travel insurance plan with World Nomads costs $153. However, a solo traveler policy is much lower at $74 for the Standard plan and $116 for the Explorer plan.

When you buy travel insurance, the cost of the plan depends on a variety of factors, including whether you want coverage for dangerous locations or activities. Things like the age and health conditions of the people on the trip affect the price, especially if someone has pre-existing medical conditions.

World Nomads is known for having cost-effective travel insurance coverage , especially given the number of sports and activities covered in its two plans.

Use the chart below to compare World Nomads' average cost to competitors:

Read More: Travel Insurance For Parents Visiting The United States

Does World Nomads Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?

World Nomads offers clients 24/7 travel assistance when they purchase any insurance plan. Provided by Generali Global Assistance 365 days a year, it gives customers access to professional help and advice for any emergency while they’re on vacation.

The toll-free number for this service is +1-877-289-0968, which can be accessed from the U.S. and Canada. The collect worldwide number is +1-954-334-8143.

You can also contact the service by emailing [email protected].

World Nomads Customer Reviews

Customer reviews and ratings can help indicate the level of service a travel insurance company offers its policyholders. At the time of this writing, World Nomads held a 1 out of 5 star rating with the BBB and a 3.3 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot. 

To learn what customers like and dislike about World Nomads, we read dozens of customer reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot from recent months. Here are some common themes we found in our search:

What Customers Like

• Reasonably priced: Recent policyholders comment on receiving comprehensive coverage at a competitive price.
• Easy-to-navigate website: Users, including this reviewer , compliment how easy it is to navigate the World Nomads’ webpage and get a quote.
• Clear policy details: Reviewers note that World Nomads explained their purchased policies in great detail, making coverage easy to understand.

What Customers Don’t Like

• Slow claims process: This reviewer , amongst others, stated that they’ve spent months trying to resolve a claim with World Nomads.
• Excessive documentation requests: Many customers, such as this one , complain about the documentation World Nomad asks for during the claims process, stating that it’s more of an ask than with other travel insurers.
• Legitimate claims denied: Policyholders like this one felt their claims were denied when World Nomads should have provided coverage according to their contract.

We reached out to World Nomads for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.

How To File a Claim with World Nomads

You can file a claim with World Nomads online on the World Nomads website . To complete the claim process, you need your policy number and copies of any relevant documents for things like a police report, medical insurance, credit card bills and emergency medical or dental records. The company promises to send you regular email updates about the progress of your trip insurance claim.

Is World Nomads Worth It?

Coverage from World Nomads may be worth it if you’re an adventurer looking for travel insurance on a budget. Policies cover a wide range of extreme sports and outdoor activities that other providers exclude. It also offers high coverage limits for baggage and travel delays.

However, World Nomads does not offer CFAR coverage, which is typically available through most other insurance providers. It also has lower-than-average customer review ratings and an F rating with the BBB. While our analysis of customer reviews suggests issues with claims processing and the company’s overall customer service, your individual experience may vary. We encourage you to consider what’s important to you in a travel insurance company before settling on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does world nomads cover canceled flights.

World Nomads Standard and Explorer plans both cover some instances where flights are delayed, missed or canceled. However, exclusions will apply depending on the situation, and the amount of compensation you receive will depend on whether an alternative flight was offered, the impact on the rest of your trip and the reason for the cancellation.

Can I extend my World Nomads travel insurance?

Yes, you can extend a World Nomads travel insurance policy while in the middle of your vacation. This comes in handy if you want to stay somewhere for longer than planned. All you have to do is buy a new policy from the date your old one ends.

Is World Nomads refundable?

Yes, you can get a full refund on your World Nomads travel insurance policy if you cancel it within 14 days of purchase. This is only valid if you haven’t already started your insured trip and you’re not making a claim.

What are the levels of World Nomads?

World Nomads offers two travel insurance plans: Standard and Explorer. The Standard Plan has lower coverage limits for things like medical treatment, baggage delay and trip interruption, but it covers many sports and activities. The Explorer Plan has higher limits and covers an extensive range of extreme or dangerous vacation activities.

Other Insurance Resources From MarketWatch Guides 

Read our comprehensive guides on the following insurance categories to find top providers and peace of mind that you have all aspects of life covered.

• Leading Pet Insurance Companies
• Top Travel Insurance Companies
• Best Homeowners Insurance Providers
• Leading Renters Insurance Companies
• Affordable Renters Insurance Providers
• Top Term Life Insurance Providers
• Budget-friendly Homeowners Insurance Companies

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

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The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

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Home » Budget Travel » World Nomads Travel Insurance – EPIC Review (2024)

World Nomads Travel Insurance – EPIC Review (2024)

Let’s be honest, travel insurance is not sexy and travel insurance is not fun. Actually, as a budget backpacker it is a colossal pain in the arse having to pay out for some policy which I am statistically unlikely to ever need.

BUT, after a decade of travelling and after some bitter realisations along the way, we can tell that travel insurance is a VERY important matter.

In this post, we will examine who may need it and what it can cover. And we will focus on World Nomads – a trusted, travel insure who we have known for years – and break down why we consider their cover to be amongst our personal favourite products.

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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance Cover COVID?

What is the best travel insurance for backpackers, but hang on, do you need travel insurance, world nomads travel insurance, what is so special about world nomads, world nomads travel insurance cost, how to make an insurance claim via world nomads, personal experience with world nomads, how to buy world nomads travel insurance, staying safe on your adventure.

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Let’s get this out of the way first shall we eh?

When COVID-19 first rocked the world in 2020, most travel insurance companies were quick to invoke their cancellation clauses and pull all medical coverage relating to either illness, cancellation or disruption caused by the pesky pandemic. Not ideal if you end up on a ventilator on the other side of the world and need emergency medical care!

These days, most insurance providers are offering some form of COVID coverage included within their policies, but some are more useful than others. Whilst many now cover hospitalisation caused by COVID infections, fewer are offering any kind of cover for disruption or cancellation such as being refused boarding on a flight for displaying symptoms or trip cancellation protection because of a positive test.

Whilst the pandemic has largely subsided, COVID is still able to severely disrupt travel plans. Therefore do consider paying close attention to the finer details of any insurers COVID-19 cover, especially their trip cancellation coverage and emergency medical evacuation .

The details of the World Nomads insurance plan COVID-19 cover vary quite a bit depending on your country of residence. You can check the situation regarding your country of residence by checking the World Nomads site here . Make sure you understand the limits of your World Nomads insurance plan before booking a trip!

There is no such thing as the “best” travel insurance. After all, each policy is a little bit different and it is all a matter of your personal needs. Some travellers just want cheap cover whereas others are willing to pay more for stronger protection and higher coverage limits.

But for me, World Nomads travel insurance is without a doubt my favourite travel insurance provider on the market and I now use them for almost every trip I ever take. In fact, the only exceptions are countries the World Nomads policy does not yet cover.

Here in a few paragraphs is why I love (*as much as someone can love an insurance company that is ) World Nomads so much;

• Firstly, World Nomads is travel insurance designed by travellers for travellers. Now, most travel insurance companies only really deal with “2 week 1 destination” type vacations and simply do not grasp the realities of long term, multi country backpacking travel. whilst some travel insurers do offer token “backpacker” or “annual” trip packages, even a casual glance over the terms makes it clear that the cover package is simply not really suitable for backpacking in the real world. Your World Nomads policy has adventurous travellers covered!
• Next up, a World Nomads policy can offer cover 100+ countries and the cover is easily customised based on where you plan to go backpacking. They can also offer the right level of cover for the majority of typical backpacker problems (such as dengue fever and bike crashes!).

If you love travelling or even just the idea of travelling in the future then there has certainly been a moment at some point along the way where you asked yourself, “Should I buy travel insurance? or “ Do I need travel insurance? “.

Well, as far as the hierarchy of needs goes I think it’s pretty clear that travel insurance is less essential than oxygen and water but in terms of things you need in order to travel, we personally place it just behind passports and visas. Although, some countries won’t actually let you in without proof of travel insurance making it equally as important as passports in some cases.

The blunt reality is you never need insurance until you do. Whilst statistically, you are unlikely to need it, the fact is that things can and do wrong. If you get sick, injured or robbed whilst travelling uninsured, you could end up in seriously deep shit. Even the most seasoned and adventurous travellers need to be covered for all eventualities!

Whilst the bold and boastful amongst us like to pretend otherwise, the truth is that travelling is far more dangerous than not travelling and always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Nepalese mountains or wandering the streets of Amsterdam, the worst can happen and you need to know things like medical expenses, all your gear and emergency evacuation are covered!

Here are real things that have happened to me on the road…

• My backpack got stolen with all of my worldly possessions inside.
• I needed stitches in my head after crashing a motorbike in Thailand.
• Strikes in Bucharest meant I was stuck in traffic for hours and missed my flight.
• I spent two weeks in hospital in Costa Rica after nearly dying in the jungle.
• I needed to go on an IV in Pakistan after being sick for days.
• I caught Dengue fever in Thailand and spent a week in a clinic, there was no hospital nearby and the bastards took my passport as collateral.

That’s quite the little comedy of incidents there isn’t it?! However, so as not to scare you out of travelling altogether I must point out that this all happened over nearly a decade of (near-constant) travelling the world. Most of the time, when you travel, nothing goes wrong and the laws of average are very much on your side. However the more you travel the more you wear down that good luck…

In the life of an adventurer, these things do happen. Therefore it can pay to be properly prepared and the easiest way to be properly prepared is to simply buy good international cover , and a World Nomads insurance plan at that!

What Can Travel Insurance Cover?

To help you work out for yourself whether you want to buy travel insurance for your next trip, it’s probably a good idea to start out by telling you what it can help with right?

Generally speaking, travel insurance can offer cover and protection for the following:

• Medical Costs —Hospital visits, emergencies, evacuations, medical insurance.
• Property Loss —Luggage and their contents.
• Travel Issues —Unexpected, additional expenses or cancelled trips.

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World Nomads keeps things pretty simple. There are two plans to choose from: the Standard Plan and The Explorer Plan . Depending on your country of residence, age, and travel destination(s), the prices will vary accordingly.

Do you already have a trip in mind? Well, why not get started and obtain a quote using the button below to see how much insurance with World Nomads will cost you.

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

Got horrible food poisoning in India? Break a finger whilst volunteering in Guatemala? Sprain an ankle whilst trekking in Switzerland? These things happen, and the last thing you want to do is pay out of your own pocket.

Emergency accident and sickness coverage is quite possibly the single most important aspect of any travel insurance plan. If you fall ill, get hurt, or otherwise need medical attention, then cover from World Nomads may be able to cover costs.

Although in many parts of the world you can find cheap and competent dentists who have surprisingly low costs. My good friend had an issue with a rotten tooth while travelling around Nepal. He had to have emergency surgery, which basically meant he got his tooth pulled out of his mouth by a dentist. The large majority of his surgery was covered by insurance.

It is very important to remember that before paying out on any injury claim, most insurance companies will ask exactly what you were doing at the time of injury, and may decline cover if the exact activity was not listed in the policy. Therefore, if you plan on doing high-risk activities or extreme sports whilst on your backpacking adventure, then it is probably worth checking the World Nomads list of adventure sports to ensure that it is covered or be sure to add on adventure sports coverage.

Note : if you were drunk or on drugs at the time of your accident or injury you may not be covered if World Nomads finds out about it.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Baggage and Personal Stuff

For most travellers, this aspect of travel insurance is a close second to medical cover. It can cover the costs of reimbursement for loss, theft, or damage to baggage or personal stuff incurred during the trip. This cover can cover you if you are mugged in the street during your trip, or if your baggage goes missing at the airport.

Insuring Specific Gear and Electronics

At this time, World Nomads does not offer any item-specific insurance packages. You cannot take out a policy on your iPhone, tent, or lucky underwear. If something is lost or stolen you have the per article limits mentioned above. To be honest, this is far from ideal and does quite reflect the reality that these days many of us travel with $1000 laptops and $700 iPhones.

However, this flaw is NOT unique to World Nomads and many travel insurance providers (in fact, all the ones I am personally aware of) are the same. Personally, I have a separate gadget insurance policy for my Mac Book which includes travel cover.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

EER coverage is for an accidental injury or sickness occurring during the trip that results in your necessary emergency evacuation. For example, if you break your leg way out in the Himalayas and you need a helicopter rescue, you should be covered as long as you made it clear that you would be doing this, and stated the altitude. If you are going trekking in the Himalaya’s, check with World Nomads to make sure that they are covering you.

An emergency evacuation must be ordered by a physician who certifies that the severity of your accidental injury or sickness warrants your emergency evacuation.

Obviously, you won’t be trekking with a doctor, but once emergency personnel arrives they will contact World Nomads on your behalf.

Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation

This coverage is for transportation expenses if there is a natural disaster or civil or political unrest in the country in which you are visiting (which may or may not be specifically related to terrorism).

Trip Cancellation

This cover reimburses travellers for prepaid, non-refundable cancellation charges if a traveller is forced to cancel a trip for specified reasons. Trip cancellation does not cover travellers who simply change their mind but rather can cover cancellation due to covered sickness, accidental injury, death, inclement weather, an unforeseen natural disaster at home or at the travel destination, strike or other covered reasons.

Trip Interruption

Trip Interruption can cover travellers whose trips are (you guessed it) interrupted in any way. This can mean being forced to come home early and buy an additional flight or, it can mean being forced to extend your trip or make changes to it for various reasons.

Note that additional accommodation and transport expenses have a per-day maximum of $250 so you probably won’t be able to stay in the Ritz and bill it to WN!

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Google and Starbucks have both proved that taxes are NOT in fact inevitable, therefore leaving death as life’s one and only certainty. All of us will one day die and none of us knows when or where it will happen.

This pretty macabre aspect of cover concerns death and or dismemberment whilst travelling. It is coverage for the loss of life or limb as a result of an accidental injury occurring during the trip. is if you have an accident and are dying then if you die your family may be covered.

Pretty grim I know, but we can’t pretend that no one has ever died whilst travelling before.

Let’s have a look at some other little details that we feel make World Nomads stand out as being that little bit extra special.

Here is where World Nomads really sheeee-ines as a travel insurance provider. Their 24 hour a day support and assistance helpline can help travellers to locate local physicians, dentists, or medical facilities.

If you know that you will be participating in some kind of risky activity then it may be sensible to plan thoroughly and accordingly. This means making sure you have the WN phone number and your insurance information in your wallet or tucked in your rain jacket for example so all of your World Nomads info is in an easy to find place.

Make it known to your group what to do if an accident occurs. They need to contact World Nomads as soon as possible in order for you to be covered.

Coverage For a Whole Raft of Adventure Sports and Activities!

As I said earlier, World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers by travellers, and as such, they know the kind of escapades that we like to indulge in. They may be able to cover a very impressive range of different physical activities.

For the full list of what is covered under each insurance plan click here .

Left Home Without Insurance? No Sweat!

World Nomads is one of the few companies we have come across that let you buy or modify insurance coverage whilst you are already on a trip. Plans change, trips get extended, and the need for more quality insurance happens!

That said, please do note that if you were injured during your trip and want to buy more insurance this could prove complicated. It is possible that World Nomads would consider your injury or illness a pre-existing condition. This could result in you being denied any more coverage.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

So how much does World Nomads insurance cost? Are World Nomads expensive or is World Nomads cheap? Well, there is no single figure or one-word answer to that question.

What we can tell you now is that World Nomads don’t really offer cheap travel insurance. If you are simply looking for bargain basement, bottom bucket travel insurance then you may wish to look elsewhere. However, if you are after proper backpacker insurance that reflects the realities of travel then you probably already appreciate that it comes at a wee bit of a premium.

The cost of World Nomads insurance differs from policy to policy depending on a number of variables. Factors such as your nationality, your planned destinations, your age, and trip length all feed into the quote. However, for the sake of illustration, let’s take a look at what an example multi-country 3-month backpacking trip would cost .

And since many backpackers are fond of travelling in Southeast Asia , I will use this as an example. This hypothetical trip runs through four countries (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia) and lasts three months. For the sake of the example, I have given this traveler American nationality, 25 years, and a resident state of California.

Here is the price quote for both The Standard and Explorer Plan :

The Standard Plan costs $241.24 which works out to be around $2.79 per/day for 90 days (3 months).

The Explorer Plan costs $356.40 which works out at around $4/day for 90 days.

In terms of how this compares to other travel insurance providers we have tested, it’s around the medium price range. But, paying a medium price for what is widely regarded as a premium service represents very good value in our estimation.

Ultimately though, instead of relying on our little etch-a-sketch example, you can quickly and easily get a totally free, no obligations quote for yourself simply by clicking on the button below.

Making an insurance claim through World Nomads is quite simple. All you have to do is contact (call) World Nomads and chat with their 24/hour multi-lingual staff. You can also login to your profile on their website and file a claim online although note that at some point, they will need to actually speak with you (presumably to run you through their voice sensitive lie detection software).

In the case of lost or stolen items, you will need to write up a formal sworn statement of events, detailing what happened and what was lost. You will also need to have an official police report made.

If you claim lost or stolen items, World Nomads will ask you for those two things. To make a claim online you should prepare a few things first. When dealing with World Nomads or any other insurance company ALWAYS keep all of the documents involved. You will need these to prove your expenses ETC.

It’s helpful to get all of your receipts and invoices together first and submit all expenses for your claim at once. Keep copies of every expense, bill, invoice and report as you will need to provide these to the claims team so they can assess your claim.

List each expense for the amount shown on your receipt/invoice and answer all other questions. You’ll be sent an email advising what documentation you will need to send us to support your claim.

After that is sorted, you upload all of your information and documents, review the claim and then click submit. The folks at World Nomads are on it and will be in contact with you throughout this process.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

As I mentioned before, I’ve had to claim on my travel insurance several times over the last ten years.

Most recently, in 2017, I became very sick with Dengue Fever in Koh Lanta, Southern Thailand. I was too far from a hospital and so I ended up in a private clinic – which was a big mistake. As soon as I walked in, the main doctor was practically rubbing his hands together with glee. I was too sick to really notice and went on to get treated.

When I went in, I was asked for, and gave, my passport so they could make a photocopy.

I had administered fluids, plenty of pills and spent an uncomfortable night tossing and turning on a bed.

The next day I asked for my passport back and was informed that I would only get it back once the bill was paid. I asked for the bill and it was a massive 25,000 Bhat – nearly $1000. I explained that I didn’t have that kind of money but that I did have travel insurance and they would pay it back.

To my horror and surprise, the two doctors then began shouting at me, insisting I would not get my passport back till I paid. I felt weak still from the Dengue and was in no state to start busting heads.

I called World Nomads – they were extremely surprised that my passport was being held ransom, insisting that it was illegal. They were right. World Nomads dealt with the whole thing for me and thirty minutes later, my bill was paid and my passport was released – I was extremely impressed with World Nomad’s professional service and very gratefully to them for getting me out of a bind.

Buying insurance from World Nomads is dead-easy and you can be covered within minutes. Just simply click on the button below to get a quote started, and then if you like the cut of its dollars and dimes go ahead and pay for it and bingo!

Do you already know where and when you plan to go backpacking? Maybe you just want to get a quick, loose quote so you can get an idea of what it will cost? Either way, click the button below and start planning your adventure.

After shelling out for that nice, shiny travel insurance policy it would kinda be a shame not to use it right? WRONG! Whilst making an insurance claim may at least feel like getting value for money, it also means that something went wrong on your trip! Therefore the best outcome is to never have to actually use your travel insurance and in order to do that, there are some simple steps you can employ to take care of yourself and make an accident, loss, theft or illness that little but more unlikely.

One other thing to note is that most pre-existing conditions are not covered, but if you do have one then you should get in contact with them directly to discuss exactly what they will cover as you might be pleasantly surprised.

To help make things far more difficult for potential thieves to take your money, pick yourself up a  backpacker security belt  to keep your cash safe on the road, and check out  Backpacker Safety 101  for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst on your backpacking adventure.

I strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst backpacking anywhere in the world – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!) – check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

We also suggest picking up a good filtered water bottle to ensure you don’t get water poisoning and also pack a travel first aid kit to deal with any cuts or bites before they turn septic.

Final Thoughts on World Nomads Travel Insurance

Whether you are planning on a year-long world tour or a two-week backpacking trip to Europe, having travel insurance gives you sweet, sweet peace of mind. You never know when a great day could head south, and honestly, there is no worse feeling than being stuck with exorbitant expenses that could all so easily have been avoided.

I hope your future backpacking adventures fulfil all over your travel dreams and then some. Hopefully, the day never comes when you need to use your insurance.

That said, if and when that day arrives, going with World Nomads travel insurance will allow you to be totally ready to deal with the situation like the responsible backpacker that you are.

What is our final score for the World Nomads Travel Insurance? We give it a rating of 4 out 5 stars !

*Please note that World Nomads terms and conditions do vary and may change. The information provided here is for guidance purposes only. We recommend you check with World Nomads to ensure that you are fully covered before beginning your trip. Please read your policy terms and conditions very carefully.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Aiden Freeborn

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33 Comments

Thank you! I have been searching for reputable insurance for my upcoming trip- and used your link to get my insurance. The guy over the phone who was answering some of my questions was so nice and very honest. Thanks again! I am taking my mom to Vegas for her birthday . next week and am so excited.

Excellent, Anna! I’m glad to hear it! Which insurance did you go with? It would be good to know which one has really good customer support.

World nomads! Called Their 1-800 # – answered all my questions and very friendly! ????

Apologies on the ??? i tried to use emoji hearts lol anyhow i had some questions about what activities would be covered and which would be extra (with world nomads) and it was all very easy to figure out that I did NOT need to purchase the extra sports activity package. Onwards!!!

If your 65 they won’t even give you a quote. Your too much of a risk regardless of your heath and fitness.

Depending on your nationality, you can have a policy excess deductible from the amount of medical expenses you will pay. So be careful if you’re from Europe. Making a claim on their website has been complicated, asking many papers that of course you don’t have. You’ll be refund approximatly one month after you spent money wich is too long. That’s what happen to me and i’m very disappointed. So i haven’t renew my subscription and took IATI instead, they have no such excess policy (a spanish company with better coverage).

Hi Chris- this was a super helpful article. I wanted to ask for your advice on deciding between the two plans for my upcoming trip to Southeast Asia for 3 months. For me, the biggest deciding factor is the Collision Damage (included in the Explorer but not the Standard). I’m planning to rent motorbikes/scooters most of the time- is this covered? I also wanted to ask if, in your experience, most motorbike/scooter rental places in SEA do require additional insurance (as you mentioned in the article)? Thank you for the help and advice!

Some rental places in SEA will require you to have insurance, others are super casual and won’t ask you for anything. Cheers!

Be aware that World Nomads pays Secondary to your regular Health Insurance – assuming you have Health Ins. Depending on where you are traveling, working through your Health Insurance carrier first may be a hassle. Just a heads up …

Hi there! I am going for a family holiday in South East Aisa (Malaysia, Singapore, Bali and Thailand) this December and would like to know if Fiji Citizens can buy a policy from World Namads Travel Insurance.

Hey Kaushik! I had a look on the site and it appears that you can purchase a plan through World Nomads. Happy adventuring!

My 23 y/o daughter is living and teaching English in Siem Reap, Cambodia. What would the best insurance plan be for her? Thanks, Janet

Hi Janet! She would be covered under most travel plans, but we’ve been using World Nomads without disappointment for years. With them you can be covered for at least a year. I haven’t tried longer because I can’t plan so far in advance! Be sure to add any destinations she might visit during her trip, like Laos, Vietnam or Thailand. Other than that, you’re golden!

Hi I’m going to be travelling around South East Asia and I’m planning on purchasing the explorer plan for the year. I was wondering would you think it necessary to add my iPhone as a high value item incase it gets lost or stolen, it cost me €835. Or would the explorer plan alone cover me?

Hi Mollie! The explorer plan doesn’t cover our fancy phones at the base rate. If you’re traveling around for the whole year, it could be worth it for your peace-of-mind to add your iPhone onto your plan. This only helps, though, if you have a receipt or some proof of purchase for your iPhone, so make sure you have that handy. Happy adventuring!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I stumbled upon your website and I couldn’t be more thrilled at the rabbit hole I’ve gone down for the last 2 hours on your site!! ? :). So excited I found this website and appreciate all of the time, energy, and detail that you have put into the website and into your reviews! Thanks so much! Looking forward to checking the site regularly and exploring more of it!

Great to hear Jessica, we wish you an awesome trip! Cheers from Thailand!

Hi! I wanted to leave a note to all of the photographers asking how to insure their gear. I’m a professional photographer and TCP insurance is my go to (and the industry standard). They cover gear damage and theft when traveling etc. Hope that helps!

Very helpful article. My wife and I are going to Israel for 20 days. We are renting a car and doing our own touring. I have a lot of photography gear that I will be bringing with me. The Worlds Nomads personal item loss is insufficient but I like everything else especially in the Explorer plan. Can you recommend any insurance for just my photography gear? Thanks

I suggest taking a personal items plan with your regular insurance provider for your photography gear.

Has anyone had an experience where you needed to come home early, either because you were sick (medical evaluation) or had a family emergency that terminated your trip?

Thanks for the info. I am looking for insurance like this one as I like to do snorkeling/diving plus bringing my cameras with me. I can’t find this type of insurance in my country that covers personal property or water activities I like to do on traveling. So I will give this one a try.

Thanks Chris! I heard the same from World Nomads directly but just gives me peace of mind hearing it from an unbiased third party! Muchos gracias~

Don´t get Worldnomads, for example we had to be evacuated from Lukla due to the airport being closed and all planes cancel for several days and they will not cover it. You will lose all your money if you have to take an helicopter out to get to your international flight.

That’s pretty standard with any insurance company… No company will cover crazy weather influencing flights. I buy insurance to protect myself against medical bills and protect my gear against theft – but for flights – you’re on your own really.

hi chris awesome article, im taking a brand new digital camera ($870) my wife gifted me for xmas and was wondering if the explorer plan is sufficient in covering damaged or stolen digital camera? or should i add it as a high price item which would cost me more than double with world nomads from their quote. Thanks!

Congrats on your new camera! You definitely want to protect it. Which is why I think the Explorer World Nomad’s plan is good enough to cover you… if all you are wanting to protect is your camera and a few other bits and pieces.

Under the Explorer Plan you can claim a maximum $1500 per item for a total of $3000. So if your camera is worth $870, then yes, the explorer plan should be good. Now if you are also packing expensive lenses, a laptop, and other valuable gear, I’d seriously consider adding high value items to the policy as needed. Remember, you never need insurance until you do right? Good luck amigo.

I was looking at a WN to cover a trek in Nepal where the need for a helicopter rescue is a real possibility (as described and shown above). However the WN policy (for US resident in MI) I was reading said this:

“Emergency Evacuation means your medical condition warrants immediate transportation from the hospital where you are first taken when injured or sick to the hospital of your choice where appropriate medical treatment can be obtained OR after being treated at a local hospital, your medical condition warrants transportation to the United States where you reside, to obtain further medical treatment or to recover.”

This sure sounds to me like they are not covering a field rescue as described in this article, but rather transport from one hospital to another. Very troubling.

Thank you! I am on a long-term stay in northern Thailand and my policy with another insurer is about to run out. So this is helpful! All the best!

Hi Rob, thanks for your comment. In response to your question: No I did NOT and do NOT receive any free insurance, discounts, or payments of any kind! In fact, I just bought another World Nomads insurance policy recently for a trip to Pakistan (they now cover Pakistan as a destination). The review I wrote is based on my own experiences and those of my colleagues here at TBB. When I need to buy travel insurance for a backpacking trip, I go with World Nomads unless they don’t cover a certain destination (there are several) that I want to visit. Hope this helps! Good luck mate.

This sounds like a paid ad and is not reflective of my current experience. I submitted a claim on my World Nomads policy over six weeks ago, received no outcome, have followed up multiple times via email and their web form (there doesn’t seem be a non-emergency contact number?) and I have still heard nothing from them. I’ve bought from them before and never had to claim, fortunately, but after this experience I will never buy from them again.

This is not a paid ad. I myself have been insured by World Nomads for five years and have claimed twice, both times they were awesome. That doesn’t mean they’ll always be awesome but this is my experience with them and we don’t ‘sell’ positive reviews on this site.

Thanks for the great and detailed review! I currently have IMGlobal but thinking of switching over to World Nomads. Your reviews clearly stated all the benefits and I think I am sold.

Thanks for sharing! Andy Traveler https://www.andytraveler.com

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• Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Updated: Aug 8, 2023, 1:26pm

Editorial note: Forbes Advisor Australia may earn revenue from this story in the manner disclosed here . Read our advice disclaimer here .

World Nomads comprehensive travel insurance policy is known as the ‘Explorer’ policy, which is a solid choice of insurance for adventurous Australian travellers. More than 100 sports and activities are automatically covered, with the option to pay a higher premium to include higher-risk activities too, making it well suited to travellers looking for thrill-seeking trips and bucket-list adventures.

Related: Best Travel Insurance Providers for Australians

• Unlimited overseas medical expenses
• Wide range of sports and activities
• Many pre-existing medical conditions aren’t covered
• Fraudulent credit card activity is not covered

Table of Contents

About world nomads travel insurance, what is and isn’t covered, sports and activities coverage, world nomads customer service, who should take out this insurance.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

World Nomads offers travel insurance to Australians, with its comprehensive policy aka the ‘Explorer’ policy. The business was established in 2002, and is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd.

The company states it was built “for travellers by travellers”, and believes in giving back to the destinations where it offers travel insurance. To do so, it allows policyholders to make micro-donations to charities and foundations within the destinations they travel to when taking out the policy. For the philanthropic traveller, this could be a nice draw-card.

However, it is worth noting that from nearly 300 customer reviews, World Nomads Travel Insurance has received a star ranking of only 2.7 stars.

The company offers a more basic option, called its Standard Plan, but for the purposes of the review Forbes Advisor analysed the more comprehensive Explorer option.

World Nomads Travel Insurance policy covers Australians up to 70 years in age, and is reportedly working on extending this in the future to higher age brackets. For those travelling with children, it also includes dependents who are 20 years or younger provided they meet the following conditions: not in full time employment; travelling with you for the majority of the trip; and are listed on the insurance certificate.

World Nomads offers unlimited cancellation cover, with certain sub-limits applying in terms of travel agent cancellation fees.

While there is no specific cover for missed connections, World Nomads does offer cancellation and trip interruption cover for insured events to Aussies. These include severe weather, natural disaster, hijacking, strike, and many others listed within the product disclosure statement. Additionally, fraudulent credit card activity is not covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance, but personal liability is covered up to $2.5 million. There is also cover for car hire excess up to $3,000.

Specific cover details for luggage, medical needs and recreational activities are outlined below.

Lost luggage

With the World Nomads Explorer Travel Insurance policy, lost luggage is covered up to the value of $10,000. Sub-limits do apply for certain items, such as portable electronic devices or cash.

The World Nomads Explorer Travel Insurance policy includes unlimited overseas medical expenses. When it comes to pre-existing medical conditions, there are more than 40 conditions that are automatically covered provided certain requirements are met. These conditions include epilepsy, certain vitamin deficiencies, allergies and more.

Other pre-existing conditions not listed within the automatically included list are not covered.

Is Dental Cover Included in Medical?

No, dental cover is not included in the unlimited overseas medical cover. Instead, the emergency dental treatment cover is only available for sudden and acute pain that occurs to healthy natural teeth. The limit is $1,000.

Does it Cover Me for Covid?

Yes, the unlimited medical cover provided by World Nomads Explorer policy extends to contracting coronavirus.

Cancellations due to Covid-19 are also covered, and World Nomads will even cover the non-refundable, pre-paid travel arrangements if cancellation due to Covid occurs.

What about Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is covered within the World Nomads Explorer policy up until week 26, provided there are no pre-existing complications.

Pregnancy related conditions such as hyperemesis or gestational diabetes are not covered, so it is crucial that any pregnant travellers review the product disclosure statement carefully before taking out the policy to ensure they are not at risk of being unable to claim medical support.

For those interested in recreational sports and activities while on their travellers, the World Nomads Explorer policy offers a huge amount of choice. There are more than 100 activities that are automatically covered within the policy, ranging from go-karting to wake-skating and paint-balling.

For ‘higher risk activities’ additional cover can be added depending on the level of risk. All activities are sorted into level one (automatically included), level two (optional extra) and level three (optional extra), with the price of the premium increasing with each level.

Examples of sports included in level two are zip-lining, barefoot waterskiing and marathon running. Examples of sports included in level three are skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, and abseiling.

By purchasing the upgrade to include level two or level three sports, you will still also be able to take part in the level one sports and activities.

While World Nomads does offer 24/7 emergency assistance for those travelling, its other customer service capabilities are more limited.

It has an online form available for general enquiries along with an email address and phone number which are monitored Monday to Friday, 9-5pm. There is no livechat function available nor any customer service on weekends.

The World Nomads Explorer Travel Insurance policy is best suited to those interested in recreational sports and activities while overseas. While many sports and activities are automatically included, there is also the option to purchase additional levels of coverage which makes this policy perfect for active travellers. You can read more about what activities are automatically covered here .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a world nomads travel insurance promo code.

Yes, at the time of writing World Nomads is offering 5% off its policies with the promo code WNFOUND.

As promo codes often have expiry dates, it is worth regularly checking the World Nomad website to see if a new promo code is available should the above code expire.

How good is World Nomads Travel Insurance?

According to some World Nomads customers, its travel insurance policy is “poor value for money” and “unprofessional”, while others say it is a “good company” and that they would “recommend it to everyone”.

These sentiments come from Product Review, Australia’s independent review opinion site. Overall, the travel insurance policy has received 2.7 stars from 282 reviews. It is worth noting that many of these reviews are more than three years old, and World Nomads may have improved on areas that were the source of complaint.

By analysing the policy and inclusions, Forbes Advisor has rated World Nomads Explorer Travel Insurance 3 stars.

How can I make a claim with World Nomads Travel Insurance?

To make a claim with World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can either log in to your online account via the website and submit a claim, or, alternatively, you can email [email protected] or call 1300 787 375.

The information provided by Forbes Advisor is general in nature and for educational purposes only. Any information provided does not consider the personal financial circumstances of readers, such as individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Forbes Advisor does not provide financial product advice and the information we provide is not intended to replace or be relied upon as independent financial advice. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Forbes Advisor encourages readers to seek independent expert advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to their own financial circumstances and investments before making any financial decisions. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forbes Advisor provides an information service. It is not a product issuer or provider. In giving you information about financial or credit products, Forbes Advisor is not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular product. It is important to check any product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and other applicable product documentation before making a decision to purchase, acquire, invest in or apply for a financial or credit product. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the PDS, TMD and other documentation. Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners. For more information, read our Advice Disclaimer here .

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

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Is World Nomads Travel Insurance Good? Pros, Cons, and User Experiences Reviewed

World Nomads travel insurance suits adventure travelers needing broad coverage. Plans start at $86. It has a 4.2 rating on TrustPilot for fairness and a simple claims process. However, it holds a low 1.06 rating on BBB. Assess your needs to see if it meets your travel insurance requirements.

However, there are drawbacks to consider. Some users report high premiums, especially for older travelers. Additionally, the claims process can be lengthy and complex. Certain pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered, which can limit options for some individuals.

User experiences vary widely. Many appreciate the comprehensive coverage and support from customer service during emergencies. Others express frustration with claim denials and delayed reimbursements. This mixed feedback highlights the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of the policy before purchasing.

In summary, World Nomads Travel Insurance has both notable advantages and several drawbacks. It is essential for travelers to weigh these factors based on their needs. Understanding user experiences can help in making an informed decision about choosing this travel insurance provider. In the next section, we will delve deeper into specific user experiences and provide detailed testimonials to give a clearer picture of World Nomads’ effectiveness.

Table of Contents

What Coverage Options Are Available with World Nomads Travel Insurance?

World Nomads Travel Insurance offers several coverage options tailored for travelers. These options include crucial protections for various travel-related incidents.

• Medical Coverage
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption
• Coverage for Lost or Stolen Belongings
• Emergency Evacuation
• Adventure Sports Coverage
• COVID-19 Coverage

Understanding these coverage options can help travelers choose the right plan for their needs.

Medical Coverage: Medical coverage provides financial protection for unexpected medical expenses arising from accidents or illnesses during travel. This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency medical transportation. According to World Nomads, this coverage can go up to $100,000 depending on the plan. This is vital for international travelers, as health care expenses can be significantly higher abroad than at home.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Trip cancellation and interruption coverage reimburses travelers for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if a trip is canceled or significantly altered due to unforeseen events. These events can include illness, natural disasters, or family emergencies. World Nomads allows claims for various reasons, ensuring travelers do not lose money due to factors beyond their control.

Coverage for Lost or Stolen Belongings: This coverage offers financial compensation for personal property that is lost, damaged, or stolen during a trip. Travelers can claim for items such as luggage, electronics, and passports. World Nomads provides up to $1,000 to cover the loss or theft of belongings, which can ease the burden during stressful situations.

Emergency Evacuation: Emergency evacuation coverage is critical for travelers visiting remote areas or engaging in risky activities. It provides financial support for evacuating travelers to the nearest adequate medical facility in case of an emergency. This option can save lives, particularly in destinations where medical services may be limited.

Adventure Sports Coverage: World Nomads stands out by offering adventure sports coverage for activities such as skiing, scuba diving, and trekking. This coverage addresses the risks associated with high-adrenaline activities. It ensures that travelers can enjoy their adventures without the worry of inadequate insurance for potential injuries.

COVID-19 Coverage: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect travel, World Nomads offers specific coverage for COVID-19 related incidents. This includes trip cancellations due to illness or government restrictions. This addition reflects the evolving needs of travelers and the importance of adapting insurance plans to recent events.

In conclusion, World Nomads provides a comprehensive range of coverage options designed to address various travel risks and ensure peace of mind for travelers.

What Are the Key Benefits of Choosing World Nomads for Adventure Travel?

World Nomads offers several key benefits for adventurers seeking travel insurance for their trips.

• Coverage for Adventure Activities
• Flexibility in Travel Plans
• Support for Global Travelers
• Affordable Options
• Assistance in Emergency Situations

Choosing World Nomads for adventure travel provides significant advantages.

Coverage for Adventure Activities: Coverage for adventure activities means World Nomads insures a wide range of extreme sports and activities. This includes skiing, scuba diving, and trekking. Traditional travel insurance often excludes these activities, leaving travelers unprotected. According to their policy details, World Nomads provides coverage for over 150 adventure sports, catering to various thrill-seekers.

Flexibility in Travel Plans: Flexibility in travel plans allows travelers to purchase insurance even when abroad. Many insurance providers require customers to buy coverage before departing. However, World Nomads enables you to obtain a policy while already traveling, creating convenience for spontaneous adventurers. This flexibility meets the increasing demand for real-time travel adjustments.

Support for Global Travelers: Support for global travelers ensures that World Nomads has a 24/7 assistance hotline available for customers worldwide. This service provides immediate help in emergencies, offering peace of mind while traveling. Travelers can access trained representatives who understand local conditions and can assist with issues ranging from medical emergencies to lost belongings.

Affordable Options: Affordable options indicate that World Nomads caters to various budgets, making it accessible for different travelers. Their plans are designed for budget-conscious adventure seekers. Competitive pricing combined with comprehensive coverage appeals to individuals looking for value in their insurance.

Assistance in Emergency Situations: Assistance in emergency situations highlights the reliable support World Nomads offers, including medical evacuation and repatriation, if necessary. This aspect is crucial during travel emergencies or severe health issues. The guarantee of support in urgent circumstances makes World Nomads a preferred choice among adventurous travelers.

In summary, World Nomads provides vital advantages tailored for adventurous travelers, making them a top consideration for those seeking effective travel insurance.

What Are the Common Pros of World Nomads Travel Insurance?

World Nomads Travel Insurance offers several benefits for travelers seeking protection. Its policies are designed to cater to adventurous travelers and cover various activities not included in standard insurance.

The common pros of World Nomads Travel Insurance are as follows: 1. Comprehensive coverage for a wide range of activities. 2. Options for coverage extensions. 3. Flexibility for international travelers. 4. 24/7 customer support service. 5. Coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions.

These pros can significantly enhance the travel experience. Understanding the details of each benefit helps travelers make informed decisions.

Comprehensive coverage for a wide range of activities: World Nomads Travel Insurance provides comprehensive coverage that includes many adventure sports and activities. Examples include hiking, scuba diving, and skiing. This is beneficial for travelers engaging in high-risk sports, as many insurers do not cover such activities. According to a 2021 review by TravelInsurance.com, policies from World Nomads are notably more inclusive than other travel insurance options.

Options for coverage extensions: World Nomads offers the option to extend coverage while traveling. This flexibility allows travelers to adjust their insurance as plans change. Travelers can add additional days to their insurance easily through the World Nomads website or app. According to customer reviews, this option is particularly valuable for backpackers who might alter their itinerary unexpectedly.

Flexibility for international travelers: World Nomads Travel Insurance is suitable for travelers from multiple countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Policies can be purchased online, making it accessible for travelers worldwide. This feature provides a convenient solution for those who might need insurance for trips to various destinations, especially for long-term travel.

24/7 customer support service: World Nomads provides 24/7 customer support, enabling travelers to access assistance whenever needed. This ongoing support can be critical during emergencies, such as medical issues or lost belongings. Customer testimonials often highlight the importance of having reliable support in unfamiliar locations.

Coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions: World Nomads covers cancellation and interruption expenses, protecting travelers from potential losses caused by unforeseen events. This includes situations such as severe weather or illness preventing travel. Policyholders appreciate the peace of mind this coverage offers, making it an attractive feature for many travelers.

Overall, these advantages make World Nomads a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive travel insurance tailored to adventurous journeys.

How Does World Nomads Support Flexible Travel Insurance Needs?

World Nomads supports flexible travel insurance needs by offering customizable coverage options. Travelers can adjust their policies based on specific activities and destinations. The company provides coverage for a wide range of activities, including adventure sports, which many traditional insurers may exclude. This flexibility allows travelers to choose the coverage level that suits their plans. Additionally, World Nomads enables easy policy extensions, which is useful for travelers who may change their itinerary. The online platform facilitates quick claims processing and real-time support, making it easier for travelers to navigate issues during their trips. Overall, World Nomads prioritizes adaptability and user-friendly features to meet diverse travel requirements.

What Are the Notable Drawbacks of World Nomads Travel Insurance?

World Nomads travel insurance has several notable drawbacks. Travelers should be aware of these limitations before purchasing a policy.

• Limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
• No coverage for certain adventure activities
• High premiums compared to competitors
• Deductibles can be substantial
• Claim processing may be slow
• Exclusions related to terrorism and pandemics
• Geographical restrictions on coverage

Understanding these drawbacks is essential for making an informed decision about travel insurance options.

• Limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions: Limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions occurs when travelers cannot claim benefits for medical issues that existed before purchasing the insurance. Many policies, including World Nomads, impose strict requirements for disclosure of pre-existing conditions. Failure to disclose can lead to claim denials.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, travelers should review their health conditions and understand how they affect coverage. For instance, if a traveler has asthma and suffers an attack while abroad, their claim may be denied if asthma was not disclosed.

• No coverage for certain adventure activities: World Nomads does not cover specific high-risk adventure activities unless additional coverage is purchased. Activities such as extreme skiing, mountaineering, or certain motor sports may not fall under standard coverage. Travelers need to check which activities are included and consider specialized coverage if necessary.

A report by the Adventure Travel Trade Association notes that many travelers engage in risky activities, thus it’s crucial to ensure adequate insurance. Failing to do so may result in high out-of-pocket expenses if an accident occurs.

• High premiums compared to competitors: High premiums compared to competitors indicate that World Nomads’ pricing may be less attractive than alternative insurance providers. While this can reflect comprehensive coverage, it can also deter budget-conscious travelers.

Market comparisons show that although World Nomads offers extensive benefits, some competitors offer similar coverage at lower rates. Travelers are encouraged to compare policies to find the best value for their specific needs, particularly for shorter trips or lower-risk travel.

• Deductibles can be substantial: Deductibles can be substantial with World Nomads policies, meaning travelers need to pay a portion of the claim amount out of pocket. This can lead to unexpected costs during emergencies if the deductible is high.

For example, if a traveler incurs a $2,000 medical bill and the policy has a $500 deductible, they will be responsible for that amount before the insurance coverage kicks in.

• Claim processing may be slow: Claim processing may be slow, which can be frustrating for travelers seeking timely reimbursement. Delays can occur due to extensive documentation requirements or response times from the insurance company.

A survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners highlights that prompt claim processing is crucial for customer satisfaction. Slow processing can lead to anxiety and financial strain during stressful situations.

• Exclusions related to terrorism and pandemics: Exclusions related to terrorism and pandemics may limit coverage during global emergencies or crises. World Nomads, similar to many insurers, may exclude claims linked to acts of terrorism or pandemics like COVID-19.

The World Health Organization and governmental advisories often influence these exclusions. Travelers should review the policy’s specifics during uncertain times to ensure adequate protection.

• Geographical restrictions on coverage: Geographical restrictions on coverage indicate that certain regions may not be covered or may have different coverage limits. Travelers to high-risk areas may find their policies restricted or subject to altitude or travel safety clauses.

For instance, traveling to areas with ongoing conflict may lead to reduced or voided coverage. Travelers should consult the insurance provider to understand how geography affects their policy and consider alternative options if they plan to visit restricted areas.

What Exclusions Should You Be Aware of When Selecting World Nomads?

When selecting World Nomads travel insurance, it is essential to be aware of specific exclusions that may affect your coverage.

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• High-risk activities
• Certain geographical regions
• Trip cancellation for specific reasons
• Loss or theft of unattended belongings
• Emotional or mental health issues

Understanding the exclusions in your travel insurance policy is crucial as they can significantly impact your coverage and experience.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions refer to any health issues that existed before purchasing the insurance policy. World Nomads typically does not cover expenses arising from pre-existing conditions unless specified. For instance, if an individual has diabetes and requires treatment while traveling, these costs may not be reimbursed. According to the Office of Assistant Secretary for Health, pre-existing conditions can complicate travel insurance due to heightened risk factors.

High-Risk Activities: High-risk activities include sports or recreational pursuits deemed dangerous, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, or scuba diving. Coverage for such activities is often excluded under standard World Nomads policies. However, members can purchase additional coverage for certain high-risk activities. The Insurance Information Institute indicates that injuries from these activities are among the most common claims denied due to exclusions.

Certain Geographical Regions: World Nomads excludes coverage for specific locations deemed too dangerous for travel, often due to political instability, natural disasters, or health risks. Therefore, travelers should review the policy for excluded countries. For example, during periods of civil unrest, claims related to travel in those regions may not be honored.

Trip Cancellation for Specific Reasons: World Nomads may not cover trip cancellations that do not meet specific criteria outlined in the policy. Common exclusions include cancelling a trip due to a change of mind or scheduling conflicts. To ensure reimbursement, the reason for cancellation generally needs to meet the criteria stated, such as illness or serious injury. According to a survey by the Insurance Research Council, understanding the specific cancellation terms can save travelers from unexpected financial losses.

Loss or Theft of Unattended Belongings: World Nomads assesses claims involving unattended belongings with caution and often excludes such losses from most types of policies. If belongings, like laptops or cameras, left unattended, are lost or stolen, coverage may be denied. This exclusion emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proper safeguarding while traveling.

Emotional or Mental Health Issues: World Nomads generally does not cover claims related to emotional or mental health issues, including anxiety or depression that arise during travel. Such exclusions may limit coverage for travelers experiencing these issues. The National Council for Behavior Health found that mental health coverage remains a challenge in many travel insurance policies, further complicating situations for travelers.

By understanding these exclusions, travelers can make better-informed decisions when selecting their World Nomads insurance coverage.

How Does the Cost of World Nomads Compare with Other Travel Insurance Plans?

The cost of World Nomads travel insurance typically falls within a mid-range price bracket compared to other travel insurance plans. Many factors influence this cost, including coverage limits, the duration of travel, and the traveler’s age. World Nomads offers comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellations, and adventure sports, which can justify higher premiums.

In contrast, basic plans from other providers may offer lower costs but often lack essential features or have stricter limits. Some budget-friendly insurance options may also include fewer benefits or exclude certain activities, potentially leaving travelers underinsured.

When choosing travel insurance, it is crucial to compare the coverage provided, exclusions, and costs of various plans. A detailed quote from each provider can help determine which option offers the best value for specific travel needs. Travelers should also consider the level of customer service and claims process, as these factors can significantly affect overall satisfaction with the insurance plan.

What Do Real Users Say About Their Experiences with World Nomads Travel Insurance?

The experiences of real users with World Nomads Travel Insurance vary widely, reflecting both positive and negative aspects of the service.

Positive aspects of user experiences: – Comprehensive coverage options – Effective emergency assistance – User-friendly policy purchase process – Positive customer service interactions – Quick claims processing times

Negative aspects of user experiences: – High premium costs – Limited coverage for certain activities – Challenges with claims approval – Customer service responsiveness issues – Confusing policy details

Users appreciate the benefits available through World Nomads but also express valid concerns regarding specific areas of service.

Positive Aspects of User Experiences: Positive aspects of user experiences with World Nomads Travel Insurance include comprehensive coverage options. Users often mention that the insurance covers various activities, from hiking to diving. Effective emergency assistance is another highlight, as many users report positive experiences during emergencies abroad. The user-friendly policy purchase process is well-rated as it allows travelers to obtain insurance quickly, often immediately before travel. Positive customer service interactions are frequently shared, where representatives offer helpful and informative support. Quick claims processing times are also noted by some users, indicating that claims were handled efficiently.

Negative Aspects of User Experiences: Negative aspects of World Nomads Travel Insurance include high premium costs. Many users complain that the insurance can be expensive compared to other options. Limited coverage for certain activities is another concern, particularly for extreme sports enthusiasts who may find their activities excluded. Some users report challenges with claims approval, stating that their claims were denied for unclear reasons. Customer service responsiveness issues arise as well, where users experience delays or unhelpful responses from representatives. Confusing policy details can leave travelers uncertain about what is covered, leading to frustration.

Overall, real user experiences with World Nomads Travel Insurance reflect a mix of appreciation for its comprehensive offerings and frustrations regarding costs and customer service challenges.

How Satisfied Are Customers with the Claims Process of World Nomads?

Customers generally express mixed satisfaction with the claims process of World Nomads. Some users appreciate the straightforward online submission system. Others report frustrations due to delays in processing claims. Customers often highlight the need for clear communication during the claims review. Positive feedback frequently mentions that when claims are approved, reimbursements occur promptly. Overall, the satisfaction level varies based on individual experiences, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations and understanding the claims requirements before filing.

Is World Nomads Travel Insurance Worth It for Your Next Trip?

Yes, World Nomads Travel Insurance is worth it for your next trip, especially if you value comprehensive coverage tailored for adventurous travelers. This insurance provides essential protections, making it suitable for various travel scenarios.

World Nomads Travel Insurance is specifically designed for travelers who engage in adventure activities not typically covered by standard policies. It covers a wide range of activities, such as surfing, hiking, and scuba diving. In comparison to traditional insurance providers, World Nomads allows for flexibility, letting you buy or extend your plan while traveling. However, its coverage tends to emphasize adventure travel, while standard policies may focus more on general travel-related risks like trip cancellations and lost luggage.

The advantages of World Nomads include extensive coverage options, particularly for medical emergencies abroad. According to the company’s data, over 99% of claims related to medical coverage are resolved successfully. The insurance also includes 24/7 customer service assistance and emergency evacuation coverage. These benefits provide peace of mind, especially for those going to remote locations or participating in high-risk activities.

On the downside, World Nomads may have higher premiums than some conventional policies, particularly for travelers on a budget. The insurance might not cover certain pre-existing medical conditions or specific high-risk activities unless stated. Moreover, some users find the claims process to be lengthy and bureaucratic, which can lead to frustration during stressful situations. A review by Consumer Affairs indicates that some clients experienced difficulty with timely reimbursements (Consumer Affairs, 2022).

In conclusion, if you are a traveler engaging in adventure activities or looking for robust medical coverage, World Nomads Travel Insurance can be valuable. However, if your trip involves minimal risks or if you have pre-existing conditions, consider comparing other options. Always read the policy details carefully to ensure it meets your individual needs.

How Can You Determine if World Nomads Is Right for Your Travel Needs?

To determine if World Nomads is right for your travel needs, assess your specific travel activities, destinations, coverage requirements, and budget.

Travel activities: World Nomads specializes in covering adventurous activities. It provides insurance for activities like hiking, skiing, and snorkeling, which other insurers may exclude. If your trip includes such adventures, World Nomads can be a suitable choice.

Destinations: World Nomads offers worldwide coverage, including many remote areas. This is beneficial for travelers heading to less popular destinations that may not be covered by other insurers.

Coverage requirements: World Nomads allows for flexible coverage options. Users can select policies that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal liability. It’s essential to review the specific terms to ensure all of your needs are met.

Budget: Pricing varies based on age, destination, and duration. The policies can be more expensive than other options, particularly for high-risk activities. It’s important to compare costs against the level of coverage provided. A thorough evaluation of what you are willing to spend versus what benefits you receive is crucial.

By evaluating these key points, you can make an informed decision whether World Nomads fits your travel insurance requirements.

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World Nomads Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth it?

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On my last trip across Europe, I lost a dental filling. Not the worst thing in the world, but overseas, that minor issue could have easily turned into a major expense. Luckily, I had travel insurance, saving me from a potential nightmare .

The thing is, your regular health insurance rarely covers you abroad. That's why having travel insurance is so important . World Nomads promises to protect your trip, your stuff, medical emergencies, and even all those adventurous activities you might try.

But does World Nomads actually live up to that promise? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or, like me, prefer a leisurely stroll and a good restaurant, this review will help you decide. Ready to find out if it's worth it? Let's dive in!

World Nomads

World Nomads is one of the first travel insurance companies designed for adventurous, independent travelers. They offer flexible coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen gear, and a wide range of adventure activities. Pros 

• Covers 200+ activities
• Offers multi-trip coverage 
• Offers coverage up to 6 months
• For trips over 6 months the policy lapses and must be renewed
• Mixed customer service reviews

What We Like About World Nomads Travel Insurance

Getting protected is fast and easy.

One of the best things about World Nomads is how quick and simple they make it to get covered. Everything's done online – you can get a quote and buy your policy in just a few minutes, all on their website .

Your coverage kicks in as soon as your trip starts . And if you're the type who sometimes forgets things during pre-trip excitement (I know I do!), no worries. You can still get protected while you're already on the road , though there might be a short 72-hour waiting period.

Here's a quick rundown of how this travel insurance works:

Head to the World Nomads website and click "Get A Quote".

Pop in your travel details (where you're going, where you're from, and your dates).

Boom! Instantly see quotes for both their Standard and Explorer plans – pick the one that fits your adventure.

Double-check your coverage details and you're all set!

Plans are flexible and comprehensive

World Nomads always have the right plan for your trip, whether you're off on a short adventure or settling in abroad for a while. Let's break down what they've got.

Standard Plans vs. Explorer Plans

World Nomads keeps things simple with two main plans: Standard and Explorer . Both cover the essentials like medical emergencies, cancellations, and your gear. Naturally, Explorer plans boost your coverage limits and protect more activities – but they also cost a bit extra .

Here's a quick side-by-side to make the comparison easier:

• Trip protection : Stuff happens, unfortunately. Both plans have your back if you need to cancel for reasons like a family emergency or a natural disaster. Standard plans cover up to $2,500 , Explorer bumps that up to $10,000.
• Emergency evacuation: This covers transportation if a serious situation arises, like a family member passing away or needing urgent hospitalization. Standard offers up to $300,000 , Explorer up to $500,000 .
• Emergency medical care: Accidents and sudden illnesses can happen anywhere. Both plans have you covered for up to $100,000 for those unexpected medical needs.
• Lost or damaged gear: Take it from someone who's been there – this is very important! Both plans help replace your damaged, lost, or stolen bags, tech – all the important stuff. Standard covers up to $1,000, Explorer up to $3,000.
• Activities: They cover over 200 activities , but if you're an adrenaline junkie, definitely double-check what's included. More on that later in this review!
• Accidental Death: Standard plans will pay a death benefit of $5,000 , if you pass away because of an accident or are dismembered. Explorer plans will pay $10,000 .

Single and Multi-Destination Coverage

World Nomads works whether you're sticking to one country or traveling to multiple destinations .

Their multi-destination plans make things super easy – a huge relief if something like your passport goes missing on the road!

Long-Term Coverage

If you're a US-based digital nomad , World Nomads has you covered for up to 6 months at a time .

And if you're loving your temporary home abroad and those 6 months fly by, renewing your policy is extremely easy – it kicks in right at midnight the next day .

They cover over 200 activities

Let's be honest, if you were just going to work the whole time, you might as well stay home! World Nomads gets that exploring is a major part of the digital nomad lifestyle! So, they offer one of the best travel insurances for adventurous travelers, covering over 200+ activities .

In their Standard plans alone, World Nomads covers over 70 sports and activities, including:

• Soccer (or football, whichever you prefer!)
• Weight training 
• Martial arts

Explorer plans go even further! But hey, every insurance plan has its limits, and super high-risk activities usually aren't included. So, before you start packing those hiking boots or your scuba gear, be sure to double-check their website for the full list of what's covered .

Some Things to Keep in Mind about World Nomads Travel Insurance 

Common exclusions still apply.

Like any insurance, World Nomads has some limits on what they'll cover. If you get hurt doing something illegal, while under the influence, or that's considered seriously reckless...chances are World Nomads won't be covering you .

Pre-existing medical conditions also tend to be excluded . For this reason, it's always smart to read the not-so-fun parts of your policy – those exclusions – to make sure you understand them and ultimately find the best travel insurance for your circumstances.

It's not the cheapest option out there

World Nomads is perfect for adventurous travelers . But for someone like me whose main sport in the morning is a gentle yoga routine, or a dip in the ocean, you might find more budget-friendly travel insurance options .

After all, World Nomads covers a ton of riskier activities and emergency medical care , which understandably comes with a slightly higher price tag .

To give you an idea, a World Nomad Standard plan for a 45-year-old US resident traveling to Europe for 90 days (about 3 months) is roughly 3% more expensive than a comparable SafetyWing plan . That difference gets even bigger for younger travelers – almost twice as much for someone who's 25.

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Customer service reviews are mixed

While World Nomads offers 24/7 emergency assistance (which is crucial!), their everyday customer service gets mixed reviews.

World Nomads travel insurance has 3.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. There, you'll find plenty of happy customers praising their easy claims process and the support they felt in a crisis .

But, others mention issues with missing paperwork, their website, or frustrating claims experiences .

It's not ideal for long-term travelers

World Nomads does offer plans for longer trips, but if you're planning to be away for more than 6 months, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Coverage gaps: Ugh, the worst. Your policy will automatically expire after 6 months , and when you renew, there's a waiting period before your new coverage starts . Not ideal! Other travel insurance companies like Safetywing or Genki let you extend your policy without any breaks in coverage – kind of like a subscription service, which is definitely easier.
• Prices can vary: World Nomads prices your policy based on where you're going. Some other companies offer a flat rate for multiple destinations, which could potentially save you some money.
• Pre-existing conditions aren't covered : As discussed before in this guide, World Nomads excludes treatment for pre-existing conditions. You might find other travel insurance companies that provide that for long-term digital nomads or expats .

Making a Claim with World Nomads

World Nomads makes the claims process as straightforward as possible with an online guide – that's always a good sign!

But remember, they're not your everyday travel medical insurance . They're designed for those unexpected emergencies – hospital stays, evacuations, those major situations. For smaller issues, you'll probably need to pay upfront and get reimbursed later . And if it's a serious emergency, always contact their emergency assistance team first!

How you file a claim might change slightly based on your location, but the general process is the same:

Collect your receipts and keep them safe! You'll need them.

Head to their website , log in (or create an account) and click "Make a claim".

Select your policy in their dashboard and file a separate claim for each incident .

Answer their questions regarding your claim.

List your expenses and provide answers to their questions.

Upload those receipts and any other supporting documents they request.

Submit your claim – you'll receive an email confirmation from Trip Mate and your claims number. 

If any further information is required, you'll be contacted by Trip Mate . Once all your information is received, they will make a determination about your claim within 20 business days . Claims are paid by electronic email or check .

Are There Any Travel Insurance Alternatives to World Nomads?

World Nomads isn't the only product on the travel insurance map. Other companies offer travel plans with different features and coverage amounts. Let's see the top alternatives.

SafetyWing offers pay-as-you-go coverage at affordable rates in over 180 countries . Their plans are nomad-friendly as you can pay upfront for a specific amount of time or continuously every 4 weeks, with the right to cancel at any time . Medical care doesn't have to be provided by a medical professional within their network, so you can visit any local provider and then file a claim.

The downside is the maximum amount of coverage they provide is $250,000 for medical coverage, property, and travel delay.

Genki provides both travel insurance and international health insurance . Their travel insurance plans resemble other policies regarding medical care, activities, and emergency transport. Where Genki really stands out is with its international health insurance plan, Genki Resident . This coverage is most like a comprehensive health insurance plan. It covers pre-existing conditions, check-ups, mental health treatments, pregnancy and more . You can choose a deductible to lower the cost of your travel health insurance and choose between the Standard and Premium of their international plans.

Heymondo offers annual multi-trip coverage and travel insurance with varying benefit levels to choose from. You can download their app to get assistance at the drop of a dime. You can chat, make emergency calls, and manage incidents all through the app.

The Bottom Line

World Nomads deserves kudos for becoming one of the first travel insurance companies to consider the needs of digital nomads , way before the world went remote due to Covid-19.

But the world of travel insurance has expanded since then , and so have our options as frequent travelers. If you're the type who needs coverage for serious adventure activities, World Nomads is still a great option. But, for those of us who prefer a budget-friendly plan with solid basics, there might be better deals out there .

So, before you commit to World Nomads, check out other travel insurance companies . You just might find the perfect fit for your travel style (and your wallet!).

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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!

UX Designer and digital nomad. After struggling with feelings of not belonging due to her Italian-Chinese heritage, she co-founded Freaking Nomads to offer a space for people seeking their own paths.

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World Nomads Review

Thursday, September 19th

2024 Travel Insurance Plan Reviews

• World Nomads
• Geared towards backpackers, long-term travelers, and other adventurers
• Two policies to choose from: Standard and Explorer
• All policies underwritten by Nationwide Insurance
• Emergency assistance provided by Generali
• In business since 2002

World Nomads has been in operation since 2002. As you might guess from their name, this travel insurance company has a strong focus on exploring the globe - and protecting adventurers with simple and flexible policies. You may appreciate their commitment to giving back to the places travelers visit through micro-donation opportunities when you purchase coverage. And, given that World Nomads gets the endorsement of Eurail, Hostelworld, TourRadar, and Intrepid, it's obvious that this service is most used by backpackers, explorers, and other adventurous sorts - and maybe not the family of six taking their first trip to Disney World.

Fewer questions than most sites

To get a quote here, you'll start by entering your country of residence. You'll indicate your travel dates and destination(s), the number and ages of the travelers. For the sample profile we used - two 35-year-olds going to Mexico for a week, approximately six months out from the date of our quote - we were offered the choice of two policies. As a side note, it was surprising not to be asked for the total trip cost, the date we made the first payment, or if we had already paid in full.

Some important options aren't available here

World Nomads' policies are underwritten by Nationwide, and there wasn't much that impressed us between the Standard Plan at $122. 85 and the Explorer Plan for $197.88. Neither one included protection for pre-existing medical conditions or the ability to cancel for any reason - and there was no opportunity to upgrade or add on those coverages. Also note that if you need emergency assistance while traveling, that will be fulfilled by Generali; both Nationwide and Generali are often quoted by other travel insurance websites, and you can be assured that they're well-respected in the industry.

Lots of included adventure sports

If you're planning on participating in activities, sports or other adventures while traveling, make sure to click on the link for the "over 200 adventure sports and activities” to see if it'll be covered under the plan you're considering. For example, scuba diving to a depth of 165 feet is covered under both the Standard and Explorer plans, but deeper than that or cave/cavern diving requires the Explorer plan. The only activities we saw that are completely excluded here are Base Jumping, Mountaineering over 22,965 feet (7,000 meters), and working as a Mountain Guide.

Love/hate relationship with customers

How about reputation? World Nomads had received an "F” from the Better Business Bureau at the time of this review. The BBB said that rating was because the company had 23 complaints filed, and 15 of them received no response. That's never encouraging. In looking at the feedback for this travel insurance in other places, sentiment was fairly mixed. While 1,000+ clients gave World Nomads a perfect five-star rating, nearly 600 gave it the lowest possible one-star score.

Customer complaints

Some customers struggle to get covered claims paid (like trip delays due to stolen passports), while others seem to breeze right through the claims process and get reimbursed quickly. At least the complaints outside of the BBB seem to get a response from World Nomads' representatives - but there isn't often any follow-up to know if the policyholders wound up satisfied with the answers they got.

Doesn't deliver what they promise

If you want an insurance policy from Nationwide, you might as well just go directly to their site to buy it - or use one of the travel insurance comparison sites in our evaluation and see if that's really the best insurer for your travel situation. We're all for promoting world exploration and the peace of mind that comes with insurance coverage, but World Nomads just isn't doing a great job of providing that.

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The 13 Best Travel Insurance Plans

Who offers the best travel insurance.

With daily news stories of delayed and canceled flights, lost baggage, and travelers stranded overseas in the middle of a natural disaster, it's easy to see why travel insurance is so important. Like most types of insurance, travel insurance is bought in the hopes that you'll never need it. But, for most travelers, it's worth the price for the protection it provides.

Have you ever thought that this coverage was just an unnecessary, added expense? That's fairly common: most people assume that they've got protection through their credit card company, their regular health insurance, even their homeowners' policy. In some situations, that may be accurate - but unless you know the details of those types of coverage, you're more likely to be left paying out-of-pocket expenses you thought were taken care of... but aren't included.

Travel Insurance Plan FAQ

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And, even if you do have that kind of protection, travel insurance policies can amplify your benefits. For example, if you choose a plan that offers $500,000 in primary medical coverage, you might not need to touch your regular health insurance: your bills will be reimbursed up to that amount, no matter what your everyday health plan includes. Car rental insurance can go above and beyond what's paid for by your credit card company or even your own vehicle's coverage - and that can be critical if you're driving in another country and have an accident.

What type of travel insurance do you need? Naturally, that depends on your trip, your travel party, and your budget. A single-trip policy will be more affordable than multi-trip coverage - but if you're traveling internationally more than once in a year, the annual policy becomes much more economical. Do you need to be able to cancel for any reason? Is it important to you to have a waiver of the pre-existing conditions exclusion? Are there any children under 18 in your party that might be included at no extra charge, depending on the insurer you select? These are all factors that will influence your decision when picking a travel insurance plan.

Confused yet? You do have a lot of options. Here are some criteria to help you sort through them and ultimately wind up with the travel insurance coverage you need:

• Quote process. How easy is it to get a quote that matches your insurance needs? Does the site explain the questions it asks, and does it display all of the possible plans in a way you can understand? Can you buy your policy right then and there, or do you have to click through to another site?
• Value. What's included for your premium? From one site to another, you will probably see the same price on any given plan because the states regulate travel insurance prices. However, it's worth your time to compare premium prices and benefits among different insurers, so that you get the most for your money.
• Reputation. It's easy for an insurance company to get high marks from customers if they never had to make a claim on the policy. What do clients who've filed claims say about the way they were treated? Were they reimbursed quickly? Did they get updates about the status of the claim? It's also good to check the Better Business Bureau's rating of any travel insurance service you're going to use.

To help you get the protection you need on your next adventure, TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's most popular sources of travel insurance. We're confident that this information will make it easy to protect yourself and what you've spent on your trip - and to have backup if something goes off track on your journey. Bon voyage!

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World Nomads Travel Insurance Review: What’s Included & What’s Not

I’ve used World Nomads as my travel insurance provider a lot over the years and, though I’ve written about travel insurance in the past, I’ve never properly reviewed World Nomads .

They were the first company I ever used and I’ve continued to use them throughout the years as I’ve traveled. Since I get asked a lot about them, today, I want to share my review of World Nomads Travel Insurance with you.

Here’s everything you need to know about World Nomads travel insurance:

Table of Contents

Who are World Nomads?

What’s included in world nomads insurance policies, emergency medical coverage, emergency dental treatment, lost or stolen baggage, trip cancellation, interruption, or delay, 24/7 assistance, what’s not covered by world nomads, what you can do with a world nomads policy, additional things to remember, travel insurance claims, my experience using world nomads.

World Nomads is a travel insurance distributor based in Australia. It was founded in 2002 by travelers who wanted to address the three key concerns: freedom, safety, and connection.

Now, the insurer provides coverage to people from more than 100 countries, offers overseas emergency medical and dental cover for sudden illness and injury, medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance, some coverage for COVID-19, cover for lost, stolen or damaged baggage, cancellation cover, and coverage for over 150 types of adventure activities .

I originally found them via Lonely Planet (but they were also featured in National Geographic and Rough Guides). There are a lot of travel insurance providers out there, but World Nomads was designed for backpackers and budget travelers, which is why I decided to go with them on my first big trip around the world.  

World Nomads has two plans: Standard and Explorer. The Explorer Plan typically has a higher premium because it has a higher level of coverage that includes all the benefits of the Standard Plan and a few more, with higher benefit limits.

Unlike most insurance companies, World Nomads covers some higher-intensity adventure activities and sports, even on the Standard Plan. Not all activities, sports, and experiences are covered under every plan though, and coverage varies by the country you’re visiting as well as where you’re from. Always check before purchasing a policy.

Other benefits and services may include:  

World Nomads offers cover for overseas emergency medical expenses for accidents or sudden illnesses on both the Standard and Explorer plans.

Its policies also offer coverage for expenses related to medical evacuation or repatriation if you’re accidentally injured. For example, if you’re hiking in the woods and you break your leg, your policy may cover your evacuation to the nearest hospital or back to your country of residence (if deemed medically necessary).

In the images below, the coverage amounts in the left column are for the Standard Plan, while the prices in the right column are for the Explorer Plan.

World Nomads also covers emergency dental treatment for accidental injuries that occur during the trip. It does not include standard dental work, such as checkups or cleanings, fillings, or root canals and the like (or things that can wait until you get back home), however, if you get an injury then that may be covered.  

World Nomads offers some coverage for events related to COVID-19, such as emergency medical, trip delay, and trip interruption coverage if you contract COVID-19 while traveling. Be sure to read the policy wording to understand what’s covered and what the benefits are as these vary depending on your country of residence.  

Here’s a list of key items and situations not covered:

• Alcohol or drug-related incidents.
• If you’re reckless, acting in an irresponsible manner or not complying with local laws.
• Pre-existing conditions or general check-ups. Read the policy for full details.
• Lost or stolen cash (can vary depending on your country of residence or plan)
• Participation in a sport or activity not listed in the policy wording, or one that’s offered by World Nomads, but you haven’t purchased the required level of cover.
• Not following doctors’ orders: disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of World Nomad’s Emergency Assistance team.
• Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unguarded (or left in a vehicle, even if it’s locked).
• Buy additional coverage if you extend your travel dates.
• Purchase a policy while already on a trip (waiting periods apply)
• Make a claim online
• Access 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• There are age restrictions that apply depending on your country of residence.
• They offer limited gear/electronics coverage.
• You can’t get “cancel for any reason” coverage.
• It doesn’t cover anything related to pre-existing conditions.
• World Nomads premiums vary in cost based on your age, destinations, where you’re from, and your country of residence.
• Rental car damage isn’t covered on Standard plans, and is not available to residents of NY or TX

I’ve been traveling for over 15 years and have only had to make a few claims during that time. Fortunately, for most travelers, travel insurance is something we buy but never have to use.

However, if you do get into a situation where you need to make a claim, there are a couple things that can help.

First, before a trip, I always make sure to save copies of all of my receipts and travel information in my inbox so that I can submit them to World Nomads if I need to make a claim. I also save their emergency phone and email contacts in my phone and inbox so that I can easily contact them in an emergency.

The more documentation you have about your claim, the faster and easier it will be processed. Claims can be submitted online; you simply start a claim, follow the prompts, and submit your documents. World Nomads will follow up if they need anything else from you.

Here are a few things that may make your claiming process easier:

• Injury or illness? Call their assistance teams ASAP and make digital copies of any related receipts.
• Take a photo of your luggage before your trip in case something happens to it (especially your valuable gear).
• If an airline loses your things, tell them straight away, fill in their paperwork and keep a copy.
• Theft? Report it to the police as soon as possible. Keep all documentation from the police.
• Check what refunds you can get first from your transport or accommodation providers. Only if they can’t help should you go to your insurance provider

Making a claim isn’t fun by any means, but it’s quick and simple to do thanks to World Nomad’s online portal. And, since they have 24/7 support, you can reach out to them if you have problems or questions.  

Luckily, the airline paid me, and I didn’t need to be reimbursed by my travel insurance policy, but I learned through this process that if you have all your documents and proof, the claims process can be a lot easier.

Another time, in Argentina, I was suffering from anxiety and worried that it was something more. It felt like someone was stomping on my chest. I contacted Emergency Assistance and they took my information and symptoms and gave me a list of emergency doctors that they recommended. They were helpful, quick, and got me a doctor right away. I was very happy with the service and know that if something really does go wrong, they act quickly.

Nobody likes to think about what might go wrong when they travel. But if you plan ahead and ensure that you have suitable coverage, you can travel with confidence knowing that, should something go wrong, you’ll be made whole and have access to a team that can help you navigate the situation.

I never leave home without insurance. You shouldn’t either.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WORLD NOMADS .

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

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• NEW: For Hostel Owners!

World Nomads Travel Insurance – From Wheel Chairs to Lost Items (but we use different Travel Insurance)

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. We at Hostelgeeks are not an affiliate, and we will not receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. We have been advised directly by World Nomads to omit specific details. We’ve retained our original guide for your reference.

Are you looking into your own travel insurance? This is a huge topic. We at Hostelgeeks are traveling full time and we had a look at a few companies out there.

Personally, we no longer use World Nomads as travel insurance.

We are currently using Heymondo and Safetywing . Personally, it is easier for us  to handle and manage.

• HeyMondo Travel insurance review – our first-hand review and why we use
• SafetyWing travel insurance – pros and cons; perfect for digital nomads

Since we travel with a bit of gear and planned to do some activities like skydiving, motorbiking, diving and such, a travel insurance simply makes sense.

• 5 good reasons to get insured by World Nomads
• What is covered by World Nomads?

How much is it?

• Standard vs Explorer Plans (compared in a table)
• Our review and Experience
• My best tips
• Safetywing Insurance
• is world nomads worth it?
• Pros and Cons in short
• Promo Code for World Nomads
• How to Claim
• How long does a claim take?

Extending your insurance

• Alternatives to World Nomads

How late can you buy travel insurance?

• Last thoughts – Opinion

This medical insurance is especially popular for US-American travelers and Australians. More on that later. Although we are sasoned travelers, the insurance is always something changing.

Do you actually need Travel Insurance?

Our best recommendation to find travel insurance: spend a bit of time and read all the terms and conditions .

Yes yes, we know and we are sorry! But here is the thing: it really depends on your trip of travel, where you are from, pre-existing injuries and such. It’s or at least can be seriously complicated, but it does not have to necessarily be.

Below we list how you can avoid getting the wrong insurance and how World Nomads can help you.

Important : We will not talk you into buying insurance. It is your own decision; we are not your parents. Obviously, we give our honest opinion as a friend, based on experienced and other traveler stories.

Please check first if you are already covered by your own insurance. Maybe you don’t need another one, check that now ! If you have doubts, call your current insurance in your home country!

Important Update 2023:

We have been advised directly by World Nomads to omit specific details. We’ve retained our original guide for your reference. This is information only.

Travel insurance: simple & flexible

As stated, back in 2016 we decided to go with World Nomads. After comparing and listening to a few friends, the decision was final.

You can buy and claim online World Nomads, even after you’ve left home.

Quick and simple!

Travel insurance from World Nomads is available to people from 130 countries. That is especially useful since our team has different nationalities. It was interesting to see that the German insurance was more expensive than the Spanish.

It’s designed for travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. However, you need to check with World Nomads which activities they actually include.

What World Nomads can provide cover for?

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover different types of trips. What does this mean?

Here is a list of things can they can cover:

• Delayed baggage
• Emergency Overseas Medical
• Medical Repatriation
• Death Overseas
• Emergency Dental
• Baggage Lost
• Stolen Passports
• Schengen Area Cover
• Trip Cancellation

Again these incidents CAN be covered. It all depends on the insurance you purchase. Coverage is always subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy along with the particular circumstances of the particular claim.

In regards to experiences, they cover more than 150 activities you love.

Can pregnancy be covered by World Nomads?

Any pregnancy is considered a pre-existing medical condition under the EU policy, however, this policy does provide cover for pregnancy complications which arise due to accidental bodily injury or unexpected illness which occurs while on your trip, excluding costs incurred during the period between 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after the estimated date of delivery.

This policy does not intend to cover the normal costs or losses otherwise associated with a single or multiple pregnancy or childbirth. Such normal costs include, but are not limited to, delivery by caesarean section or any other medically or surgically assisted delivery which does not cause medical complications.

Not all activities are covered under every plan.

You may have to upgrade the policy and sporting level to make sure you’re covered for everything you plan to do. Please read your policy wording carefully before you buy it.

Here’s this year’s top 10 activities under each category that World Nomads love to do:

• Bobsledding
• Ice Skating
• Snowboarding
• Snow kiting
• Snowmobiling
• Tobogganing
• Paddle Boarding
• Scuba Diving
• Windsurfing
• Aerial Safari
• Bungee Jumping
• Hang Gliding
• High Diving
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Passenger in a commercial aircraft
• Tandem Skydiving
• Bushwalking
• Camel Riding
• Elephant Riding
• Orienteering
• Motorbiking
• Mountain Biking
• Ultimate Frisbee

The last item on this list is experiences like WWOOFing, fruit picking etc.

This is very popular for budget travelers doing work and travel (or Work Away) in countries like Australia, New Zealand and others.

Experiences

• Childcare work
• General farm work
• Hospitality
• Fruit Picking
• Ski instructor or Snowboard Instructor
• Office work

Before you say “Travel Insurance is too expensive”, let’s have a look.

My dad always says “ Before saying you cannot afford it, always check prices first. It may be cheaper than you think “.

I have to admit, he was right quite a lot of times.

So, how much is it? I wish I could type right now a fix number for you.

But, you may have realized this already: this seems to be impossible. Again, our team has different nationalities. And everybody pays something different.

To give you an idea, we pay anything between 40€ to 90€ per month.

How to get your insurance with World Nomads?

Okay, by now you should have an estimated price, right?! You may be surprised how affordable it is; or how expensive and want to cancel now your trip.

Confession : I always thought it would be much more expensive. But again, my Dad convinced me to at least have a look.

Okay, let us assume you liked the price you saw. How can you take it from there?

What I really like here is that it’s super simple. And before you pay anything, you get a full, transparent quote. I cannot emphasize this enough.

First of all, the quote you receive will be depending on your

• nationality (country, maybe state too)
• the countries you are visiting and
• the duration of your travels

Above I included the form to get your first quote.

Step 1: Choose your plan

Last but not least, you can pick a different package: Standard Plan vs. Explorer Plan .

Let us talk about this a bit. Obviously, as you might have already guessed, the two plans cover different items.

Step 2: Sign Up with your Name and Email

This is pretty simple and regular too. You type in your name, surname, email address, address, maybe even an alternative travel address, date of birth and your phone number.

Your phone number is very important! Make sure your email and phone number is up to date!

Then you have to agree to the terms and conditions. Standard, again.

You have to confirm the following:

• I have read the policy wording, terms of business and insurance product information document, and agree to receive all policy document electronically.
• I have read in full and accept the privacy notice.
• I am a citizen of XYZ
• I would like to receive the latest news, deals & opportunities by email. (optional)

Step 3: Payment

And you made it to the payment form. You can pay only via credit card:

• Master Card
• American Express

PayPal or wire transfers are not possible at this point.

World Nomads Standard vs Explorer

I created a case for you to showcase a bit better the standard vs explorer plans of World Nomads.

There is only two different packages you can choose from.

The quote below is for:

• For 1 month travel (in August in this case)
• Traveling to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand
• Traveler’s age is 23

Below you find a detailed table.

So, here you have it. Personally, I was surprised how affordable it really is. For me, I decided to take only the standard plan.

The next one will be for sure the Explorer, in my case.

The reason is simple : The Explorer Plan covers Baggage & Personal Effects up to $3000. When traveling with a laptop and the newest iPhone, it’s worth it!

Our review of World Nomads Insurance

As stated in the beginning, we are fans and we use it ourselves. This is our extended World Nomads Travel insurance review for a reason.

We had zero issues, everything went smoothly.

From the consulting and many many questions we had to payment and extending the insurance.

It’s fair to say : We did not have anything to claim. We were lucky enough to had no lost luggage, no accidents or any sickness during our travels. We even didn’t lose our laptops, never got anything stolen.

*knocking three times on the table*

Even when we traveled 3 months by motorbike through Vietnam .

We hope you will never ever need any insurance. Yet, better safe than sorry.

We would love to give you a super detailed review for World Nomads Insurance.

But, here is the thing: There is no way we can write up a generic review that covers EVERYTHING!

Every insurance works different, every insurance covers different issues.

There are so many different policies, that are changing all the time. I wish I could give you the one quick super-solution, but it is clearly impossible.

Yet, this is the reason we like World Nomads.

They actually help you to pick the right plan for your travel plans. Again, it is super important that you are honest with your insurance agent. If you planning to go scuba diving, then do not pretend it is only a beach holiday.

If anything happens and you need to go to a hospital due to a scuba diving accident, no insurance in this world will cover you.

Important : If your plans change during your travel, you can always call them and upgrade your plan!

This is exactly what I did.

My own experience : I never planned to go scuba diving.

When we arrived at Gili Castle Hostel on the Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia, I decided to give it a go.

The local scuba instructor usually also have the possibility to sell you extra scuba insurance. I called up my insurance agent, and I was covered.

Here is world nomads phone number, listed by country:

Australian and New Zealand Residents:

• Phone: +61 2 8263 0470; or
• Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges* via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Brazilian Residents

• Phone:+45 70 23 24 61 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)
• Text message: +45 42 41 30 00 (include your policy number in the text message. No phone calls.)

Canadian Residents

• Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
• Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

UK and Irish Residents

• Phone: +44 20 7183 3751 (Call via an operator reverse charges*. Not toll free.)
• Phone: 020 7183 3751 (from the UK)

U.S Residents

• Telephone: +1-855-878-9588 (toll free within the US and Canada)
• Telephone: +1-603-328-1329 (toll free outside the US and Canada)
• Telephone: +1-603-328-1384 (Collect*)

Residents of all other countries

• Phone:+45 70 23 24 61 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemized call costs)

My 6 Best tips for you

Here’s my best 6 simple tips:

• Start your research by checking if you already have a travel insurance
• Read the terms & conditions – carefully!
• Always ask if in doubt! Don’t be too proud or shy to ask twice if needed.
• Be honest on where you are and what you do
• Document all of your valuables
• Do not be an idiot

#1 You may already have insurance

Especially Europeans may already have a valid travel insurance.

And you may not need an extra one.

Or maybe you have one, but it is only valid for 30 days in a foreign country.

First things first: Call your current insurance and talk to them. If you are not covered, then consider World Nomads before purchasing something extra form your current provider.

World Nomads is highly experienced in travel. They actually know what to do in case something goes wrong, and can help you.

#2 Read the terms & conditions – carefully!

Whatever insurance you go for, it’s valuable, no, crucial to read them through.

Carefully! Do not just pick one for the peace of mind, without knowing what you just paid and what is covered, and what is NOT.

It may help to make a list of things you want to do before paying. Then go for the package that covers your adventures.

#3 Always ask if in doubt! Don’t be too proud or shy to ask twice if needed

Nobody expects you to understand every single line.

Ask your agent if anything is unclear. After all, you are the paying customer, and they are happy to help you. If you are too proud or too shy to ask, it could be really fire back on you.

What do we really like about this company?

You can contact an agent and ask everything that is not clear to you. No matter how “stupid” this question may sound to you, ask it! Do not leave anything unclear for you, you have to know what you are buying and what not.

Just let them know about your travel plans with details like

• countries you plan to visit
• your nationality
• duration of your travels
• planned activities

They will help you to find a suitable package for you. After all, this is what we did.

#4 Be honest on where you are and what you do

First of all be honest with yourself and do not pretend you will be chilling 4 weeks on the beach, when you actually want to dive, drive a motorbike, go skydiving and probably wrestle a shark.

It does not make sense to pay something that actually does not your cover your adventures.

Also, be honest when an accident happened.

Insurances have lots of experience, and if you have scratches all over the body and a broken bone in Thailand, they will probably not believe you when you say it was a cat…

Update : Worldnomads does not cover China now (4th of Aug 20). A user of our website was comparing prices, and it would not let him add China. So he went with safety wing. Please check this info before purchasing.

Per Worldnomad website when trying to enter the country; Sorry, we’re currently unable to provide cover for China.

#5: Document (your valuables and illness)

Whatever insurance you will be choosing in this world, when you have to claim something, you have to document all your valuables or illness.

When you have been sick, make sure you take a copy of your hospital bill or medication bill. You will need this. Best, fastest and easiest way to do this is with your phone and sending it to your emails. This way you have an instant backup.

In the unfortunate event something has been stolen, take a photo or make a copy of the official police report. Again, take a photo and send it to you via email.

Also, when your things got stolen, you have to provide receipts for all items.

You cannot go and claim a $3000 laptop without a receipt. I know, that is quite an annoying part. But sorry, quite necessary.

Read : Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips

Best way to do this : Document all your belongings before hitting the road. Unpack your final backpack or suitcase and take photos of all items with bill/ invoice if possible.

#6: Don’t be an idiot

Sorry, I do not mean to make you feel bad, but please please: Do not be an idiot .

Buying a travel insurance does not make you invincible or immortal. You won’t suddenly become a super hero that can drive the fastest motorbike in the world on a German highway with 350 kilometers per hour.

You cannot suddenly drive a motorbike with flips flops and without a helmet. You cannot suddenly fight a tiger!

Okay okay, your get my point.

I am only emphasizing this since we have seen so many travelers that experienced bad accidents. Especially in South East Asia. Once you travel around this area of the world, you will see many fellow travelers with many bad injuries…the moment you see it you know what I mean here.

Read : Big guide on 39 travel safety tips; both offline and online.

SafetyWing Insurance

SafetyWing is another option if you are traveling, specially if you are looking for a nomad insurance. It costs around $40 for the full month, so it is very affordable to begin with.

We wanted to test Safetywing for two reasons:

• We can have our team of remote travel-ninjas insured
• write another review for you, my dear reader!

However, and this is important, Safetywing and World Nomads are very different. More on that below.

We have now a full review of Safetywings . There we share our complete experience and compare it to World Nomads.

Here is our first impression.

The sign-up process was super smooth. I was really impressed by the simple and fun design. It seems like they do want to take away the complicated part getting insurance.

Now, that does not mean, insurance is suddenly easy. Always, and we mean, ALWAYS read what is exactly covered. We cannot state this enough!

Once you signed up, there a simple main screen with two tabs: either you can get your insurance or go to your profile. Make sure you fill out your profile completely. You have to fill out your citizenship, phone number, email address and your actual home country and mailing address.

The more interesting part however is the insurance tab.

Check how much your next trip could cost you in travel insurance. My upcoming 3 months trip to Colombia will be €121.44 (roughly $40 per month).

Update : We have used now Safetywing from December 2019 to March 2020. We had no accident so we had not to do a claim with Safetywing. However, since February and March the Coronavirus hit. We got constant updates on how they could evacuate us under what circumstances.

It did not apply to us since we have been to Mexico and there the situation was fine. We did not want to take any risks and paid our own flight back to Europe. The communication by Safetywing was great and useful.

Now, there is always two sides to a travel-related insurance. Under “ What’s included? ” you have all the details of medical and travel related insurance. They state:

SafetyWing covers you if you are suddenly in an accident or fall sick while you are outside your home country and need medical assistance.

• Hospital Room and nursing services
• Intensive care Up to the overall maximum limit.
• Ambulance Usual, reasonable and customary charges when covered illness or injury results in hospitalization.
• Urgent care $50 co-payment, not subject to deductible.
• Physical therapy and chiropractic care Up to $50 per day. Must be ordered in advance by a physician.
• Emergency dental Up to $1,000. Not subject to deductible.
• All Other Eligible Medical Expenses Up to the overall maximum limit.
• Notable exclusions · High risk sports activity · Pre-existing disease or injury · Cancer treatment

Unforeseen things can happen when you’re travelling. Includes coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability.

• Trip interruption Up to $5,000. No deductible.
• Travel delay Up to $100 a day after a 12-hour delay period requiring an unplanned overnight stay. Subject to a maximum of 2 days. No deductible.
• Lost checked luggage Up to $3,000 per certificate period; $500 per item. Up to $6,000 lifetime limit. No deductible.
• Natural disaster — a new place to stay Up to $100 a day for 5 days. No deductible.
• Political evacuation Up to $10,000 lifetime maximum. Not subject to deductible.
• Emergency medical evacuation Up to $100,000 lifetime maximum. Not subject to deductible or overall maximum limit.

It all sounds very good, right? Read all the pros an cons of SafetyWing in our full review.

Difference between Safetywing vs HeyMondo

• SafetyWing is best for <40 years demographic
• For <40 years – especially as age and duration increases it becomes more expensive
• For travelers of +50, World Nomads may be the better option
• Prices for US travel insurance is noticeably higher with SafetyWing. The cover for travellers from outside US may be too low for some of their more expensive hospitals to accept entry
• Aussie Rules
• Hag Gliding
• Ice Hockey (indoor only)
• Kite Surfing
• Martial Arts
• Mountaineering +4500m
• Quad Biking
• Paragliding
• Parachuting
• Parasailing
• White Water Rafting

You see, there is a big difference really. As always, I recommend having a closer look on what your insurance should cover.

When doing lots of kite surfing, then obviously you need an insurance covering that.

Is world nomads worth it?

A world nomads travel insurance is definitely always a good and safe idea!

Now, if World Nomads is worth it? If you actually need travel insurance, then YES!

I am not gonna lie to you, there are obviously more agencies offering this service. It’s important to mention this, because we want you make a good decision about this issue here.

But, here is the thing : A few insurance providers of our friends from Germany and Spain for instance cover certain activities and a time frame for traveling abroad. If you have an insurance that covers already your travel plans, then you do not need to get anything extra.

Please pay attention : Ask your actual health insurance first what is covered – and what is not!

Therefore, here is our action guide to insurance:

• Call up your own health care in your country
• What is covered?
• What is not covered?
• Do they have an own travel insurance?
• Compare the prices and coverage with Worlds Nomads vs your own insurance

In our case our health insurance would have been the same price as World Nomads. We decided to go with World Nomads. Why? They have the experience! Our own health insurance was not really experienced with travelers around South East Asia. Inside Europe they were really experienced. Hence, we are Europeans. Yet, we wanted the coverage more for Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Quick real story : I twisted my knee and broke my meniscus in Bali.

Painful, very painful…VERY painful.

Needless to say I had to go to the hospital. The simple treatment (X-ray, crutches and pain killers) cost me whopping $350. The worst part? I had to pay it out of my own pocket. My insurance just expired after 4 months traveling. And I thought: Well, I never used it, I don’t need it…

Well, that backfired in many ways!

I was lucky though since it was “ only ” $350. Surgery and such could get easily in the thousands…

And if that was not bad enough, I almost broke my arm in Vietnam.

Of course, it was a small motorbike accident. Luck was on my side, it was only a massive bruise for around 3 weeks.

FAQ about World Nomads

Here we walk you a bit through common questions we had to ask ourselves before purchasing our first insurance.

If you have any other questions, please leave a comment below.

We would be happy to add this to the list so we all help with our fellow travelers to make a better choice.

Does World Nomads Travel insurance cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Yes, if it is a medical prescription. Kindly note if the country requires to quarantine until you get the results and you do not test positive it won't be covered.

Can you get insurance while already overseas?

Yes! You can get your health insurance whenever you want. You can also always extend.

How late can you buy travel insurance? Could you buy it after your accident?

You can buy your travel insurance whenever you want. There is a 3 days waiting period (72 hours) from the time you buy the policy until your cover starts. Basically, you cannot buy your world nomad insurance today and make a claim 10 minutes after. That does not work.

What about pre-existing medical conditions?

This policy changed in 2017 and is worth it to keep an eye on. Pre-existing conditions, unless they are controlled and stable, are not covered for

• Trip Cancellation,
• Trip Interruption,
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment,
• Emergency Sickness Medical Expense,
• and Emergency Accident Medical Expenses.

World Nomads Claim - how does this work?

It could not be easier: do it online! If you're a World Nomads member (I recommend to register with them and have an account), you will just need to log in and follow the claims path. There is a tab for claiming your insurance. Here you also have to upload/ attach your supporting documents like medical statements, bills etc.

How long will it take to settle a claim?

Most claims with World Nomads take between 1 - 2 months to settle . It takes a while. But, this is normal for any insurance - whether it's your car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance. It does not matter.

Another very good question, how late can you actually buy travel insurance? And could you buy it after your accident?

You can buy your travel insurance whenever you want. There is a 3 days waiting period (72 hours) from the time you buy the policy until your cover starts.

Basically, you cannot buy your world nomad insurance today and make a claim 10 minutes after. That does not work.

This policy changed in 2017 and is worth it to keep an eye on.

Pre-existing conditions, unless they are controlled and stable, are not covered for

What is a pre-existing condition?

Pre-existing medical condition is where you, a member of your travelling party, a close relative or any other person upon whom your trip depends has, at the time of policy purchase:

• An ongoing medical or dental condition, or related complication, the symptoms of which you are aware, or that is currently being or has been investigated by a medical practitioner, dentist or a chiropractor; and/or
• a medical or dental condition for which advice, treatment or medication has been prescribed by a medical practitioner, dentist or a chiropractor within 180 days before you purchased your policy.

If this applies to you, then check with your agent directly.

Again, it is not worth it to lie about it. Be open and upfront with what you got, what you want. This, and only this, will pay off.

World Nomads Claim – how does this work?

It could not be easier: do it online!

If you’re a World Nomads member (I recommend to register with them and have an account), you will just need to log in and follow the claims path.

There is a tab for claiming your insurance.

Here you also have to upload/ attach your supporting documents like medical statements, bills etc. No worries, the claims path is easy. To settle any claim, you need to send in certain documentation. World Nomads Insurance strongly suggests that when you do this you take photocopies so that if items get lost in the mail, they can avoid further settlement delays.

Depending on the type of claim the documents can be:

• Any reports or reference numbers obtained from the police,
• hospitals or the responsible authority.
• Proof of purchase for all lost, stolen or damaged items.
• English translations of all documents (not required for UK/Irish residents).

Step 1 : complete submission of your claim online

Step 2 : get your documentation together

We already mentioned this. We recommend to document all your valuables before you hit the road. This makes things so much easier.

Step 3 : send in your documentation (everything is online, no post office or mail is needed!)

Now you only need to keep an eye on your account in World Nomads. The agent might get back to you with further questions or requests for other documents (if needed).

Important : Always get the bills and official documents from the doctor, hospital, police! Again, take a photo with your phone and send it to you via email.

They have the support 24/7 and all year around. You are covered!

It takes a while. But, this is normal for any insurance – whether it’s your car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance. It does not matter.

Most claims with World Nomads take between 1 – 2 months to settle.

Others can take longer than that. This often depends on how quickly you can get the required documents, answer further questions etc, as stated above.

Important : No insurance in this world can instantly resolve your claim.

This is almost impossible since there are a few steps an insurance company has to follow before they can reimburse you for instance.

You can buy your insurance on a monthly basis. Once it expires, or actually before it expires, you will get notified via email.

You can always extend your insurance. All you have to do is to log into your account, and choose your package again. You can always upgrade and downgrade. This is up to you.

Real-Life Claims with World Nomads

When it comes to insurance, usually there is some big story behind we all want to avoid.

In a recent podcast, World Nomads featured an interview with a teacher who survived a gas station explosion in Cambodia with life threatening injuries. Her first hand account of how the World Nomads EA team helped her (even flying out her Mum to be with her in the process) is extremely eye opening!

Alternatives to World Nomad

Is world nomads good travel insurance? Yes it really is, we experienced it first-hand.

Yet, I am not going to pretend World Nomads is the only travel insurance in the world. There is obviously many agencies, like BMC Travel insurance, True Traveller Insurance, IMG Patriot, Orbit protect insurance. There is also cheaper travel insurance than world nomads.

Update : As mentioned before, we have a full review of Safetywings .

Make also sure you read our detailed review of Heymondo . One of the better alternatives to World Nomads.

Make a difference: Donation

Just on a side-note, I would like to mention the NGOs World Nomads works with that you can support.

Giving a little back to the communities in which we travel is the right thing to do. So far World Nomads customers have raised over $2 Million. 100% of all donations go to the program you choose.

During your process of purchase you can choose between 3 programs to support. You can donate between $0 and $10. You can also decide not do donate, no worries!

Why is Travel Insurance so complicated?

First of all, everything around insurance is complicated.

It is only in rare cases you can get an insurance and EVERYTHING is covered under all circumstances, whatsoever.

The world of travel insurance is even a bit more complicated, if you will, because it all depends on your nationality. There is different rules for US Citizens, for Spaniards, for Australians, for Africans, well, for everyone actually.

When visiting World Nomads for instance, you have to choose your own country first to see what is covered in your case.

What if something gets stolen?

Here is what World Nomads states for US Citizens, for instance:

There’s cover to claim up to the policy limits if:

• luggage and personal effects are stolen, accidentally damaged or lost on your trip.
• checked-in bag is stolen, lost or damaged by a common carrier (like an airline or bus company).
• travel documents, traveler’s checks or passport are stolen, accidentally lost or used fraudulently.
• sporting equipment when lost by the carrier or if it’s damaged (while not in use) or stolen.

The maximum amount you can claim for all your belongings and personal effects is $3,000 per insured person with a maximum claim amount of $500 per item for an Explorer policy; or $1,000 per insured person with a maximum claim amount of $500 per item for a Standard policy.

This means as well if something gets stolen in your hostel, this would be covered. Just the amount of cash is the remaining question.

Especially when traveling with a laptop, the Explorer Package is the better option.

Last notes about Budget Travel and saving money

We know, Budget Travel means you save money wherever you can.

Finding the cheapest flights, hotels, hostels, activities, free things to do…you name it! Backpacking is fun, traveling is a lifetime experience. The more borders you cross, the better.

Yet, there are a few things that are really essential. I remember in a forum a traveler once asked “ Do I really need vaccinations? “.

There is really a limit to saving money; risking your health is out of limit.

The most important thing you have: Is your Health!

Not having an insurance can really bite you in the a**. And I have to say again, please to not be an idiot. Yet, that goes with and without insurance!

Read : 10 most common backpacker mistakes

We are not trying to make you afraid, it will be your final decision. But we want to give you a few tips on the hand on WHY insurance makes sense, but also HOW you can avoid stupid accidents and limit the risk.

The most important thing you have: your Health!

Why do I mention this?

We have seen quite some crazy people not caring a bit about their health.

• That girl that wanted to save money on essential vaccinations, but traveling to exotic destinations.
• That hostel girl we met in Lombok that had a terrible scooter accident in Bikini and shorts – and was bleeding all over. No bone was cracked, but she had a “ souvenir ” for the net 6 months, this is my guess on how long her skin needs to recover
• That guy in Vietnam who drove a motorcycle in Flip Flops and then wondered why his feet got burned….
• That guy in Chiang Mai driving a motorbike without a helmet
• This girl in Bali that passed out drunk as a monkey on the beach and got everything in her pockets stolen.

You see, there’s a few things you can limit.

The best insurance is the one you will never need, but is always there!

I am not trying to scare you. Again, this is a genuine article. Whenever I write an article for our readers, I only give recommendations I would give my sister.

Over to you

Do you have any questions? Anything unclear?

Please leave us a comment below.

We would be keen to help, and we would love to make this review even better.

Also, we would love to hear your own review of World Nomads Insurance. Have you had any experiences? How did you use it?

We would love to have you on board and hear your positive and negative feedback.

Just leave a comment and let us know! We want your real experiences with the company! Please remember to use proper language. If your review of World Nomads has bad language, we cannot publish it. And again, we want your actual experience. It will help the whole travel community!

What’s next?

We collected for you the most amazing hostels in the world; from wineries to castles, island retreats and monumental buildings.

Check out as well the best hostels in the world, the 5 Star Hostels .

Here is more reviews of our favorite travel platforms:

• Our favorite ways to find flights –  Skyscanner in review
• Who to fly with? Qatar Airways in review and Etihad from Abu Dhabi
• HeyMondo Travel insurance review – is it legit?
• SafetyWing travel insurance – pros and cons
• Hostelworld in review – how to use it properly
• Get Your Guide – the best platform for booking tours?
• Klook.com – ideal for finding global experiences
• Onward Ticket – save money, time & stress at the airport
• Omio – book travel transport easily & save money

Safe travels and take care, The Hostelgeeks

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MASSIVE LOOPHOLE WARNING Conditions that are “similar”, but unrelated to, a condition that was subject to a previous claim ARE NOT COVERED.  Here is an example, in their own words:

“If you were to develop a new stomach condition not related to the previous stomach issue but a similar condition you would not be covered due to it would be considered pre-existing unless it was due to an injury or something totally unrelated.” 

I would be happy to share their emails to me for posting on this site. 

This is a shocking and appalling loophole, especially for a policy that is marketed towards long term travellers, who are likely to get separate but “similar conditions” – such as stomach issues, the most common travelers’ ailment.  This company is unethical and anyone who promotes it without mentioning this loophole is irresponsible.  I can only assume they didn’t know.  World Nomads will not provide any further details on how they define a “similar condition”. Of course they don’t issue any refunds after policy holders have discovered this loophole the hard way – it certainly is not explicitly stated anywhere in the policy!!  I have confirmed this loophole multiple times, so I know it wasn’t just one agent giving incorrect information. 

Thanks for sharing, AJ!

Agree with other commenters. They outsource to Trip Mate, who then refuse to pay. Was assured by the WN rep by phone that I was eligible for trip delay/trip interruption coverage. Now I’m left on the hook for expenses he assured would be covered. World Nomads are scammers who simply take your money and do nothing in an actual emergency.

YEP! World Nomads is awful. Just got my policy and they PUT THE WRONG DATES! I get an email saying “Welcome home” when I haven’t even left for my trip.

Tried calling, emailing, texting, etc – no response. Impossible to even leave a message.

This is odd! I strongly believe there’s a solution for this! Please keep us all posted to this, pretty sure many travelers are curious to know!

Wish you all the best, Matt

WORLD NOMADS IS THE WORST!

I”VE WRITTEN WORLD NOMADS FIVE TIMES AND CALLED SIX. NO RESPONSE! THEY ARE NOT EVEN TAKING MESSAGES THEY ARE SO DISORGANZED.

IS THIS REALLY WHAT YOU WANT IN AN EMERGENCY???

I forwarded your email, name and comment to the one contact I have with World Nomads.

Guess what World Nomads is the worst! And not because people can’t read about Covid in the policy. No problem with that I’m an attorney and can read just fine. They outsource the insurance to TripMate which is one of the worst companies on the web. The policy clearly states they cover travel providers that go bankrupt.

I have tickets on the bankrupt South African Airlines and the as not required anywhere in the contract they want proof that the tickets have been canceled by a company out of business that does not answer its phone. This is not required by the contract. They are just flat out not paying anyone!

When you try to call or email World Nomads, they don’t answer, don’t resolve, don’t provide any service at all!

You are wrong and no doubt getting paid as an affiliate to help everyone get scammed!

Hey Judith,

Sorry to hear that. Personally never had the case of an airline going bankrupt. Airhelp is a solid resource for more information. Hopefully that helps!

The policy clearly states they cover travel providers that go bankrupt. Well, I would say it makes that they need some official paper stating that the airline went bankrupt. That being said, it makes sense that you as a customer can get some official information on this. The question is: How? I just checked quickly. Yeah, does not seem like an easy task…

I sent your email to the contact we have at World Nomads. They are certainly not a scam, as you stated in your comment. I’ll drop you an email now with some more information!

Take care, Matt

Avoid buying from this company “World Nomads” for your future travels they are not honoring our claims with many hidden exclusion clause. e.g. pandemic or epidemic will not be covered during your travels. If your claims doesnt exceed certain limit also is an issue to make a claim. Even referring to independent travel insurance to review your claim but still does not help. Feeling angry and cheated.

Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience with World Nomads, Randall! Always valuable to hear more stories and experiences! Sorry to hear you had a bad experience! Matt

I do not understand the hatred of these comments. I had a case with world nomads in Barcelona, my backpack got stolen. Everything got solved and got my money. It took some time to get the money, but I got it. I’d say world nomads is like any insurance, they take their sweet time.

Hey Lora, Thanks for sharing your own experience! Matt

In the beginning of february I enquired three times World Nomads regarding what was covered related to Coronavirus in Cambodia and Vietnam and NEVER got an answer. Then my travel companion got injured 12 days before departure and we had to cancel, we where travelling together, same airplane tickets bought together, same hotels room etc. One claim, the one of the injured was payed after one month, and I’m still struggling to get the refund. The person following my claim namely Andrew is different from the one that followed my sister claim and this is very unprofessional disorganization, two answer for the same documents is not a good message of thrus. Simply the non pay policytactic is to drive people crazy with request like asking to the Air line that got me a refund is I’m also entitled to a tax refund…. or ask to the air line if the clearly not refundable fare is refundable etc. Or asking if i can confirm math of ticket cost minus refund……. Look for a more professional company avoid World Nomads if you don’t want to lose money and time.

Hey Cristina, Thanks for sharing your own experience! Matt

We used World Nomad for a 3 week trip to Europe. They wouldn’t cover any of our costs after world pandemic cancellations. We bought the most expensive plan and they wouldn’t even return our calls or answer emails. They are a complete scam.

World Nomads is an absolute scam of a company and I think you should remove this article. Go online to their twitter or Facebook or any social media page and read the horrible stories. I have one myself and I will never buy insurance from them again.

Hey Jennifer, Thanks for sharing your opinion! Matt

World Nomads is not a good company. I have made a claim with them 3 weeks ago, and called them numerous times, emailed them at serviceUSA[at]worldnomads.com and filled out their website form numerous times, wondering why my claim hasn’t been processed. I cut my hand in Malaysia and needed stitches.

They refuse to call me back, contact me, and I feel they have just taken my money. Save your money and find another company. This is disgraceful and sure, having insurance is smart while on a trip, however, if they don’t pay or even contact you, what’s the point. My trip got canceled due to Corona Virus and they won’t address whether I am getting the 6 weeks I am not traveling anymore on reimbursement either.

Sorry to hear that! I am completely surprised because I never heard they do not even get back in contact with you. Did you try to login and check in your profile? There should be the claiming process specified and current status. Sending you an email now!

Stay healthy, Matt

I had a medical emergency in South Africa early February that resulted in 10.000 NZ Dollars of bills….emergency team in Oz were amazing….they checked with my GP in New Zealand to make sure I did not have a pre existing condition then once I had forked out the 10 grand (in South Africa you pay upfront for everything from Scans to Anaesthesia to Surgery) they sent me an email to say all my medical bills will be covered and did I want Nomads to pay the hospiral bill but id already paid it. Since lodging my claim on 14 Feb and answering one question they do not reply to my emails asking for an update on when I will be paid out. I have the email confirming my medical bills will be paid so I do not understand why they are not responding to my emails regarding payment….I have already been approved and have a legit email from Nomads to say exactly this so I do beleive they are now using stalling tactics. Im ten grand out of pocket and im still sick…iv had further hospitalization home in New Zealand which fortunately is free but having this financial burden has put me under a lot of stress. Il defs keep you posted if and when I get paid out so heres hoping there is a positive outcome to my claim!!

Thanks a lot for sharing, Cheryl!!! Keep us in the loop, dropping you an email now! Matt

Does World Nomads offer “Cancel for Any Reasons” package as an optional upgrade?

Not that I am aware of, never seen this option! You always pre-pay for your trip, there is no automatic subscription charge. They do send you a reminder though if you want to renew/ extend your travel insurance with World Nomads.

Hope that helps, Matt

I had my luggage and valuables stolen in the train at Barcelona. Made a claim in accordance with their instructions and submitted all required documentation which took a very long time. They required further information and/or documentation until they come across one which you cannot produce, at which point they refuse assess your claim and do not pay you. They took an average of 10 working days to reply to each of my emails (which is the maximum time requirement for them to reply to you). In my case, they are now refusing to assess my claim as I cannot submit my train ticket which was inside the stolen luggage. This is ridiculous. I cannot stress enough for any potential customers to avoid World Nomads at all costs. It is very easy to pay for the travel insurance with World Nomads as is the process to make a claim because their website is very easy to use. However, the claim process takes a very long time, and in the end, if you are not frustrated into giving up the claim, they always find a way to not settle the claim and do not pay out. If this is not an example of a scam, I don’t know what is. Please read the other reviews very carefully – most of the good reviews on World Nomads is in regards to how easy it is for you to use their website to pay and make a claim, not getting your claim paid out.

Thanks for a lot for sharing your first-hand experience and claim with World Nomads Travel Insurance. That must be frustrating indeed! I hope you can still resolve it! Thanks again for sharing this, I am sure this is very helpful for many readers! Yeah, Barcelona is a pain with the pick-pocketing-problem. I apologize for my home town 🙁

Very disappointed I’ve been travelling around the world for 30 years and the first time I make a travel insurance claim, having purchased trip insurance from World Nomads, they refuse to pay for a wisdom tooth extraction I had whilst on holiday. If this dental work had not been done the pain would have ruined my whole trip. Seriously, if they are not prepared to pay for this what about something more serious? How can you have confidence or trust in an organisation who will endeavour to weasel out of paying for even straightforward things?

Thanks a lot for your feedback. Which insurance package did you get? Did it mention anything about dental? Will drop you an email!

All the best, Matt

I had to file three claims with world nomads… the first was for a simple doctors visit for a parasite infection. World Nomads, or Tripmate, or Nationwide, or whatever umbrella company you want to call them by, eventually paid me back.

The Second two claims were for an accidental damage claim for a lens that broke when I fell while hiking. For that one they EVENTUALLY approved my claim and “sent” me a check that never arrived. I have been trying to get it re-issued and to get my $700 refund for a year and a half with no luck.

My third claim was for emergency dental for teeth broken in the same fall. They did not respond to my claim, or my request for emergency assistance. They delayed for more than two weeks until after my claim expired. (I extended my policy before it expired). Two days after my original policy expired they responded to tell me that because my policy had expired they would not cover me beyond the end date, and that the extension was a new policy and considered it a pre-existing condition.

Hey Tristan,

Thanks a lot for sharing your first-hand experience, very helpful! Matt

I also have to second the mechanical problems thing too. I was delayed 24 hrs because of technical issues on my way to New Zealand. We missed our connecting flights and had to buy new ones. I was informed the only reason I would receive coverage is if the airline delay was due to 1. the workers at the airport striking (what??) 2. weather causing a 24 hour or more delay. Seems like a completely ridiculous loop hole to me.

uff, agreed, not very cool! Let me check back with them, I will drop you an email! Matt

We used World Nomads just recently for a 1-month trip to Europe and discovered after the fact that they do NOT cover travel delays when the airline company cancels your flight due to mechanical or technical problems. It happened to us…and we are out $1500 for a new flight, loss of one night’s hotel in Amsterdam, and non-refundable museum tickets from the 30-hour delay. The only thing World Nomads covered was a meal in the airport. The representatives were kind in explaining this, but the “mechanical problem” exception was nowhere to be found in the contract or website. Just an FYI…

Thanks for that, very interesting! So the Airline canceled and did not refund? This is so odd. You should get in touch with the Airline directly. At least in Europe, customers are well protected when it comes to flight cancellations and delays. World Nomads should have also covered a part. Not sure which package you got. Will drop you an email 🙂

Thanks again for your super helpful comment, always appreciated! Safe travels, Matt

Super helpful, cheers. Was not sure about bali. Will be in Bali for 2 weeks and planning to rent a scooter and to hike the volcanoes. Will this be covered too? So confusing topic…

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