Flexcations Travel Insurance Coverage
Canadian can protect their working vacations with travel insurance
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At a glance:
- Travel Insurance that Works Where You Do: World Nomads offers travel insurance for flexcations to help cover medical emergencies, baggage loss, and trip cancellations.
- Plans for Flexible Travel: Flexcations, or workcations, may be covered, and you can choose a plan based upon the level of coverage you need.
- Baggage Protection on the Go: We provide baggage protection if your luggage is stolen or accidentally damaged by your common carrier during your trip.
- When Plans Change: If your trip is disrupted by unexpected illness or injuries (amongst other covered reasons), travel insurance for flexcations may help cover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my flexcation?
- Workcation travel insurance: What may be covered?
- Choosing the Right ‘Workcation’ Travel Insurance Plan
- What may not be covered when on a flexcation?
- Top tips we recommend for a successful and productive flexcation
- FAQs
Workations—extended trips that combine remote work and leisure—have become one of the fastest-growing trends in global travel. As remote and hybrid work models continue to expand, more professionals are embracing the flexibility to work from destinations ranging from beach towns to major cities around the world. In fact, surveys show that over 70% of remote-capable employees are interested in taking a workation, and many have already done so. So grab your beach towel and laptop, and get going! But, no matter where you’re headed, it helps to always be prepared for the unexpected when travelling. For example, if you’re planning to spend your weekdays working in Rome and your weekends tasting your way through Tuscany, travel insurance coverage for Italy may help protect your trip. Our travel insurance plans for digital nomads include a range of benefits that could help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my flexcation?
The 9-5 grind of work isn’t so bad if you have your toes in the sand and a fruity drink by your side. These days, you can work from just about anywhere in the world with a strong Wi-Fi connection – including some of the most scenic tropical landscapes like the Bahamas and Jamaica. But what happens if you get hurt while scuba diving or snorkeling during your lunch break? Travel insurance for the Caribbean may help you with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a smart way to travel confidently when you’re travelling outside of your home province.
Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Plan is limited once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province too.
Workcation travel insurance: What may be covered?
The purpose of a flexcation is to be able to fully enjoy the destination where you’re travelling, and you’ll hopefully be experiencing new cultures and activities while you’re there. But when you’re working and studying remotely outside of your home province, unexpected situations can happen – and that’s why we’ve designed our plans to include travel insurance for flexcations.
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For injuries that require emergency medical treatment -
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Baggage damaged by your common carrier or stolen luggage and personal gear -
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
Travel protection for your unused, pre-paid, nonrefundable trip costs and unexpected expenses
Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
Choosing the Right ‘Workcation’ Travel Insurance Plan
World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
A flexcation isn’t supposed to be all work and no play. Depending on where you’re headed, you may want to enjoy a variety of other activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or skiing. That’s totally fine, because there are 250+ sports, activities and experiences that could be covered when you purchase travel insurance for flexcations. Costs may vary depending on the additional activities you list.
If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered.
Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
What may not be covered when on a flexcation?
So what happens if your boss told you that you could work remotely and be a digital nomad, but then changes his mind as soon as you land in Europe? If you have to go home because your employer won’t let you work remotely anymore, your travel insurance coverage for Europe won’t reimburse you for the costs of your trip. While many things are covered by travel insurance, there are some things that aren’t – including your boss changing his mind. (Although it’s totally not cool.) Other examples include:
- Baggage or personal items left unattended
- Any electronics or other equipment that you use for professional purposes
- Not following government ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories issued by the Canadian government
- Travelling in your home province
- Pre-existing medical conditions exclusions apply to medical conditions and/or symptoms that existed prior to your policy start date. There may be no coverage for losses caused by a pre-existing condition.
- Participation in other activities not listed as covered in your policy
Top tips we recommend for a successful and productive flexcation
From our own experiences of being digital nomads, we’ve worked in some really interesting destinations around the world. It's never been easier to unplug and take off now that you can work and study remotely. But travel glitches can arrive in all shapes and sizes, and it helps to prepare as much as you can. Here are a few of our personal tips that you may find helpful when planning your next flexcation.
- Check to see if there’s reliable Wi-Fi. It’s better to ask questions in advance before you’ve travelled all the way there and see that there’s a problem.
- See if there’s ample space for you to work productively. You’ll want to make sure you have a quiet space for those times that require more focus and concentration.
- Save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line on your phone and print out a copy of your travel insurance documents. If you need help in a pinch, you don’t want to be searching for who to call.
- Keep your receipts and paperwork. Any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report.
- Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
- Make time for work and play. The point of a flexcation is to be able to experience a new place, so plan out some time to enjoy your destination.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for flexcations. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Are flexcations covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, flexcations for certain types of work are covered under both plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip, including the type of work you will be doing. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you aren’t sure if something is covered, we suggest you contact us to ask.
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Will travel insurance cover my laptop and other electronics that I use for work?
Our plans are designed to provide coverage for your baggage and personal effects, including electronic devices and personal computers. Although our plans may provide cover for your personal electronics that you own and take with you on your trip, we will not cover your professional gear that is owned by someone other than yourself or used for professional purposes.
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What types of incidents are covered while on a workcation?
If your trip is delayed or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your unused, non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this could include unused, prepaid, non-refundable tours that you paid for in advance. If you get hurt while on your workcation and require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You could also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags or Canadian government travel advisories warning travellers not to travel to a destination on your itinerary.
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Can I get coverage after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan online anytime, from almost anywhere in the world. If you buy a plan after departing from your home province, you won’t be covered for any loss or expense related to any injury or sickness that occurs in the 48-hour period after your departure date.
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Does World Nomads offer travel insurance for overseas flexcations?
Yes, some of the best places to take a flexcation are outside of Canada and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your fun. For example, if you have travel insurance for France, you could have the opportunity to be a digital nomad in Paris. If you have travel insurance for Japan, you could work remotely and spend your free time skiing in the Japanese Alps. When you get a quote for flexcation travel insurance, you’ll need to input where you’ll be travelling.
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Does travel insurance cover routine healthcare when I’m working remotely in another country?
World Nomads plans include emergency medical insurance coverage in the event you suffer a medical emergency while on your trip. Travel insurance won’t pay for any routine or preventative medical or dental care, such as allergy medications or routine check-ups. If you have an unexpected medical emergency though, World Nomads Travel Insurance may help with things such as hospital stays, prescription medications, and x-rays. Travel insurance is designed to cover losses from unforeseen and emergency circumstances only, and you must be covered under your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) for the full duration of your policy to be eligible for maximum emergency medical benefits. If you aren’t, emergency medical benefits will be limited to $40,000 CAD for the full duration of your trip.
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What should I do if I get hurt while I’m on a workcation?
You can contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travelling outside Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak English or French. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, you could be covered for more than 250 sports, activities and experiences. We know you’ll be doing more than working and studying, and that’s what makes it fun to be a digital nomad. Things like hiking, camping, and biking could all be covered. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.
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Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered on all four plans offered by World Nomads, and you could be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility to simply change your mind about your trip, you may be able to get optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage as well.
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What happens if my bags are delayed?
If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan could reimburse you for the cost (up to the policy limits) of essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited.
Need destination inspiration for your next trip?
There are actually some pretty awesome places where you can work remotely here in Canada (and you can get travel insurance for Canada as long as you’re traveling outside of your home province.) But there’s also an abundance of great places around the world where you can embrace your inner digital nomad, too. Check out a couple of our favorite locations and get destination-specific travel tips to help you plan with confidence.
A World Nomad’s Guide to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Six Things to Know Before Going to France
A Local’s Guide to Visiting Berlin, Germany
Italy Travel Tips: Six Things to Know Before Visiting
Six Things to Know Before Traveling to Norway
How to Experience Ho Chi Minh City Like a Local
Five Incredible Cities to Explore in Spain
For more tips on working remotely, you may also want to check out the World Nomads Podcast: Saying Goodbye to the Office.
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- AMT Plan: $10,000
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $250,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $750,000
- Annual Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Gear & Baggage Protection
Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $5,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
Protect your health
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Return of Remains
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
Protect your trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
- Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Protect your stuff
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services
- 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Personal Security Assistance
- Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.