Travel Insurance for Turkey
Travel advice for Canadians visiting Turkey
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Turkey. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Turkey like jet skiing, diving and hiking.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip interruptions and lost luggage.
From Istanbul’s skyline of domes and minarets to Cappadocia’s otherworldly rock formations and the turquoise coastline of the Aegean and Mediterranean, more Canadians are turning their attention to Turkey. It sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and that blend is reflected in its culture, architecture and warm hospitality. Explore ancient sites like Ephesus and Troy, wander through city bazaars and unwind along the stunning Turquoise Coast in Bodrum and Fethiye – known for beach clubs, boat days and outdoor adventure. Turkey is a destination that rewards a well-planned itinerary, but if something happens that changes your plans, travel insurance helps you stay on track.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different coverages or 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 to Turkey. 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 |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in Turkey
The sky’s the limit in Turkey – literally. Float above Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise (skydiving back down optional!) or paraglide over one of the world’s most photographed stretches of coastline in Ölüdeniz. Along the Turquoise Coast, days are spent on the water – jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking or diving in clear Mediterranean bays. Boat trips between hidden coves and islands add to the experience, with plenty of chances to swim and snorkel along the way. Inland, walk barefoot across the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale as the Greeks and Romans did thousands of years before you. Hiking is a great way to explore Turkey’s natural beauty and ancient heritage, or take in more by bike.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for Turkey
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be thankful you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Hit by a car crossing the street in Istanbul? Took a tumble on off your mountain bike in the Taurus Mountains and ended up in hospital? Ate dodgy street food and ended up with food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home to care for your fur baby. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Emergency evacuation
If you get seriously sick or injured but you’re far from appropriate medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance can help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the policy limits, the cost to get you to the closest appropriate medical facility or to your home province for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies. If you’re in hospital for three days or more, it may also include the transportation of a family member or companion to your bedside or the return of a dependent child back to your home.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having in Turkey, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're travelling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Tips for travelling to Turkey
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, with shoulders and knees covered, and carry a scarf for head covering where required
- Stay aware of your surroundings in busy areas and bazaars, as petty theft can occur
- Carry some cash for markets, taxis and smaller businesses where cards may not always be accepted
- Agree on a price before taking a taxi or ensure the meter is used to avoid confusion.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Turkey. 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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Do Canadians need a visa to visit Turkey?
Canadians need an e-Visa to enter Turkey, which can be applied for online before travel. Entry requirements can change, so check current advice before you go.
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Is Turkey safe for tourists?
Turkey is generally safe for travellers, especially in major tourist areas. As with any destination, stay aware of your surroundings and take care in crowded places. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected situations that can arise.
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What is the best time to visit Turkey?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be very hot, particularly inland.
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Can I drink tap water in Turkey?
Tap water is not generally recommended for drinking in Turkey. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.
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What currency is used in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry cash for smaller purchases.
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What should I wear in Turkey?
Dress is generally relaxed in coastal areas, but modest clothing is recommended or even required when visiting mosques and more traditional regions.
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What is the best way to get around Turkey?
Domestic flights are a quick way to cover long distances, while buses are affordable and widely used. Car hire can be useful for exploring at your own pace.
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Do I need travel insurance for Turkey?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
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)
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
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
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
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
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
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
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.