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  1. World Nomads
  2. Travel Insurance
  3. True Claims

True stories from the claims department

The best of the worst. Real stories from our nomads around the world.

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Why it pays to consider travel insurance

We get it, the last thing you want to think about when planning your holiday is what could possibly go wrong. However, travel insurance could pay off in more ways than one, if you end up in hospital or are caught in unexpected events when visiting a far-away land.

Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance and Claims Teams have heard many stories (some that we couldn’t make up even if we tried). We've dealt with broken bones, monkey bites, helicopter evacuations, tropical diseases, and more travel insurance claims for gastro than we could possibly count. If you’re unconvinced, then check out some of the crazy but true experiences our nomads have gone through in their travels.


A broken leg in Thailand


I fell on my side and heard the sound of dry stick breaking, I realized my leg was broken, then I just lay on the beach... The first phone call I got was from World Nomads and they basically told me, you don't worry about this Anton, just focus on getting better...and we'll take care of the rest.

Anton,
World Nomads customer from Iceland

Watch the full story

More true travel claims stories

Stuck in Dehli, India

Stuck in Dehli, India

How we helped when this nomad lost their passport
A House Fire in Pucon, Chile

A House Fire in Pucon, Chile

How we helped when this nomad had their house burn down
Flooding in Byron Bay, Australia

Flooding in Byron Bay, Australia

How we helped when this nomad had to reschedule their transport
Swollen Testicular Glands in Thailand

Swollen Testicular Glands in Thailand

How we helped when this nomad got mumps and orchitis
Gastrointestinal Issues in Bangkok, Thailand

Gastrointestinal Issues in Bangkok, Thailand

How we helped when this nomad got diarrhoea in Thailand
A Stolen Passport in Canada

A Stolen Passport in Canada

How we helped when this nomad got their passport taken in a club
Leg Worms in Southern Mexico

Leg Worms in Southern Mexico

How we helped when this nomad got worms in Mexico
A High-Altitude Cerebral Edema in Cusco, Peru

A High-Altitude Cerebral Edema in Cusco, Peru

How we helped when this nomad got altitude sickness in Peru
A Tsunami in Khao Lak, Thailand

A Tsunami in Khao Lak, Thailand

How we helped when this nomad got evacuated in Thailand
A Case of The Bends in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

A Case of The Bends in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

How we helped when this nomad got a skin rash after diving
Swine Flu Outbreak in Cuba

Swine Flu Outbreak in Cuba

How we helped when this nomad got their flight cancelled
A Snowboarding Injury in Whistler, Canada

A Snowboarding Injury in Whistler, Canada

How we helped when this nomad got a back injury snowboarding
A Broken Phone in Los Angeles, California

A Broken Phone in Los Angeles, California

How we helped when this nomad put their phone through the laundry
A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst in Beirut, Lebanon

A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst in Beirut, Lebanon

How we helped when this nomad got an ovarian cyst in Lebanon
A Chest Infection in Egypt

A Chest Infection in Egypt

How we helped when this nomad got a mystery illness in Egypt
A Vaginal Infection in Tahiti

A Vaginal Infection in Tahiti

How we helped when this nomad got a vaginal infection on their honeymoon
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Madagascar

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Madagascar

How we helped when this nomad got abdominal pain in Madagascar
Chicken Pox in Switzerland

Chicken Pox in Switzerland

How we helped when this nomad got sick in Switzerland
A Ruined Passport in Australia

A Ruined Passport in Australia

How we helped when this nomad got their passport wet in Australia
A Cancelled Trek in Cusco, Peru

A Cancelled Trek in Cusco, Peru

How we helped when this nomad's Inca Trail trek got cancelled.

True Claims Stories

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team