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The World Nomads website is temporarily unavailable while we complete system changes as part of the global sale of World Nomads to its new owner, IMG. IMG is working hard behind the scenes to reflect the change in ownership and ensure a smooth transition. Our technical teams are implementing these changes to ensure a seamless customer experience and expect the website to be available again within approximately 2 hours.

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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.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

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

A Back Injury in Laos

A Back Injury in Laos

How we helped when this nomad got thrown off a water raft in Laos
A Stolen iPod in Zhenning Lu, China

A Stolen iPod in Zhenning Lu, China

How we helped when this nomad got pickpocketed in China
A Car Robbery in Casal Borsetti, Italy

A Car Robbery in Casal Borsetti, Italy

How we helped when this nomad got their car broken into in Italy
A Kidnapping in Ecuador

A Kidnapping in Ecuador

How we helped when this nomad got drugged and robbed in Ecuador
A Stolen Camera in Quito, Ecuador

A Stolen Camera in Quito, Ecuador

How we helped when this nomad got their camera taken on a bus in Ecuador
Bitten by a Monkey in Thailand

Bitten by a Monkey in Thailand

How we helped when this nomad got a rabies vaccination in Thailand
A Death in the Family

A Death in the Family

How we helped when this nomad got had a family member pass away
A Cancelled Flight in London, England

A Cancelled Flight in London, England

How we helped when this nomad had a terrorist security crisis
An Intestinal Bacterial Infection in Delhi, India

An Intestinal Bacterial Infection in Delhi, India

How we helped when this nomad got extreme Delhi Belly
A Mugging in London, England

A Mugging in London, England

How we helped when this nomad got mugged in England
A Stomach Parasite in Zanzibar

A Stomach Parasite in Zanzibar

How we helped when this nomad got a parasite in Zanzibar
Himalayan Altitude Sickness in Rumbak, India

Himalayan Altitude Sickness in Rumbak, India

How we helped when this nomad got altitude sickness in the Himalayan mountains
Switched Luggage in Amsterdam

Switched Luggage in Amsterdam

How we helped when this nomad lost their luggage
Scammed in Potosi, Bolivia

Scammed in Potosi, Bolivia

How we helped when this nomad got their backpack stolen in Bolivia
A Gypsy Robbery in Mendoza, Argentina

A Gypsy Robbery in Mendoza, Argentina

How we helped when this nomad got robbed in Argentina
A Motorcycle Accident in Hanoi, Vietnam

A Motorcycle Accident in Hanoi, Vietnam

How we helped when this nomad crashed their motorcycle
An Unexpected Pre-Trip Pregnancy

An Unexpected Pre-Trip Pregnancy

How we helped when this nomad got pregnant before their departure date
Tumour Treatment in Italy

Tumour Treatment in Italy

How we helped when this nomad got a facial tumour in Italy
A Hijacked Taxi in La Paz, Bolivia

A Hijacked Taxi in La Paz, Bolivia

How we helped when this nomad got robbed in Bolivia
A Hospital Visit in Antigua, Guatemala

A Hospital Visit in Antigua, Guatemala

How we helped when this nomad got a high fever in Guatemala

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