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  1. World Nomads
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  4. Travel Tips For Expats

Travel insurance cover and tips for expats

Cover for expats worldwide for medical emergencies, sports and activities, trip cancellations, and more.

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World Nomads travel insurance is designed for adventure seekers who understand that living and working in other countries and among different cultures is a great privilege, and an education. Your decision to move abroad is a big one, considering the benefits of travel insurance may be beneficial for you and your loved ones.

What expats should keep in mind?

We've put together this expat tips checklist to help you plan before you set off on your next working holiday. Please note, benefit limits, terms and conditions apply depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected.

  1. Change is constant, embrace it. Despite detailed planning pre-departure, things can change. We know how important flexibility is when abroad, so you can buy a policy before you leave home or while traveling for as long, or as little, as you need. If you decide to stay longer in a place than you thought you would or decide to change direction on a whim, we are happy to extend your policy and help you choose the right level of cover for your needs.
  2. Vaccinations are not new. For years, there have been rules in place for travelers regarding immunizations against serious illnesses, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. When planning your expat experience, check with embassies, global health bodies (such as the World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, etc) and government authorities of the countries you're hoping to visit about their entry requirements. Some countries now require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result (usually taken 48-72 hours before arrival). Read our COVID-19 Travel Insurance article and keep your vaccine and test records with you – they’re as important as your passport these days.
  3. Not all country entry rules are the same. We know the rules for entry to our own country, but what is acceptable in one country might not be the case in another, so do your research pre-departure. Check the entry rules and regulations for the places you plan to visit. The last thing you want to do is arrive somewhere new to you, only to be turned around for not having the correct paperwork or because you decided to travel to a country that had a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning in place.
  4. It’s not too late to buy travel insurance once you’ve set off. If you’ve been so busy that insurance is an after-thought, it’s never too late. World Nomads offers insurance for travelers between 18 and 65 (up to 69 years for US residents). Our policies are available to most nationalities who are working or traveling outside of their Country of Residence. You can buy a policy online using a credit card, and this can be done even after you’ve left home, but there are some exceptions, so check your policy details before purchasing.
  5. If you plan on driving overseas, do your homework. Driving in another country can be a big deal and at times quite scary, especially when the road rules differ, so make sure you know the requirements. Check the licensing rules (you may need to apply for an international driving permit depending on which country you’re from). Our Explorer Plan policy may be able to help with rental car excess if you’re involved in an accident, but you need to be correctly licensed, adhere to local laws, and have taken out a rental policy with the car hire company.
  6. If you’re a digital nomad, ensure you’re travel ready. Most expat travelers today don’t leave home without their tech devices – we’re talking digital cameras, laptops, air pods, drones etc. Aside from helping to document your travels, they’re not cheap and should be properly protected. At World Nomads, our policies may cover a wide range of everyday gadgets, but how we do that and how much we insure them for depends on the plan you choose. Terms and conditions apply.
  7. Adventure travel is fun, but also risky. Expats are an adventurous bunch, so it’s not surprising that many exciting activities will rate high on the to-do list. Our plans include cover for more than 150 activities globally – everything from backpacking to kayaking, hiking, and bungee jumping, but not all are covered under every plan, so read the full list here. You may need to pay an additional premium for higher-risk activities.
  8. Travel cover doesn’t replace international medical insurance. While we may offer cover for overseas emergency medical expenses, any treatment must be certified as medically necessary by an authorized medical practitioner or paramedic overseas and agreed by our Emergency Assistance Team. Your employer or host should take care of your medical cover. We also have some exclusions when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

This is not a full list of what's covered. There are benefit limits and terms and conditions that apply. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it.

For more answers related to travel insurance coverage please visit our Help Center or if you have a specific question about World Nomads travel insurance contact us.

You’re in safe hands with World Nomads

Check out our True Claims video to get a behind the scenes look at how we can help you when something goes wrong.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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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?
  • Been made redundant?

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
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

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