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Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Protecting UK travellers’ tech gear on the go

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Ahhh, the life of a British digital nomad…the world’s literally your workplace. But even the idyllic life of working in coffee shops and beachside huts can present risks. What would your work life look like without your laptop or phone? Stolen or damaged tech, and even sudden illness can derail your plans—and your productivity. Travel insurance could protect your lifestyle, both personally and professionally.

Why should I consider travel insurance when travelling as a digital nomad?

As a UK-based digital nomad, life abroad offers endless freedom, but it’s not without risks. Your tech gear’s crucial to keeping you connected, and an unexpected setback—like a stolen laptop in Bangkok—can disrupt the entire flexcation experience. With travel insurance, you can keep working from anywhere, knowing you have a backup plan for any adventure (or misadventure) that comes your way.

Does travel insurance for digital nomads cover my tech?

Imagine editing a video from a scenic spot in Bali, only to have your gear damaged in a sudden downpour, or losing your phone during a busy layover in Tokyo….not ideal, right? From shooting content on the go to managing client calls abroad, your digital workspace deserves to be protected, because well…it’s paying for your downtime play. 

World Nomads offers two policies—Standard and Explorer—that may cover reimbursing your tech devices if they are stolen, lost or damaged while under your supervision. Both policies provide coverage for a wide range of valuables and gadgets, including:

  • Photographic equipment
  • Binoculars, telescopes
  • Computers and/or accessories (including laptops, games and gaming consoles)
  • PDA’s and tablet devices (including iPads and eBooks)
  • Video cameras
  • Audiovisual equipment (including portable speakers and headphones)
  • DVD players
  • Mobile phones
  • Drones and satellite navigation devices.

Travellers tip: Always hang onto your receipts—hard copies or digital—for any gadgets you buy before or during your travels. They’ll come in handy if you need to make a claim. And don’t forget to make copies of your travel documents, ID cards, credit cards, and any other important info you’re taking on the road.

What are the benefits of World Nomads travel insurance when working abroad?

Medical Coverage and Emergency Assistance

Being a digital nomad means being free to roam but also being prepared for the unexpected. World Nomads offers emergency medical coverage (up to £5,000,000 Standard Plan and £10,000,000 Explorer Plan) for when life throws you a curveball—from hospital visits to urgent care, and even repatriation back to the UK if necessary.

Cover for more than 150 sports and activities

Life shouldn’t be all work and no play, especially when the world is literally your playground. If you’re a Brit who loves chasing thrills during work breaks, picture this: co-working at Dojo Bali and then stepping straight onto Echo Beach for a quick surf session. Heaven, right? With World Nomads, there is cover available for more than 150 sports and activities—just in case those waves get a bit gnarlier than expected. Just be sure to select the right policy to cover the level of activity you’ll be participating in, and declare at the point of sale.

Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) Policy

Our Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) Policy offers the flexibility that frequent movers crave. Imagine working from a Parisian café one week, then logging into a Singaporean co-working space the next—all covered under one travel insurance policy. It’s the perfect fit for digital nomads who thrive on short, globe-hopping adventures. But if your plans involve staying in one place for a longer stretch, a Single Trip policy might be the way to go. Not sure which option suits your working holiday best? Compare Annual Multi-Trip vs Single Trip Travel Insurance here.

Smart Delay

Flight delays are a hassle, especially when you’re a digital nomad flying out of Heathrow or Manchester, juggling work commitments and travel plans. With Smart Delay, you’ll gain access to the airport lounge if your flight is delayed by 90 minutes or more—perfect for unwinding, grabbing a bite, or catching up on work comfortably.

Travellers tip: Cyberattacks and identity theft are real threats when you’re on the move. Keep your data safe: use strong passwords, encrypt your laptop, and install antivirus software, skip public Wi-Fi where you can.

For more digital nomad tips, check out our article, 6 Travel Tips for Digital Nomads. Or if you’re ready to pack the geat and go, get a quote today and make that digital nomad dream a reality.

What's not covered by travel insurance for digital nomads?

Sorry, but even the best travel insurance has its limits. Here’s what’s not on the list:

  • If you leave your gadgets (like laptops, phones, cameras, or tablets) unattended in a car, boat, tent, camper trailer, or with a common carrier, it’s on you (you need to protect it, mate).
  • Electronic malfunctions (you can take that up with the manufacturer).
  • Theft or damage incurred when your valuables and gadgets are checked in with your luggage.
  • Items you can't prove that you own (for example, you don't have a record of purchase).
  • Didn’t file a report with local authorities or venue reps when something got stolen or lost? We can’t help with that claim.

This is not a complete list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your Policy Wording carefully. If you’re unsure if something is covered or how to claim it, contact us, and we’ll let you know.

Bag snatched in Latvia.

It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, Iphone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and, as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours, because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
C.E. Australian in Latvia.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

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

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about digital nomads travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • What are the requirements to get a digital nomad visa?

    Each country has specific requirements, but generally, digital nomad visas require proof of income, travel insurance, and accommodation plans. Some may also require a valid employment contract or proof of self-employment. Be sure to check each country’s specific requirements before applying.

  • How do my items get depreciated?

    Electronics age and get knocked about. Depreciation is the amount deducted from your overall claim based on wear and tear of the item. The amount can depend on the type of item and how old it is.