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  1. World Nomads
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  5. Pre Trip Medical Support

Pre-Trip Travel Services and Support

Extra Health Support, Built Into Your US Plan

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At a glance

  • World Nomads Travel Insurance has four travel protection plans available for US residents, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage
  • All plans for US residents include additional non-insurance services
  • Additional services include a pre-departure medical consultation and a portable personal health record
  • You may also have medications and vaccines prescribed by a US-licensed physician

How can pre-trip travel services and support help me?

All World Nomads trip protection plans for US residents include travel insurance benefits and non-insurance services for overseas medical emergencies. But wouldn’t you prefer to avoid possible emergencies if possible? Things like altitude sickness, malaria, yellow fever and traveler’s diarrhea can quickly ruin a trip. These World Nomads plans include access to pre-trip medical support, who can help you with a customized medical plan based on your destination. This may help you prepare for health concerns before you go.

If you do have a medical emergency while traveling, you’ll want your medical providers to know your health history and any medications you’re taking. Having your medical records accessible electronically could help in an emergency. Our Portable Health Records service partner offers a secure solution that allows you to have immediate access to your medical records 24/7, anywhere in the world. If you’re sick or injured while traveling, your medical and health information will be easily available to the medical team that’s caring for you. These non-insurance services are included in all World Nomad plans, but you’ll need to register once you’ve made your travel protection purchase.

What’s Included

  • Pre-departure medical consultation
  • Customized medical plan for your destination
  • Prescriptions for necessary medications
  • Prescriptions for necessary vaccines
  • A portable personal health record

Commonly Prescribed Travel Medications

  • Malaria prevention
  • Altitude sickness prevention
  • Motion sickness prevention
  • Traveler’s diarrhea medication
  • Sleep aids

Important to Know

  • You must register for your pre-departure Telehealth Services and portable health records
  • Elective non-emergency medical treatment will need to wait until you return home
  • Medical bills related to a pre-existing conditions may not be covered, unless you qualify for the pre-existing medical exclusion waiver if you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period
  • Terms and conditions apply; read your plan documents to understand the coverage

Tips for packing medicine on your trip

During your online pre-departure telehealth consultation, a US-licensed physician can help you set up prescription travel medications. They’ll even send your medications to your doorstep so you don’t have to make that extra trip to the pharmacy. However, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to make sure you pack those, and your routine prescriptions, properly.

  • Make sure all prescriptions are filled before you go.

The CDC has issued advisories about counterfeit medications that are sold in some countries. Counterfeit medicine is most commonly found in low and middle-income countries where it may be hard to enforce drug quality standards. Studies show about 9%-41% of medicines sold in low- and middle- income countries are counterfeit*. Also, the telehealth service cannot prescribe you medicines to be filled overseas.

  • Bring any medications onboard with you.

Instead of packing medications in your checked bag, throw those in your carry on and take them with you. Your plan may offer coverage for lost or delayed bags, but there’s no guarantee when or if you’ll be reunited with your checked bag.

  • Pack extra medication.

Make sure you bring enough medication for your trip and pack enough to cover at least a few extra days. Trip delays can happen and if you’re away from home longer than expected, you’ll want to make sure you have enough medication.

  • If you’re traveling outside of the US, make sure your medications are permitted in the countries you’re visiting.

Don’t just assume that because a medication is legal here in the US, that it’s legal everywhere else. This may apply to CBD products, medical marijuana, or other common prescription medications. You don’t want to get arrested in a foreign country just because you didn’t know the rules. Before you depart, contact the US Embassy of the country you’re visiting and make sure your medications are allowed. You may need an import license or permit if you’re traveling with certain medications. 

  • Talk to your US doctor about alternative medications if needed.

According to a report by BuzzRX, 1 in 10 people have had their medication confiscated during travel*. You don’t want to be without needed medication, though. If you find out that your usual medication is illegal in countries you’re traveling to, talk to your doctor about the situation. He/she may be able to prescribe another alternative medication that you’re able to travel with. 

  • Only travel home with medication that was prescribed to you by a licensed physician in the US.

If you’re returning to the US after a trip, you’ll need to comply with the laws of the FDA and DEA. US Customs and Border Protection say that in most cases, it’s illegal for a US citizen to import drugs that were purchased outside of the country. Even if there’s a foreign-made version of a drug that is legal in the US, it may not have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Don’t try bringing any foreign medications into the US, as it could turn into a legal issue. 

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for pre-trip travel services. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

  • How do I know if I need vaccines for my destination?
    You can register for pre-departure medical support once you purchase your World Nomads travel protection plan. You’ll then set up your online medical consultation with a US-licensed physician. They can let you know what vaccines you may need for certain parts of the world, and they can prescribe those to you as well. 
  • Can I have medications filled overseas?

    The CDC has issued warnings about counterfeit medications that are sold in some countries. When you have your online medical consultation, you’ll be able to discuss needed medications, and the US-licensed physician can even have those shipped to your house before you travel. The telehealth service cannot prescribe you medicines to be filled overseas, so you’ll need to make sure you do this before you leave.  

  • Do travel insurance benefits help if I get sick or hurt while traveling?

    Even if you plan ahead and get needed vaccinations and medications, sometimes unexpected medical situations can still happen. However, emergency medical expense coverage is included in the World Nomads travel protection plan and may reimburse you for things like x-rays, medication, a hospital stay, or other emergency medical needs that you may have. It may even assist with emergency dental expenses. Your travel insurance from World Nomads may also include coverage for medical evacuation, and the 24/7 emergency assistance team may be able to help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. 

    If your attending physician determines that it’s best for you to go back to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel protection plan may cover the costs to get you there, provided this is pre-approved through the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. 

  • Do overseas doctors have access to my medical records if I get sick?

    If you register for your portable health records, they can. This is a secure solution that allows you to have immediate access to your medical records anywhere in the world. If you’re overseas and end up in the hospital, you’ll want your medical team to have access to this critical information. It’s important for them to know about your prescriptions, allergies, medical conditions, immunizations, surgeries, physicians, and family history. Your portable health records could include all of these details, and they could have access to it 24/7. This non-insurance service is included with all World Nomads plans, but you’ll need to register for it once you’ve purchased your plan. 

20260320-5313910. *This website is not affiliated with United States Fire Insurance Company, World Nomads, or Trip Mate. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.