Travel

World Nomads Insurance: Essential Coverage for Digital Nomads Explained

Joanna Horanin

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Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.

Embark on a journey where boundless horizons meet the thrill of adventures—a lifestyle sought by digital nomads around the globe. As you go to new lands and immerse yourself in diverse cultures, the need to to feel safe becomes very important. Enter World Nomads, the trusted companion that understands the unique insurance requirements of digital nomads. In this comprehensive guide, I unveil the power of World Nomads insurance, which offers policies that protect you from unexpected situations and their consequences. Get ready to explore the world with confidence, knowing that World Nomads has your back every step of the way.

Last edit – June 2020

I have been working remotely for quite some time now. I have lived in many countries, moving from one place to another. Each time I faced the same difficulty – if I’m not a resident of the country I stay at, I’m not entitled to free medical care (unless it’s in Europe and if I don’t stay in one place for longer than 3 months). So, I need private medical insurance, which is specifically customed to my needs and my lifestyle.

The first insurance for digital nomads I used was World Nomads. Since then a few other companies have turned up on the market. World Nomads, however, are sustaining a strong position and they still provide lots of people with great service.

Here’s what they offer and what you can expect using their policies.

The challenge of being a digital nomad

Working online, earning money and travelling is a dream come true for many people. This lifestyle gives you freedom, flexibility and opportunities to get to know the world and earn money at the same time.

As with nearly everything, being a digital nomad has its challenges. One of them is insurance.

Let’s imagine, you no longer want to live in your home country, you want to move from one place to another and live on your own terms. Because you’re not a resident of one particular place, you are not entitled to medical insurance. Your only option is travel insurance, which gives you possibilities of getting help if you get injured or sick, but standard travel insurance companies often want a proof of your residence, your return flight date and will cover you only for a certain amount of time.

That’s why special policies created for nomads are so great. They solve the need of being insured and feeling safe while doing what we love best – working and travelling.

World Nomads is one of the most well-known companies in the world when it comes to nomad insurance. Below you will find more information about them and what they offer.

A woman sitting at the laptop in a cafe in chiang mai.
Feel secure and safe while working remotely from anywhere in the world.

World Nomads – Who are they?

World Nomads was created in 2002 by Simon Monk, an Australian who understood the problems many long-term travellers face. He wanted to offer a policy to those that are abroad for longer.

World Nomads was the first such company on the market and they continue to grow. They offer travel insurance to people, who travel a lot during the year. It’s perfect for backpackers and digital nomads.

I discovered them a couple of years back and used them for the whole time I lived in Asia. I’ve always recommended them and I think they are one of the best solutions for people who have a similar lifestyle to mine.

What’s covered by the World Nomads Travel Insurance?

It’s important to shop around for good travel insurance. Below you will find everything that World Nomads Travel Insurance includes, so you can check if their policies are for you.

Urgent medical care

If you have been in an accident you can get medical care straight away. There is 24/7 assistance. You are covered for emergency medical treatment, including:

  • Hospitalisation
  • Day surgery and out-patient visits
  • Visits to practitioners
  • Medicines
  • Medical evacuation

Urgent dental care

You are covered if:

  • You have an unexpected infection
  • You broke your tooth
  • You injured your mouth or your jaw in an accident

Death overseas

If you die while travelling, the World Nomads will pay for:

  • Transporting your body back home
  • Arrangements for the funeral
  • Reasonable cost for someone who will transport your remains back home

Baggage

World Nomads will pay for any costs when your baggage is lost or stolen during your travels. This includes:

  • Replacing some of the items
  • Cost of replacing documents
  • Buying necessary items that are needed until your luggage is retrieved

Trip cancellation

You are covered in case of:

  • If you have to cancel your trip due to sudden illness
  • You are called to jury service
  • You are made redundant
  • There’s been a theft from your home

Medical repatriation

Medical repatriation happens if you suddenly fall sick during your travels and have to go home for treatment, or when you get to a place from which you need to be transported to a hospital.
World Nomads covers the cost of the air ambulance, helicopter and any other additional transportation.

What’s not covered?

There are a couple of things you need to be aware of. Not always World Nomads will return the cost of the medical care, or lost/damaged luggage.

Here are a few exceptions. World Nomads will not cover you:

  • If you’re on drugs or have been drinking alcohol excessively
  • If you’re doing an activity the policy doesn’t cover
  • If you’ve been acting illegally
  • If you ride a motorbike without a helmet or the correct licence
  • Dental work other than that related to emergency dental pain relief
  • Cosmetic dentistry or whitening
  • Pre-existing dental problems
  • Major dental work, such as crowns, dentures, bridges and implants
  • Loss of life through suicide.
  • Dying from drugs or alcohol.
  • Having a pre-existing medical condition that results in death.
  • Doing anything illegal that results in your death.
  • If you don’t keep your gear safe and secure. 
  • If you don’t report the loss to the police and appropriate carrier or authority within 24 hours of the loss being discovered. Get a written report!
  • Any item that is covered under another insurance policy or where it is recoverable from another source.
  • Personal baggage stolen from an unattended vehicle between 9pm and 9am.
  • Sporting equipment while in use.
World Nomads provides policies that can protect in most of the countries in the world.

World Nomads’ Policies

World Nomads offer two kinds of policies – Standard Plan and Explorer Plan.

Explorer Plan is slightly more expensive and the coverage for each section is higher. It also includes things that are not included in the Standard Plan. By choosing this policy you are also covered in case of natural disasters, money theft, missed connection etc.

How much does it cost?

It is different for everybody. The cost of your policy depends on:

  • Your country of residence.
  • The countries you will be travelling to.
  • The length of your travels.
  • Your age.

The policy can cost you from around 20 USD – 50 USD per month.

How to make a claim?

You can make your claim online. If you have your policy, you need to:

  • Create an account.
  • Log in.
  • Fill in the form.
  • Attach supporting documents.
  • Write down your reference number.

After you do all that, you can track your claim online. The customer service team will contact you by email.

Unique features

When you compare the World Nomads Policies with some of the other companies on the market, you might come to the conclusion that they are quite expensive. Why then should you buy it? Here are some of the reasons.

It’s easy to buy

The purchasing process is very easy and not complicated at all. You can do it all online and it takes minutes. Simply, go to the World Nomads website, fill in the form and pay online. You will get your documents by email.

24/7 assistance

World Nomads are always available when you need them. This is especially important in setressful situations when you’re abroad. You can contact them by phone, or email.

Your account

You can also create an account, where you can make a claim. You will be able to track the progress of your claim, too. It really saves a lot of time and worry.

You can travel long term

Many insurance companies require you to go back to your country of residence every few weeks. World Nomads allow you to be abroad for a long time, no questions asked.

joanna horanin sits at a laptop in a green coffee shop
I worked remotely from a few countries and used World Nomads for a couple of years.

Reviews and my experience

I used World Nomads for 2 years while living in Asia. The policy wasn’t very expensive.

I made only one claim, when I had an infection and had to go to the doctor in Chiang Mai. I contacted the customer service, made a claim online and the cost of the treatment was returned to me a few days after.

I’ve never had any problems with their policies and was always very happy with the service they provided.

Here are 2 reviews from their website, so you can find out what other people think.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from embracing the thrilling possibilities that await you as a digital nomad. Take charge of your adventures and secure your peace of mind today with World Nomads insurance. Whether you’re embarking on a daring trek through rugged terrains or working remotely from exotic destinations, World Nomads offers tailored coverage to protect your journey. Don’t leave your dreams to chance—get a quote now and unlock the freedom to explore with confidence. Your nomadic lifestyle deserves the assurance and support that only World Nomads can provide.

Start your next chapter as a well-protected digital nomad today. Sign up with World Nomads!

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