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  1. World Nomads
  2. Travel Insurance
  3. Whats Covered
  4. Overseas Medical

Travel Insurance for Overseas Medical

If you get sick or injured overseas, learn how you may be covered for emergency medical treatment overseas.

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We’ve seen some pretty hairy accidents and illnesses, from aneurysms to scooter crashes, and at least one shark bite! When the unexpected happens, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team will support you and your family, so you can focus on getting better.

What overseas medical expenses are covered by travel insurance?

If you’re injured in an accident or suddenly get sick while traveling, you may be covered for emergency medical treatment overseas including:

  • Hospitalization
  • Day surgery and out-patient treatment
  • Visits to registered medical practitioners
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Ambulances

Am I covered for Coronavirus related medical costs while overseas?

Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may also have access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for certain events. Some of our plans offer:

  • Emergency medical cover, evacuation, and/or repatriation if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas;
  • Cover for some additional Coronavirus-related events such as cancellation following a diagnosis to assist our travelers on the Explorer Plan.

To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has some of the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions. Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.

Why should I consider travel insurance for medical emergencies?

Whether you’re young, old, or anywhere in between, one of the key reasons why many travelers take out travel insurance is to make sure they are covered for any unexpected injury or illness while on holiday.

That’s why World Nomads policies offer two different plans – Standard vs Explorer – that offer different levels of cover for overseas emergency medical situations. In many cases, if you get sick, the hospital may not treat you without upfront payment or providing proof of a travel insurance policy. World Nomads travel insurance can offer cover for overseas emergency medical expenses including:

  • Hospitalization
  • Out-patient treatment (that doesn’t require hospital admission)
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Dental care
  • Transport to get you home for ongoing treatment if we decide it's medically necessary.

This is not a full list of what's covered. There are terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that apply, and cover will depend on your Country of Residence, and which plan you have purchased.

Worldwide 24/7 assistance for many types of emergencies

The Emergency Assistance team can help get you find local medical facilities if needed, and in the worst-case scenario, help get you home if you’re seriously injured or ill and need to be repatriated. When you call (free from anywhere in the world), make sure you have your policy number and a contact number for where you are so we can help.

Some of the most common events our EA team has helped with include:

  • Determining if hospital care and treatment is reasonable for your condition
  • If medically necessary and agreed to by us, we can organize for you to be evacuated or repatriated
  • Help you access medical care in your location
  • Help you find local updates on an unexpected natural disaster or a specific unfolding situation
  • Provide support if you need to contact your government/embassy
  • And many more.

Note: coverage may depend on your past medical history, what's happened to you and any other conditions, limits, or exclusions of cover as described in your policy.

What should I do if I have an emergency while traveling?

What’s not covered?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims we see, where there's no cover for overseas medical expenses, include:

  • If you've used drugs or alcohol, as per the policy wording
  • Any sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections (except, for example, where contracted through an assault).
  • Any reckless behavior
  • Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home (it's not health insurance, it's for travel emergencies)
  • Pre-existing medical conditions as shown in your policy wording
  • Ongoing treatment at home

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

Get a quote 24/7

World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you come unstuck in sticky situations, like when you show up, but your bags don’t. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.

How to get medical assistance.

It’s essential that you get in contact with our Emergency Assistance teams as soon as possible so that they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.

So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:

  • Your policy number
  • A contact number that we can call you on
  • The nature of your problem
  • Your location

Monkey Bite

While visiting the Monkey Forest in Bali, I was bitten by a monkey and blood was drawn. After returning to our hotel we then visited a local doctor the same evening of the bite. I received my first rabies vaccination and then went to the International SOS office in Bali for an examination. There I received a second rabies shot, and then immunoglobulin shots.

S.D. U.S Resident in Indonesia.

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
  • Got into an accident?
  • Have your relatives died?
  • Has a bushfire damaged your home?

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 medicine?
  • 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 overseas?
  • Medevac needed home?
  • Need an ambulance?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Damaged docs?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • 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

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask our customer service team.