According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, pregnant women should not travel to an area with risk of Zika as Zika virus can be spread to unborn children and has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Partners of pregnant women and couples considering pregnancy should know the risks to pregnancy and take prevention steps. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and prevent sexual transmission during and after the trip."
As at 08/06/16; updating last advice of 07/04/16
For policies purchased after Wednesday 8th June 2016, no cover for cancellation/rearrangement is available:
Reports on the Zika virus have been extensively publicised in the mass media, including reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). We consider cancellation/rearrangement arising from the Zika virus to now be foreseen and, therefore, no longer covered.
For policies purchased by 23.59 AET on the dates noted in the table below for the respective locations:
Cover continues under Section 3 - Cancellation & Trip Interruption for those travellers who are pregnant in any trimester (and their accompanying partners/dependent children) who have to cancel or rearrange their travel plans to avoid travelling to the following Zika-affected countries/territories. No cover is provided for cancellation or rearrangement to the following locations if a policy was not issued by the cut-off dates noted below and/or if you are not pregnant at the time of travel. If you wish to change your travel plans, please contact your travel services providers directly for assistance.
Locations identified by the CDC as having locally-acquired Zika virus transmissions (cover cut-off dates):
25 January 2016Barbados 1 February 2016American Samoa 3 February 2016Jamaica |
2 March 2016Thailand (11:00 AET) 9 March 2016New Caledonia 19 March 2016Cuba 22 March 2016Dominica 7 April 2016Fiji 8 June 2016St Lucia |
Medical Expenses Overseas
For those travellers issued with a policy prior to suffering a sudden illness from the Zika virus, medical expenses and medical evacuation (where medically necessary) cover are available. If you suddenly fall ill, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible:
Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or +61 2 8292 1470 (from overseas)
Phone: 1300 787 375 (local call within Australia)
Email: assist@worldnomads.com
SMS: +61 4 1720 4602
Ask the local operator to connect you reverse charges or claim your call costs later.
You’ll need the international dialling code or just the plus sign (+) to dial the number correctly on your mobile phone.
Questions?
If you have questions about coverage, please contact us:
+61 2 8263 0400 (from overseas)
1300 787 375 (local call within Australia)
infoAUS@worldnomads.com
We're here to help:
8am–8pm Monday to Friday AEST/AEDT
9am–5pm Saturday AEST/AEDT
Closed on Sundays and Australian public holidays
Emergency Assistance
In an emergency, Australian residents must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible:
Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or +61 2 8292 1470 (from overseas)
Phone: 1300 787 375 (local call within Australia)
Email assist@worldnomads.com
SMS: +61 4 1720 4602
Ask the local operator to connect you reverse charges or claim your call costs later.
You’ll need the international dialling code or just the plus sign (+) to dial the number correctly on your mobile phone.
Need to claim?
In the event of a claim covered by your policy, you must do everything you can to minimise and reduce the cost of the claim (including seeking compensation from any travel service providers), and provide all supporting documentation of the event and expenses incurred. To lodge a claim, complete the online claim form available via your World Nomads membership, or contact us:
+61 2 8263 0400 (from overseas)
1300 787 375 (local call within Australia)
claimsAUS@worldnomads.com
We're here to help:
8am–8pm Monday to Friday AEST/AEDT
9am–5pm Saturday AEST/AEDT
Closed on Sundays and Australian public holiday
Helpful Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Australian Government's Smartraveller information on infectious diseases
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
World Health Organisation
Note: For policies purchased on or after 1 August 2019, your policy is underwritten by XL Insurance Company SE, Australia Branch. For policies purchased before 1 August 2019 your policy is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s.
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- Saturday to Sunday closed (AEST/ADST)
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Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.