For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
We all know that the media loves to jump up and down and muddy the waters when it comes to terrorism. What we have found is that many Kiwi travellers are confused about the cover provided under a World Nomads policy.
In the event that you find yourself suddenly caught in a terrorist event, first and foremost find safety and follow the advice of local authorities. When you are able, please contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
Important: For any cover to apply, it’s a condition that the policy is/was purchased before a mass media or government warning is/was in place for the region or country you are travelling to. For example, you travel to Istanbul and the New Zealand government has a do not travel warning in place for terrorism, and while you are there you are injured as a result of terrorism; there is no cover for medical expenses incurred.
Are my medical expenses covered?
Yes, the World Nomads policy covers injures you’ve sustained as a result of a terrorist attack. You can be covered for treatments such as:
- Medical Evacuation by air or road ambulance to the most suitable medical facility.
- Admission and treatment in hospital.
- Day surgery and out-patient medical treatment.
- Repatriation home - with a medical escort if you’re not fit to continue travelling, when pre-approved.
The cost of medical care varies depending on where you are, e.g. a hospital visit in Bangkok is generally cheaper than a hospital visit for the same injury in the U.S, so you may want to take that in to consideration when choosing which plan.
Am I covered if I need to cancel or change my plans?
No. The policy excludes cover where terrorism causes you to cancel your trip. There’s also an exclusion which rules out cover if you change your mind. However, it’s a good idea to hit up your travel provider & accommodation provider to see what refunds they can offer you.
Can you refund the rest of my policy because I’ve returned home early?
As you’ve been travelling on the policy and it’s now outside of the 21-day cooling off period, there are no partial refunds.
What if I have to leave where I'm staying after a terrorism event and leave all of my stuff behind - can I replace it?
Unfortunately there’s no cover if you leave your stuff behind. However, if it was damaged, you can make a claim. Proof of the damage will be required to help assess any claim.
Why is an Do Not Travel country excluded? Is it because of terrorism or something else?
Do Not Travel countries are excluded from the coverage as they’re exactly that – extreme risk. In short, we don’t want you dead or injured. Do Not Travel warnings are issued by the New Zealand Government on the Safetravel website for a variety of reasons, but mainly due to the high risk of a terrorist attack, violent social unrest, or ongoing armed conflict.
How to get help
If you’re going about your trip, taking in the sights, and photographing every morsel of food you’ve touched, and you’re injured as the result of a blast or other terrorist act, get yourself to safety before you do anything else. Once you’re safe, it’s important to contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as you can. They can guide you to the nearest hospital for appropriate care.
We’d hate to think you’re out there trying to navigate foreign hospitals by yourself. The team in the World Nomad’s travel safety department have put this article together to help you survive a terrorist attack.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:
- Monday to Friday 11:00am - 8:00pm (NZST/NZDT)
- Saturday to Sunday closed (NZST/NZDT)
Contact us
Within New Zealand:
0800 666 237
From anywhere in the world:
+61 2 8256 1542
Within Australia:
1300 787 375
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.