Travel insurance for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
Essential travel insurance tips
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Southeast Asia is a traveler’s dream. From the wonders of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to the ancient temples of Cambodia, and Buddha Park in Laos, there’s something for everyone. But before you head off to Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, consider our travel tips so you can make the most of your holiday.
1. Traveler’s diarrhea
Diarrhea can take down even the most seasoned of travelers, so if a local dish leaves you feeling ill, our assistance team can help you find the nearest doctor with our overseas medical cover. With World Nomads travel insurance, you can make a claim for reimbursement for these medical expenses (less any excess, which may apply), even if you’re still traveling.
What is overseas medical cover?
Our overseas medical cover is designed for even the smallest medical emergency, and our Emergency Assistance team is here to support you 24/7, even if you’re held up in a squat toilet. If it’s really serious, they can arrange for an emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital, and guarantee payments if necessary, so you can focus on your recovery.
The danger with gastro is you can lose more fluids than you can keep down. Dehydration can be deadly, so even though you may have a trusty stash of Pepto-Bismol, don’t rely on your own instincts or Dr Google for medical advice.
2. Riding motorbikes and scooters
Motorbikes and scooters are common way to get around throughout Southeast Asia. We understand, it’s fun, can help you explore more of the country, and it’s easy to hire a bike. It’s also not surprising that accidents are common, and we see everything from exhaust pipe burns to injuries caused by horrific crashes, which can sometimes be fatal.
If you’re going to ride a bike anywhere in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, it’s essential that you know what your travel insurance covers, what it doesn’t cover, and how to get help if you need it. If you need help understanding your policy, contact us.
Motorbike and scooter travel essentials
- Bring your driver’s license from home (paired with an international driver’s permit for the class of vehicle you’re intending to hire).
- Check for the correct plan or adventure sport upgrade (if applicable) for World Nomads to cover you to ride a motorbike or scooter in the class you’re licensed to ride. See below under 'Choosing the Right Policy For You’.
- Importantly, you must comply with local laws.
- You must wear a helmet at all times.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Choosing the right policy for you
We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific plans, especially if you plan on riding a scooter or motorbike.
If you’re not sure what’s covered, or have any questions about your policy, you can contact us.
Cover for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences
With so much to see and do in Southeast Asia, it’s a good thing our policies cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences, including using a motorbike or scooter. We can also offer cover for water sports activities, volunteering, cycling and more!
3. Theft
Theft is very common across Asia. It's a good idea to leave valuables at home, and, if you take out your camera, smartphone or money in public, be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye out for passing motorcyclists, who are known to snatch valuables as they drive by.
All World Nomads travel insurance plans have some coverage for theft or if a carrier has lost your checked in luggage, depending on your Country of Residence and your chosen plan.
However, with any insurance plan, limits, conditions and exclusions may apply, for example, if you have simply misplaced your gear or if your tech gets damaged. Generally, you need to be able to show that you took reasonable care to look after your gear.
Tips for keeping your gear safe:
- Before you travel to Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, store a copy of your gear receipts or other proof of ownership, as you’ll need to provide this with any claim if your gear is stolen.
- Contact your bank before departure to let them know how long you will be overseas in case of suspicious transactions, especially after you return home.
- Always carry your electronics and valuables with you and lock your gear up in a secure location when you can’t take it with you.
Tips for making a baggage claim:
If general, you will need a police report, or some other kind of report from an authorized representative (e.g., a property irregularity report from the airline or bus company if your bags were checked in), to validate baggage/gear claims.
- If you need emergency assistance as a result of theft, you can contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- If your stuff is stolen, follow the steps in our handy guide to make a claim
- If your passport is stolen, don’t panic – we can help
- If the airline loses your bags, or they are delayed, you may be able to make a claim if you have the information outlined in this guide
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
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
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
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 meds quick?
- 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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
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)
Real-claim story “I was walking along the pavement and I was robbed by men on a motorbike. The pillion passenger snatched the bag I was carrying. I was in shock and did not give chase as the motorbike was too fast. The street was not empty, with some pedestrians and food sellers. I made a police report at a local police station.”
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
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.