Traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic - Your questions answered
World Nomads FAQ’s can help you plan for future travel
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The Coronavirus pandemic is the single biggest challenge travelers have faced in the last 50 years. While visa and travel rules frequently change, they rarely do so on the scale we’re seeing around the world.
Before you even think about packing your bags it’s more important than ever to start planning as you’ll need to add some extra check boxes to your normal To Do list before you go.
Depending on your Country of Residence and your selected plan, travel insurance may help if:
- You’re injured and need medical transport or evacuation home.
- You want cover for your bags and valuables in case they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Keep the paperwork and receipts for your gear.
- You’ve already left home and need to buy travel insurance.
- You want cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
- You need cover for overseas medical expenses and hospitalization costs.
- You’re looking for cover for adventure sports, activities, and experiences.
For more information related to Coronavirus and travel insurance cover check out our COVID FAQs
Our FAQ’s capture some of the most pressing changes as a result of Coronavirus-related hurdles.
Why should I consider travel insurance?
Many countries now require travelers to have coronavirus-specific travel insurance. Whether you want to purchase travel insurance or not, the choice may be taken out of your hands if you want to travel to specific countries. Travel insurance requirements range from requiring basic medical cover for emergencies, to a full travel insurance policy that includes cover for specific Coronavirus-related events such as quarantine.
Do I need a vaccine passport or proof of vaccination?
Once you’re fully vaccinated (which may mean more than one dose depending on the vaccine and if you need a booster shot), and you’ve been given the all-clear from your medical practitioner to travel, you may need proof of vaccination with your airline, hotel, tour operator or at passport control. Research entry requirements for the countries you’re visiting as they may need a specific format of vaccine passport. Always travel with original or digital copies of your vaccination. You may also be asked to show evidence of being vaccinated by your airline, hotel, and when arriving at your intended destination.
How do travel restrictions work?
We’ve seen many countries open and then close their borders as Coronavirus cases fall and then increase. Once you’ve booked a trip, you’ll need to keep an eye on border restrictions and entry requirements at the country you’re traveling to, as well as for your own country of residence. Some governments are advising their citizens to not travel to certain countries. It may affect any claims you make under your travel insurance cover if you travel to a destination against your government’s advice.
Look out for any last-minute government travel updates, as well as notifications from airlines and other travel companies you’ve made bookings with.
What if there are last-minute changes to my booking due to Coronavirus?
Unless you’re staying with family or friends while traveling, you’ll be booking hotels, hostels, or campgrounds, as well as tours and activities in advance. Check with your accommodation provider and tour operator to find out if there are any last-minute cancellations or changes to Coronavirus requirements. Some hotels or hostels may require visitors to be vaccinated or to show a negative PCR test in some cases 48 or 72 hours before arrival.
Have I got the right vaccine?
It’s great that your vaccinated and have proof of it (like a vaccine passport) but you may still need a specific vaccine with some countries specifying which vaccines are eligible for entry, and yours may not be on the list. Check the entry requirements of any country you are planning to visit well ahead of your travel date to allow enough time to take any tests and confirm the vaccine you’ve taken is approved for entry. If it’s not on the list – it won’t matter if you've been vaccinated, you won’t be let in.
Am I covered if I need to pay for quarantine?
This really depends on your Country of Residence and the plan you purchase. Some of our policies offer cover for some Coronavirus-related events but these may vary between plans. While one policy might offer cover for the cost of your quarantine, another may not. Make sure you select your chosen plan carefully and that you know what you're covered for before making a purchase.
For more details, or if you have a specific question about World Nomads insurance, please visit our online Help Center or contact us.
Note: Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Read your policy carefully and make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not before you buy. Benefit limits, terms and conditions and specific exclusions apply.
Experiencing a medical emergency?
If you're experiencing a medical emergency and need medical help, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who can help direct you to medical help, and if necessary, work with local authorities to repatriate you home, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.
For more information on planning ahead and safeguarding your trip against Coronavirus check out the following articles:
- Travel tips for the COVID-19 era
- How the COVID-19 vaccine could impact your travel plans
- Tourist Visas
- Our latest worldwide Travel Alerts
You’re in safe hands with World Nomads
Check out our True Claims video below to get a behind the scenes glimpse of how we help travelers when something goes wrong.
True Claims Stories
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?
- Been made redundant?
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
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- 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)
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.