For when nature intervenes
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 17 June 2021, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 17 June 2021 please see below.
Travel Insurance for natural catastrophes covers you for when Mother Nature decides it’s time to be heard. From Bali’s volcanic eruptions to Japan’s tsunamis and Caribbean cyclones, natural catastrophes are by nature unpredictable and can severely disrupt your travel plans.
Consider purchasing our Explorer Plan, which offers a benefit to help you move to a safer area when a natural catastrophe strikes.
While the last thing we want to do is to talk about all the nasty weather that could come your way, it’s important for you to know what we define as a ‘natural catastrophe’ in our policy. The following are considered a natural catastrophe: Hurricane, tornado, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, storm, flood, landslide, avalanche, fire, high water or explosion.
Travel Insurance Tip: Please be sure to read your policy carefully as epidemics/pandemics are not considered a natural catastrophe in our policy coverage. If you’re looking for information on our Coronavirus cover, check out our Coronavirus cover article which includes the terms, benefits and exclusions.
If you’re caught up in a natural catastrophe and purchased the Explorer Plan, the Natural Catastrophe section may cover the reasonable cost of additional accommodation and transport during your trip for one of the following situations:
With the Explorer Plan, you may also have your evacuation expenses covered in the event that a Travel Advisory is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or a similar body in the circumstances, recommending evacuation from the country or specific area in which you are travelling.
If your destination is impacted by a natural catastrophe then you must contact our Emergency Assistance team so we are advised of the situation. If you do not comply with this condition it may impact what we pay you for your claim.
There are a number of circumstances where we will not cover you following a natural catastrophe. These include:
If you’re travelling to a region that’s known for natural catastrophes, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there are any current warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural catastrophe impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details, so there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered get in touch.
If you’re travelling to a region that’s known for natural catastrophes, it's a good idea to do some research to see if there have been any warnings. If you buy a policy after an event is known, and the natural catasatrophe impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
On the night 25/10/2010 I was on the surf charter boat, in the Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia. There was an earthquake and tsunami that hit and completely destroyed the boat. The boat caught fire. The fire spread rapidly and we had to abandon ship. The boat along with all personal belongs were completely destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that there was no time to collect any belongings. The only things I ended up with were the shorts I was wearing, my watch and wedding ring. Almost all my possessions and documentation were on the boat and destroyed.
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Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.
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Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.
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You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.
For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.