Last updated on January 4, 2024 by Shannon
When planning your world travel, whether it's a quick trip or a long-term adventure, choosing the right travel insurance can be overwhelming. While I used to recommend World Nomads, I no longer believe it's the best option for most travelers. In this article, I'll review who I think World Nomads is still right for, discuss what's covered, and suggest alternative travel insurance options that I personally use.
Jumping from a boat in Australia during prime jellyfish season? Seemed like a good idea at the time! Snorkeling in the Whitsundays back in 2008 was an activity covered by my World Nomads policy, so I felt secure knowing that.
Should You Buy World Nomads Travel Insurance in 2024?
Three to a bike in Thailand? We did this without knowing if we would have been covered if we had gotten in an accident. Coverage by travel insurance often comes down to if you’re following local laws, and have the proper licensing in the place you're visiting.
Deciding whether travel insurance is worth it is a personal choice, but it provides essential medical, gear, and trip protection for short vacations and long-term backpacking trips alike. The key is finding the best travel insurance for your specific needs. Good marketing does not always mean it's the right fit for your trip.
You want a company that successfully pays claims, has an easy online claims system, and fewer loopholes than competitors. In this article, I'll review the coverage and ideal trip types for World Nomads, IMG travel insurance, and SafetyWing.
What is the Best Travel Insurance?
I'll review the types of travelers who should consider World Nomads, IMG Global, and SafetyWing for their travel insurance. It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all policy. Each person's circumstances are unique, and it's crucial to review travel insurance policies based on your exact needs.
World Nomads
World Nomads was once the top name in insuring world travel. It offers both travel insurance and travel medical insurance, covering adventurous activities common on long-term trips and backpacking. However, the policies can be expensive and the claims process leaves much to be desired. With a rating of 3.6 on Trustpilot, World Nomads has received mixed reviews in recent years.
IMG Global
Of the three insurers, IMG has the most variety of policies and the most customizability, ensuring you're insured for exactly what you need.
IMG Global is not as well-known as World Nomads but has a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot for good reason. It offers travel insurance and travel medical insurance policies designed for long-term travelers, expats, seniors, volunteers, and more. IMG Global provides flexibility in choosing deductibles and coverage levels, allowing you to tailor your policy to your specific needs.
SafetyWing
When comparing plans from insurance companies, make sure you're comparing like to like. SafetyWing and IMG offer policies that function as expat health insurance, while also offering policies more comparable to the travel medical insurance you get from World Nomads.
SafetyWing is a newcomer to the market, rising alongside the remote work movement. It has a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot and aims to make long-term travel easier on the insurance front. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance provides travel medical insurance, combining travel coverage and emergency medical coverage. They also offer a Nomad Health policy that acts as global health insurance, ideal for digital nomads on tourist visas staying for months at a time.
What's Covered by World Nomads (And What's Not)?
The coverage provided by your travel insurance policy is essential for protection during your trip. World Nomads covers overseas medical care, medical evacuation, baggage claims, theft of belongings and electronics, and trip cancellation. Additional coverage, such as natural disasters, pregnancy complications, emergency dental, and stolen passports, varies depending on your country of residence. It's important to understand the extent of coverage and any limitations.
Adventure Activity Coverage
Before embarking on my world travels, I meticulously checked World Nomads' A-Z List of Adventure Activities to ensure that the activities I planned were covered. World Nomads' coverage for adventure sports is comprehensive, making it easy to verify if an activity is covered. While not all activities may be covered, World Nomads provides a clear outline of what is covered and allows you to make an informed decision.
Is World Nomads Travel Health Insurance?
Travel medical insurance differs from regular health insurance. While travel medical insurance provides emergency medical coverage during your trip, it does not replace regular health insurance for routine checkups. World Nomads' coverage is designed to assist in emergencies that may arise while traveling. It's crucial to understand the limitations and exclusions of your policy.
Buying Global Medical Insurance for Travelers
IMG Global and SafetyWing offer health insurance policies specifically designed for expats, digital nomads, and long-term travelers. IMG Global's Medical Insurance plan covers many aspects similar to traditional health insurance, providing flexibility in choosing deductibles and coverage levels. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance and Nomad Health policies are ideal for long-term travelers looking for a combination of travel coverage and emergency medical coverage.
Making Travel Insurance Claims Online
Most insurance companies now allow you to file claims online, which is especially important for long-term travelers and backpackers. World Nomads, SafetyWing, and IMG Global provide online claims processing and have no caps on the length of time you can be insured. This convenience sets them apart from other travel insurance options. In case of a medical emergency, it's advisable to contact your insurance company and follow their authorized providers for faster assistance.
TL;DR: World Nomads Coverage Review Recap
- Having travel insurance through World Nomads and IMG Global has made my life easier during my 15+ years as a digital nomad.
- World Nomads provides comprehensive coverage for adventure sports by default.
- IMG Global and SafetyWing are my preferred travel insurance options for long-term travelers, offering flexibility and comprehensive coverage.
- You are only covered for activities that you are legally allowed to do, so it's essential to follow local laws and regulations.
- For non-residents visiting the U.S., IMG Global provides better coverage compared to World Nomads and SafetyWing.
How to Help Your Claims Get Approved
Travel insurance protects you from unforeseen circumstances while on the road. To ensure your claims get approved, it's important to document your valuables, illnesses, and follow the law. Read your policy thoroughly, understand what's covered, and be aware of any exclusions or limitations. Knowing the target market of your chosen insurance company will help you determine if their coverage suits your specific needs.
Cheatsheet of Coverage Comparison
FAQ About World Nomads & Travel Insurance
As a travel writer and online marketer with over a decade of travel experience, I have personally used both World Nomads and IMG Global for my travel insurance. This review is based on my firsthand experience and feedback from friends and readers. However, it is essential to conduct your own research and verify all aspects of your travel insurance before making a decision.
*Please note that I may receive a small commission on purchases made through select product links. This does not affect my recommendations.
