Travel Insurance: is World Nomads the best in 2025?

Introduction

Should you take travel insurance? Yes? No? Not sure? That’s a question we’ve asked ourselves more than once. Especially when it means spending more money on something you hope you’ll never have to use.

Travel insurance can feel like one of those optional extras—until the moment you really need it. Like many travelers, we’ve gone back and forth: is it just a waste of money, or could it actually save our trip (and our budget) in case something goes wrong?

In this article, we’ll share a piece of our own travel story and how it changed the way we think about travel insurance. From flight delays and broken gear to unexpected illness abroad, we’ve had our fair share of experiences—some of which made us really thankful to be covered.

By the end, we hope to give you some clarity—not by telling you what to do, but by helping you decide if travel insurance makes sense for your trip.

Our experience

3-Month backpacking in South America

As we were preparing for a 3-month journey through South America, one question kept coming back: Should we take travel insurance or not? We went back and forth on it for weeks, weighing the pros and cons, reading stories, checking prices. The day of departure came… and we still hadn’t made up our minds.

We had done a bit of research and had our eye on World Nomads, which seemed like the best fit for long-term travel. What we liked most was that it allowed you to buy a travel insurance even after your trip had already started—perfect for indecisive travelers like us.

But in the end, we chose not to get one. Was it the right decision? Hard to say. But once we were on the road, we had to roll with it.

Over those three months, of course, things happened. Nothing too dramatic, but enough little mishaps to make us wonder “what if?” From a bumblebee sting in a sensitive spot (yes, exactly where you’re thinking), to persistent knee pain, canceled flights, and even a genital infection (yep, that too)—it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Since we didn’t have a travel insurance, we turned to local and alternative medicine, hoping to avoid high doctor fees.

Looking back, we probably would have done things differently with insurance. Maybe we’d have seen a doctor sooner, booked different flights, or felt less stress when things went wrong.

But here’s the truth: when you travel, something is going to happen. Maybe it’s minor, maybe it’s major—but no trip is 100% smooth. The question is: how do you want to handle it?

You can do what we did and ride it out, adapting as you go. Or, you can make yourself feel safer and more supported by taking out travel insurance. There’s no single right answer—it all comes down to your risk tolerance, your health, and your peace of mind.

Yoga teacher training in India

Tina, a certified 200H RYT yoga teacher, wanted to deepen her practice and take things to the next level by enrolling in a 300H Teacher Training Course. The program would last one full month, and she chose to do it in India—the birthplace of yoga.

This time, the decision about insurance was easy. The school required proof of travel insurance as part of the enrollment. So we didn’t hesitate—we went with World Nomads, a provider we had already researched and trusted.

Why We Recommend Buying Travel Insurance

We’ve personally used World Nomads and found it to be one of the most flexible and adventure-friendly travel insurance options available. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it great—and where it might not be for everyone.

Pros of World Nomads:

• Globally Trusted: Backed by specialist insurers and a solid network of global assistance partners.
• Flexible Booking: You can buy a policy online, even after your trip has started—great for spontaneous travelers.
• Easy to Extend: Need more coverage or time? Extend your policy or make a claim entirely online.
• Adventure-Ready: Covers a wide range of sports and adventure activities that many other insurers exclude.
• Give Back: A portion of your purchase can go toward community development projects worldwide.

Cons of World Nomads:

• Not Always the Cheapest: While the coverage is solid, their prices can be higher compared to more basic insurance providers.
• Limited for Certain Countries: Not available for residents of some countries or regions—always check eligibility before booking.
• Coverage Limits Apply: High deductibles and caps on certain benefits like electronics or baggage loss may not suit digital nomads or those with expensive gear.
• Customer Service Varies: Like many insurers, reviews about claim processing and support can be mixed. Some users have reported delays or strict interpretations of policy wording.

Reminder: Always read the full policy wording carefully. Every trip is different, and what works for one traveler may not suit another.

Don’t forget to book your accommodations in advance – the best places always fill up quickly.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance

Picking the right travel insurance can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re more excited about beaches, mountains, or night markets than policy wording and coverage details. But choosing well can save you from serious headaches (and unexpected expenses) down the road. Here’s how we think about it when deciding whether and which insurance to go for:

1. Where are you going?

Your destination matters more than you might think. Some countries are considered higher risk by insurers, meaning fewer coverage options or higher premiums. For example, trekking in the Andes or traveling through rural India might not be treated the same as a beach week in Spain. And if you’re planning a round-the-world trip, make sure your policy covers all regions you’re visiting—not just your first stop. Always read the fine print to avoid gaps.

2. What kind of activities are you planning?

This one is key. Are you simply sightseeing in big cities or planning something more adventurous? Travel insurance plans vary widely in what they cover. Many basic plans don’t include “risky” activities like:

• Scuba diving
• Paragliding
• Long-distance hiking (like the Tour du Mont Blanc)
• Motorbiking without a local license
• Yoga teacher training or volunteer work

If you’re an active traveler (like us), make sure your insurer explicitly lists the sports or activities you’ll be doing. World Nomads is one of the few that includes a long list of adventure sports in their base plan.

3. How long will you be traveling?

Short vacation or long-term journey? Some policies are designed for brief holidays and won’t cover you after 30–90 days. If you’re going away for months (or indefinitely), look for insurance that allows flexibility—plans you can extend while abroad, or buy after your trip has already started (a feature we loved about World Nomads).

And if you’re unsure how long you’ll be gone (we’ve been there!), choose a plan that allows top-ups or extensions without needing to go back home.

4. What are you bringing with you?

Got a drone, a fancy camera, a new laptop, or other gear for content creation? Most basic travel insurance policies will offer only limited coverage for electronics and valuables. And if something does get stolen, there are usually conditions: a police report, proof of ownership, etc.

Some insurers let you add extra coverage for specific items. If you’re a digital nomad or travel photographer, it’s worth checking those options before committing.

5. What’s your budget—and your peace of mind worth?

Let’s be honest: nobody likes paying for insurance. But think of it this way—how much would you regret not having it if something goes wrong? For us, it came down to peace of mind. The price difference between a basic and premium plan might be small compared to what you’d pay for emergency surgery or a last-minute flight home.

On the flip side, if you’re on a tight budget and only need basic medical coverage (not trip cancellation or fancy perks), you might find a more affordable option that still gives solid protection.

6. What’s covered—and what’s NOT?

This is where most people make mistakes. Don’t just assume you’re covered for everything. Each plan has exclusions. For example:

• Pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered
• Some plans exclude natural disasters or political unrest
• Others won’t cover you if you’ve had too many drinks (yep, alcohol-related incidents are often excluded)

Also, check the deductibles—the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. Low-cost plans might seem attractive but come with high deductibles and low coverage limits.

7. Can you buy or update the policy while already traveling?

This was one of the biggest reasons we chose World Nomads. Many insurers require you to buy the plan before you leave your home country. If your plans are flexible or you’re already abroad, that’s a deal breaker.

World Nomads allows you to:

• Buy your insurance even if you’re already on the road
• Extend it from abroad
• Add coverage mid-trip if plans change

That flexibility was a game changer for us—especially when Tina decided to stay longer in India for her yoga teacher training.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Final thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but asking yourself these questions will help you find a plan that matches your travel style and makes you feel safe, not stressed. Whether you go with a well-known brand like World Nomads or another provider, the goal is the same: travel with peace of mind, and focus on the amazing experiences ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need travel insurance for every trip? Not necessarily. But if you’re traveling long-term, heading to remote areas, or doing adventurous activities, it’s highly recommended.
2. What happens if I don’t have insurance and need a doctor? You’ll pay out of pocket—and depending on the country, that could mean hundreds to thousands of euros.
3. Can I buy insurance after my trip starts? Yes! Some companies like World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Heymondo allow this.
4. Is travel insurance the same as health insurance? No. Travel insurance covers emergencies abroad, cancellations, luggage loss, and more. It’s not meant for ongoing or pre-existing treatments.
5. What if I travel with kids or as a family? Some providers offer family bundles or free coverage for kids under 10 (like SafetyWing). Always check the specifics.
6. Does my credit card already cover insurance? Possibly! Check with your bank—it might offer basic coverage if you book with that card, but it’s usually limited.