Rough Guides recommends you buy travel insurance

Why you should never travel without travel insurance

• What happens when you get sick overseas?

  A traveller in Georgia (formerly part of the USSR) was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. The local medical facilities were not able to handle this medical event and the decision was made to transfer the patient to another medical facility in Turkey. The patient was transferred by private air ambulance because of the life threatening nature of the condition and was then repatriated back to Australia.

  When things go wrong overseas, WorldNomads.com travel insurance ensures that you receive the best care, even if it means moving you to another country to receive it. Our emergency medical teams liaise directly with you and your family, as well as medical staff on the ground, to make sure you receive immediate treatment.

  Medical expenses of U$80,000 were covered

• What happens when you need to cancel your flight?

  I was booked to fly out on the 18th of July at 8:30pm. Early in the morning on the 18th July, I awoke with a severe fever, coughing, and inability to breathe properly. I went to the doctor later that morning and I was advices that I was unfit to travel as I have a severe chest infection which requires antibiotics and over a week of rest. I cancelled the flight immediately.

  Cancellation is an important part of every travel insurance policy. When you buy your policy before you depart, you're covered if your're seriously sick or injured and can not start your trip. Some policies include coverage for pre-booked travel if your trip is interrupted after it starts.

  Cancellation cost of A$996 paid

• Getting robbed is scary enough, but it's worse if you're not covered

  My friend and I were trekking around Italy in this beat-up junker clunker of a van. We were stopped in Casal Borsetti for the evening and sleeping soundly in the back. Around 4 a.m. we were awakened by someone breaking in to the front of the van. Luckily we woke in time to scare them off, but they got away with both of our handbags.

  Being robbed is scary enough for anyone, but made even more painful when you can't recoup the cost of your stolen items. With WorldNomads.com travel insurance, not only can you receive re-imbursement for the cost of stolen items, but you can also submit your claim online, whilst you're travelling. We look to make it easy and quick, so you don't have to wait any longer than necessary to have your claim handled.

  Cost of stolen items worth U$640 paid

• Adventure sports can be exhilarating, but sometimes things can go horribly wrong

  A traveller was snowboarding in Canada and had a very bad accident, suffering a spinal injury. Our emergency teams and local medical staff assisted in getting the patient stabilised, then airlifted to a major hospital for treatment. The specialised spinal treatment was covered by the policy, as was the costs of returning the patient home.

  Whether you're into skiing, snowboarding or even white water rafting. WorldNomads.com provides cover for a wide range of adventure sports, as well as providing travel safety tips through our website, so you know how to stay safe when travelling.

  Medical costs in excess of C$150,000 were covered