General Terms & Conditions

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Acceptance of the Beneficiary

These General Conditions, along with the Specific Conditions and the Voucher, constitute the entire agreement between the Beneficiary and WORLD NOMAD ASSISTANCE. By purchasing or using the assistance services, the Beneficiary acknowledges and accepts these terms without reservation. The purchase of a plan implies full knowledge and consent to all exclusions and limitations detailed herein.

2. Definitions

For the purpose of this agreement, the following terms are defined as follows:

• World Nomad Assistance (WNA): The company providing the travel assistance services, coordinating the network of providers worldwide.
• Beneficiary: The natural person(s) identified on the Voucher who are eligible to receive the benefits described in the plan purchased.
• Voucher: The specific document issued to the Beneficiary that validates the purchase, dates of validity, type of plan, and maximum aggregate limits of coverage.
• Accident: Any sudden, external, violent, and involuntary event that causes bodily injury to the Beneficiary, verified by a medical professional.
• Pre-existing Condition: Any physiopathological process that originated prior to the start date of the voucher’s validity or the trip, regardless of whether the Beneficiary was aware of it or not. This includes chronic diseases, congenital conditions, or recurring ailments.
• Country of Residence: The country where the Beneficiary has their permanent legal residence.
• Emergency: A sudden and unforeseen medical condition that requires immediate attention to prevent serious impairment to health or life.

II. BENEFICIARY / AGE LIMIT

The Beneficiary is the person explicitly named on the Voucher. Rights under this agreement are personal and non-transferable.

Age Limitations: Coverage eligibility is determined by the Beneficiary’s age at the date of plan issuance.

• Standard plans generally cover individuals up to 75 or 85 years of age, depending on the product selected.
• Beneficiaries exceeding the age limit specified in the plan may be subject to restricted benefits (e.g., coverage limited to emergency stabilization only) or may require the payment of an additional premium.
• For “Long Stay” or “Annual Multi-trip” plans, specific age caps apply (typically 65 or 70 years). Refer to your specific Voucher for the exact limit applicable to your policy.

III. VALIDITY PERIOD

The assistance services are valid strictly for the duration of the trip as specified in the Voucher (Start Date to End Date).

• Start of Coverage: Coverage begins the moment the Beneficiary departs their Country of Residence or on the “Start Date” shown on the Voucher, whichever occurs later.
• End of Coverage: Coverage terminates upon the Beneficiary’s return to their Country of Residence or on the “End Date” shown on the Voucher, whichever occurs first.
• Grace Period (Purchase during trip): If the plan is purchased after the trip has already commenced, a mandatory waiting period (typically 72 hours) applies before medical coverage becomes effective, unless authorized otherwise by WNA.
• Extensions: Extensions must be requested before the current Voucher expires. Approval is subject to WNA’s discretion and the Beneficiary declaring that no medical assistance is currently needed or pending.

IV. GEOGRAPHICAL VALIDITY

Coverage is valid within the geographical zones defined in the plan (e.g., Worldwide, Europe (Schengen), Latin America).

Major Exclusions:

1. Country of Residence: No services are provided within the Beneficiary’s country of residence or principal domicile.
2. Conflict Zones: Services are not guaranteed in countries involved in active war (declared or undeclared), civil unrest, invasion, or acts of terrorism where the safety of the medical team cannot be assured.
3. Sanctioned Territories: WNA will not provide coverage in jurisdictions where doing so would violate international sanctions or trade embargoes (e.g., OFAC regulations).

V. PROCEDURE TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, THE BENEFICIARY MUST CONTACT THE ALARM CENTER IMMEDIATELY.

1. Obligations of the Beneficiary

To ensure coverage, the Beneficiary must:

• Call, email, or message the WNA Alarm Center before receiving medical treatment (except in life-threatening situations where communication is impossible; in such cases, notification must be made within 24 hours).
• Provide: Full Name, Voucher Number, Contact Phone Number, Current Location, and Description of the Emergency.
• Obtain authorization from WNA prior to incurring any expense.
• Follow the instructions of the WNA Medical Team regarding which hospital or doctor to visit.

2. Obligations Assumed by World Nomad Assistance

Upon notification, WNA will:

• Verify the validity of the policy and the nature of the emergency.
• Coordinate the appointment with the nearest appropriate medical provider.
• Guarantee payment directly to the provider (cashless service) whenever the infrastructure allows.
• Monitor the medical progress of the Beneficiary until discharge.

VI. CURRENCY OF BENEFITS

All coverage limits are expressed in the currency stated on the Voucher (USD or EUR). Expenses incurred in other currencies will be converted based on the official exchange rate on the date of service. WNA is not responsible for fluctuations in exchange rates affecting the reimbursement amount.

VII. DEFINITION OF BENEFITS

The following benefits apply up to the maximum aggregate limit specified in your Voucher.

1. Medical Assistance (Accident & Illness)

WNA covers the costs of medical attention required due to an accident or non-pre-existing illness occurring during the trip. This includes:

• Medical consultations (general and specialist).
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays, laboratory tests, MRI, etc.) ordered by the treating physician.
• Hospitalization expenses (room and board, nursing, surgery, anesthesia, intensive care).
• Costs are covered up to the maximum limit of the plan.

2. Prescribed Medications

WNA will reimburse or pay for medications prescribed by the attending physician to treat the emergency. Coverage does not include maintenance medications for chronic conditions or contraceptives.

3. Emergency Dentistry

Coverage is strictly limited to the treatment of acute pain, infection, or trauma to natural teeth. Limits typically apply (e.g., USD 300 – USD 500). Exclusions: Root canals, crowns, aesthetics, cleaning, and routine checkups.

4. Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

If the local medical facilities are inadequate, WNA organizes and pays for the transfer of the Beneficiary to the nearest adequate medical center or to their Country of Residence.

• Decision: The decision to evacuate and the means of transport (air ambulance, commercial flight with escort, ground ambulance) rest solely with the WNA Medical Department.
• Mortal Remains: In the event of death, WNA covers the administrative and transport costs to repatriate the remains to the country of residence. Funeral and burial costs are excluded unless specified.

5. Hotel Expenses for Convalescence

If the treating doctor orders mandatory bed rest after discharge from the hospital, WNA covers hotel lodging expenses up to the daily limit and maximum days specified in the Voucher (e.g., USD 100/day for 10 days).

6. Family Transportation (Compassionate Visit)

If the Beneficiary is hospitalized for more than a specified period (e.g., 5 or 10 days) and is alone, WNA covers an economy class ticket for a family member to travel to the location of hospitalization, plus reasonable hotel expenses.

7. Luggage Assistance (Compensation)

Lost Luggage: WNA provides supplementary compensation for the total permanent loss of checked luggage by the airline.

• This benefit is secondary to the airline’s compensation.
• The Beneficiary must report the loss (P.I.R.) immediately to the airline.
• Coverage is calculated per kilogram or as a lump sum, up to the plan limit (e.g., USD 1,200).
• Valuables (jewelry, electronics, money) inside checked luggage are NOT covered.

8. Flight Delay / Cancellation

Reimbursement of essential expenses (meals, lodging, transport) incurred due to a flight delay of more than 6 hours, provided the airline does not cover them. Original receipts are required.

X. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

(Applicable only if the specific Upgrade is listed on the Voucher)

1. Pre-existing Condition Coverage

If purchased, this benefit covers the stabilization of an acute episode of a pre-existing condition up to the specific sub-limit indicated. It does not cover long-term treatment or routine checkups.

2. Sports Practice (Amateur & Professional)

Standard plans cover only recreational sports. Competitive or high-risk sports (e.g., skiing, rugby, combat sports) require a specific “Sports Upgrade”. If the upgrade is not present, accidents resulting from these activities are excluded.

3. Tech Protection

Coverage for theft or accidental damage to declared electronic devices (laptops, cameras). A police report is mandatory in case of theft. Deductibles may apply.

4. Expectant Mother Coverage

Standard coverage usually excludes pregnancy complications. This upgrade extends medical assistance for pregnancy-related emergencies up to week 32 of gestation.

XI. EXCLUSIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SERVICES

World Nomad Assistance is NOT liable for:

1. Pre-existing Conditions: Unless the specific upgrade is purchased, and then only up to the stabilization limit.
2. Self-Inflicted Injuries: Suicide, attempted suicide, or intentional self-harm.
3. Substance Abuse: Illnesses or accidents caused by the ingestion of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics without prescription.
4. Illegal Acts: Injuries sustained while committing a crime or illegal act.
5. Mental Health: Psychological or psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, or psychosis.
6. Risky Activities: Motorsports, professional athletics, or extreme sports (unless upgraded).
7. Negligence: Failure to follow medical advice or failure to carry required vaccinations.
8. Force Majeure: Events such as nuclear radiation, natural disasters, or pandemics (unless Covid-19 coverage is explicitly stated).
9. Routine Care: Checkups, aesthetics, hearing aids, glasses, or prosthetics.

XII. SUBROGATION & ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS

WNA is automatically subrogated to the Beneficiary’s rights to claim against third parties (e.g., airlines, hotels, at-fault drivers) for the amount of expenses paid by WNA. The Beneficiary must sign any document required to facilitate this recovery and must not take any action that prejudices WNA’s rights.

XIV. RECOURSE

WNA reserves the right to demand full reimbursement from the Beneficiary for any expenses paid that are later determined to be excluded from coverage (e.g., discovery of a pre-existing condition not disclosed). The Beneficiary agrees to refund such amounts within 30 days of notification.

XV. LIABILITY

XVI. EXPIRATION – TERMINATION – MODIFICATION

1. Claims Deadline

Any claim for reimbursement or dispute regarding services must be submitted in writing to [email protected] within thirty (30) calendar days following the event or the expiration of the voucher. Claims submitted after this period will not be accepted.

2. Modification

WNA reserves the right to modify these General Conditions. The conditions applicable to any specific assistance case are those that were in effect at the time the Voucher was purchased.

3. Jurisdiction

Any legal dispute arising from the interpretation of these conditions shall be settled in the courts of the jurisdiction specified in the Voucher (typically the country of WNA’s incorporation), waiving any other jurisdiction.