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Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Canadians Can Protect Their Road Trips, Both Domestically and Internationally

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At a glance:

  • Peace of Mind on the Road: Travel insurance can give you backup for delays, medical emergencies, or mishaps far from home—so you can enjoy the journey, not the stress of what-ifs.
  • Domestic or International Drives: Whether you're cruising the Trans-Canada Highway or navigating winding roads abroad, insurance helps you stay prepared for the unexpected.
  • Not Just for Flights: Road trips come with their own risks—stolen bags, trip interruptions, and more. Travel insurance coverage can help protect your plans and your wallet.
  • 24/7 Emergency Help: Get support anytime, anywhere, whether you're stranded on a mountain pass or need help locating lost baggage.
  • Flexible Plans for Every Trip: From quick weekend getaways to cross-country or international adventures, there’s a plan built to match your road trip style.

From spontaneous detours to unexpected delays, road trips rarely go exactly as planned. Travel insurance helps you hit the road with more confidence, knowing you’ve got backup if the unexpected happens.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my road trip?

Whether you're road tripping across the U.S. to explore national parks or renting a car abroad to drive through winding European countrysides, unexpected detours can happen. That’s why travel insurance for road trips is worth considering—it’s designed to protect you from bumps in the road that go beyond flat tires. From trip interruptions to emergency medical needs far from home, travel insurance for your road trip offers peace of mind so you can focus on the open road ahead, not the what-ifs. Whether domestic or international, your road trip deserves the same level of planning as any other adventure.

What travel insurance coverage is offered by World Nomads for road trips?

World Nomads Travel Insurance for Canadians may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the road. Plans may include:

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    Even a minor car crash could result in big hospital bills

  2. 24/7 Emergency Assistance
    Whether you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, or need a referral for roadside assistance, the 24/7 team is available to assist in an emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Protection against lost, stolen or damaged bags and gear

  4. Trip Cancellations
    Reimbursement of pre-paid, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if you’re unexpectedly too sick to go on your road trip

Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Plan is limited once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province, too.

At World Nomads Travel Insurance, we know your road trip is more than just the drive. You’ll be making lots of stops, having fun along the way. That’s why our plans include travel insurance coverage for over 250 other adventure sports and experiences – from jungle hikes and scuba dives to camping and rock climbing. We offer two travel insurance plans with different levels of coverage to suit your trip style, budget, and adventure level. Check out our activity list and ensure you pick the plan and corresponding activity level that covers everything you plan to do.

*All coverage is subject to plan terms and conditions. Be sure you read and understand your plan documents. Any questions, just ask!

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my road trip?

  • Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travellers and families. Includes up to $5,000,000 CAD in emergency medical expenses and $2500 for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
  • Explorer Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Provides enhanced benefit limits, like up to $5,000 CAD for trip cancellation and trip interruption.

You can compare plans and maximum benefit amounts when you get a quote. Optional coverages come at an additional cost.

Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Get a quote
Two women in a van door

What may not be covered by the travel insurance plan I buy for road trips abroad?

While we can offer coverage for many losses relating to biking, there are some things that may not be covered. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Rental car or personal vehicle damage
  • Incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
  • Personal belongings that are left unattended or in an unlocked vehicle

Top safety tips for your road trip

As cyclists ourselves, we have learned that it helps to be prepared. Before you hit the road with your bike, helmet and gear, check out a few of our safety tips for having the best cycling trip ever.

  • Be sure to drive to the conditions – take your time, especially on unfamiliar roads.
  • Don’t ever drink alcohol and drive - not only is it extremely dangerous but it could invalidate your plan.
  • Don’t leave valuable items in the car, even for a short time; they are not covered.
  • Have your GPS handy and bring back-up directions (such as a printed map!).
  • Check out more tips for driving in remote areas in our article How to Plan a Safe Road Trip.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for road trips. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Do I need travel insurance coverage for a road trip within Canada?

    Travel insurance for domestic road trips within Canada is a smart way to prepare for unexpected disruptions. From emergency medical expenses to trip cancellations, the right road trip travel insurance plan can help you recover costs and get back on track when things don’t go as planned. It’s especially helpful when you’re far from home, navigating unfamiliar roads or destinations. Your policy includes our Adventure Travel Hotline which is your one-stop source for information that adventure travellers like you need. Remember your Canadian government health plan does not fully cover you outside your home province and a medical emergency requiring an ambulance ride, for example, could result in hefty personal costs.

  • What’s not covered by travel insurance on a road trip?

    Travel insurance for road trips may not cover:

    • Incidents involving alcohol or irresponsible behavior
    • Unattended valuables left in your vehicle
    • Vehicle damage (whether you’ve rented or it’s your own car)

    Always review your plan details and exclusions before hitting the road.

Need destination inspiration? 

Already mapped your route? Awesome. But if you’re still dreaming up your next great drive—or just want a little inspiration between gas stops—check out some of our favorite road trips and tips. From iconic highways to hidden backroads, you might just find your next unforgettable adventure.

A road trip through Uganda’s National Parks

A road trip through Bulgaria

Driving across Australia

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $5,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $10 million
  • Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
  • Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
  • Emergency Professional Services
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
  • Return to Your Trip Destination
  • Return of Remains
  • Travel Accident
  • Flight Accident
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
  • Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
  • Travel Documents Theft or Damage
  • Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
  • Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
  • LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance
  • Adventure Travel Hotline
  • 24/7 Security
  • Travel Medical Assistance
  • Bag Trak
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team