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Road trip insurance

Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, don’t start your road trip without considering travel insurance

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One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.

Trip cancellation

Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.

Emergency medical

Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.

Rental car insurance

Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your country of residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.

Emergency Assistance

If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.

Trip interruption and delay

You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.

Baggage and personal belongings

If thieves break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.

Does travel insurance cover road trips?

Maybe you’re not planning to drive that far, or you’ve been on so many road trips and nothing bad has happened. Perhaps you’re thinking you don’t need to bother buying travel insurance? But the past isn't a predictor of the future, and a journey of even a few hours' drive could have some unexpected pitfalls. Taking the extra time to research and plan – and consider a travel protection plan – can ensure that you’re supported at every stage of your road trip, whether you're going from A to B or taking the scenic route to your destination.

What's covered for road trips?

World Nomads plans for Canadian residents do not include damage collision waiver coverage, but may provide protection for other incidents that could occur on the road:


Sudden trip cancellations

An unexpected illness or a government-issued ‘do not travel’ advisory at your destination can prevent you from taking your trip. This benefit allows you to cancel your trip and recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits when a covered emergency happens (Unexpected medical emergencies on the road).

Your health and safety are a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel. Your GHIP (Government Health Insurance Plan) may not cover all medical expenses when you’re outside your home province, so a travel insurance plan may make up for the gaps in coverage. If your injuries are beyond minor bumps and scratches, you may need to check into a hospital. Our plans include ambulance transportation to an appropriate facility. Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount specified in your policy, and note that you must be covered by a GHIP for the entire duration of your trip. Otherwise you may have a reduced the benefit limit for your medical and evacuation coverages.

Emergency assistance at any hour of the day

When you’re on the road away from home, it’s hard to know where to go for help. When you buy a World Nomads plan, you’ll have access to a 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to support you in a crisis. If you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, need urgent medical attention or a referral for roadside assistance, the Emergency Assistance Team can facilitate a range of services in whatever part of the world you’re travelling.

Trip interruptions while on the road

It’s a shame to make a big trip investment only to lose everything if an incident throws a wrench in your plans. Trip Interruption coverage can help salvage your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve had to forfeit because of a covered event that has disrupted your travels.

Protection for stolen belongings and baggage

You may have camping gear in your locked trunk, a passport in your bag, or a camera in the safe at your hotel. Thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces. With travel insurance, you can make a claim for replacement or reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit.

What’s not covered for road trips?

World Nomads plans for Canadian residents don’t cover everything. Some of our exclusions are:

  • Pre-existing conditions, including illness, disease, or other medical condition for which you’ve previously shown symptoms or been treated for prior to your coverage starting. Read your policy for more details.
  • Incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
  • Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment and cash.

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 about your coverage, just ask us.

Car break-in in Italy

My boyfriend and I were talking a road trip down the west coast of Italy. We drove to Torvaianca beach to swim during sunrise with some friends who were staying in the area. When we came back about 30 minutes later, we saw that the car had been broken into in open daylight and all of our precious belongings that we had placed in the locked trunk were taken. We noticed a man bringing horses onto the beach and we asked him to help call the police and thankfully he knew English well enough to communicate to the officers where we were.
Canadian nomad

Reconnect with the world with World Nomads travel insurance.

Itching to travel again?

Explore the world with World Nomads travel insurance. Our plans provide coverage for certain claims arising from Coronavirus (COVID-19). Conditions and exclusions apply. For more information, visit Travel Insurance & COVID-19 and our Travel Insurance & Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs.

Trip cancellation

This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason such as if you receive a confirmed and documented diagnosis of COVID-19, as certified by a physician, before your departure. Please refer to the Trip Cancellation section of your policy for more information.

Emergency medical

If you unexpectedly get sick with COVID-19 or another illness when travelling, you may be eligible for emergency medical benefits, including diagnostic tests prescribed by a physician. Please refer to the Emergency Medical section of your policy for more information.

Emergency evacuation

If a physician recommends that you be transported to a hospital in your home province for emergency medical treatment, you could be covered for medical air evacuation. Please refer to the Emergency Evacuation section of your policy for more information.

Trip interruption

During your travels, you might have to return home early because of sudden or unforeseen circumstances. With trip interruption coverage, you may be eligible for reimbursement for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip if you need to change your plans for a covered reason. There is no coverage for circumstances related to COVID-19 unless those circumstances relate to a new, confirmed and documented diagnosis that the insured has contracted Coronavirus while travelling. Please refer to the Trip Interruption section of your policy for more information.

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Whether you’re stranded in a foreign country or need to reschedule a flight, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re travelling.

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
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • 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
  • Need medication?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Accidentally injured?

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
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Medevac home?
  • Need an ambulance?

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
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

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
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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