Um país relativamente pequeno, porém repleto de experiências incríveis para o viajante aventureiro. No Equador, você pode escalar vulcões, andar de bicicleta nos Andes, flutuar em meio à selva, pescar piranhas - emoções são o que não faltam. E isso sem falar na incrível vida selvagem que você vai explorar nas Ilhas Galápagos!

Mas junto com as aventuras vêm os riscos. E se acontecer um desastre natural ou você sofrer um acidente longe de algum centro urbano? Ao planejar as férias dos seus sonhos, uma apólice de seguro é uma boa ideia para ajudá-lo a lidar com eventos inesperados e inconvenientes.

• Por que o Seguro Viagem é importante
• Ao que devo ficar atento quando viajar para o Equador?
• O que não está coberto?

Por que o Seguro Viagem é importante

Uma viagem única para mergulhar com tubarões, tartarugas marinhas e arraias em Galápagos significa um alto investimento. Um Seguro Viagem que cobre bagagem extraviada e emergências médicas pode ajudar a proteger esse investimento caso algo inesperado aconteça.

Uma plano de Seguro Viagem da World Nomads pode oferecer cobertura para:

• Bagagem extraviada ou perdida
• Cancelamento ou interrupção da viagem
• Objetos pessoais roubados
• Seguro médico no exterior e cobertura para eventos relacionados ao Coronavírus
• Mais de 150 atividades e esportes no Equador

Ao que devo ficar atento quando viajar para o Equador?

Se você procura praias tranquilas ou montanhas cobertas de neve, o Equador tem tudo para fazer de uma visita as melhores férias da sua vida! Mas as coisas podem não sair conforme o planejado. Saber que você pode resolver problemas financeiros, médicos ou logísticos por meio de sua apólice de seguro representa um grande conforto. Alguns dos eventos inesperados com os quais podemos ajudá-lo incluem:

• Bagagem extraviada ou perdida

Embora o Brasil e o Equador sejam vizinhos próximos, as companhias aéreas ainda podem extraviar ou perder sua bagagem. Se isso acontecer, certifique-se de seguir todos os procedimentos de comunicação corretos no aeroporto e a World Nomads poderá fornecer a você uma muda de roupa e itens pessoais até que as coisas sejam resolvidas.

• Cancelamento e interrupção de viagem

Com tanto a se fazer no Equador, você provavelmente passou muito tempo planejando a sua viagem. Mas se algo inesperado, como uma doença ou um acidente, acontecer um pouco antes da partida, ou mesmo durante a viagem, seu seguro pode ajudá-lo a recuperar parte de suas perdas.

• Objetos pessoais roubados

As cidades maiores, como Quito e Cuenca, oferecem uma fascinante mistura de história e cultura indígena e espanhola, incluindo um dos maiores mercados ao ar livre da América Latina. Mas se você for roubado enquanto admira o artesanato local, nossa linha direta 24 horas pode indicar a delegacia de polícia mais próxima e ajudá-lo a obter documentos temporários. Também podemos ajudá-lo a receber fundos transferidos por sua família no Brasil.

• Seguro médico no exterior e cobertura para eventos relacionados ao Coronavírus

Se você se machucar em uma caminhada até os famosos lagos de cratera ou em uma expedição de rafting das montanhas para a selva, nossa equipe de assistentes pode ajudá-lo a encontrar o centro médico mais próximo. Se a lesão for grave, a World Nomads também poderá ajudar a providenciar uma evacuação de emergência para o Brasil.

Infelizmente, os efeitos da pandemia ainda fazem parte de nossas vidas; portanto, se você adoecer com um problema médico relacionado ao Coronavírus, seu seguro poderá ajudar com internações hospitalares e medicamentos.

• Cobertura para mais de 150 atividades e esportes no Equador

A World Nomads desenvolveu um seguro abrangente para o viajante aventureiro com cobertura para mais de 150 esportes e atividades radicais. Com novas experiências incríveis sendo lançadas no Equador, como tirolesa em alta altitude e balanços à beira de penhascos, é importante que você leia as diferentes apólices - Standard, Explorer e Explorer Plus - e decida qual é a certa para o tipo de férias que pretende tirar.

O que não está coberto?

Claro, nenhuma apólice de seguro pode cobrir absolutamente tudo, e há uma série de situações para as quais a World Nomads não fornecerá assistência ou reembolso. Elas  podem incluir:

• Praticar esportes não cobertos pelo plano adquirido. Sempre verifique o que está e o que não está incluso antes de fazer uma apólice e antes de se inscrever em um novo esporte radical, ok?
• Se você não cuidou bem de si mesmo ou de seus pertences. Portanto, se você deixou suas coisas sem vigilância enquanto aproveitava a vida noturna de Quito ou seguia as iguanas na praia de Galápagos, não poderemos oferecer cobertura.
• Tratamento para condições médicas pré-existentes ou se sua viagem foi planejada especificamente para receber cuidados de saúde especializados.

Claro, este é apenas um breve guia para o seguro durante sua viagem ao Equador. Então, antes de ir para o “centro do mundo”, não hesite em entrar em contato para obter informações mais detalhadas sobre as diferentes apólices e coberturas disponíveis.

For such a relatively small country, Ecuador is packed with amazing experiences for the adventurous traveler. From hiking up volcanoes to biking down the Andes, from floating through the jungle to fishing for piranha, thrills are everywhere. And that’s to say nothing of the amazing wildlife waiting to be discovered in the Galapagos Islands!

But along with adventure comes risk, and what if a natural disaster strikes or you suffer an accident far away from the nearest town? When planning your dream vacation, a travel insurance policy may be a good idea to help get you back on course in case an unexpected event means things go awry.

• Why travel insurance matters
• What should I look out for when traveling to Ecuador?
• What’s not covered?

Why travel insurance matters

A once in a lifetime trip to go snorkeling with the sharks, sea turtles and manta rays in the Galapagos means a lot of financial outlay. Travel insurance covering lost baggage and medical emergencies can help protect this investment if the unexpected happens.

A World Nomads travel insurance policy may provide cover for:

• Delayed or lost baggage
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Stolen personal effects 
• Overseas medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events
• More than 150 activities and sports when in Ecuado

What should I look out for when traveling to Ecuador?

If it’s relaxed beaches or snow-capped mountains you’re after, Ecuador has everything to make a visit the best vacation ever! But things might not go according to plan and knowing that you may be able to resolve financial, medical or logistical problems through your travel insurance policy is a great comfort. Some of the unexpected events that we may be able to help you with include:

Delayed or lost baggage

Even though Brazil and Ecuador are close neighbors, airline companies can still manage to mislay or lose your baggage. If this happens, make sure that you follow all the correct reporting procedures at the airport and World Nomads may be able to provide you with reimbursement for a change of clothing and personal items until things get sorted.
 

Trip cancellation and trip interruption

With so much to do in Ecuador, you’ve probably spent a long time making travel arrangements. But if something unexpected, such as an illness or an accident, happens just prior to departure, or even during your trip, your travel insurance policy may be able to help recover some of your losses.

Stolen personal effects 

The bigger cities such as Quito and Cuenca provide a fascinating mix of indigenous and Spanish history and culture, including one of Latin America’s largest outdoor markets. But if you’re pickpocketed while browsing the local handicrafts, our round-the-clock hotline may be able to point you to the local police station and help you obtain temporary documents. We can also assist in getting funds wired over from your family back in Brazil.

Overseas emergency medical insurance and cover for Coronavirus-related events 

If you injure yourself on a hike to the famous crater lakes or on a whitewater rafting expedition from the mountains into the jungle, our 24/7 emergency assistance team can help you find the nearest medical center. If the injury is serious, World Nomads may also be able to help arrange for emergency evacuation and repatriation back to Brazil.

Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic are still a part of our lives, so if you fall ill with a Coronavirus-related medical problem, your insurance may be able to help with hospital stays and medication.

Cover for over 150 activities and sports when in Ecuador

World Nomads has developed travel insurance for the adventurous traveler with cover for more than 150 exciting sports and activities. With amazing new experiences being developed in Ecuador, such as high altitude ziplining and swings flying out over canyons, it is important that you read through the different policies – Standard, Explorer and Explorer Plus – and decide which one is right for the kind of vacation you plan on taking.

What's not covered?

Of course, no insurance policy can cover absolutely everything, and there are a number of things that World Nomads will not provide assistance or reimbursement for. These may include:

• Taking part in sports not covered by the policy. Always check what is and isn’t covered before taking out a policy and before signing up for a new radical sport.
• If you haven’t taken proper care of yourself or your belongings. So if you’ve left your things unattended while enjoying Quito’s nightlife or following the iguanas down the beach in the Galapagos, we won’t be able to cover you.
• Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions or if your trip has been planned specifically to receive specialist health care.

Of course, this is only a brief guide to insurance while traveling in Ecuador. So before heading off to the “center of the world,” please feel free to contact us for more detailed information on the different policies and cover available.

Você já conhece tudo que o litoral brasileiro tem a oferecer e agora é hora de partir para Gold Coast, Indonésia, Oahu ou todas aquelas ondas com as quais você sempre sonhou. Mas um caldo inesperado ou um encontro com uma rocha submersa podem impor uma pausa ou prematura  ao seu sonho. Portanto, antes de buscar as ondas, é uma boa ideia contratar um Seguro Viagem.

Seguro Viagem para surfistas brasileiros

Você pode até ser um surfista tarimbado e conhecer os riscos, mas surfar sabendo que está protegido em caso de acidente só melhora sua experiência. Uma apólice de viagem da World Nomads para surf pode cobrir:

Perda de bagagem: E se a companhia aérea extraviar sua valiosa prancha e outras bagagens antes mesmo que você veja o mar? Certifique-se de informar imediatamente a perda à companhia aérea e obter comprovante por escrito, preenchendo o formulário P.I.R (Property Irregularity Report).

Documentos perdidos: Perdeu seus documentos de viagem e carteira pulando de uma cidade litorânea para outra na Nicarágua? Você pode contar com seu Seguro Viagem para garantir que as substituições sejam mais tranquilas.

Atendimento médico de emergência: em um minuto você está voando sobre as ondas, no próximo você leva um caldo. Fazer um Seguro Viagem para questões médicas de emergência no exterior pode ter sido a melhor decisão que você tomou antes de viajar. 

Transporte: as melhores ondas do mundo não necessariamente ficam próximas ao hospital. Seu Seguro Viagem pode ajudá-lo a sair do paraíso isolado do surfista e se dirigir ao centro médico mais próximo para tratamento.

Cancelamento de viagem: Se você ou um acompanhante sofrer um acidente nas ondas ou ficar doente, o que significa que sua viagem terá que ser  interrompida, sua apólice pode ajudá-lo a voltar para casa e recuperar suas despesas de viagem pré-pagas.

Além do surf, sua apólice World Nomads também pode cobrir:

• Surf terrestre
• Stand-up paddle surf (SUP)
• Windsurf
• Sandboard
• Kiteboarding
• Wakeboarding

Leia sua apólice de Seguro Viagem detalhadamente, pois certas formas complementares de tratamento médico podem não ser cobertas por acidentes relacionados ao surfe.

O que não está coberto pelo Seguro Viagem para surf?

A World Nomads quer contribuir para que as pessoas possam explorar tudo que o mundo tem a oferecer. Mas você não deve visitar regiões que forem consideradas inseguras ou desaconselháveis para viajar, e você sempre precisa ser sensato e tomar cuidado. A World Nomads não pode cobrir tudo, portanto, esteja ciente de alguns pontos, como:

• Não vá para o mar depois de beber ou usar drogas.
• Não podemos oferecer cobertura se você não seguir as orientações de seu médico após um acidente.
• Você deve sempre cuidar de seus objetos pessoais.
• Se algo acontecer com você como resultado de uma condição médica pré-existente, seu tratamento não poderá ser coberto.

Se você é iniciante, faça aulas em uma escola de surf. Não procure um tubo ou uma rampa direto!

Como aproveitar ao máximo seu Seguro Viagem

Como surfista, há uma boa chance de você querer experimentar outros esportes ou atividades de aventura durante as férias.

A World Nomads oferece cobertura para mais de 150 esportes e atividades diferentes e emocionantes que você pode experimentar enquanto viaja pelo exterior. Mas você deve estudar os diferentes planos - Standard, Explorer e Explorer Plus - para decidir qual é o certo para você.

Aproveitar suas férias ao máximo geralmente significa tomar as decisões certas. Então, ao sair para surfar:

• fique de olho nos alertas de tempestade
• reconheça os seus próprios limites e respeite os sinais de alerta do oceano
• verifique a área com antecedência e fique atento a rochas e recifes submersos
• pode ser uma boa ideia surfar com outras pessoas para que vocês possam se revezar para ficar com as coisas de todos na praia. Seu seguro não cobrirá a perda de seus pertences se eles forem deixados sem vigilância.

Obviamente, em férias de surf, é para isso que você deseja uma cobertura específica. Mas os planos de Seguro Viagem da World Nomads cobrem muitas outras situações inesperadas e às vezes inevitáveis que podem acontecer quando você está viajando.

Você pode precisar de cuidados médicos depois de torcer o tornozelo subindo a colina para outra praia ou depois de comer frutos do mar locais que não caíram muito bem. Ainda existe a possibilidade de você pegar o COVID-19. Aconteça o que acontecer, o Seguro Viagem para emergências médicas é importante, pois pode fornecer assistência e atenção médica quando você estiver longe de casa.

A equipe de assistência de emergência da World Nomads também pode oferecer ajuda 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, em diversos eventos inesperados. Isso pode incluir ajudar a encontrar o hospital ou delegacia de polícia mais próximos ou informar sua família no Brasil sobre qualquer emergência e ajudá-lo a receber valores de maneira rápida e fácil se você estiver em dificuldades.

Obviamente, este é apenas um breve resumo de por que é uma boa ideia ter um Seguro Viagem se você estiver de férias para surfar. Para obter informações mais detalhadas, leia atentamente as opções de apólice disponíveis. Se você tiver alguma dúvida, entre em contato.

• What to do if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve missed a connection
• Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund
• Get the essential details in writing from your airline
• Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses
• How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?
• Handy tips in case your plans get affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

So you’re stuck at the airport … we’ve all been there. If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline should always be your first port of call. But travel insurance may be able to help in certain circumstances. Read on for more info.

What to do if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve missed a connection

In many cases, if your flight has been cancelled or you miss a connection, your airline will automatically rebook you. Before travel, download your airline’s app, and refresh the app as soon as you realize you’ve got flight issues.

If your airline has not automatically rebooked you, head to the service desk or call their customer care line. But don’t rush to buy a new flight, as neither the airline nor travel insurance are likely to reimburse you for a new flight. 

Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund

Your airline is obligated to rebook you if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve been bumped from an oversold flight. Travel insurance won’t reimburse you if you’ve been bumped, so seek compensation directly from your airline. If they can’t get you on a new flight until tomorrow, ask to be rebooked on another carrier, or request meal and hotel vouchers. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the airline. If you do end up making a travel insurance claim, you’ll need proof that you first sought reimbursement from your airline.

Get the essential details in writing from your airline

If the airline is unable to provide meal or hotel vouchers, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of out-of-pocket meal and lodging expenses under your trip delay benefit. You’ll need written confirmation from your airline that includes:

• the reason for the delay
• scheduled departure and return times
• actual departure and return times.

Head straight to the airline desk to get this critical information or ask a telephone agent to email you these details on the spot. 

Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses

Remember to keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur during your delay – you’ll need these to make a claim. Your trip delay benefit may cover taxi fares, lodging and meals while you’re delayed. And if your bags are delayed too, by more than 12 hours, keep receipts for the essential toiletries and a change of clothes that you’ll need until your trip resumes and you’re reunited with your bag.

If you do need to make a claim, check out our how to make a claim article for step-by-step guidance.

How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?

Travel insurance may be able to step in where your airline falls short. Here are some situations where travel insurance may be able to provide some relief.

• If you suffer a trip interruption due to a covered risk under the policy, for example a strike resulting in complete cessation of travel services at your departure point or destination, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
• If your flight is delayed by inclement weather for more than three hours or is cancelled entirely, you may be eligible for subsistence allowance, including meals, taxi fares and accommodation. Remember to save all your receipts, as you’ll need them to make a claim.
• Once you reach your destination, if your checked baggage is delayed by your airline or ground carrier for more than 12 hours, you may be eligible to claim for reimbursement of essential toiletries and a change of clothes under your baggage delay benefits.

World Nomads offers a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan, which have different benefit limits. Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits.

Traveler tip 1: You may have coverage if your flight was canceled due to an airline’s unannounced strike action. If you would like to know what you may be covered for in case a strike leaves you stuck at the airport, read our Help Centre article – Does travel insurance cover strikes?

What’s excluded:

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

• You running late, getting stuck in traffic or the security line and missing your flight.
• Purchase of a new flight because you didn’t want to wait to be rebooked by your airline.
• Luxury hotel suites and the most expensive thing on the menu. Travel insurance is meant to cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if you’re delayed.
• Baggage delays of less than 12 hours.
• Expenses that have been reimbursed by your airline.
• Expenses that exceed the limits as stated in your policy (for example, subsistence allowance is capped at $350 per day, to a maximum of $700).

Traveler tip 2: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, that’s not a Covered Risk. Under World Nomads policies, if an event is not specifically listed as a Covered Risk, there is no coverage for that event. Always make sure you read your Policy Wording or Certificate of Insurance for a full description of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

Handy tips in case your plans get affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

We know delays and cancellations are frustrating, but here are a few tips to help smooth the journey.   

1. Prepare in advance. Download your airline’s app. Print or save a copy of your travel insurance policy documents. Check-in online if you can.
2. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport and through the security line (usually a minimum of two hours for domestic and three hours for international flights, but check with your airline for guidance).
3. Be ready for delays and cancellations, which are increasingly common these days. Wear comfortable clothes; bring snacks; have reading, watching or listening material ready when you need it.
4. Carry-on if you can. Having everything with you will minimize the chances of baggage loss if you miss a connection or your flight is cancelled. If you need to check your bag, carry the essentials, including medications and change of clothes, with you.
5. Know what your policy does and does not cover, and when.
6. Be patient and kind. Delays and cancellations are frustrating. Be kind to the customer service agents who are dealing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other angry passengers.

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.

Ecuador is rich in culture, with historic cities, spectacular scenery and countless opportunities to get active. Exploring Ecuador's UNESCO historic centers in Quito and Cuenca, kayaking through the Amazon and hiking the Andes are all great ways to experience this country. American travelers often consider the biodiverse Galapagos Islands to be the trip of a lifetime.

Emergencies can affect even the best-planned trip: natural disasters, strikes, unexpected illness and theft are just a few things that can derail your travels. You should consider travel insurance in case you need to recover losses resulting from unforeseeable events.

World Nomads may provide coverage (up to the policy benefit limits) for:

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Overseas emergency medical and cover for some COVID-19-related issues
• 24/7 access to our dedicated Emergency Assistance Team
• Delayed, Lost, or Stolen Baggage cover
• Cover for 150+ adventure sports and activities

What should I look out for when traveling to Ecuador?

A travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage can help protect your trip investment; baggage coverage can help you recoup some costs in case of bag delay or loss; and emergency medical can help if you get sick or injured while on the road.

World Nomads offers two plans to choose from: a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan. The Standard Plan includes a range of benefits such as overseas emergency medical, baggage delay, trip cancellation and coverage for more than 150 activities. Our Explorer plan includes everything in the Standard and offers some additional benefits along with higher benefit limits. Travel insurance does not cover everything so be sure to read your policy wording to make sure it meets your needs.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption

World Nomads Travel Insurance may cover trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. If there’s a death in your immediate family, or if you or a close family member becomes sick or injured and a doctor says you can’t travel to Ecuador, travel insurance may reimburse any non-refundable, prepaid trip arrangements.

While you’re on the road, a World Nomads policy can provide important benefits. If you need to cut your trip short due to an emergency back home, your trip interruption benefits may reimburse the costs for your return trip home plus any forfeited prepaid, unused, non-refundable trip expenses up to the limits shown in your policy documents.

For example, if you paid in advance and hired a naturalist for a private tour in the Galapagos, and you have to depart for a covered reason, you may be reimbursed for this non-refundable and unused trip expense.

When filing a claim for either cancellation or interruption, you will need to submit documentation for all non-refundable, prepaid trip costs and associated expenses.

Overseas emergency medical coverage

Your American health insurance is unlikely to be accepted in Ecuador. If you become sick or suffer an accidental injury while traveling in Ecuador without overseas travel coverage, any emergency medical or dental costs (or even worse, emergency evacuation back to the U.S.) will be at your expense. 

Accidents and illness can happen on vacation, from food poisoning to twisting your ankle on the cobblestones in Quito or getting in the way of an angry sea lion on San Cristobal. A travel insurance plan which offers cover for emergency overseas medical expenses may help in unexpected situations.

As an American policyholder, you may have coverage for some COVID-19-related events. For details on coverage available to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article.

Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team when you need help

Having a medical emergency while traveling can be scary, but with a World Nomads travel insurance policy, you are not alone. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can help you find appropriate medical care and offer translation services, liaise with doctors and even arrange upfront payment if required.

Some of the best sites in Ecuador are remote. This is where our Emergency Assistance Team can help arrange emergency evacuation to the closest medical facility or repatriation back to the U.S. when medically necessary.

Delayed, lost, or stolen baggage

If you’re checking a bag, there’s always a chance it could take a detour en route to Ecuador. For example, if your itinerary is Chicago to Miami to Quito, and your bag is lost or delayed, your baggage delay benefits may apply.

Reimbursement may be available for personal effects if your checked baggage is delayed or misdirected by an airline carrier for more than 12 hours. Refer to your policy for complete details.

Lost or stolen baggage and belongings may also be covered, for example, a phone swiped from your bag in a crowded Quito market, or a bag permanently lost by an airline (with travel insurance cover being secondary to airline reimbursement).

To keep your belongings safe, use a concealed money belt or cross-body bag to hold your travel documents, valuables and money. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas.

If your bags or belongings are damaged or stolen, file an incident report with local authorities or your airline immediately. Where theft has occurred, this must be reported to the police. You’ll need this documentation and any relevant receipts when you make a claim.

Coverage for 150+ activities and sports when in Ecuador

Ecuador boasts no shortage of opportunities to get active, from mountain biking the legendary Mama Rumi trail to rafting on the Quijos River. Surfing, snorkeling and hiking are just a few of the activities on offer in the Galapagos. World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for more than 150 adventure activities and sports.  Read your policy documents carefully to ensure your chosen activities are covered.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything – so make sure you know what you’re covered for. Some things we don’t cover include but are not limited to:

• Losses caused by negligent policyholder behavior, so no selfies in roped off areas or riding a scooter without a helmet.
• Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your policy wording.
• Not following orders of your treating physician or Emergency Assistance Team.
• Participation in activities or sports not listed in the plan you have purchased.
• Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unattended.

This is a summary of coverage only. Travel insurance has terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Read your chosen policy carefully, and please reach out if you have any questions about what’s covered and what’s not. We’re happy to help.

So you’re stuck at the airport … we’ve all been there. If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline should always be your first port of call. But travel insurance may be able to help in certain circumstances. Read on for more info.

• Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund
• Get the essential details in writing from your airline
• Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses
• How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?
• What’s excluded
• Handy tips

What to do if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve missed a connection

In many cases, if your flight has been cancelled or you miss a connection, your airline will automatically rebook you. Before travel, download your airline’s app, and refresh the app as soon as you realize you’ve got flight issues.

If your airline has not automatically rebooked you, head to the service desk or call their customer care line. But don’t rush to buy a new flight, as the airline is not likely to reimburse you for a flight purchased on your own and travel insurance can only reimburse you if your flight is canceled for a reason specified by your plan. 

Talk to your airline about rebooking, compensation or a full refund

Your airline is obligated to rebook you if your flight has been cancelled or you’ve been bumped from an oversold flight. Travel insurance won’t reimburse you if you’ve been bumped, so seek compensation directly from your airline. If they can’t get you on a new flight until tomorrow, ask to be rebooked on another carrier, or request meal and hotel vouchers. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the airline. If you do end up making a travel insurance claim, you’ll need proof that you first sought reimbursement from your airline or other travel provider.

Get the essential details in writing from your airline

If the airline is unable to provide meal or hotel vouchers, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of out-of-pocket meal and lodging expenses under your trip delay benefit. You’ll need written confirmation from your airline that includes:

• the reason for the delay
• scheduled departure and return times
• actual departure and return times.

Head straight to the airline desk to get this critical information or ask a telephone agent to email you these details on the spot. 

Keep your receipts for reasonable expenses

Remember to keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur during your delay – you’ll need these to make a claim. Your trip delay benefit may cover local transportation, lodging and meals while you’re delayed. And if your bags are delayed too, by more than 12 hours, keep receipts for the essential toiletries and a change of clothes that you had to buy until your trip resumes and you’re reunited with your bag.

If you do need to make a claim, check out our how to make a claim article for step-by-step guidance.

How might travel insurance help if your flight is delayed or cancelled?

Travel insurance may be able to step in where your airline falls short. Here are some situations where travel insurance may be able to provide some relief.

• If an airline refused to provide meal or lodging vouchers, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of those expenses after a delay of six or more hours.
• If your delayed or cancelled flight caused you to miss pre-paid accommodation or tours, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of those unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
• If your flight is cancelled or delayed for at least 24 consecutive hours due to unforeseen weather or a strike, you may be able to claim reimbursement for new flight tickets that you had to purchase out of pocket.
• If you’re stuck overnight and your airline can’t deliver your checked baggage for more than 12 hours, you can claim for reimbursement of essential toiletries and a change of clothes under your baggage delay benefits

World Nomads offers a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan, which have different per day and maximum benefit limits. Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits.

Traveler tip 1: You may have coverage if your flight was canceled due to an unannounced airline strike. Read our Help Centre article – Does travel insurance cover strikes to learn more.

What’s excluded:

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

• You running late, getting stuck in traffic or a long security line and missing your flight.
• Purchase of a new flight because you didn’t want to wait to be rebooked by your airline.
• Luxury hotel suites and the most expensive thing on the menu. Travel insurance is meant to cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if you’re delayed.
• Flight delays of less than six hours.
• Baggage delays of less than 12 hours.
• Expenses that have been reimbursed by your airline.

Traveler tip 2: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, contact your airline. Travel insurance won’t be able to reimburse you for your missed flight if you overslept, got stuck in

Handy tips in case your plans get affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

We know delays and cancellations are frustrating, but here are a few tips to help smooth the journey.   

1. Prepare in advance. Download your airline’s app. Print or save a copy of your travel insurance policy documents. Check-in online if you can.
2. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport and through the security line (usually a minimum of two hours for domestic and three hours for international flights, but check with your airline for the most up-to-date guidance).
3. Be ready for delays and cancellations, which are increasingly common these days. Wear comfortable clothes; bring snacks; have reading, watching or listening material ready when you need it.
4. Carry on if you can. Having everything with you will minimize the chances of baggage loss if you miss a connection or your flight is cancelled. If you need to check your bag, carry the essentials, including medications and a change of clothes, with you.
5. Know what your policy does and does not cover, and when. Trip delay benefits for U.S. resident policy holders start at six hours. Baggage delay benefits start at 12 hours. Know what types of delays are (e.g. weather) and are not (e.g. airline staffing issues) covered.
6. Be patient and kind. Delays and cancellations are frustrating. Be kind to the customer service agents who are dealing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other angry passengers.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel coverage, please contact us for help.

• Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation
• Get it in writing
• Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight
• Keep all your documentation
• Need to know more?

You’re at the airport, ready to go and you just found out your flight is not leaving on time. What you do next can make the difference between a successful claim for compensation or a refund, and a long night on an uncomfortable airline bench. 

World Nomads has put together some information that will help guide you if you’re stuck at an airport. The information covers some steps to follow in case your flight is delayed or cancelled, what you’re covered for and what you’re not covered for, and some added tips.

Step 1: Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation

If you know it could be more than a 12-hour period, it’s worth finding out some information which can help if you need to make a claim, or claim compensation or a refund against the airline:

• How long the delay will be; and
• What is the reason for the delay.

Traveler tip 1: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, that’s not an Insured Event. Under World Nomads policies, if an event is not specifically listed as an Insured Event, there is no cover for that event. Always make sure you read your Policy Wording for a full description of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply to you.

2. Get it in writing

Ask the service desk to give you evidence of why it was delayed. Travel insurance covers certain events, so you’ll need to show it was one of these for any claim to be successful. If for example it’s because of bad weather, then ask them to put that in writing for you.  Some of our travelers report service desks have given them proof on letterhead paper at the airport on the spot. If they can't get their customer service and complaints, contact details then initiate contact on the spot.

Step 3: Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight

If you have been left out of pocket or incurred expenses because of the delay, then your first port of call must be to seek compensation. Get the carrier to help rearrange or reschedule your plans or ask for a refund from the airline or travel providers who have not been able to provide their services to you.  And yes – if you decide to claim for any costs you've incurred, then you’ll need evidence you tried to get a refund first.  If you don’t have evidence, we’ll probably ask you for it which may delay any claim you make. We suggest you approach your airline or travel provider first. 

Note: Depending on your Country of Residence you have rights under consumer protection legislation called the consumer guarantee in certain circumstances if your flight is delayed or cancelled. These are enshrined in the Montreal Convention which applies to residents from many countries. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the airline, public transport provider, tour operator, or accommodation provider.

Step 4: Keep all your documentation

If you’re still out of pocket after contacting your airline, travel provider, or accommodation provider for compensation, you can make a claim under your travel insurance.  We will consider all the information available to use and make a decision on your claim.  As part of that process, the more documentation you have to show you have incurred expenses because of a covered event, the more easily and quickly we will be able to determine your claim.

Step 5: Need to know more?

This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Wording will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.

If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.

For more information on delayed and missed flights and how you may be covered read our Help Center article - Travel insurance: delayed and missed flights.

If you’re unsure about your level of cover around trip interruptions, you can read our Help Centre article - What does trip interruption cover?

Traveller tip 2: In many cases flight delays or cancellations have been caused due to strike action. If you would like to know what you may be covered for in case a strike leaves you stuck at the airport read our Help Centre article – Does travel insurance cover strikes?

Note: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline or transport provider should always be your first phone call. You must make every reasonable effort to contact your travel providers as soon as possible to seek compensation or offers to rearrange or reschedule your plans. When applicable you should exercise your rights under consumer protection legislation before deciding to incur additional expenses, change your travel plans or make a claim with us.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Policy Wording, particularly in the sections of cover that describe cover for 'cancellation' and 'trip interruption’ so there are no surprises if you do need to use it.

Here and the main things that aren’t covered:

• You decline any reasonable alternative service or compensation offered by your airline or other travel service provider.
• You not having allowed for the airline’s official minimum check-in or transit time. For example: not leaving reasonable time for traffic delays is not a claimable event.
• Withdrawal from service, temporarily or otherwise, of the aircraft, coach, train or sea vessel on the order or recommendation of the Civil Aviation Authority or Port Authority or similar body in any country.
• You traveling against the advice of the local or national government authority relevant in the circumstances. We won’t cover any loss, claim or expenses that directly or indirectly relate to or arise from traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government warning of ‘Do Not Travel’ issued by the U.S. Department of State. See - www.state.gov
• Any expenses for delays, rescheduling or cancellation of scheduled public transport services arising from reasons within a carrier’s control, including but not limited to maintenance, repairs, schedule changes, service faults, corporate takeover or industrial activity other than a strike (e.g. overbooking or change of schedule). Note: Compensation should be sought directly from the carrier in these situations.
• If your airline offers you an alternative flight/transport, you are expected to take it, otherwise your cover may also be limited.
• A loss arising from a change of mind, disinclination or reluctance to travel.
• You not providing receipts for your expenses.
• Delays caused by expected and foreseen events that have been covered widely be the media and through official government channels.
• Costs that are unnecessary or extravagant.
• Expenses that are covered by your carrier.

Handy tips if your plans are affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

If you think your travel plans might be affected, you should:  

• Contact your airline, or tour operator to check if any travel services are affected. 
• If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, accommodation provider, or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
• Allow more time to arrive if you know there are strikes occurring that may cause delays, but not prevent you from traveling.
• If you can use eGates then do so, as this may give save you time and alleviate further delays for other passengers.
• Checking in online in advance of arriving at the airport will also reduce potential waiting times for travellers.
• Keep in mind that other ad-hoc events can have further impact on delay times (i.e. weather, increase in passenger numbers etc).

 This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.