Travel Insurance for Death Overseas
Learn how travel insurance could help your family if you die overseas.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 03 February 2022, please check the PDS provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 03 February 2022 please see below.
It's not something anyone wants to talk about, but fatal accidents and illnesses do happen. For those worst case scenarios, your family will need help and support; emotional, logistical and financial.
Our Emergency Assistance Team can help your loved ones get you home – they're available 24/7 for help, they have the expertise to handle some aspects of international bureaucracy such as helping out with the paper work and working with relevant government departments and the policy can help with the associated costs.
The priority of your loved ones will be to bring you home; we’ll be there to help take away the added stress of navigating overseas laws, different languages and formalities.
What’s covered by travel insurance if you die overseas?
If you die overseas as the result of an accident or a sudden and unexpected illness, you may be covered for:
- Bringing your remains back to Australia.
- Local cremation or burial overseas.
- When necessary, reasonable and necessary travel and accomodation costs for your next of kin to travel with your remains.
We also have access to some of the Australian Government's DFAT services, so for countries where the local laws are complex, we can call on some additional support.
Note: In case of death, the death certificate and a medical report must be included with any claim.
What's not covered by travel insurance?
A lot of the exclusions to medical cover do also apply here, so take the time to read the policy. In the event of a fatal illness or injury, if we're not going to cover your medical expenses and you then pass away, there won't be any cover under this part of the policy either.
- Suicide.
- Deaths as a result of drugs or alcohol.
- Any illness or death arising from a metastatic or terminal prognosis that was made prior to the issue of the Certificate of Insurance.
- If an existing condition causes your death (unless otherwise stated in the policy).
- Any costs within your home country once your remains are returned to your next of kin.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
How your family or friend can get assistance if you die overseas.
It’s essential that your family or travel buddy get in contact with our Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible, so that our teams can support them from the time you die until your remains have returned home.
To help our Emergency Assistance teams assist them quickly, they'll need the following:
- Your policy number
- Your location
- As many details as possible about the circumstances surrounding your death
So, leave a copy of your policy with your family or friend, just in case they need to use it.
How we help.
Overseas deaths are the most heartbreaking cases to help with. No one is ready to deal with the sudden death of a close relative overseas, let alone having to deal with the complex organisation and unexpected high costs. The World Nomads Emergency Assistance team can coordinate a local burial or bringing home loved ones with trusted partners on the ground, and ensure that families and friends are supported throughout such a difficult time.
Operations Manager.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
- Has one of your relatives died?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medicine?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
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Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech trashed?
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- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams 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?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance for Trip Cancellation
Learn what's covered if you have booked and paid for your trip and unexpectedly need to cancel.
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Trip Cancellation Travel Insurance: At a Glance
- Covers prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your trip is cancelled for insured reasons
- May cover cancellation due to sudden illness, injury or death
- Natural disasters, severe weather and strikes may be covered
- Covers cancellation if a travelling companion becomes seriously ill
- May apply if your employer cancels approved leave or makes you redundant
- Benefits depend on your policy plan, country of residence, and cancellation limits
- Claims require evidence like receipts, bookings and cancellation notices
- Always check the PDS for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
- What can World Nomads travel insurance cover if I need to cancel?
- What you need to do if you can’t travel anymore
- What’s not covered by travel insurance?
- Travel tips for Aussies
- FAQs: Trip cancellation cover for Australian travellers
Sometimes travel plans change in the blink of an eye. It could be an unexpected illness or injury to natural disasters or sudden strikes; trip cancellations can happen for many reasons. Having travel insurance cover for trip cancellation may help recover some of your prepaid, non-refundable costs if an insured event ruins your trip.
Here’s how World Nomads travel insurance may help on your next big adventure.
What can World Nomads travel insurance cover if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your trip due to specific insured events, then you may be covered for up to 14 specific insured events including, sudden illness or injury, or a natural disaster. For example:
- Your sudden death, sudden illness, or serious injury, or the sudden death, sudden illness or serious injury of your close relative requiring hospitalisation
- The sudden death, sudden illness or serious injury of a member of your travelling party
- Your transport is cancelled or delayed because of severe weather, natural disaster, or strike
- You're made redundant or your employer cancels your pre-arranged leave.
If your claim is approved, you may be reimbursed up to policy limits for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses such as flights, accommodation, tours or activities.
Important: The amount covered for cancellation depends on whether you have purchased the Standard or Explorer Plan.
What you need to do if you can’t travel anymore
If your trip is cancelled, you’ll need to:
- Contact your travel provider and let them know you are cancelling as soon as possible. Try to seek a refund from them first before making a claim.
- You can contact the emergency assistance team for help 24/7.
When lodging a claim:
- You’ll need to submit supporting evidence - for example, booking confirmations, receipts, or cancellation notices from your airline or tour company.
- You can start a claim or contact us via the World Nomads member portal.
Cancellation coverage starts from the date your Certificate of Insurance is issued (or 72 hours after if you buy travel insurance while already overseas). Only events that occur after that date are considered.
What’s not covered by travel insurance?
Our travel insurance plans don’t cover everything. Some of the things we can’t cover you for include:- Cancelling because you changed your plans or no longer wish to travel
- The event was foreseeable and a known event when you purchased your policy
- Not following government travel advice or warnings. To find out the latest government advice go to the Smartraveller website
- Claims relating to existing medical conditions except as described in “Health conditions & your policy."
- Not providing the documentation required to support your claim.
This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Terms, conditions, limits, exclusions apply, please read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully and contact us if you have any questions.
Travel tips for Aussies
- Keep copies of all bookings, receipts, and travel documents
- Your travel insurance cancellation policy must be active before the event occurs
- Contact your airline or tour operator first, as they may offer refunds or credits before you lodge a claim
- Visit gov.au for the latest travel alerts and information
FAQs: Trip cancellation cover for Australian travellers
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for cancellation. You can also find the answers to other questions in our helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do I need to provide receipts?
When cancelling or rescheduling your trip you will need to provide evidence of purchases and cancellation/rescheduling. If you can’t provide associated receipts your claim may be denied. Read your PDS to ensure you’re familiar with claim requirements.
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Do both your travel insurance policy plans include trip cancellation cover?
Yes. World Nomads offer two levels of cover, Standard and Explorer, and both offer cover for a range of benefits including pre-trip cancellation.
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Does travel insurance cover booking cancellation?
Our policies offer coverage for non-refundable cancellation expenses for up to 14 insured events.
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Is my travel insurance refundable if I cancel?
If you haven’t started your trip or made a claim, you can cancel your policy for a full refund during the 21-day cooling-off period.
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What happens if I cancel my trip before I leave Australia?
You may be covered for prepaid, non-refundable costs if your cancellation is due to an insured event that happens after your policy is issued.
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Am I covered if my airline cancels my flight?
If the cancellation is due to severe weather, strike or another insured event, you may be reimbursed for unused travel.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
- Has one of your relatives died?
- Has a bushfire damaged your home?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medicine?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech Trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams 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?
Contact the teamWorld Nomads give back
We believe that as travellers we have a responsibility to give back to the places we love. Buy a policy and donate now!
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As intrepid travellers, we often find ourselves off the beaten path, travelling through remote communities, many of which could greatly benefit from basic infrastructure, quality education and economic opportunities.
This is why World Nomads has teamed up with reputable charities to support projects in destinations that you care about. When you buy our travel insurance, you can choose to make a micro-donation to one of these global community development projects.
World Nomads covers all administration costs so that 100% of your donation goes directly to these projects. Now, with one click, you can join the one million strong donors who are changing the world in a simple, easy and transparent way.
Making the world a better place.
Today I decided to buy World Nomads travel insurance for my upcoming trips in The Netherlands and Belgium. I had no regrets because I could also contribute through their Footprints program which gives back to communities who need it the most. It's amazing that I can travel while at the same time contributing to make the world slightly better. Keep up the good work, World Nomads!!
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams 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?
Contact the team
