Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation
Learn what's covered if you have booked and paid for your trip and unexpectedly need to cancel.
- As featured in:
As featured in:
If you’ve booked and paid for your trip and need to unexpectedly cancel, the last thing you want is to be out of pocket for non-refundable trip costs. World Nomads travel insurance plans offer coverage for your non-refundable, pre-paid travel arrangements, such as transportation and accommodation expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. So, you’ll have one less thing to worry about and you can start saving for your next adventure instead.
What is travel insurance trip cancellation coverage?
If you must cancel your trip due to a covered reason, there's trip cancellation coverage in both our Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans. We cover your non-refundable prepaid trip costs (up to the maximum limit listed in the schedule of benefits) if you can't travel for a covered reason.
Medical emergencies are one of the most common reasons for trip cancellation. You may be covered if one or more of the following people develops a medical condition as certified by a physician that prohibits them from travelling, or dies:
- You or your travel companion
- Your or your travel companion’s immediate family member
- Your or your travel companion’s business partner.
We know more than illness can stop you from travelling, so we also provide trip cancellation coverage in cases like these:
- The Canadian government issues a formal advisory against travel to a destination, country or region listed on your itinerary. The advisory must be issued after both the date you paid for non-refundable prepaid travel arrangements and after your policy effective date. Note there is no coverage if an advisory is issued due to an epidemic or pandemic.
- Your principal residence or destination residence is made uninhabitable by a natural disaster or unintentional act.
- You or your travelling companion are a victim of a felonious assault within 10 days prior to your trip start date.
- A strike stops all travel services at your departure point or destination.
- Your travel supplier files for bankruptcy or completely ceases operations more than 14 days after your policy purchase date and the loss incurred is not recoverable from any other source.
It's important to note that trip cancellation coverage will not be available for an event or circumstance that is known before you purchase your travel insurance. Examples include, but are not limited to: an already-announced strike, an already-named hurricane and a pre-existing medical condition.
When you get a quote, be sure to read through the policy to understand the coverage and what the limits are, and any conditions and exclusions that apply. If you have questions regarding the coverage, please contact us.
What's not covered by travel insurance trip cancellation coverage?
Travel insurance isn't designed to cover everything. Here are some things that are not covered by your World Nomads plan:
- If you change your mind about travelling
- If your visa is refused
- If you break up with your partner
- Events that are known before you buy the policy
- Pre-existing medical conditions that are excluded in the policy
Be prepared if you need to claim for trip cancellation
Depending on your trip cancellation claim, you'll need copies of:
- Receipts
- Itineraries
- Doctors/death certificates
- Medical history
- Written documentation from the travel provider of reason for cancellation and any refunds
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.
Wife's accident cancels Kilimanjaro.
I have to cancel my trip to Tanzania because my wife had an accident and she is waiting for a scan of her back. I should fly to Berlin tomorrow, then Bergen and day after to Africa. It is impossible now because she is alone in the house and I have to take her tomorrow to hospital for another scan. I paid 900 pounds for a Kilimanjaro Climb which is not refundable as it is too close to departure. I paid a deposit for a 3 day safari and had to cancel flights and my volunteer job.
S.Korpak. Norwegian Nomad.
FAQ
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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Is there a time period that I have to claim within?
Our policy requires you to notify us of a cancellation no later than the next business day. If you're waiting on documentation, just let our customer service team know, so they can make a note.
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If I'm having trouble getting documents from my travel provider, will you get them for me?
It's up to you to provide all of the documentation to support your claim.
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Can I get a refund on my policy as I'm not travelling?
If you're making a claim, or you're outside of the free look/cooling off period, there are no refunds.
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?
- Strike at your departure or arrival point?
- Official travel advisory warning not to travel?
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
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need prescription meds?
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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- You or a family member deceased?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or gear stolen?
- Tech trashed?
- Bags delayed?
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 teamTravel Insurance Benefits for Delayed Bags
Learn how travel insurance benefits may help US Residents if an airline delays their bags
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- World Nomads Travel Insurance has four travel protection plans available for US residents, with some plans that offer higher limits of coverage
- Travel insurance benefits for delayed bags are included in all World Nomads plans (per-day and maximum limits vary by plan)
- If your checked-in bags are delayed by more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes
- A non-insurance service that’s included with all plans may help reunite you with lost checked baggage
- Why should I consider travel insurance and non-insurance assistance services for delayed bags?
- Items You May Be Reimbursed For
- Some exclusions that may not be covered
- Maximum Benefit Amounts For Baggage Delay
- What to Do If Your Bags Are Delayed
- FAQs
Why should I consider travel insurance and non-insurance assistance services for delayed bags?
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 5% of bags are lost, damaged, delayed, or pilfered by US air carriers*. If your luggage goes missing, World Nomads Travel Insurance offers travel protection plans with two ways to help—first by helping track it down with an included non-insurance service perk, and second by helping cover essential purchases while you wait. The non-insurance service covers every flight, anywhere in the world. If your checked baggage is lost or delayed by an airline, you should first talk with the airline and try to get it sorted out with them. If the bag is still missing, your next message should be to our Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner. They will get on the case and may get your bag headed in the right direction, quickly.
If your checked-in bags are delayed or misdirected by your common carrier for more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your plan may also reimburse you for essential items so you're not left wearing the same thing until your bags are found and returned. You may also be covered for other reasonable and necessary essential items, such as a warm coat if you’ve arrived at the ski slopes in Japan. (Per-day and maximum limits apply.)
Items You May Be Reimbursed For
- Underwear
- Socks
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Pajamas
- Reasonable essential items deemed necessary
Some exclusions that may not be covered
- Eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses
- Hearing aids
- Orthodontic devices
- Prescription medications
- Credit cards**
- Tickets**
- Cash and documents**
**(except as otherwise specifically covered herein)
Maximum Benefit Amounts For Baggage Delay
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $150 per day, up to a maximum of $750 Get a quote |
Up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 Get a quote |
Up to $250 per day, up to a maximum of $1,250 Get a quote |
Up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 total Get a quote |
What to Do If Your Bags Are Delayed
- Report it to your airline or other common carrier.
- Complete all documentation required by the carrier.
- Contact our Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner and provide them with the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.
- If your checked bags are delayed by your common carrier for at least 12 hours, you may be reimbursed for essential items such as toiletries and a change of clothes. Review your plan documents to see what your per-item and maximum limits are.
- Don’t go on a shopping spree and get a new wardrobe if your bags are delayed. Consider what can actually be considered ‘essential’ items versus ‘wants’. Call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team if you want to be sure (we highly suggest you do this so there won’t be surprises).
- Save receipts for all items you purchase.
- You’ll then need to file a claim online within 20 days after a loss occurs.
- Submit relevant receipts for the items you buy as part of the claim process within 90 days.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for delayed bags You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do all World Nomads plans include travel insurance for delayed bags?
Yes, all of the travel protection plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance include travel insurance benefits for delayed bags, though each plan has different per-day and maximum limits. When you get a quote, you can compare the coverage and limits in our plans side-by-side to see per-day and maximum limits. All plans also include access to our non-insurance Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner that could help reunite you with your bag if it is lost or delayed.
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What should I do if my bags aren’t at the airport when I land?
If your checked baggage is lost or delayed by an airline, you should first talk with the airline and try to get it sorted out with them. If the bag is still lost, your next message should be to our non-insurance Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner. They will get on the case and may get your bag headed in the right direction, quickly. Included in all plans, this service covers every flight on any airline worldwide. You'll receive updates at every step. Just report your lost bags to the airline, then provide the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.
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Can I get new clothes to wear until my bags are found?
If your baggage is delayed for at least 12 hours, you may be reimbursed for toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bags are reunited. Per-day and maximum benefit limits do apply though, so this doesn’t mean you should go on a shopping spree and buy expensive designer outfits.
Items you can claim reimbursement for if your bags are delayed include things like:
- Underwear
- Socks
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Pajamas
If you’re not sure what you can claim under your baggage delay travel insurance benefits, contact our team.
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Can I be reimbursed for a new coat if my bag is delayed and I’m in a cold destination?
If your checked-in bags are delayed by more than 12 hours en route to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for the essential items so you're not left wearing the same thing until your bags are found and returned. You may also be covered for other reasonable and (deemed) necessary essential items. For example, if you’ve arrived at the ski slopes in Europe without a warm jacket (and other clothing to suit the weather of your destination), you may be reimbursed for that.
Get in touch if you’re unsure what you can claim and be sure to look at your plan wording, including per-day and maximum limits, before making any purchase to replace your delayed items.
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What is the non-insurance delayed and lost baggage tracking and delivery service?
This is an additional service that is included in your World Nomads Travel Insurance plan. If your checked baggage is lost or delayed by an airline, our partnership with a Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery Service may help. This non-insurance service tracks and expedites your lost luggage, allowing you to continue your travels smoothly. Included in all plans, this service covers every flight on any airline worldwide. You'll receive updates at every step. Just report your lost bags to the airline, then fill out the form. You’ll need the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.
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Do travel insurance benefits cover lost and stolen bags?
Yes, certain travel insurance benefits may cover lost and stolen bags (up to per item and maximum benefit amount) Terms and conditions apply. When you get a quote for travel protection with baggage benefits, you can compare the plans side by side. If you’re not sure what’s covered, contact our team.
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
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
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 meds quick?
- 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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
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)
Baggage Travel Insurance Benefits
Learn how travel insurance benefits for baggage may help protect US Residents if bags are lost, delayed, or stolen
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- Travel insurance benefits for lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen, or delayed bags are included in all World Nomads Travel Insurance protection plans
- If your bags are delayed by at least 12 consecutive hours or more on the way to your destination, you may be reimbursed for necessary personal items until you are reunited with your belongings
- Our non-insurance service included in every plan tracks and delivers missing checked bags
- Stolen baggage, passports, or personal items such as cameras and computers may be covered (Up to per item and maximum benefit amount) Terms and conditions apply.
- Why consider travel insurance and non-insurance assistance services for lost or delayed bags?
- What May Be Covered in your plan
- Important to Know in the Event of a Claim
- Baggage and Personal Effects Maximum Amounts
- Baggage Delay Maximum Amounts
- What to do if your bags or belongings are lost, stolen, or delayed
- Recommended Travel and Packing Tips
- FAQs
Why consider travel insurance and non-insurance assistance services for lost or delayed bags?
If you’ve ever been the last one standing at the baggage carousel at an airport, waiting in vain for your belongings to appear, you know the sinking feeling that comes with losing your luggage. According to a 2024 air transportation study*, major airlines mishandle roughly 6 bags per 1,000 passengers — which equal over 33 million mishandled bags globally. Sometimes they just took a detour and ended up elsewhere temporarily, but occasionally they’re gone forever. Neither scenario is any fun, but a single-trip or annual travel protection plan that includes travel insurance benefits for lost or delayed bags may be able to help when your bag ends up somewhere other than where it’s supposed to be.
What May Be Covered in your plan
- Reimbursement for the purchase of necessary personal Items (like toiletries or a change of clothes) if your baggage is delayed by a common carrier for at least 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination
- Delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery service
- Stolen bags or personal items (may include your phone or camera.) Terms and conditions apply.
- Non-insurance assistance services to help with stolen passports, visas, or other travel documents
Important to Know in the Event of a Claim
- Coverage is secondary to any reimbursement you receive from your common carrier
- Subject to per-item and total maximum benefit amounts with the baggage and personal effects benefit
- If you leave your bags unattended and they get stolen, you may not be covered
- If your bag is lost or stolen, you must report it to the local authorities (airline, police, etc.) and get documentation of it
Baggage and Personal Effects Maximum Amounts
|
Standard Plan |
Explorer Plan |
Epic Plan |
Annual Plan |
| $500 maximum benefit payable per article, up to $1,000 total Get a quote |
$1,000 maximum benefit payable per article, up to $2,000 total Get a quote |
$1,000 maximum benefit payable per article, up to $3,000 total Get a quote |
$500 maximum benefit payable per article, up to $2,000 per trip Get a quote |
Baggage Delay Maximum Amounts
|
Standard Plan |
Explorer Plan |
Epic Plan |
Annual Plan |
| Up to $150 per day, up to a maximum of $750 Get a quote |
Up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 Get a quote |
Up to $250 per day, up to a maximum of $1,250 Get a quote |
Up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $1,000 Get a quote |
What to do if your bags or belongings are lost, stolen, or delayed
- If your bags are delayed, lost, or stolen, report it to your common carrier (airline, train, etc) or local authorities. Save proof of the report, documentation confirming delivery as well as reimbursement and receipts for essential items.
- Complete all documentation required by the carrier.
- If your bags are lost by an airline, contact our Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service partner.
- Review your plan documents to see what your per-item and maximum benefit amounts are.
- If you need to purchase replacement items for a baggage delay, consider what can actually be considered ‘essential’ items versus ‘wants’ and save all receipts. You can file a claim online, but make sure you do it within 20 days after a loss occurs or as soon as is reasonably possible. In order to claim your travel insurance benefits for lost or delayed bags, you’ll need to provide required documents within 90 days of the loss.
Recommended Travel and Packing Tips
Nobody wants to deal with things like stolen iPhones or lost luggage, but unexpected things can happen when traveling. These are challenging circumstances, but there are a few essential traveler tips that can help you be proactive to try to avoid these situations.
- Consider traveling with a carry-on only. This can be the best way for you to avoid bags getting lost or delayed by your airline. If you must check a bag, put a tracking device in it so you can check in on its whereabouts.
- If you must check a bag, make sure your medications, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and orthodontic devices are in your carry-on. You won’t want to be without those things and these items may be excluded from your baggage and personal effects travel insurance benefit.
- In the event of a claim, receipts may be needed. Original receipts (if available) and a complete list of stolen, damaged or lost item(s) must be provided along with proof of loss providing amount of loss, date, time and cause of loss, and a repair estimate, if the item(s) is damaged; The easiest way to do this is to save receipts and take photos of what you are packing, prior to leaving on the trip.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for baggage travel insurance benefits. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do all World Nomads plans include travel insurance benefits for lost or delayed bags?
Yes, all of the travel protection plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance include travel insurance benefits for lost or delayed bags. When you get a quote, you can compare the coverage and limits in our plans side-by-side to see per item and maximum benefit amounts.
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If my bags are delayed, what necessary personal items could I be reimbursed for?
If your bags are delayed by at least 12 consecutive hours or more en route to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for the necessary personal items like:
- Socks
- Underwear
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Pajamas
Be sure to look at your plan wording, including per-day and maximum benefit amounts, before making any purchase to replace your delayed items. If you’re not sure what you can claim, contact our team.
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What is the non-insurance delayed and lost baggage tracking and delivery service?
If your baggage is lost or delayed by an airline, our partnership with a Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery Service may come to your rescue. This non-insurance service tracks and expedites your lost luggage, allowing you to continue your travels smoothly. Included in all plans, this service covers every flight on any airline worldwide. You'll receive updates at every step. Just report your lost bags to the airline, then fill out the form. You’ll need the file reference, record locator number, and Property Irregularity Report.
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Could high value items be covered by the Baggage and Personal Effects travel insurance benefit?
Higher valued items like jewelry, watches, silver, gold or platinum items, furs and articles trimmed with fur, cameras, and camera equipment may be covered but are subject to special limits. Terms and conditions apply. Always read your plan wording carefully to ensure you have adequate coverage for your needs. If you still have questions, contact our team and we can help you figure out what’s best for your circumstance.
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
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
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 meds quick?
- 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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
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)
Emergency Medical Expense Coverage for Accidents and Sicknesses
Accidents happen. Learn how US residents can protect their trip with emergency medical expense coverage
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- Emergency medical help abroad: Accident & Sickness Medical Expense coverage for hospital stays, ambulance transport, prescriptions, and emergency dental treatment when you’re injured or sick overseas.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation benefit: World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of Emergency Medical Evacuation if needed. (Subject to Approval)
- 24/7 global assistance: Our non-insurance Emergency Assistance team is on call 24/7 to help you find suitable care, communicate with doctors, and coordinate logistics in any language and in any time zone.
- Stay healthy on the road: Get pre-trip telehealth advice, upload portable medical records, and follow simple steps to prevent foodborne illness and altitude sickness while traveling.
- Why consider travel protection for medical emergencies abroad?
- Accident and Sickness Medical Expenses that may be covered
- What May Not Be Covered
- Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Coverage Maximums
- Our recommendations in the event of an unexpected medical emergency on your trip
- What you’ll need to file a claim
- Traveler Tips
- FAQs
We’ve seen just about everything on the road—from motorbike spills and sudden illnesses to allergy attacks and even a shark bite. When the unexpected happens, knowing who to call and how to get help overseas can make all the difference. With a plan from World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can explore with confidence knowing you’re prepared for those “just in case” moments.
Why consider travel protection for medical emergencies abroad?
One of the top reasons our nomads buy travel protection plans that include the medical expense insurance benefit is to protect themselves if they get sick or injured while abroad. Food poisoning, car accidents, or sudden illness can strike when you least expect it. In fact, 27% of claims across all US travel insurance companies in 2024 were for situations like this. Sometimes you just need a doctor to prescribe medicine, but serious cases may require hospitalization, surgery, or emergency evacuation.
Your regular health insurance back home may not cover you once you leave the country. With travel insurance that includes the medical expense coverage, you can get help arranging treatment and avoid paying high out-of-pocket costs if you end up in a hospital or need emergency care while traveling.
The non-insurance Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7, 365 days a year. They should be your first call in any emergency, if the situation allows it. They’ll ask you:
- Your plan number (if you have it on you)
- A contact number to reach you
- The nature of your emergency
- Your location
- Any prescribed medication
- Call them at: 1-877-289-0968 within the United States and 1-954-334-8143 from anywhere in the world.
Accident and Sickness Medical Expenses that may be covered:
- Hospitalization
- X-Rays and Lab Tests
- Prescribed Medicines
- Ambulance Transportation
- Transportation to Your Primary Residence (Repatriation), if deemed medically necessary
- Emergency Dental Treatment
What May Not Be Covered:
- Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home
- Care or treatment that is payable under any other insurance plan
- Ongoing treatment at home
- Any reckless or illegal behavior, including being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Emergency Medical Coverage: Plan Comparisons
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| $125,000 per person Get a quote |
$150,000 per person Get a quote |
$250,000 per person Get a quote |
Up to $100,000 per person Get a quote |
Please note - plan benefits and provisions may vary by state jurisdiction.
Our recommendations in the event of an unexpected medical emergency on your trip
- Get to safety. In a serious emergency, go to the nearest hospital or safe location immediately.
- Call our non-insurance 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. They can recommend trusted doctors or clinics nearby.
- Stay in touch during treatment. As the unexpected situation develops, keep our team informed so they can continue to assist you.
- Need to be moved? If medically necessary, the non-insurance Emergency Assistance team can help arrange medical evacuation or repatriation— contact our team first before organizing transport yourself.
- Keep your paperwork. Save all medical reports and receipts, then file a claim within 20 days after a loss occurs or as soon as is reasonably possible.
What you’ll need to file a claim
The exact documentation will vary, depending on the care you received and the out of pocket expenses you paid. Some examples of required documents could include:
- Discharge records of injury or illness and reports for medical and/or dental expenses claimed
- Copies of all bills, receipts, invoices from the provider of services
- An incident report from the local authorities
- An explanation of benefits from any other applicable insurance
Our Recommended Traveler Tips
- Make use of our non-insurance service perks included in all plans.
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Service – chat virtually with a medical professional who can prescribe you travel medications, like for altitude sickness or traveler’s diarrhea. They can even prescribe you necessary vaccines.
- Portable Health Records – upload your medical records online so your necessary information travels with you.
- Be aware about food and water. To avoid foodborne illness while traveling, follow the rule: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it. Don’t forget about safe water for brushing your teeth too.
- Prepare a basic travel health kit. Pack essentials like pain relievers, bandages, electrolyte packets, and prescription meds. Include copies of your health insurance card and emergency contact numbers.
- Stay aware of altitude and climate risks. If you’re traveling to high elevations or hot, humid regions, learn the symptoms of altitude sickness or heat exhaustion and pace yourself.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Why should I purchase a travel protection plan?
Many U.S. health insurance plans may not cover you outside the country, which can make medical care abroad expensive. World Nomads Travel Insurance offers plans that may help reimburse costs for hospitalization, prescriptions, and emergency evacuation — plus offer support if your trip is interrupted or your belongings are lost.
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What should I do in the event of a medical emergency while traveling abroad?
If you get hurt or sick while on vacation, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. If you are experiencing a medical emergency while on your trip, contact our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance Team at your earliest opportunity. They can direct you to an appropriate medical facility if you are sick or injured, plus much more! Be sure to have your plan number handy so they can find your information easily.
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Why should you consider emergency medical evacuation coverage?
If you’re traveling to a remote area or a destination with limited medical facilities, including cruise ships, medical evacuation coverage might be necessary . It could cover the cost of transport to the nearest suitable hospital or even back to your primary residence if medically necessary. Terms and conditions apply.
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What activities are covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
World Nomads is known for covering more than 250 adventure activities — from hiking, motorbiking, and adventure sports. Check your plan details to confirm which activities may be covered before you go.
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Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
Pre-existing conditions are excluded from our plans. However, you could be eligible for the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver if you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period. Additional terms apply.
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How do I file a travel medical expense claim after my trip?
Save all documentation — medical reports, receipts, and discharge papers. You can file your claim online within 20 days after a loss occurs or as soon is reasonably possible.
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
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
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 meds quick?
- 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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
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)
Travel insurance while already abroad
Get covered by World Nomads, even if you're already overseas
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As featured in:
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying away from home. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Is there a waiting period?
Yes, there is a waiting period for the policy and for types of cover. You can find the details in the Policy Wording.
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How long does it take to get a copy of my insurance?
As soon as the payment goes through, it will be emailed to you or in your membership.
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How do I extend my travel insurance if I'm already abroad?
You can extend your Single Trip policy online while already travelling as soon as your policy starts, up until 11.59pm GMT on the end date shown on your Certificate of Insurance. Please check the terms of the Policy Wording to confirm you are eligible.
Already travelling, decided to extend your stay and realised your travel insurance has expired? Or worse… realised you never bought it in the first place?
With World Nomads, if you live in the United Kingdom and you’re 69 years or younger, you can buy a policy online, anytime, from anywhere in the world.
We’ve designed simple and flexible travel insurance so you can buy what you need, when you need it, even while travelling. If you forgot to buy a policy before you started your trip, are outside the UK, or your cover has ended but your trip hasn’t, you can buy a World Nomads policy 24/7 online.
If you buy a policy after leaving home or when already overseas, a waiting period may apply, which means you may have to wait up to 72 hours for full cover to apply, and certain benefits (like pre-trip cancellation) may not be available as you’ve already left home (for trips solely winthin the UK) or boarded your transportation for international trips. Where the insurance is purchased after your trip has commenced, your country of residence will determine the laws, regulations and tax that apply.
Any illness or injury that occurs during the waiting period may be considered a pre-existing medical condition and, as a result, will not be covered. However, no waiting period applies if you're seriously injured as a result of an accident, if it’s witnessed by someone else, after you buy a policy.
Lastly, if you buy a new policy before your current policy expires, you'll have continuous cover. However, as your new policy terms and conditions may differ from your previous one, be sure to read the Policy Wording before you buy, as it will have full details of the cover, limits, conditions, and exclusions.
- Buy while travelling
- Get cover 24/7 online
- Instant confirmation
- Ongoing traveller support
- 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
Waiting Periods apply
Malaria at Christmas
On the 25th of December I woke up feeling nausea, fever, headache, and lethargy. After two days with the symptoms not ceasing I went to a clinic and was admitted with severe malaria. I stayed in the hospital for two days taking shots for malaria and also saline drip.
A.G. Brazilian Nomad in Zambia
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
- Come to a sticky end?
- Called to jury duty?
- Been made redundant?
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 drugs?
- 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 abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- You or a family member dead?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- 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 team
