Travel 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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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.
Unlike all the other benefits, cancellation cover starts from the moment you buy your policy, not when your trip starts. So if you've got travel booked starting a month from now and you buy insurance now, if you suddenly need to cancel your trip, you may be covered.
What can World Nomads travel insurance cover if I need to cancel?
If you're an Australian, World Nomads can cover you for various reasons if you have no choice but to cancel your trip. Cover is provided for the value of your unused arrangements, less any refunds you receive and up to the benefit limit of your plan. Always ask for refunds from your transport or accommodation providers – you'll be surprised how often you can get something back! And most importantly, get supporting documents for the reason you had to cancel.
We won't list all covered reasons for cancellation here, but the main ones that travellers claim on are:
- A medical practitioner certifies that you're medically unfit to continue with your original travel plans.
- You, a travel mate or a close relative is hospitalised or dies unexpectedly.
- Your transport is cancelled or delayed because of severe weather, natural disaster, hijacking, or strike.
- You're made redundant or your employer cancels your pre-arranged leave (you need to be in full time permanent employment), the event must occurr before your departure date.
- You're called to jury duty.
If you want to see the other reasons for cancellation World Nomads covers, read this article which will also give you further advice on conditions.
Is cover for Coronavirus available?
World Nomads can offer benefits for medical issues related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas and it’s not considered an ‘existing medical condition’ under our policy, your benefits may include:
- 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care;
- Medical costs including hospitalisation;
- Evacuation or repatriation if deemed medically necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.
In addition, our Explorer Plan also has a Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit for certain events. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has all of the details, including benefit limits and exclusions.
What's not covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance isn't designed to cover everything. Common claims we see where there's no cover for cancellation include:
- A loss arising from a change of mind, disinclination or reluctance to travel.
- A loss arising from travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a ‘Do not travel’ warning issued by the Australian Government (see smartraveller.gov.au).
- A loss arising from any act of war (whether war is declared or not).
- Any existing medical conditions.
- A loss arising from errors or mistakes in any booking arrangements, including, but not limited to, failure to book a portion of a trip or obtain appropriate travel documents or visas.
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.
Be prepared if you need to claim for cancellation.
Depending on your 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
Upper respiratory tract infection cancels U.S trip.
I was to commence my journey from Townsville to Brisbane, then on to Los Angeles. As I was unwell on that day I sought medical attention and was diagnosed with an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and was deemed by the Doctor as unable to fly and therefore unable to travel. (Medical Certificate provided for claim) After seeing the Doctor immediate cancellation action was taken with all service providers.
K.W. Australian Nomad.
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 teamFAQ
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?
You're welcome to submit a claim whenever you're ready. 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 cooling off period, there are no refunds.
Travel Insurance for Overseas Medical
A visit to the hospital shouldn't put your credit card into Intensive Care.
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This information is for Australia residents.
Aussies are a lucky bunch. Most of the time, if we need to go to hospital, we don't see a bill. Sadly, that's not the case when you're overseas. If your luck runs out and you get sick or injured, our 24/7 emergency assistance team will be there for you. They'll look after you and keep your people back home informed, so you can get back on your feet and keep travelling.
What Overseas Medical Expenses are covered by travel insurance?
If accident or injury should strike, and you buy the policy for the activities you'll be doing, you can be covered for a whole range of emergency treatment, including:
| Cover | Explorer Plan | Standard Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | ||
| Doctor's visits | ||
| Prescribed medication | ||
| Chiro, osteo, acupuncture | ||
| Assault or trauma counselling |
We also have a 24 hour Emergency Assistance Team who can guide you to the nearest hospital and set up direct payments to the medical facility. Their network has a global reach, so wherever you are, they can help.
What should I do if I have an emergency while travelling?
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims for overseas medical expenses we see where there's no cover include:
- Any expenses once you return home.
- Riding a scooter without a helmet or valid scooter licence.
- Where you've been acting recklessly.
- If you're under 21 and drinking alcohol in Bali.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not covered. There are limits and conditions that apply, so for more information check out our article on overseas medical coverage and read your policy carefully before you buy.
How to get medical assistance.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible, so that the team can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.
So that our Emergency Assistance teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Typhoid!
I started feeling ill on Wednesday, 14 July. It began with a headache, followed by a loss of appetite and soreness throughout my entire body. A fever accompanied these symptoms on Thursday night. I decided to go to hospital for a blood test on Friday morning, 16 July. The blood test revealed that I had Typhoid Fever. I was admitted to the hospital that afternoon. I was put on an IV straightaway, and started a course of antibiotics, first through the IV, and then, later, in tablet form. I had regular blood tests throughout my time in hospital. I was released on Thursday evening, 22 July.
E.H. Aussie resident.
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.
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Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
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Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered?
We don't have a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, call our assistance teams, and they'll guide to the most appropriate medical professional.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of medicare or your private health insurance.
World 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 teamBuy more travel insurance
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy more cover from home or while travelling to extend your trip.
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This information is for New Zealand residents.
If you're travelling longer and your travel insurance policy has expired or is about to expire, World Nomads can offer you cover.
We know that your plans can change and sometimes you have to extend your trip. That’s why we’ve designed simple and flexible travel insurance that you can buy online, anytime, from anywhere in the world.
If you buy a policy while travelling, you’ll have to wait up to 72 hours for full cover to apply.
But, all policies cover you straight away if you're injured in an accident after you buy a policy. And if you buy a policy before your current ones expires, you'll have continuous cover.
Your Policy Document will have full details to understand the cover, limits and exclusions, so make sure you read it before you buy.
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 Policy Document 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.
- Buy while travelling
- Get cover 24/7 online
- Instant confirmation
- Ongoing traveller support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
Waiting periods apply
The NYC Chills.
I became sick - the main symptoms being weak shakes/chills, vomiting, diarrhea almost non stop for 2 days. I could not keep down water and became very dehydrated. Once I hit the two day mark and still could not really keep water down (I was only able to keep down a spoonful of water every few minutes) I began to lose feeling in my face and became very weak and dizzy so I went to the emergency room at Beth Israel Medical Center - where they gave me IV fluid bags and gave me a metabolic panel.
A.W. Kiwi in New York City
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 hospitalised?
- 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?
- Medivac 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)
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 teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance while traveling. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team. If you’re looking for general travel advice, you can ask our community at Ask a Nomad.
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Do you have an excess/co-pay?
If you’re an American or Canadian, there’s no excess. All other policies have one & you can’t buy it out.
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My son/daughter is already on the road. Can I buy a policy on their behalf?
Yes, you can. But if you do, you're agreeing to all of the terms and conditions as if you are them.
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How long does it take to get a copy of my insurance?
As soon as the payment goes through, we’ll send it out.
