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.

• Esportes de aventura, Seguro Viagem e o que nossos planos cobrem
• Que atividades são cobertas?
• O que não está coberto
• Dicas de atividades de aventura para te ajudar a ter uma experiência mais segura

Esportes de aventura, Seguro Viagem e o que nossos planos cobrem

O mundo é vasto, e isso só pode significar uma coisa – aventura é o que não falta! Na World Nomads, queremos ajudá-lo a aproveitar ao máximo suas férias e o que o planeta tem a oferecer. É por isso que oferecemos um Seguro Viagem que cobre mais de 180 esportes e atividades de aventura. Portanto, se você planeja mergulhar no México ou andar de mountain bike no Himalaia, pode ser uma boa ideia obter um Seguro Viagem para cobrir suas aventuras.

Todo mundo imagina o final perfeito para um dia divertido de ski: contar histórias ao redor de uma fogueira. Mas e se o dia terminar com você contando ao médico como bateu em uma árvore ou quebrou a perna? As coisas nem sempre saem como planejado, então todos os nossos planos incluem assistência de emergência profissional 24 horas por dia na forma de uma linha direta de suporte.

Algumas das situações cobertas pelo seu Seguro Viagem de aventura podem incluir:

Atendimento Médico de Emergência e Evacuação

Se você cair de um buggy enquanto dirige pela areia a quilômetros de qualquer cidade, podemos ajudá-lo a encontrar o hospital mais próximo e até providenciar o transporte para levá-lo até lá o mais rápido possível. Nossa equipe de Assistência Emergencial também pode entrar em contato com sua família no Brasil para informá-los sobre o que pode ter acontecido e seu estado de saúde.

Documentos Extraviados

Se você estiver pescando em alto mar e seus documentos caírem na água enquanto você lida com um atum de 110 kg, seu Seguro Viagem pode providenciar substituições para garantir que suas férias continuem e você possa voltar para casa. Nossa equipe de Assistência Emergencial também pode ajudar aqui, oferecendo orientação a sua família de como enviar dinheiro ao exterior.

Perda de Bagagem
Tudo pronto para os Alpes quando você descobre que a companhia aérea perdeu seus esquis e todas as suas roupas de inverno? Infelizmente, isso pode acontecer, então seu Seguro Viagem de aventura pode reembolsá-lo pelo equipamento de substituição enquanto a companhia aérea resolve as coisas. Lembre-se de preencher toda a papelada adequada no aeroporto e tê-la em mãos para quando estiver pronto para acionar o seguro.

Cancelamento de viagem

Você pode ter terminado a caminhada do dia pelo norte da Espanha sem problemas, mas um de seus amigos pode não ter tido tanta sorte. Se um de seus companheiros de viagem se machucar ou adoecer e você tiver que interromper sua viagem, sua apólice poderá ajudá-lo a voltar para casa e cobrir suas despesas.

Que atividades são cobertas?

Existem alguns esportes radicais que nós, brasileiros, amamos especialmente, como o surf e o rapel. Embora muitas modalidades desses esportes estejam incluídas em nossos planos, há outras que são populares entre os brasileiros, como paraquedismo e alpinismo, que podem não estar.

O que não está coberto

Embora a World Nomads possa oferecer seguro para uma ampla gama de esportes e eventos imprevistos, ela não pode cobrir tudo. A seguir estão algumas situações que não são cobertas:

• Emergências de saúde relacionadas a quaisquer condições médicas pré-existentes.
• Esportes ou atividades não cobertos pela apólice que você escolheu.
• Participação profissional numa atividade ou esporte (ex: mountain biking ou surf profissional).
• Qualquer coisa que aconteça se você tiver usado drogas ou álcool.
• Comportamento imprudente ao correr riscos desnecessários.
• Equipamentos esportivos danificados durante a viagem para o seu destino de férias podem ser cobertos, mas danos durante o uso, não.

Dicas de atividades de aventura para te ajudar a ter uma experiência mais segura

Escolha os guias certos

Mesmo que apenas para flutuar na piscina do hotel, você deve sempre pensar nos riscos que o rodeiam. Portanto, se você planeja descer algumas corredeiras praticando canyoning, deve estar ainda mais ciente dos riscos que pode enfrentar!

Ao escolher uma operadora turística, verifique sempre se ela está devidamente certificada e registrada para guiá-lo em sua nova e emocionante aventura.

Escolha o equipamento certo

Certifique-se de que está devidamente protegido para os esportes de aventura que planeia praticar. Verifique novamente a rede de segurança do iate de alta velocidade e coloque seu capacete e protetores ao andar de skate.

Esteja ciente de suas próprias limitações

Você pode caminhar todo dia pela cidade, mas isso não significa que seu corpo estará pronto para um dia inteiro de mountain bike nos Altos Pirinéus. Sempre avalie se a atividade na qual deseja se envolver é adequada para seus níveis específicos de condicionamento físico.

Se você tiver alguma dúvida sobre a cobertura, basta nos perguntar – ficaremos felizes em ajudar.

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.

For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.

• Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?
• Travel insurance for activities in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador
• Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador
• Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States

Wander through historic streets in the center of Quito, learn weaving traditions with the Indigenous Otavalo people, search for wildlife on the storied Galapagos Islands, and hike one of Ecuador’s volcanoes. It’s easy to see why Ecuador is a popular choice among American travelers.

You can swing over the forest in Banos, go on a hiking adventure through the lakes and mountains of Cotopaxi National Park, and visit historic sites in Cuenca. For outdoor adventurers and culture buffs alike, Ecuador entices the curious traveler with its natural wonders, UNESCO historic centers, and rich Indigenous heritage.

While a trip to South America is an incredible experience, there are some things to be aware of when you’re visiting from the US. Our nomads have experienced it all - from lost baggage to natural disasters. We’ve learned quite a bit in our travels, and we encourage you to explore travel insurance* plans for Ecuador.

Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?

International travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like spotting a giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands.

Some surprises are not as great. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you injure yourself in a mountaineering adventure while attempting to climb Cotopaxi, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for Ecuador.

World Nomads has four plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.

Travel insurance for activities in Ecuador

With incredibly varied landscapes from the Amazon Rainforest to soaring volcanoes, Ecuador is a phenomenal destination if you’re looking for some adventure. World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Americans traveling to Ecuador and includes things like scuba diving in North Seymour Island, kayaking in the Amazon Rainforest, and surfing in Montanita.

When you get a quote for your travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s helpful to have a general itinerary in mind. Different plans cover different activities. An advance plan will help you choose the best insurance for your trip—and make sure even your most daring adventure is covered.

If you’re hoping to go horseback riding through the lush El Choco Rainforest, sea kayak in the waters around San Cristobal Island, or white-water raft down Quijos River, you’ll be covered under all plans, including the Standard Plan. Maybe you have your sights set on climbing Mount Chimborazo—Ecuador’s highest peak, which rises to a soaring 20,702 feet. In that case, you’ll need to invest in the Explorer Plan or the Epic Plan.

Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Ecuador

Before you head to Ecuador, we recommend that you make an appointment with our non-insurance service partner who offers telehealth travel consultations. The service offers online consultations 24/7 and can help you obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications, such as medication to help with altitude sickness and traveler’s diarrhea.

We also recommend packing a strong mosquito repellent to help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. Keep in mind that tap water isn’t drinkable, so you’ll need to stay hydrated with bottled or filtered water.

Most Americans diving in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have no problems at all, but sometimes things happen. Make sure to protect yourself. Never dive deeper than your qualification limits and never dive solo. If you get decompression sickness, emergency medical coverage under your travel insurance for Ecuador may reimburse you for your medical expenses.

In the event that you have a medical emergency when traveling in Ecuador, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they may be able to refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your local medical team if there are language barriers.

If your attending physician (and the 24/7 emergency assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Ecuador may cover the costs to get you there.

Travel insurance for lost bags in Ecuador

You probably packed your hiking boots if you’re planning to hike the scenic Quilotoa Loop. What happens if you land in Quito, but your bag doesn’t arrive at the same time? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help reimburse your trekking gear. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well (up to plan limits, conditions and exclusions apply).

If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful. If your bag is delayed for at least 12 hours, you could still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.

The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact our non-insurance service partner that will track and expedite the return of your undelivered baggage by the airline. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.

Travel insurance for stolen items in Ecuador

Petty theft and pickpockets are something to watch out for when you travel to Ecuador- especially in crowded areas in Quito and Guayaquil. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid putting anything valuable in your back pockets. You may also want to carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front. Keep an eye on your bags at bus terminals, as well.

If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim

Travel insurance for canceled, interrupted, or delayed trips to Ecuador

Even if you have the perfect getaway planned with all your hotels and excursions booked, unexpected situations can throw your plans off track. Before you invest in an insurance plan for Ecuador, make sure it includes cancellation coverage.

Ecuador is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding. What happens if heavy rains cause a landslide in central Ecuador, wiping out roads in the region, and making it impossible for you to reach your destination in Banos? Your travel insurance for Ecuador may help you be reimbursed for non-refundable tours and hotel accommodations that you paid for in advance.

If you’re already in Ecuador and something happens to delay or interrupt your vacation, World Nomads insurance may compensate you for covered reasons. For example, if your travel companion gets injured while rock climbing in Cuenca and needs to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours for treatment, you could be reimbursed for the expenses you incur during that time, like hotels.

Let’s say you’re planning to catch a cruise around the Galapagos Islands from San Cristobal but your flight leaving the US is delayed by more than three consecutive hours and the boat leaves without you. You’ll probably have to pay to travel to the next port of call to catch up with your cruise. The Explorer and Epic Plans cover for missed connections and may reimburse you for the cost to travel to the next port.

Tips for traveling to Ecuador from the United States

Before you leave the United States, we encourage you to check out the US government’s safety warnings for Ecuador. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any advisories that may exist at that time.

If you purchase travel insurance for Ecuador, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.

Take extra camera batteries. The worst feeling is to get set up for the perfect shot of a Blue-Footed Boobie, only to find out you have a dead battery. If you make the journey to see the rare bird species on the Galapagos, make sure to read up on some of our tips on how to photograph wildlife in an ethical way.

As you’re preparing for your trip, we recommend you learn a few Spanish phrases that will help you navigate Ecuador comfortable. You might also want to check out our tips for visiting Ecuador to make sure you’re ready for your grand adventure!

• Adventure sports, travel insurance and what’s covered by our plans
• What activities are covered?
• What’s not covered
• Questions to ask when choosing a plan

Adventure sports, travel insurance and what’s covered by our plans

It’s a wide, wide world, and that can only mean one thing – Adventure! Here at World Nomads, we believe in helping you get the most out of your vacation and the most out of what the planet has to offer. That’s why we offer travel insurance covering more than 180 adventure sports and activities. So if you’re planning on scuba diving in Mexico or mountain biking the Himalayas, it may be a good idea to get travel insurance to cover your adventures.

Everyone envisages the end of a fun day skiing telling stories around a log fire, but what if it ends up with you telling the doctor how you hit a tree or broke your leg? Things don’t always go as planned, so all our policies include round-the-clock professional emergency assistance in the form of a support hotline.

Some of the situations covered by your adventure travel insurance may include:

Emergency Medical Care and Evacuation

If you tumble out of a dune-buggy miles from anywhere, we can help direct you to the nearest hospital and may even be able to arrange the transportation to get you there as soon as possible. Our Emergency Assistance team may also be able to contact your family back in Brazil to let them know what might have happened and how you are getting on.

Lost documents

If you’re out deep-sea fishing when your documents fell overboard while hauling in a 110kg tuna, your travel insurance may be able to arrange replacements to ensure your vacation continues and you’ll be able to get back home. Our Emergency Assistance team may be able to help here as well, offering guidance on getting money wired from overseas.

Baggage Loss

All ready to hit the Alpine slopes only to discover the airline has lost your skis and all your winter clothing? Unfortunately, it can happen, so your adventure travel insurance may be able to reimburse you for replacement gear while the airline sorts things out. Just remember to complete all the proper paperwork at the airport and keep it safe for when you’re ready to claim.

Trip cancellation

You might have finished the day’s trekking across Northern Spain without a hitch, but one of your buddies might not have been so lucky. If one of your traveling companions injures themselves or falls ill and you have to cut your trip short, your policy may be able to help you get back home and cover you for lost expenses.

What activities are covered?

There are some radical sports which we in Brazil particularly love, such as surfing and rappelling. While many forms of these sports are included in our policies, there are others which are popular amongst Brazilians, such as skydiving and mountain climbing, which may not be.

What’s not covered

While World Nomads may provide insurance for a wide range of sports and unforeseen events, it can’t cover everything. The following are some situations that won’t be covered:

• Healthcare emergencies related to any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Sports or activities not covered in the policy you have chosen.
• Professional participation in an activity or sport (e.g.: professional mountain biking or surfing).
• Anything that happens if you have taken drugs or alcohol. Water and wine don’t mix!
• Reckless behavior or taking needless risk.
• Sports equipment damaged while traveling to your vacation destination may be covered, but damage while in use won’t be.

Adventure activity tips to help you have a safer experience

Choose the right guide

Even if you’re just floating on a tube in the hotel pool, you should always be aware of the risks surrounding you. So if you’re planning to tube down some canyon rapids, you should be that much more aware of risks you face!

When choosing a tour operator, always check they are properly certified and registered to guide you through your exciting new adventure.

Choose the right gear

Make sure you are properly protected for the adventure sports you plan on doing. Double-check the harness on that high-speed yacht and pop on your helmet and pads when going skateboarding.

Be aware of your own limitations

You may ride around town every day at home, but that doesn’t mean that your body will be ready for a full day’s mountain biking in the high Pyrenees. Always take a step back and sensibly consider whether the activity you want to get involved in is suitable for your specific levels of fitness.

If you have any questions about coverage, just ask us – we’re happy to 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.