Travel insurance when on a road trip
Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, travel insurance can be available to prepare for the unexpected.
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.
Trip cancellation
Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.
Emergency medical
Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.
Rental car insurance
Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your country of residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.
Emergency Assistance
If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.
Trip interruption and delay
You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.
Baggage and personal belongings
If thieves break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.
Travel insurance when on a road trip
If you’re thinking of taking the scenic route on your next trip abroad, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage so you can enjoy the road less travelled.
It only takes a fraction of a second for your dream trip to turn into a nightmare: your car could veer off the road, your phone or documents could be stolen from the locked glove compartment…or even worse.
Some of the benefits included within our Standard and Explorer plans include:
- Unexpected medical emergencies on the road
- Rental car insurance for vehicle damage
- Emergency assistance at any time of the day or night
- Road trip interruptions or delays
- Baggage and valuables coverage
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
What’s covered when going on a road trip
Having travel insurance may help with coverage when hitting the road if something goes wrong. World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Trip cancellation coverage: Kiwis are familiar with natural disasters, especially earthquakes and floods. If something happens to your home before you leave (after you’ve bought insurance) or while you’re on holiday, insurance may cover some expenses associated with cancelling your trip, making a compassionate emergency visit home, or resuming your trip after a break.
- Coverage for extended stays: if you’re having too much fun and want to extend your road trip, you can extend your policy coverage if you do so by 11:59pm on the day your insurance cover expires.
- Activities, sports and experiences: let’s face it, New Zealanders are an adventurous, sport-loving bunch. Overseas travel offers exciting opportunities, such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, or white-water rafting. But if something goes wrong you need to know that while World Nomads offers cover for more than 150 sports and activities, our policies don’t cover bull running, but do cover white water rafting. Check before you buy that your flavour of adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
- Baggage and personal belongings coverage: both our Standard and Explorer Plans offer cover for theft or accidental damage to your baggage and personal items. The level of cover available varies between the two policies, so check before you buy.
Traveller tip: if you’ve already arrived at your overseas holiday destination and you realise that you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving New Zealand, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night to purchase a policy.
What are the benefits of travel insurance?
Road tripping through a new country lets you explore at your own pace and gives you the freedom to stop along the way. Travel insurance for your road trip means that when things go wrong you have help at hand, for example:
- Sudden trip cancellations: if, after you buy your insurance, the New Zealand Government issues a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning to your destination country your policy can cover cancellation expenses. If severe weather or a natural disaster delays or cancels your trip, cancellation expenses may be covered. If your trip is cancelled because you’ve been kidnapped, or due to a hijacking, cancellation expenses may be covered if you have the Explorer Plan.
- Rental car insurance for vehicle damage: to get rental car insurance you’ll need the Explorer Plan and, also, the insurance offered by the car rental company. If you have an accident, the Explorer Plan will cover the rental vehicle insurance excess or the cost of repairing the vehicle (whichever is less). Or if the vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your custody the Explorer Plan may cover you.
- 24/7 emergency assistance: our team of trained staff is available to help with medical problems, including finding the nearest medical facility and, if required, arranging your evacuation home. The team is available 24/7.
- Road trip interruptions and delay: road trips can be interrupted for a range of reasons – the car breaks down, an accident involving you and/or your travel mates or missing connecting transport due to sudden illness or an accident. Our Explorer Plan may cover repair costs to the car (or the cost of the excess on the rental company’s policy).
- Stolen belongings and baggage: if your bags are stolen or accidentally damaged (including any souvenirs) our insurance can pay up to a certain limit. You have the option of upgrading for high-value items. Report any theft as soon as possible to the police and get a copy of the police report – and always keep receipts!
What’s not covered
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so it’s important to understand what’s not included:
- Expenses where you don’t provide receipts or reports.
- Medical costs associated with an accident where drugs, alcohol or reckless behaviour are factors.
- Pre-existing conditions as explained in your Policy Document.
- If you’re road tripping in a rental and you don’t have a valid New Zealand driver’s license, our insurance won’t cover you.
- Expenses from driving specialised, customised or fancy/antique cars won’t be covered.
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.
The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form, and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
Car theft in South Africa
We parked a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant in Haut Bay, an area of Cape Town. After eating dinner, we returned to the car to find that a window had been broken and anything within easy reach had been stolen. Luckily for us, we had been smart enough to bring our very expensive camera inside the restaurant with us, only leaving behind the case and an extra lens.
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?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
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 medication?
- Suddenly sick?
- Accidentally injured?
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
- Hurt abroad?
- Medevac home?
- Need an ambulance?
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 teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
Travel insurance when on a road trip
Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, travel insurance can be available to prepare for the unexpected.
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, an on our own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.
Trip cancellation
Anything from falling ill to jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. With this coverage, you may be able to recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits.
Emergency medical
Safety is a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. A trip protection plan can buffer the hazards of being on the road.
Rental car insurance
Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Some World Nomads plans offer damage collision waiver coverage depending on your country of residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.
Emergency Assistance
If you’re in a crisis, whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere or need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.
Trip interruption and delay
You may need help getting your trip back on track when you encounter problems whether that be a sudden illness, or an incident caused by bad weather.
Baggage and personal belongings
If thieves break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.
Travel insurance when on a road trip
What’s better than hitting the open road and exploring a far-away country via the highways and the off-the-beaten track by-ways? Maybe you’re travelling the US from coast to coast on Route 66 or Europe’s calling you from the famed, limit-less German Autobahn.
While planning your road trip, you might want to consider packing travel insurance just in case your holiday comes across a roadblock.
Travel insurance is designed for many types of transport, but road trippers heading overseas should know that only our Explorer Plan covers rental car hire.
Our Standard and Explorer plans are designed to provide cover for sudden and unforeseen events on your next overseas road trip, such as being left empty-handed when the airline loses your bags, or if severe weather interrupts your plans, and for many other reasons.
Some of the benefits included within our Standard and Explorer plans include:
- Unexpected medical emergencies on the road
- Rental car excess insurance for vehicle damage
- Emergency assistance at any time of the day or night
- Road trip interruptions or delays
- Baggage and valuables coverage
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
What’s covered when going on a road trip
Having travel insurance may help with coverage when hitting the road if something goes wrong. World Nomads may offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Trip cancellation coverage: Aussies are familiar with natural disasters, especially flood and bushfires. If something happens to your home before you leave (after you’ve bought insurance) or while you’re on holiday, insurance may cover some expenses associated with cancelling your trip, making a compassionate emergency visit home, or resuming your trip after a break.
- Coverage for extended stays: If you’re having too much fun and want to extend your road trip, you can extend your policy coverage if you do so by 11:59pm on the day your insurance cover expires.
- Activities, sports and experiences: Australians are an adventurous, sporty bunch. Overseas travel offers exciting opportunities, such as white-water rafting the Rio Grande in New Mexico, rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park in the USA, and mountain biking in Rainbow Mountain in New Zealand. But if something goes wrong, you need to know that while World Nomads offers cover for more than 150 sports and activities, our policies don’t cover bull running, but do cover white-water rafting. Check before you buy that your flavour of adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
- Baggage and personal belongings coverage: both our Standard and Explorer Plans offer cover for theft or accidental damage to your baggage and personal items. The level of cover available varies between the two policies, so check before you buy.
Traveller tip: if you’ve already arrived at your overseas holiday destination and you realise that you forgot to buy travel insurance before leaving Australia, don’t panic. You can visit the World Nomads website at any time of the day or night to purchase a policy.
What are the benefits of travel insurance?
Road tripping through a new country lets you explore at your own pace and gives you the freedom to stop along the way. Travel insurance for your road trip means that when things go wrong you have help at hand, for example:
- Sudden trip cancellations: if, after you buy your insurance, the Australian Government issues a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning to your destination country your policy can cover cancellation expenses. If severe weather or a natural disaster delays or cancels your trip, cancellation expenses may be covered. If your trip is cancelled because you’ve been kidnapped, or due to a hijacking, cancellation expenses may be covered if you have the Explorer Plan.
- Rental car insurance for vehicle damage: to get rental car insurance you’ll need the Explorer Plan and, also, the insurance offered by the car rental company. If you have an accident, the Explorer Plan will cover the rental vehicle insurance excess or the cost of repairing the vehicle (whichever is less). Or if the vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your custody the Explorer Plan may cover you.
- 24/7 Emergency assistance: our team of trained staff is available to help with medical problems, including finding the nearest medical facility and, if required, arranging your evacuation home. The team is available 24/7.
- Road trip interruptions and delay: road trips can be interrupted for a range of reasons – the car breaks down, an accident involving you and/or your travel mates or missing connecting transport due to sudden illness or an accident. Our Explorer Plan may cover repair costs to the car (or the cost of the excess on the rental company’s policy).
- Stolen belongings and baggage: If your bags are stolen or accidentally damaged (including any souvenirs) our insurance can pay up to a certain limit. You have the option of upgrading for high-value items. Immediately report any theft to the police and get a copy of the police report – and always keep receipts!
What’s not covered
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so it’s important to understand what’s not included:
- Expenses where you don’t provide receipts or reports.
- Medical costs associated with an accident where drugs, alcohol or reckless behaviour are factors.
- Pre-existing conditions as explained in your PDS.
- If you’re road tripping in a rental and you don’t have a valid Australian driver’s license, our insurance won’t cover you.
- Expenses from driving specialised, customised or fancy/antique cars won’t be covered.
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.
Car theft in South Africa
We parked a rental car in the parking lot of a restaurant in Haut Bay, an area of Cape Town. After eating dinner, we returned to the car to find that a window had been broken and anything within easy reach had been stolen. Luckily for us, we had been smart enough to bring our very expensive camera inside the restaurant with us, only leaving behind the case and an extra lens.
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?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
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 medication?
- Suddenly sick?
- Accidentally injured?
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
- Hurt abroad?
- Medevac home?
- Need an ambulance?
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 teamTravel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
Travel insurance when visiting France
What you should consider when buying travel insurance for a trip to France.
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
Steeped in cultural icons, surrounded by some of the world’s best mountains and coastlines, and with more delicious cheese and wine than you could ever want, it’s understandable why France is high on many traveler’s itineraries.
- What’s covered
- Should I consider travel insurance for a trip to France?
- What to look out for when traveling around France
- What’s not covered
- Tips for traveling in France
What’s Covered
Here are some of the highlights of our coverage, depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected:
- Emergency overseas medical: if you become sick or injured during your trip your policy may cover you for overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us.
- Travel delays/interruption: if your trip is interrupted due to an insured event. Depending on your country of residence and which plan you’ve selected you may be covered for your non-refundable, pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses.
- Baggage and valuables: if your belongings are stolen, accidentally damaged, delayed or lost. Terms and conditions apply. You’ll need official reports, supporting documentation and copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.
- Adventure activities and sports: we cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences across land, water and sky. Check before you buy that your adventure is covered and find out what policy upgrade options may be available.
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: to find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, terms and conditions, and exclusions.
Please note that 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.
Should I consider travel insurance for a trip to France?
France is Europe’s 3rd largest country, which means there is a lot to see and do. In most cases, traveling goes without a hitch, but considering the right travel insurance for you can take the added stress out of travel if things don’t go to plan.
Families
Traveling as a family can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and France is the perfect destination with plenty of family-friendly locations and activities on offer. Our policies can help cover for medical emergency, pregnancy and Covid, trip interruption and also provide 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance. Cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy.
Multi-Destination Trips
If you’re making your way around Europe and visiting France on your travels, travel insurance can cover medical emergencies and evacuation, stolen items, and more than 150 adventures, sports and activities including volunteering and working.
If you’re traveling to multiple European countries, World Nomads can help with:
- Translation and interpreting services in case of an emergency
- Physician referrals
- Pre-trip information
Summer Adventures
You can enjoy your summer travels around France knowing our policies may cover you for a range of activities including hiking trips around the mountains of Chamonix, road trips in Provence, kayaking & rafting and even sailing the Cote D’Azur.
We offer two plans depending on your country of residence – Standard and Explorer. Each policy provides different levels of coverage depending on what you need:
- The Standard Plan covers a range of benefits and has lower coverage limits.
- The Explorer plan covers all the benefits of the Standard plan, with larger coverage limits, more benefits.
Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply, check your Policy Wording for details or contact us.
Winter Travel
From taking the family ice-skating on the rink at Champs-Elysees, to hunting for black truffles in the snow-dusted forests of Perigord, or sipping hot chocolate in between snowboard sessions in the French Alps, our travel insurance can cover you for more than 150 adventures, snow and winter sports activities, medical emergencies and even extended stays if you are enjoying your winter escape to France too much.
What to look out for when traveling around France
- Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: It’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables out of sight. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with — passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets — and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.
- Baggage theft or loss: if you’re on a road trip and your rental car gets broken into, or your airline loses your bags, you may be able to claim to replace the item or claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned.
- Rental car coverage and road safety – France is the perfect place for a road trip, with so many different regions to explore. Available on our Explorer plan, we may cover your rental vehicle insurance excess, or the cost of repairing the rental vehicle if you’re involved in a motor accident or your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen.
- Pickpockets: Whilst France is amongst the safest countries to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed in a tourist hotspot. If your items are stolen travel insurance could help replace them.
What’s not covered
Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:
- Pre-existing medical conditions – see the Policy Wording for details.
- Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the U.S. Department of State (see travel.state.gov)
- Unattended baggage or personal items, including any items left in a locked car overnight.
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do.
- Participation in a sport or activity where you fail to adhere to the terms of coverage for listed sports or activities.
- Being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
Note: be sure to read the Policy Wording, terms, conditions and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don’t cover so there’ll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.
Tips for traveling in France
- Always check the Visa requirements – depending on your Country of Residence you may require a Visa to visit France or any of the other Schengen countries.
- Pack light – especialy if you’ll be traveling around France using public transport.
- Book attraction tickets in advance – if you know your plans then consider booking ahead for popular tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles and the Louvre as tickets can sell out and some attractions require pre-booking.
This is not a full list of what's covered and what's not; please check your Policy Wording for a full list of terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your specific plan. If you are unsure of your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.
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)
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. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.
