The USA is a vast continent of mountains, deserts, lakes and forests, all edged by a spectacular and diverse coastline. Each state is different from the next with unique food, music, people and landscapes to discover. 

Whether you plan to eat your way across the USA, hit the hiking or ski trails, or catch big waves, things can always go wrong. It might be a bad case of gastro, a fall on a ski slope or losing your luggage at a huge US airport; but if you consider adding travel insurance when you pack your suitcase, we can help you turn these wrongs into rights.

• What’s covered
• Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to USA?
• What to plan for when traveling the USA?
• What’s not covered?
• Travel Tips

What’s covered

Traveling can be complicated, but travel insurance shouldn’t be. We keep it simple at World Nomads with just two policies to choose between: Standard and Explorer. Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you have selected, you may be covered for:

• Coverage for extended stays: if you decide to stay a little longer than planned, no problem; with World Nomads you can easily log in and extend your insurance coverage. 
• Buy insurance while traveling: already in the USA and have skipped getting travel insurance? With World Nomads, you can get a quote and purchase insurance while you’re on the road. However, your policy won’t be fully active until 72 hours later. For more information on waiting periods, read the Policy Wording.
• Sports and activities coverage: from rafting through the Grand Canyon, to windsurfing in Maui, World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 sports, activities, and experiences for your next. 
• Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on the one policy.

Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to the USA?

Treatment at an American hospital is very expensive. Traveling without insurance cover could be a very costly oversight.

If you’re planning to hike in the mountains and want to be covered by World Nomads, make sure you speak to us first. Some adventure activities require upgrades to your policy, and some activities are not covered at all.

If your luggage is damaged or stolen while traveling, World Nomads may cover the cost of repair or replacement (within policy limits).

Traveler tip: you can speak to us about our optional upgrades for high-value items you plan to take to the USA.

What to plan for when traveling in the USA?

Car insurance: taking a road trip across some of the USA’s 50 states? If you’re hiring a car, World Nomads can offer cover for rental vehicle excess damage coverage in case your vehicle is stolen, or you are involved in an accident.

Losing your luggage: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport – which means things can get lost. If you land at any airport and your luggage does not, we can help. If your baggage is delayed by the carrier for more than 12 hours after your scheduled arrival, we can pay for the cost of your essential items (up to policy limits), and subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.

Coronavirus: unfortunately, COVID-19 is still with us, however World Nomads offers Coronavirus cover which varies depending on your Country of Residence. Coronavirus can be a headache (literally), but if you (or an immediate family member) get sick with Coronavirus, our Standard Plan can offer coverage for medical assistance, repatriation, and hospitalization. Plus, our Explorer Plan offers cover for other related events, such as trip interruption (or cancellation). Looking for more information on our Coronavirus cover? We have more details here.

Overseas emergency medical: if you’ve had an injury or need urgent medical attention and require a medical center or hospital, you must contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team in the first instance. It will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities (particularly in remote areas where access to medical care can be tricky) and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you’re given proper care.

Trip cancellation: one of the biggest questions with any international travel currently is related to cancellations. 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. Always make sure you read the details of your Policy Wording carefully, so you know what you are covered for. If in doubt about coverage and our plans, contact us.

What’s not covered?

World Nomads doesn’t offer a one-size-covers-all policy. Some incidents we won’t cover include:

• Breaking the law: not only will this dampen the holiday spirit, but it could also be costly, and we won’t cover you. Not sure of the legal drinking age in the USA? It’s 21. You can read more about it here.
• Reckless behavior: while we want you to have fun, we also encourage you to know your limits.
• Existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording.

Be sure to read the Policy Wording and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to make a claim.

Travel tips

• Hiking in Yellowstone National Park? You may not run into famous Yogi Bear, but there’s a chance you could run into a real-life bear, and they're nowhere near as friendly as the cartoon character. Be prepared – we’ve compiled a list of bear safety tips for USA travellers here. 
• The USA’s a big place. Plan your trip well, so you don’t miss the opportunity to discover a really cool destination. Also, with World Nomads, although we cover 150+ activities, you can’t upgrade your plan when you’re already in the USA and decide you want to participate in an activity that requires a higher level of coverage.

Still on the fence about traveling in the USA? Want some more inspiration before you book your ticket? Download our free guide - USA: Where Nomads Go.

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 Wording 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.

New Zealanders are known for their love of the outdoors, so it’s not surprising kiwis love the USA for its hiking, scuba diving, surfing, camping and so much more. From the Rocky Mountains to the beaches of California, Oregon and Florida, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Whether you plan to eat your way across the USA, hit the hiking or ski trails, or catch big waves, things can always go wrong. It might be a bad case of gastro, a fall on a ski slope or losing your luggage at a huge US airport; but travel insurance could help you turn these wrongs into rights.

• What’s covered
• Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to USA?
• What to plan for when traveling the USA?
• What’s not covered?
• Travel Tips

What’s covered

Travelling can be complicated, but travel insurance shouldn’t be. We keep it simple at World Nomads with just two policies to choose between: Standard and Explorer. Our policies offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:

• Coverage for extended stays: if you decide to stay a little longer than planned, no problem; with World Nomads you can easily log in and extend your insurance coverage. 
• Buy insurance while travelling: already in the USA and have skipped getting travel insurance? With World Nomads, you can get a quote and purchase insurance while you’re on the road. However, your policy won’t be fully active until 72 hours later. For more information on waiting periods, read the PDS.
• Sports and activities coverage: from rafting through the Grand Canyon, to windsurfing in Maui, World Nomads can offer cover should something go wrong. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 sports, activities, and experiences for your next holiday.
• Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on the one policy.

Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to the USA?

Treatment at a US hospital is very expensive. Travelling there without insurance cover could be a very costly oversight.

The USA is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures.

If you’re planning to hike in the mountains and want to be covered by World Nomads, make sure you speak to us first. Some adventure activities require upgrades to your policy, and some activities are not covered at all.

If your luggage is damaged or stolen while travelling, World Nomads may cover the cost of repair or replacement (within policy limits). 

Traveller tip: you can speak to us about our optional upgrades for high-value items you plan to take to the USA.

What to plan for when traveling in the USA?

Car insurance: taking a road trip across some of the USA’s 50 states? If you’re hiring a car, World Nomads can offer cover for rental vehicle excess damage coverage in case your vehicle is stolen, or you are involved in an accident.

Losing your luggage: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport – which means things can get lost. If you land at any airport and your luggage does not, we can help. If your baggage is delayed by the carrier for more than 12 hours after your scheduled arrival, we can pay for the cost of your essential items (up to policy limits), and subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. 

Coronavirus: unfortunately, COVID-19 is still with us, however World Nomads offers Coronavirus cover which varies depending on your Country of Residence. Coronavirus can be a headache (literally), but if you (or an immediate family member) get sick with Coronavirus, our Standard Plan can offer coverage for medical assistance, repatriation, and hospitalisation. Plus, our Explorer Plan offers cover for other related events, such as trip interruption (or cancellation). Looking for more information on our Coronavirus cover? We have more details here. 

Accessing our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team: it’s good to know with World Nomads travel insurance, you can call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team if you suddenly find yourself in a crisis overseas. The EA 24/7 team can help get you to the nearest medical facility, provide help navigating language barriers, or assist with evacuation for medical reasons.

For injuries where treatment costs are not expected to exceed NZD$2,000, you can submit your receipts for reimbursement. If you are hospitalised or if your treatment expenses as an outpatient are likely to go above NZD$2,000, you must call our Emergency Assistance Team who will work with us to confirm cover and they will liaise with the hospital on your behalf to arrange payments.

Traveller tip 2: if you’ve suffered a theft, get a Property Irregularity Report or other incident report from the carrier so you can submit it with your claim, as well as a police report. You should also have copies of the original receipts for your valuables and any luggage tickets.

What’s not covered?

World Nomads doesn’t offer a one-size-covers-all policy. Some incidents we won’t cover include:

• Breaking the law: not only will this dampen the holiday spirit, but it could also be costly, and we won’t cover you. Not sure of the legal drinking age in the USA? It’s 21. You can read more about it here.
• Reckless behaviour: while we want you to have fun, we also encourage you to know your limits.
• Existing medical conditions as explained in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Be sure to read the PDS and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to make a claim.

Travel tips

• Hiking in Yellowstone National Park? You may not run into famous Yogi Bear, but there’s a chance you could run into a real-life bear, and they're nowhere near as friendly as the cartoon character. Be prepared – we’ve compiled a list of bear safety tips for USA travellers here. 
• The USA’s a big place. Plan your trip well, so you don’t miss the opportunity to discover a really cool destination. Also, with World Nomads, although we cover 150+ activities, you can’t upgrade your plan when you’re already in the USA and decide you want to participate in an activity that requires a higher level of coverage.

Still on the fence about travelling to the USA? Want some more inspiration before you book your ticket? Download our free guide - USA: Where Nomads Go.

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.

The USA is a vast continent of mountains, deserts, lakes and forests, all edged by a spectacular and diverse coastline. Each state is different from the next with unique food, music, people, and landscapes to discover. 

Whether you plan to eat your way across the USA, hit the hiking or ski trails, or catch big waves, things can always go wrong. It might be a bad case of gastro, a fall on a ski slope or losing your luggage at a huge US airport; but if you consider adding travel insurance when you pack your suitcase, we could help you turn these wrongs into rights.

• What’s covered
• Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to USA?
• What to plan for when travelling the USA?
• What’s not covered?
• Travel Tips

What’s covered

Travelling can be complicated, but travel insurance doesn’t have to be. We keep it simple at World Nomads with just two policies to choose between: Standard and Explorer.

• Coverage for extended stays: if you decide to stay a little longer than planned, no problem; with World Nomads you can easily log in and extend your insurance coverage. 
• Buy insurance while travelling: already in the USA and have skipped getting travel insurance? With World Nomads, you can get a quote and purchase insurance while you’re on the road. However, your policy won’t be fully active until 72 hours later. For more information on waiting periods, read the PDS.
• Sports and activities coverage: from rafting through the Grand Canyon, to windsurfing in Maui, World Nomads can offer cover should something go wrong. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 sports, activities, and experiences for your next holiday.
• Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on the one policy.

Why should I consider travel insurance for a trip to USA?

Treatment at a US hospital is very expensive. Travelling in the US without insurance cover could be a very costly oversight. The USA is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures.

If you’re planning to hike in the mountains and want to be covered by World Nomads, make sure you speak to us first. Some adventure activities require upgrades to your policy, and some activities are not covered at all.

If your luggage is damaged or stolen while travelling, World Nomads may cover the cost of repair or replacement (within policy limits).

Traveller tip: you can speak to us about our optional upgrades for high-value items you plan to take to the USA.

What to plan for when travelling the USA?

Car insurance: taking a road trip across some of the USA’s 50 states? If you’re hiring a car, World Nomads can offer cover for rental vehicle excess damage coverage in case your vehicle is stolen, or you are involved in an accident.

Losing your luggage: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport – which means things can get lost. If you land at any airport and your luggage does not, we can help. If your baggage is delayed by the carrier for more than 12 hours after your scheduled arrival, we can pay for the cost of your essential items (up to policy limits), and subject to the policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.

Coronavirus: unfortunately, COVID-19 is still with us, however World Nomads offers Coronavirus cover which varies depending on your Country of Residence. Coronavirus can be a headache (literally), but if you (or an immediate family member) get sick with Coronavirus, our Standard Plan can offer coverage for medical assistance, repatriation, and hospitalisation. Plus, our Explorer Plan offers cover for other related events, such as trip interruption (or cancellation). Looking for more information on our Coronavirus cover? We have more details here. 

Accessing our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team: it’s good to know with World Nomads travel insurance, you can call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team if you suddenly find yourself in a crisis overseas. The EA 24/7 team can help get you to the nearest medical facility, provide help navigating language barriers, or assist with evacuation for medical reasons.

What’s not covered?

World Nomads doesn’t offer a one-size-covers-all policy, some things we won’t cover are:

• Breaking the law: not only will this dampen the holiday spirit, but it could also be costly, and we won’t cover you. Not sure of the legal drinking age in the USA? It’s 21. You can read more about it here.
• Reckless behaviour: while we want you to have fun, we also encourage you to know your limits.
• Existing medical conditions as explained in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Be sure to read the PDS and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to make a claim.

Travel Tips

• Hiking in Yellowstone National Park? You may not run into famous Yogi Bear, but there’s a chance you could run into a real-life bear, and they're nowhere near as friendly as the cartoon character. Be prepared – we’ve compiled a list of bear safety tips for USA travellers here. 
• The USA’s a big place. Plan your trip well, so you don’t miss an opportunity to discover a really cool destination. Also, with World Nomads, although we cover 150+ activities, you can’t upgrade your plan when you’re already in the USA and decide you want to participate in an activity that requires a higher level of coverage. 

Still on the fence about travelling to the USA? Want some more inspiration before you book your ticket? Download our free guide - USA: Where Nomads Go.

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 PDS 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.

As British travellers, we eagerly embark on our adventures with visions of new horizons and exciting experiences. However, the reality is that sometimes our journeys can be disrupted by unexpected flight cancellations or delays.

These unwelcome surprises can throw our meticulously planned itineraries into disarray and leave us feeling frustrated and helpless. However, armed with the right knowledge and recourse, we can navigate these situations with confidence and ease. One essential aspect that can come to our rescue in such times is travel insurance.

A travel insurance policy tailored to our needs provides us with invaluable protection and support, particularly when unforeseen events arise. From lost luggage to medical emergencies, travel insurance safeguards us against financial burdens and ensures a smoother journey. Crucially, it can also offer specific provisions to cover flight cancellations or delays, helping us regain control of our travel plans. So, let's dive in and learn how to navigate flight delays and cancellations like a pro!

• Stay calm and gather information
• Know your rights
• Seek compensation and assistance
• Make alternative arrangements
• Document everything
• Check your travel insurance
• What's excluded?

Step 1: Stay calm and gather information

Take a deep breath and try not to panic. Flight disruptions happen, and you'll get through this.

• Check the airport screens (if you’re already there) or your airline's mobile app for real-time updates on your flight status.
• If you can't find any information, head to the airline's customer service desk or call their helpline. Get up to speed and stay informed.

Step 2: Know your rights

• Airlines operating in the United Kingdom are bound by various regulations, including the European Union's Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, commonly known as EU261.
• This regulation outlines the rights of air passengers in the event of flight disruptions, empowering us with clear entitlements and potential compensation.
• According to this regulation, you may be entitled to compensation, care, and assistance depending on the circumstances of your delay or cancellation.
• Compensation amounts can vary based on the length of the delay, distance of the flight, and whether the disruption was within the airline's control.

Step 3: Seek compensation and assistance

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed for more than three hours, and the airline is responsible for the disruption, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Approach the airline's customer service desk and request the necessary forms to file a claim for compensation. Alternatively, you can request a refund form online through the airline’s website.
• Be sure to collect any relevant documentation, such as boarding passes and receipts for additional expenses incurred due to the delay or cancellation.

Step 4: Make alternate arrangements

• Your airline is legally bound to provide you with alternative travel arrangements in the event of a cancellation.
• Depending on the length of the delay or cancellation, you might need to make new travel arrangements.
• If your flight is delayed overnight or cancelled, the airline should provide you with accommodation, meals, and transportation if needed.
• If the airline doesn't provide these services, keep all receipts and consider claiming these expenses as part of your compensation (from the airline).

Step 5: Document everything

• Keep a record of all communication with the airline, including names, dates, and times of conversations or emails.
• Take photos or screenshots of any relevant information, such as flight status screens or announcements.
• These records will be valuable if you need to escalate your claim or seek legal advice.

Step 6: Check your travel insurance

Travel insurance may be able to step in where your airline falls short. Here are some situations where travel insurance may be able to provide some relief.

• If an airline refused to provide meal or lodging vouchers, you may be able to claim for reimbursement of those expenses after a delay of 12 or more hours.
• If your delayed or cancelled flight caused you to miss pre-paid accommodation or tours, you may be able to claim reimbursement for those unused, pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.
• If you’re stuck overnight and your airline can’t deliver your checked baggage for more than 24 hours, you can claim for reimbursement of essential toiletries and a change of clothes under your baggage insurance benefits.

World Nomads offers a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan, which have different per-day and maximum benefit limits. Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits. Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits.

What's excluded?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

• Luxury hotel suites and the most expensive thing on the menu. Travel insurance is meant to cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if you’re delayed.
• Flight delays of less than 12 hours.
• Baggage delays of less than 24 hours.
• Expenses that have been reimbursed by your airline.

Experiencing a flight delay or cancellation can be frustrating, but knowing your rights and taking the appropriate steps can make the situation more manageable. Stay calm, gather information, seek compensation, and document everything. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to navigate flight disruptions like a seasoned traveller. 

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel coverage, please contact us for help.