Travel Insurance when on a Road Trip
Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or taking the coastal route, don’t start your road trip without considering travel insurance
- 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.
While Ireland may be a top destination for a road trip, many Irish travellers are keen to explore the world. Maybe you’re dreaming of cruising the South Coast of Italy, driving in Australia’s Outback or town-hopping along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Whatever road you plan, it’s always a good bet to have travel insurance just in case an unexpected setback puts the brakes on your trip.
What are the benefits of insurance while travelling the open road?
One of the best things about a road trip is the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, and there are many reasons why it’s important while you’re on the road.
What's covered for road trips abroad?
- Sudden trip cancellations
Has your road trip ended before it started? An unexpected illness, or perhaps the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a travel warning advising against ‘All Travel’ or ‘All But Essential Travel’ to a specific region or country? The cancellation benefit is for certain insured events and may allow you to cancel your trip and recover your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits when an emergency happens. Check out more about the benefits of cancellation cover to know what you may be covered for.
- Unexpected medical emergencies on the road (overseas only)
Your health and safety are our priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and travelling to new destinations. Especially if your injuries are beyond minor bumps and scratches and you end up in hospital. Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for medical transfer to an appropriate medical facility when needed. If you’re accidentally injured or suddenly become ill while on your road trip, our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance team is on hand to help you. Always check the maximum benefit amount specified which is outlined in in your Policy Wording.
- Emergency medical assistance at any hour of the day
When you’re in an unfamiliar place (especially a country where you don’t speak the language), it’s hard to know where to go for help. When you buy a World Nomads plan, you’ll have access to our 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance team to support you in a crisis. When you need urgent medical attention, our Emergency Medical Assistance team can help you out wherever you’re travelling.
4. Road trip interruptions and delay
There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a big trip only to lose everything if something unexpected throws a wrench in your plans. Trip disruption coverage can help salvage your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses you’ve forfeited because of an insured event that disrupted your travels after you left Ireland. You will need to purchase the Explorer plan to access certain trip disruption and travel delay benefits. Check out our Help Centre article on what to look out for when it comes to trip disruption.
You may also need help getting your trip back on track. If you get delayed by more than 12 hours, you may need to pay for a hotel or a meal as you catch up to your itinerary. Check your Policy Wording for any conditions you need to meet: your delay might need to be a certain number of hours, (more than 12 hours for Irish travellers) and be caused by an insured event. Check out our Help Centre article which has information on delayed and missed flights.
5. Protection for stolen belongings and baggage
You may have camping gear in your boot or sunglasses in your glove compartment. Thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces. You can make a claim for reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Please note, if the baggage is stolen from a vehicle, there must be visible evidence of damage and forced and violent entry into the vehicle and/or locked compartment, which is confirmed by a police report. Always keep any proof of ownership, age and value of your belongings. And keep any receipts for items you buy on your trip in case you need to make a claim.
What isn’t covered for a road trip?
Some of the main exclusions include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions. Read your Policy Wording for more details.
- Loss, theft or damage to your personal belongings to the extent you’re entitled to compensation from the carrier, other service provider or anyone else.
- Medical treatment that can wait until you return to Ireland.
- Select personal belongings, such as bicycles and tobacco-related products.
- Any other reason listed under the section exclusions in your Policy Wording.
Need some road trip inspiration?
Check out these World Nomads road trip articles:
- How to Road Trip the Australian Outback Safely
- 4 Lesser-Known Canada Road Trip Ideas for Your Next Adventure
- Is it Safe to Drive in Costa Rica? Road Safety Tips
- 5 Safe Driving Tips for a Winter Road Trip in Europe
The policy isn’t designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions in the Policy Wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, 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 suitable medical facility 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 Disruption
- 24-Hour Medical Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical 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 Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.