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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

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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.

There are many ways to explore the globe, but nothing beats getting in a car or camper van and exploring some the big cities and off the beaten track scenery. Taking the extra time to research and plan ahead – and consider travel insurance – can ensure that you’re covered at every pit stop of your road trip.

What are the benefits of travel insurance?

One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore a region or country 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. You should note that coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.

What's Covered for Road Trips Abroad?

Sudden trip cancellations

Has your road trip ended before it started? An unexpected illness, a car accident or the US Department of State or similar body issuing a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning to a specific region or country can stop you from getting on the road at all. The cancellation benefit is for certain insured events and may allow you to cancel your trip and recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits when an emergency happens and depending on your country of residence and the plan you’ve chosen. Check out more about cancellation cover to know what you may be covered for.

Unexpected medical emergencies on the road

Your health and safety are a priority when you’re getting behind the wheel and traveling to new destinations. Especially if your injuries are beyond minor bumps and scratches and you end up in hospital. Our plans include emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage for ambulances or transfers 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 Assistance team is on hand to help you. Always check the maximum benefit amount specified in your Policy Wording.

Rental car insurance for vehicle damage

Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet as well as your rental car if you don’t have vehicle coverage. Our Explorer plans offer travel insurance cover if your rental car is damaged or stolen during your trip. Cover is also available for the cost of replacing rental car keys if lost, stolen or damaged during the rental period. You must have a valid licence in your country of residence for the class of vehicle you’re driving overseas, regardless of local laws. You must also comply with local laws of the country in which you’re driving. Please note: travel insurance doesn’t replace the need to have a signed rental vehicle agreement or damage waiver in place.

Emergency 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 Assistance team to support you in a crisis. Whether your car has broken down in the middle of nowhere, need urgent medical attention or a referral for roadside assistance, our Emergency Assistance team can help you out in whatever part of the world you’re travelling.

Road trip interruptions and delay

There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a big trip investment only to lose everything something unexpected throws a wrench in your plans. Trip interruption coverage can help salvage the pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve forfeited because of an insured event that disrupted your travels. Depending on your country of residence and the plan you have chosen you may have access to certain trip interruption and travel delay benefits. Our Help Centre article on trip interruption will help with added information.

You may also need help getting your trip back on track. If you get delayed while overseas 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 international travellers) or be caused by an insured event. Our Help Centre article has information on delayed and missed flights.

Protection for stolen belongings and baggage

You may have camping gear in your trunk or your camera in your compartment. Thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces. You can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Please note that if the baggage is stolen from a vehicle, there must be visible evidence of damage and forced 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 road trip travel insurance?

Pre-existing medical conditions. Read your Policy Wording for more details.
Loss, theft or damage 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 your country of residence.
Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment and musical instruments.
Any other reason listed under the section exclusions and General Exclusions in your Policy Wording.

Need some road trip inspiration?

Check out these inspiring World Nomads road trip articles:

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.

Reconnect with the world with our travel insurance cover for some Coronavirus-related events

Itching to travel again?

Explore the world with our plans that provide cover for some Coronavirus-related (including COVID-19 related) events, including emergency overseas medical, evacuation, cancellation cover and more. Find out what cover applies to your Country of Residence, and the key benefit limits depending on which plan you purchase. Happy and safe travels!

Overseas medical expenses

If a qualified medical practitioner diagnoses you with Coronavirus while you’re travelling, we may offer emergency medical benefits to help you get back on your feet.

Standard plan:
$5,000,000

Explorer plan:
Unlimited

Medical transport & repatriation home

If you become seriously sick or injured during your trip (and it's not considered a 'pre-existing medical condition' as defined in the policy wording) we may be able to help with cover for medical transport to the nearest or most appropriate medical facility, or back home to recover.

Standard plan:
$500,000

Explorer plan:
$500,000

Funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains

If the worst happens and you die from Coronavirus while overseas, we offer benefits to help your family with the costs of a funeral overseas, or if available, bringing you back to your home country.

Standard plan:
$15,000

Explorer plan:
$15,000

Coronavirus Travel Costs section (cancellation and curtailment pre and on-trip)

Had to cancel your trip because you, a travel companion, or your close relative back home have been diagnosed with Coronavirus? Our cover may help with your cancellation costs.