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Road Trip Insurance

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. World Nomads' Explorer plans offer damage collision waiver coverage.

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 get into a locked car or break into your hotel room, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items.

Does travel insurance cover road trips?

Maybe you’re saying to yourself 'I’m not going that far' or 'I've been on so many trips and nothing has happened.' So, why bother buying travel insurance? But, the past isn't a predictor of the future and a destination even just a few hours' drive away could have some unexpected pitfalls. Taking the extra time to research and plan ahead – and consider a travel protection plan – can ensure that you’re supported at every stage of your road trip, whether you're going from place to place or taking the scenic route to your ultimate destination.

What are the benefits of road trip insurance?

One of the best things about road trips is the freedom to explore at your own pace, on your own terms. Travel insurance is designed for many modes of transport, but there are specific reasons why it’s important for road trips.

Sudden trip cancellations

Anything from an unexpected illness, a car accident or a call to do jury duty can prevent you from taking your trip. This benefit allows you to cancel your trip and recuperate your pre-paid, non-refundable deposits when an emergency happens.

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. Many health insurance plans won’t cover you when you’re a certain distance from home or when you’re using out-of-network providers, so a travel insurance plan can make up for the gaps in emergency medical coverage. If your injuries are beyond minor bumps and scratches, you may need to check into a hospital. Our plans include emergency evacuation coverage for ambulances or transfers to an appropriate facility. Be sure to check the maximum benefit amount specified in your policy.

Rental car insurance for vehicle damage

Car breakdowns and traffic accidents can put a dent in your wallet (as well as your car) if you don’t have vehicle coverage. World Nomads’ Explorer plans offer a damage collision waiver, so that you can head out on the road with the protection you need. Check the details of your plan for restrictions on vehicle types: RVs, motorbikes, and luxury-model cars may not be covered. 

Emergency assistance at any hour of the day

When you’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s hard to know where to go for help. When you buy a World Nomads plan, you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team to support you in a crisis. Whether you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, need urgent medical attention or a referral for roadside assistance, our Emergency Assistance team can facilitate a range of services in whatever part of the world you’re traveling.

Road trip interruptions and delay

It’s a shame to make a big trip investment only to lose everything if an incident throws a wrench in your plans.  Trip interruption coverage can help salvage your pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses that you’ve had to forfeit because of a covered event that has disrupted your travels.

You may also need help getting your trip back on track. If you get delayed, you may need a hotel or a meal as you catch up to your itinerary. Check your policy for any conditions you need to meet: your delay might need to be a certain number of hours or be caused by a covered reason. 

Protection for stolen belongings and baggage

You may have camping gear in your trunk, sunglasses in your glove compartment or your camera in the safe at your hotel. Thieves can be crafty enough to dodge security measures and get into locked spaces. With travel insurance, you can make a claim for a replacement or a reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit.

What are the exclusions of road trip travel insurance?

  • Pre-existing conditions, including illness, disease or other medical condition for which you’ve previously shown symptoms or been treated for prior to your coverage starting.  Read your policy for more details.
  • Fancy Vehicles: The Explorer plan offers coverage for rental car damage, but not for high-end cars, camper cars or RVs.
  • Incidents that are a result of acting irresponsibly under any sort of intoxication or influence.
  • Select personal belongings, such as bicycles (unless checked into a common carrier), professional equipment and musical instruments.

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.
U.S. Nomad

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $100,000
  • Standard Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medication?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Accidentally injured?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $300,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Medevac home?
  • Need an ambulance?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expense
  • Repatriation of Remains
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage & Personal Effects
  • Baggage Delay (outward journey only)
  • Rental Car Damage – where permissible
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Generali Global Assistance 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Generali Global Assistance Non-Medical Emergency Transportation Services
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is 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 Generali Global Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada)

Contact the team
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads

Travel 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.

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