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  1. World Nomads
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  3. Travel Insurance
  4. Whats Covered
  5. Cancellation

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Travel insurance helps reimburse the cost of your trip should the unexpected strike.

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If you’ve booked and paid for your trip and need to unexpectedly cancel, the last thing you want is to be out of pocket for non-refundable trip costs. Our travel insurance policies can offer coverage for some of your non-refundable, pre-paid transportation and accommodation expenses, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about and you can start saving for your next adventure instead. 

What is trip cancellation insurance?

Trip cancellation is a benefit that reimburses you for pre-paid, forfeited, non-refundable trip payments if you need to cancel for an unforeseen event, like an illness, injury, jury duty or an airline strike. 

Reimbursable costs could include transportation, accommodations and tour costs. The amount you receive could be up to 100% of the trip cost, up to the maximum benefit amount specified in your policy.

Why should I consider trip cancellation insurance?

Trip costs can add up, especially if you’re booking long-haul flights, extended hotel stays, group tours, cruises or packages. No matter how you travel, it could be painful to lose your investment when it turns out your trip is a no-go. The second most desirable outcome (other than going on your trip)? Getting reimbursed for your nonrefundable expenses if you cancel for a covered reason.

Both our Standard and Explorer plans include trip cancellation coverage. When you get a quote, you can compare the plans side-by-side and determine which one might be right for you.

What does trip cancellation insurance cover?

To be eligible for trip cancellation benefits, you’ll need to explain why your trip was cancelled. You could be covered for the specific reasons listed in your travel insurance policy. Examples of covered reasons include:

  • Unexpected sickness or injury
  • Death or sickness of a family member or travel companion
  • Work emergencies
  • A call to jury duty
  • A terrorist incident
  • A natural disaster makes your home or your destination accommodation uninhabitable
  • An unannounced airline or other common carrier strike
  • Having your previously approved military leave revoked

To have coverage, you must also meet the plan conditions and eligibility requirements. For example, if your work emergency involves a company merger, you must be involved directly with the merger process. If you cancel your trip because of a terrorist incident, the incident must have occurred within 30 days of your departure. And if your plans are disrupted by a strike, it must cause your common carrier to stop services for at least 24 hours. Read your full policy wording for a full list of requirements.

It's important to note that no coverage will be available for an event or circumstance that is known before you purchase your trip protection plan. Examples include but are not limited to: an already-announced strike, an already-named hurricane and a pre-existing medical condition.

For more information, check out our Am I covered if  I cancel or reschedule my trip? article and read your travel insurance policy for the full details. Also note that any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually.

What is not covered by trip cancellation insurance?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, even though some circumstances are beyond your control. We don’t offer trip cancellation coverage for:  

  • If you change your mind.
  • If your visa is refused, or you don’t get your visa or passport back in time for travel.
  • If you get in a fight with your travel companion or break up with your partner.
  • Events that are known before you buy the policy, like already-announced strikes and already-named hurricanes.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions unless otherwise mentioned in the policy.

This is not a complete list of all exclusions or limitations. Please read your full policy wording for complete details, and contact us if you have any questions – we’re happy to help.

Making your claim

Depending on your case, you'll need copies of:

  • Receipts
  • Itineraries
  • Doctors/death certificates
  • Medical history 
  • Written documentation from your travel provider explaining the reason for cancellation and any proof of compensation. 

Wife's accident cancels Kilimanjaro

I had to cancel my trip to Tanzania because my wife hurt her back in an accident. I was supposed to leave in three days, but it is impossible now because I have to take her to the hospital for a scan. I paid for a Kilimanjaro climb which is not refundable because it was too close to my departure date. I also put down a deposit for a three-day safari and had to cancel flights and my volunteer job.

S.K. Norwegian 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
  • Work emergency?
  • 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
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital urgently?

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
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

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
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

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 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.

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FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for cancellation. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team. 

  • Does World Nomads offer Cancel for Any Reason insurance?
    World Nomads doesn’t have a Cancel for Any Reason option though our trip cancellation coverage protects you for a variety of circumstances. If you’re not sure about traveling, you can always book at the last minute. World Nomads plans can easily be purchased after departure even if you’re already abroad.